Day 1: Using NO to motivate

One of the most popular quotes used when trying to motivate people for improvements. 

"You won’t physically gain strength if you don’t put in the pain of working out."

We need to make our muscles work so hard that there is pain so that we know where we are gaining.  You won’t get the mental growth if you don’t put in what is needed by reading, studying, and engaging with someone or something that makes you think more. 

My only problem with such a motivational quote is: “No Pain, No Gain”.  Is that it uses the word “NO”, twice in a fashion that makes it sound as though that is your only choice.  There must be pain. 

So can we say pain and gain go together?  We can’t even guarantee that, because there can be pain, and we still do not see any gain.  What if it is something you enjoy and love to do?  Is there pain involved?  Probably, no pain, just lots of work that is driven by purpose.  But being real, even if it is something you love, there are still pains involved with getting up early, staying late, and working longer and harder than your competition. 

​But even with the possibility of pain are we guaranteed gain?  NO!  My idea of rephrasing the old quote into one that is productive and promising is using the phrase:  “Pain with the promise of Gain”.  I am not guaranteed or entitled to gains if I put in the work and it is painful.  What I am guaranteed is the promise of satisfaction that I am not a quitter.  I persevere where others give up, I am a fighter, and progress is my purpose.