Issue 035: Unveiling the Resilience Within
Issue 035 / Episode 030
Motivation | Inspiration - New Discovery - Self-care - Empowerment - Transformation
MINDSET Nation,
As I reflect on my recent full-circle moment in building my writing business, I've come to embrace a simple yet profound truth: "It will take longer than you think." I know this might not be what you want to hear if you're facing obstacles or delays on your path to success. But trust me, it's precisely the message you need to hear, especially if you've been feeling disheartened by setbacks or the seemingly elusive nature of your goals.
This edition of MINDSET Tuesday is dedicated to those of you who, like me, have experienced the sting of disappointment when things don't unfold as planned. It's for the resilient souls who persevere even when the road is filled with potholes, detours, and seemingly insurmountable mountains. Together, we're going to explore the power of resilience and how it can be your guiding light when your goals are taking longer than you ever anticipated.
Did you catch The Morning Thunder?
The "Slow Grown" Truth: Embracing the Journey
Have you ever set your sights on ambitious goals, meticulously planned your path, and then found yourself disheartened when those aspirations seemed perpetually out of reach? I've certainly been there, and it's precisely these moments that brought me face to face with a profound revelation: "It will take longer than you think."
In a world where we've grown accustomed to instant gratification and quick fixes, it's all too easy to assume that every dream can be realized as swiftly as we envision. However, the reality often unfolds differently, revealing that some things must be "slow grown."
It takes time, effort, and a relentless commitment. We tend to overestimate our ability to expedite the journey while underestimating the complexities of the tasks at hand.
But here's the beauty in this realization – it's a good thing.
Over-allocating time and patience can be a transformative insight, as it reshapes our perspective on our own capabilities. As I share my journey with you, bear in mind that even though it took me nearly two years longer than I had initially imagined to establish my digital empire, it was those extra miles and the resilience forged along the way that defined the journey.
Resilience, you see, was not just a means to an end; it became the end itself – the precious treasure unearthed in the process.
The Real Key to Success: Resilience
In a world filled with seemingly overnight success stories, it's easy to forget that even the biggest celebrities had to start from somewhere. They, too, grinded tirelessly through long nights and challenging days to turn their dreams into reality.
Success, at its core, is about embracing the challenges that threaten to derail us from our goals. These challenges are the stepping stones to personal growth and transformation.
So, what have I learned on my journey, and how does it relate to your path?
Just like the stars we admire, I've learned that resilience isn't a hidden gift reserved for a select few; it's a trait that can be nurtured and developed by anyone willing to persevere. As we navigate this exploration of resilience, I invite you to look within yourself and recognize the seeds of resilience that may be lying dormant, ready to sprout and propel you forward on your unique path to success.
The Catalyst
My personal path and journey, which I briefly mentioned earlier, was a turbulent one.
After eight years in the Marine Corps, I returned to civilian life and hit rock bottom. I had lost everything during the move from New York to back home in Chicago, crashed my car, had negative money in the bank, and found myself completely alone.
That's when I realized that the conventional 9-to-5 life was not for me and decided that it was my calling to make this "entrepreneur" thing work, purely because I had no other options.
The frustration was real, and so were the countless tears, but I made a decision - a perform-or-perish mindset. This path pushed me to my limits and showed me what I was truly capable of achieving. Through 18-hour workdays and endless learning, I built my digital empire.
But it wasn't just about work; it was about resilience. This journey uncovered my breaking points, reshaped my mindset, and allowed me to set more realistic deadlines for my projects. I learned the value of patience with myself and the necessity of flexibility in my plans.
Now, I ask you to reflect on your journey. Think of a moment when you faced a significant challenge or setback. How did you react? What did you learn from that experience? Did it test your resilience?
Seek Knowledge From Others
Resilience isn't a superpower possessed only by a select few. Take, for instance, Dan Koe, who went through multiple business failures but eventually found his stride, teaching others to do the same.
His story is a testament to resilience and tenacity. Dan openly shares his past failures, emphasizing that we all fail, but not all of us try again.
The most remarkable aspect of his journey is that his past failures equipped him with the skills necessary for his current success. What if I told you that failure is a prerequisite for success?
The Crucible of The Dawn
Let me pull back the curtain on my mornings. They are far from pleasant, and every day feels like a relentless battle. In these trying times, I often wake up with a rush of emotions - sadness, love, hatred, and an overwhelming sense of powerlessness against the world's challenges.
My body is a reminder of past pains, with stiffness in my joints, and there's a heaviness in my heart. The voices in my head are rarely kind; they're persistent critics, always so mean.
It's a daily struggle to summon the strength to face a world that seems indifferent to my suffering. I'd love to tell you that I wake up with boundless positivity and enthusiasm, but the truth is far from that. Every morning is a setback that I have to overcome because I never plan to be depressed in the mornings - it just happens.
Yet, the one thing that propels me out of bed is the haunting realization that if I don't work toward the better life I desire, life will find a way to get somehow worse. It's a stark, visceral motivation, but it's mine, and it's what gets me going.
Every morning is like a new crucible, a test of my determination. I may not choose the emotional turbulence that greets me, but it's there, uninvited. Those bouts of spicy sadness, the bitterness of self-doubt, the cynicism that creeps in - these are the crucibles through which I navigate. They are my stepping stones to success. As much as I may hate to face them, I've come to accept that on the other side of these mornings lies a day of work that will inch me closer to my goals.
In times of adversity, the truth remains: setbacks are not just hurdles to clear; they are opportunities for growth. They test my maturity, challenge my skills, and, however painfully, they are shaping me into a better version of myself. I've learned to accept setbacks more readily, understanding their role in my life as character-building challenges.
Demystifying Success and Building Resilience
The journey to success often carries misconceptions and myths. We're led to believe that success comes quickly and effortlessly. In reality, most successful individuals put in years of hard work, facing numerous failures. Success is a winding journey, not a straight line.
Some believe that abilities and intelligence are fixed and unchangeable, leading to a fixed mindset that hinders resilience. Developing a growth mindset, where abilities can be improved with effort, is essential for building resilience.
As I reflect on my journey, the most rewarding aspect of building resilience has been the opportunity to learn about myself. It allowed me to face the ugliness within and learn to love and be patient with myself.
Finding Resilience Within
If you're feeling stuck or discouraged in your pursuit of dreams and goals, remember that no one will care about your future the way you will. Reflect on your goals, break them down into manageable tasks, and understand that success takes time. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and keep going, even on tough days.
Resilience is your superpower. It's your ability to adapt, grow, and find strength in adversity. So, no matter how challenging the journey, remember: it will take longer than you think, but you'll go far beyond what you planned.
Stay resilient and keep pushing forward. Your goals are within reach, and the path may be longer than expected, but the destination is worth it.
Until next time, my fellow MINDSET Legionmares, may the resilience be with you.
May your challenges be monumental in scope,
May you obtain great and unique lessons, and
May the triumphs be glorious on your journey of growth and self-discovery.
Lux Ex TenebrisWith an unwavering belief in your inevitable success, as always,
- Isaac
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