Struggle is uncomfortable. It’s something I struggle with. Training for a half marathon, learning to ski, starting a new job, or even just committing to writing—these are all things I struggle with. It can be easy to give up on these activities. I could spend that time doing activities I enjoy, like playing video games or watching YouTube. And sometimes, I do. They’re easy and in most cases passive.
I choose to do things that make me uncomfortable to grow. It’s easy to mindlessly consume algorithmically chosen content for hours. It’s easy1 to play another game of Counter Strike. It’s comfortable but ultimately stagnating. I want to be better. Better in the sense that I’m stronger than I was a year ago. Better in the sense that I’m wiser than I was a year ago. Better in the sense that I’m growing.
I have goals and a life I want to build for myself. Struggle is what helps me get to where I want to be. I can’t achieve my goals without facing struggle. I’m learning to embrace the struggle because I know where it will get me. Today’s struggle is tomorrow’s strength.
Footnotes
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Counter Strike is not easy. It is fun to play though. ↩