Hell is Easy

When I see a young business guy hit it out of the park on his first deal, I get a little nervous. The two parts that worry me are:

1. What people say

2. What he believes about what people say

People say all kinds of things. Things that are helpful, neutral, and unhelpful. Generally the intention is to be helpful but the outcome is mostly unhelpful. Unhelpful because the young businessman devours the respect and admiration. Admiration for his “ability” to knock it out of the park…in the first game. 

The problem with smooth success is growth happens in adversity not ease. When people celebrate, admire, and marvel at his home run, he might believe his own press. Sometimes I think hell would be a lot like this. Imagine a place of ease. A place where you never feel the pain of the climb. A place with no true joy. If you want it… it’s yours. You don’t have to work to get it, you don’t have to practice, and you never fail. You only win…every game. 

The good news is the young businessman will feel the unrelenting heat of adversity… 

Eventually. 

Eventually he will learn that adversity is required to feel the true joy of accomplishment.