On August 10th, I shared some reflections on Morgan Housel's book, Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes. There's another chapter I find particularly compelling, titled "It's Supposed to Be Hard," which delves into the true nature of achievement and success. The notion that anything worth pursuing involves a certain degree of difficulty or pain is a sentiment that resonates deeply, especially with those who have faced significant challenges in their personal or professional lives, and also among the first generation of immigrants.
"Everything worth pursuing comes with a little pain. The trick is not minding that it hurts. ... Hacks are appealing because they look like paths to prizes without the effort. But in the real world, those rarely exist."
This passage encapsulates the reality of achievement: it demands significant effort, sacrifice, and perseverance. It's a reminder that success is something to be earned, not handed out, and that no shortcuts can lead to lasting fulfillment or genuine accomplishment.
The idea that "the trick is not minding that it hurts" suggests a mindset rooted in acceptance and resilience. By recognizing that pain, stress, hardship, and uncertainty are inherent parts of the journey, we can maintain our focus on our goals rather than becoming discouraged by inevitable obstacles.
Charles Munger once remarked, "The safest way to try to get what you want is to try to deserve what you want. It's such a simple idea. It's the golden rule. You want to deliver to the world what you would buy if you were on the other end."
Munger's quote underscores the importance of earning what you desire through hard work and integrity. This "golden rule" approach highlights the significance of reciprocity and ethical conduct in the pursuit of meaningful goals.
Housel also addresses the hidden costs of success. The "price" isn't always monetary. More often, it's paid through intangible challenges—stress, risk, uncertainty, and dealing with difficult people or situations. These are the less glamorous, yet very real, aspects of striving for significant goals.
A Chinese saying goes, 成人不自在，自在不成人 (Chéng rén bù zìzài, zìzài bù chéng rén), meaning: To achieve greatness, you have to break from the comfortable zone; to stay in your comfort zone you can’t achieve greatness. The saying emphasizes the idea that personal growth and success often require enduring discomfort and challenges, while seeking comfort alone may prevent one from reaching their full potential.
Finally, Housel offers a realistic perspective on what it truly takes to achieve worthwhile goals. He emphasizes that success is not about finding shortcuts or avoiding difficulties, but about embracing hard work, integrity, and resilience as essential elements of the road to success. Same applies for all immigrants who come here for an American dream.