Life Teaches you the same lesson over and over until you learn
We all try to avoid suffering. It’s human nature to seek comfort, to avoid pain, and to hope that life will go smoothly. But here’s the harsh truth: suffering is inevitable, and more importantly, it’s necessary. Running from it only prolongs the discomfort, while embracing it can lead to growth, resilience, and strength that you never imagined possible.
Think of a horse in a storm. When the rain starts pouring, the horse doesn’t just stand there, hoping the storm will pass. It either endures it fully or runs straight through it, getting to the other side faster than if it tried to cower or wait it out. The same is true for us in life. If we try to hide from hardship, it doesn’t disappear—it lingers, keeping us stuck. But if we face it head-on, we come out the other side quicker, stronger, and wiser.
The Lessons of Suffering
I’ve always believed that life teaches you the same lesson over and over until you finally learn it. Whether it’s in business, relationships, or personal growth, you’ll keep encountering the same challenges, the same stumbling blocks, until you, because you are the only common denominator, you make the necessary changes or embrace the lessons the universe is trying to teach you. You can see this in people who repeatedly choose the same type of partner or they believe every individual in a gender/race is the same or face the same career obstacles. It’s not just bad luck—it’s life pushing them to confront something they’re avoiding.
Suffering humbles you. It strips away your ego and makes you face reality. There’s something profoundly humbling about being knocked down and having to pull yourself back up. It forces you to see the world from a new perspective, one that’s often more compassionate and empathetic. People who have struggled tend to appreciate others more because they know what it’s like to fight through tough times.
How Suffering Strengthens You
Think about businesses that survive tumultuous times. Maybe they struggled during a recession or had to completely pivot their business model to stay afloat. Those companies often come out the other side more innovative and resilient. The same is true for people. Think about someone who had debilitating speaking anxiety but forced themselves to give speeches in front of large audiences. Over time, not only does the anxiety lessen, but they become stronger, more confident, and capable of achieving things they never thought possible.
Suffering does this. It transforms us. It’s a trial by fire, and if you can make it through, you’re forged into something stronger, something that can withstand future challenges with more grace and composure.
Running Through the Storm
Instead of running away from pain or discomfort, we need to run through the storm. It’s not easy, and it’s not pleasant, but it’s necessary. Trying to escape suffering only keeps you in the same place, dealing with the same issues over and over. But if you confront it, if you accept that it’s part of the process, you move through it quicker and with a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Growth doesn’t come from avoiding pain. It comes from embracing it, learning from it, and letting it mold you into someone stronger, wiser, and more resilient. Every challenge offers a lesson, and the sooner we accept that, the sooner we grow.
Everyone knows something you don't
Here’s the thing—everyone has endured their own version of suffering. Every creative, business owner, or entrepreneur has faced challenges that shaped them. By embracing the tough times, you can discover new strengths, ideas, and resilience that push you to the next level. Others may have walked a similar path and have valuable insights to offer, but ultimately, it's your own journey that will shape you.
So when the struggle hits, remember—you’re not alone, and everyone knows something you don’t. Keep pushing, keep learning, and let every hardship guide you to becoming even stronger.
