AA,
The old gym mantra is true: No Pain, No Gain.
The way we entered this earth was painful. At first we don’t like it, it’s uncomfortable, we’re shocked and cold all the while gasping for our first breaths. But we’re stronger today because of it, no? I mean, it would be unfortunate to find a person who wishes they were still in their mother’s womb. You get the idea. Moving on. Somewhere along the dusty trail of life it seems that people forget the gain that comes with pain. In fact, it seems as if people avoid gaining altogether – even if the gain comes virtually pain-free.
Imagine if as a baby you never struggled to walk. Like most babies you struggled to walk, fell a couple of times, and probably fell on something causing you to cry. I heard of a report that said that it is the experience of falling that allows babies to become better and faster walkers. That is to say, if you knew how to walk right after birth you might still be walking at that pace. Now, I can’t substantiate the report because I’ve never read it but it comes from a reliable source (hey, if they can back a claim up in The Wall Street Journal by saying it came from a “reliable source” I think using it in a blog should be fine…i hope).
Moving away from the baby/birth analogies (I don’t know what’s up with that either), the same idea comes with becoming the person that you desire to be. Often times the person who you are currently is in conflict with that ideal destination state. For example, if you want to be an A student you have stop being a B student and drop the accompanying characteristics of a B student. This type of change my friends can be very painful. Dropping bad habits and replacing it with new ones is one of the most difficult things to do in life. It removes us from our comfort zone until we reach comfort at our desired states, think of it is a small birth if you will. Once you enjoy the benefits of being an A student, or the gains, the pain diminishes in light of those benefits. It is at this time that it becomes worth it. The pain (which in this and many other cases is synonymous with effort) is now a standard for you to the point that going back to being a B student becomes uncomfortable and disliked.
So if you find yourself getting too comfortable get ready to pump some iron and keep these tips in mind:
- Start Now: we know how we are now and are great at imagining where we want to be but the middle part is often a blur
- Mind over Matter: Get mentally prepared for how difficult, demanding, or trying your journey or goals can help mitigate any turbulence when you experience it (just don’t get depressed!)
- Get Sponsored: Are you following the footsteps of a friend? Is there someone around that has accomplished what you want to do? Have them be your “sponsor” when going through the pain, explain to them that a sponsor is a person that you can call on when the going gets tough for advice and encouragement.
- Imagine the Gains Often: Keep it as motivation and get hungry for achieving it.
- Straighten your Intentions: Hey, why not kill two birds with two stones? If your intentions are for Allah you double your gains: 1) Reward from Allah and 2) Personal development.
I feel kind of dumb for offering but if anyone wants a business sponsor I would gladly offer insight to my limited experiences. Disclaimer: If you can be sponsored by someone one else please do, only use me as a last resort (remember, i’m only 22 and most of my business experience is regarding MuslimTees.com, being a grocery clerk in high school, and my college business cases. That is to say it is very limited!). Furthermore, as a sponsor I remove myself from any losses, damages, or seizure of private or public assets. Anyway, I would be more of a person to bounce ideas off of and encourage you rather than give you business strategy. Ok, long-winded offer ends…now.
Now, who’s ready to grow?
Salaam.Z.
