The upside to embracing struggle

Imagine watching a thriller movie that was chosen by you because it showed promise and a good story built up in the trailers. Now imagine the characters of the movie showing up on cue and getting away with exactly what they want, how they want it and THE END.

No better way to sign up for disappointment than watch a thriller movie with no thrills to it. What if this was applicable to the story of our lives where we had a clear picture of our goals, a straight path drawn and no problems to solve along the way to achieving these goals?

While a simple and straightforward path would seem momentarily ideal, it would only establish a subdued sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. The hard work required in the middle of any challenge is a lot more important than the ending of the challenge itself. It is acclaimed by various leaders that finding yourself in the middle of a struggle with no clear end in sight is actually a good place to be in.

There are some distinctive reasons for struggle being indispensable to personal success:

Struggle builds character: A straightforward and easy life may not require you to challenge yourself and put your determination to the test. Accepting the inevitability of a struggle or roadblock, helps you gain cognizance and lucidity to objectively visit your emotions and feelings. This acceptance towards a problem enables you to channel your energy into solving it, bringing forth your determination, courage, intensity and perseverance. The point of any story is never about the ending, it is about your character getting molded in the hard work of the middle.

Struggle builds relationships: Persevering through a difficult problem or challenge with another person or team builds bonds that last a lifetime. When you struggle together, you build a defining moment in your relationship. There is an establishment of mutual respect, evolution and the development of a catalog of experiences that make your relationships more meaningful and lasting. It’s why they say.. teamwork makes the dream work!

Struggle enables growth: Embracing struggle creates an outlet for you to reflect and evolve on your doings. Struggle helps keep you grounded, especially if you see it as a learning opportunity. Perceiving struggle as a growth catalyst, enables you to shift your thinking of any feedback or critique received as constructive and conducive, therefore enabling growth. Every great story has a hero’s journey where the main character must embrace struggle and overcome a challenge or an obstacle to emerge victorious.

Struggle helps you grow as a person and learn what you are capable of. It helps build your character and enhances your relationships with the people around you. Embracing struggle is the key to building a story worth remembering.

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about” – Haruki Murakami