So you wanna be the best?

Despite the memes and fitspo posts, there’s nothing wrong with being average or normal. In fact, it’s probably a pretty great way to achieve happiness. So why do we always try to emulate people who are chasing greatness when all we want is to be content?

We see what the elite do, in sport and business and physique, and we want to have what they have. We think that the outcome will be what drives our happiness. But in reality, the best rarely get satisfied by outcome. Yes they are driven to win but not because of the prize. They love the process and keep driving forward because it’s what they do. The win is simply another box to check off.

We also have to be cognizant of the fact that we probably aren’t willing to do what is necessary to reach that stage of development. Being the top in your field will likely require years or decades of 70 to 80 hour work weeks. Being an elite athlete requires the right mix of diligence, training, and parents. And having a world class physique will likely require a lot more sacrifice and self-regulation than anything other than an ascetic existence will allow.

So be ok with being normal. Be ok with being “average”. But if you want to be the best be ready to suffer. There’s just no other way.