Nothing is easy when you’re great at what you do. It might seem that the best in their field have it easy or make their performance look effortless, but that’s not the case. Their success comes from countless hours of hard work, dedication, and discipline in mastering their skills. They showed up even when they didn’t feel like it and pushed through exhaustion to put in the work.
Being great means repeating the same thing over and over again. It takes discipline. As Mike Tyson put it best, “Discipline is doing what you hate to do, but do it like you love it.”
Reaching the top of any field is difficult. It requires immense effort and consistency. There are countless tasks that must be done—tasks most people are unwilling to commit to. So, what sets high achievers apart? How do they overcome the monotony of working on their craft every day without losing motivation?
It all comes down to perspective. Having a goal is essential, but setting one is the easy part. The real challenge lies in the steps that follow. Achieving success requires a plan, action, and, most importantly, consistent effort.
Some athletes don’t stop after winning one championship, even if that was their initial goal. Instead, they push themselves to work even harder the next time. What drives them to continue? How do they stay motivated?
Once again, it’s their perspective. They don’t see the hours of practice as torture or monotony—they see them as steps toward growth.
For some, the work becomes second nature, a part of their identity. Others gamify the most tedious aspects of their training or job. They show up, do the work, and trust the process. It’s simple, yet demanding. They know that by pushing themselves today, what once felt difficult will become easier. They embrace a growth mindset.
Your mindset shapes your reality. If you start a task believing it will be difficult, you’ll likely prove yourself right. That’s why perspective is crucial before taking on any challenge. A positive outlook helps you clear the first hurdle before you even take action. Instead of focusing on the difficulty, focus on the benefits—what will this task bring you? How will it make you stronger and better?
Seek out the fun in challenging situations. Once you find it, hold on to it. That might be the difference between staying on the path to success or veering off course because the journey felt too hard.
Change your perspective. Let your dominant thought be the enjoyment of the action and the process, not how difficult it is or will be.
Take care.