"راز موفقیت این است که بیاموزید چگونه از درد و لذت استفاده کنید به جای اینکه درد و لذت از شما استفاده کنند"

Success hinges not just on our abilities, but on how we handle our emotions. The idea here is pretty straightforward: to achieve success, we need to control our responses to pain and pleasure instead of letting them control us. When something hurts, we tend to shy away. Conversely, when something feels good, we might indulge too much. But what if we could harness these feelings to drive ourselves forward?

Historically, this concept isn't new. Philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who were all about Stoicism, preached the same thing. They believed that our reactions to experiences shape our lives more than the experiences themselves. But let’s be real — this wisdom is timeless. Whether you’re trying to get fit, start a business, or learn a new skill, the principle remains the same.

Take, for example, the story of J.K. Rowling. Before she became a household name with Harry Potter, she faced a truckload of rejections. She was living on welfare, a single mother, struggling to survive. Imagine the pain and frustration. She could’ve easily let that pain deter her. But she used it. Every ‘no’ she got from publishers fueled her determination. She kept writing and rewriting until someone finally saw the gold in her work. That’s the crux — she used her pain to push forward, not pull back.

So, how do you apply this? First, recognize your triggers. Next time you feel pain or pleasure, pause and think: "How can I use this?" Maybe you’re trying to get in shape, but every workout feels like torture. Instead of quitting, use that pain as proof that you’re challenging yourself. Or maybe you love binge-watching shows. Instead of feeling guilty, use that pleasure as a reward system. After finishing a productive task, treat yourself to an episode.

Now, let’s take this idea and weave it into a story — something you can really picture. Imagine you’re in a coffee shop, catching up with an old friend. Her name's Alex. Alex has always wanted to start her own bakery. She loves baking — it’s her happy place. But she’s stuck in a 9-to-5 job she hates, and every evening, she’s drained. She’s in pain, feeling like she’s wasting her life. So, you tell her about this concept. You say, "Alex, use that pain. Let it remind you why you need to push through and make your bakery dream a reality." You suggest she start small, baking on weekends, selling to friends and family. Each sale, no matter how small, brings her joy (there’s the pleasure). She uses that happiness to keep going. Over time, her side hustle grows. The pain of her unfulfilling job and the pleasure of baking propel her forward. Before long, she’s opening her own bakery.

In a nutshell, the secret is in the switch. When you feel pain, let it be your motivator. When you feel pleasure, let it be your reward. Don’t be a slave to your emotions — be their master. That’s the key to unlocking true success.