Overcoming A Barrier To Your True Success

“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”

– Mandy Hale

Last week, I was hosting a mastermind for a group of business owners/CEOs who meet up once a quarter to step out of the busy-ness of their lives. At one part of the session, I was sharing what I see as the 5 main blockers to true success.

One of them is not managing pain effectively.

The reality is that not all pain is bad and to grow, in any aspect, involves working through pain. Some pain is physical, but most pain in our lives is psychological, which means it can be managed.

For example, later today, I have planned to do some weight resistance training. My ‘inner voice’ already is telling me not to do it. Why? Because there’s pain associated with it.

I’ll ignore that voice today because I know the medium to long-term benefits of doing the weight training are worth the ‘pain’, plus I’ll feel great after the training is done. (For what it’s worth, this is the same voice that would have regularly tried to stop me writing my book The Inner CEO.)

There are ‘Pain Choices’ around you and me everywhere. Think about the most important areas in your life and work and you’ll find them.

Avoiding ‘positive pain’ today increases the risk of experiencing ‘negative pain’ in the future. Here are some examples of ‘positive pain’ that, when embraced, can significantly enhance your life:

• Rigorously planning your week, month, and quarter—both personally and professionally.
• Consistently tackling the most critical growth activities for your business.
• Scheduling regular health checks.
• Engaging in difficult but necessary conversations.
• Taking breaks to calm your mind.
• Committing to regular exercise.
• Ensuring adequate and quality downtime.
• Moderating or eliminating alcohol consumption.
• Enhancing your sleep hygiene.

I’m sure you can add your own to the list…

It’s astonishing how persuasive our inner voices can be in justifying avoidance of these activities. Yet, life, much like a full-contact sport, inevitably involves some pain. By embracing ‘positive pain’, we not only build resilience but also pave the way for greater success in areas that matter most to us.

Where, this week, can you embrace ‘positive pain’?

Remember, the pain you face today is the strength you gain tomorrow.

Best,

Shane

The Inner Edge Podcast – Most Recent Episode:

Ep 194: Create Emotions Proactively For Gain

Listen on my website here or on all major podcasting platforms.

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