Recently I’ve been reading The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck. I was drawn in right away by the opening:
Life is difficult.
This a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult — once we truly understand and accept it — then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.
I like that. Too many people feel that life owes them something, as if it’s supposed to be easy. But no, life is hard, and you just have to deal with it. As Peck says, acceptance is key. People don’t get frustrated with the sky being blue or water being wet; that’s just how it is. You accept it and keep going. The same mentality is needed with life’s challenges. Finding yourself in a tough situation, accepting that you’re in it is the first step towards a constructive solution.
Embracing the struggle
Try hard to embrace the struggles. There’s no growth without pain. Life’s difficulties are necessary for your own development, so when they come along, accept them, embrace them. Don’t take the quick and easy way out just to escape the discomfort. That discomfort is the old, inferior you dying; a new, superior you is being born. Don’t deprive yourself of that growth by shying away from the pain.
“Don’t wish it was easier; wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems; wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenges; wish for more wisdom.” – Jim Rohn
What a coincidence Niall. I am also reading the same book. The only difference is that you are reading this book when you are in your life’s ecstasy whereas I am reading this book in the worst time of my life.
Thanks for the comment, Rohit. True, it’s easy for me to talk about embracing the struggle when things are going well.
Was there anything in particular in the book that has helped you during your tough times?
I am still reading it, rather continuing after a long gap. From the initial few pages, I think the book is very practical. It is one of those books that are to be re-read from time to time. One such book is Dale Carnegie’s How to Stop Worrying & Start Living. I read this book three times.
The Road Less Travelled is written by an experienced psychiatrist and it is interesting to note how situations change our behavior, attitude and thinking. I also want to understand whether I act in an odd manner at times or it is common.