Misery

When we find ourselves in miserable situations, we often just want them to end.

Nobody likes the bad feelings that come from misery.

But as ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes shares “There is magic in misery. Just ask any runner.” 

In running and in life, our misery can give us our greatest magic.

3 ways to consider misery.

1. Discomfort fuels growth: Misery is often a sign that we are pushing our limits. Enduring a miserable situation expands our potential. Our greatest physical and mental breakthroughs typically come right after our hardest moments.

2. Pain focuses us: The greatest battle is often between our ears. Instead of wandering from one challenge to the next, the pain that we feel from misery focuses us to push through. By embracing the pain, we develop resilience and build mental toughness that extends beyond our runs.

3. Choose challenges: Instead of avoiding misery, like most people, putting ourselves in challenging situations gives ourselves no choice but to grow. Our growth creates magic, which gives our lives meaning.

Thanks for reading. Let’s have a great week!