The CODE

You’re on Instagram. Perhaps you’re like me and are bombarded with the stream of content telling you that you need commitment, dedication, focus, hard work, etc.? These are the purported keys to success, the reason why people’s Insta-lives are so fabulous, how they became wealthy, why they’re in the best shape of their lives, how they got their dream job, what it took to have bullet-proof health, and I could go on. But you get my point. This isn’t isolated to the Insta-sphere either. It’s heard in practically any conversation about success. But is it true? Are the keys to success actually hard-work, dedication, commitment, focus, confidence, passion, etc.?

I don’t think so. They’re sexy and appeal to us especially because they represent values we try to live by, and what we want to be true about us. But there’s often another side to these things where the truth often lives. Therefore, don’t be seduced by these ideas, ideals and fancy labels when you hear them. They’re all code for something else, merely the prettied up versions of what’s actually going on and how success is gained. So let’s crack the code.

CODE DECIPHERED

• Struggle = Obstacles, roadblocks, opposition, challenges, difficulty = HARD WORK

• Failure = Setbacks, mistakes, loss, discreditation, inadequacy = DEDICATION

• Quit = Exhaustion, hopelessness, reluctance, disillusionment, frustration = COMMITMENT

• Distraction = Options, diversions, missteps, allurements = FOCUS

• Doubt = Uncertainty, disheartenment, disbelief, confusion, hesitation = CONFIDENCE

• Pain = Heartache, sadness, distress, injury, sacrifice, loneliness = PASSION

Look, it’s not sexy to talk about the times you doubted, were hurting, failed, seriously struggled, etc. Who wants to put that out there? It’s so much easier to talk about dedication, hard work, commitment, and passion, right? The way I see it is that everyone wants to show up in their shiny clean game day uniform rather than their dirty ripped up practice gear. However, games aren’t won on game day. They’re won on the practice field and in the gym where struggle, failure, quit, distraction, doubt and pain are the path to game day glory.

Eric