building resilience by showing up every day

When we cultivate the attitude of a daily achiever and perform the simple act of showing up every single day and doing the work, we not only pave the way for perennial success but we also build mental toughness. As we commit to getting better and honing our craft day in and day out, we build focus and mastery. 

We truly understand what success is all about, and realize that the process required to access it is simple but not at all easy. Success requires countless hours of dedicated work, and as Ryan Holiday points out, there are no shortcuts if you want to build your life on a foundation of substance. If we want to achieve extraordinary success and exude greatness, then we must become comfortable with being uncomfortable. We have to go through the arduous process, and the valleys of agony, if you will, sometimes. 

Our journey can get tumultuous and the rewards that come our way can be sporadic and random. But we have to keep going and keep conquering our inner fears, doubts, and whatever obstacles that come our way. As Marcus Aurelius reminded himself, “You must build up your life action by action, and be content if each one achieves its goal as far as possible–and no one can keep you from this. But there will be some external obstacle! Perhaps, but no obstacle to acting with justice, self-control, and wisdom. But what if some other area of my action is thwarted? Well, gladly accept the obstacle for what it is and shift your attention to what is given, and another action will immediately take its place, one that better fits the life you are building.” 

Aiming for overnight success is pointless; it doesn’t help us build character and virtue. But when we focus on earning success every day through deep and focused work, we make it more sustainable and long-lasting.