"Never wish life were easier, wish that you were better"

The core idea here is pretty straightforward: instead of hoping for life to be less challenging, work on improving yourself so you can handle the challenges better. It's all about personal growth and resilience. When you stop hoping for an easy life and start focusing on becoming stronger and more capable, you actually empower yourself. It's a shift in mindset from external circumstances to internal strength.

This idea is like a timeless piece of advice, though it was popularized by motivational speaker Jim Rohn. He spoke about it during his seminars in the 1980s when people were dealing with economic downturns and personal setbacks. Rohn was all about personal development and self-reliance, and this quote nails those principles. He believed that bettering yourself was the key to overcoming obstacles.

Think about someone training for a marathon. Imagine you've decided to run one. At first, it might feel impossible—26.2 miles? Who does that? But instead of wishing the marathon were shorter, you start training. You run a little more every day, improve your diet, get the right gear, and maybe join a running group for support. Over time, you get better, faster, and stronger. By the time race day rolls around, you’re prepared. The marathon distance hasn't changed, but you've become a better runner.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by identifying areas where you feel challenged. Is it your job, relationships, or maybe a personal goal? Instead of hoping those things get easier, focus on what you can do to improve yourself in those areas. Maybe you need to develop new skills, or perhaps it's about building better habits. Set small, achievable goals for growth. Read books, take courses, seek feedback, and don't shy away from challenges—they're your stepping stones.

Now, let’s dive into a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re at work and your boss assigns you to lead a big project. You’re overwhelmed and your first instinct is to wish the project were smaller or easier. But remember the quote. Instead of hoping for a simpler task, you could break down the project into smaller parts, learn new project management strategies, or even ask a more experienced colleague for advice. You’d grow your skills and, over time, become the go-to person for big projects. The next time a tough assignment comes your way, you'll be ready.

So there you have it. By focusing on becoming better rather than wishing for easier circumstances, you're taking control. It's not about avoiding challenges but growing through them. And hey, next time you're sipping a coffee and thinking about a tough situation, remember: it's not about making life easier. It's about making you stronger.