Success happens action by action. Little things add up to the big things.
How does someone become great? Is it genetics? Is it luck? Is it superhuman dedication and brilliance? Too often we see impressive results, books on bestseller lists, people in peak physical condition, companies selling for millions, and assume the process behind them must have been just as extraordinary. Usually, it wasn't.
Success happens “action by action”, as Marcus Aurelius said. Bob Bowman, coach of 23-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps and many other great swimmers, sums up what everyone who succeeds at the highest level has in common with a simple three-word mantra.
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Do your work. What do you do when you've never felt better in your life? Do your work. What do you do if you feel terrible and you're not motivated? Do your work. If you're uncertain? Do your work.
BOB BOWMAN
Just come in every day and do a little something, whatever that is. As Bowman puts it, “the incremental, consistent, mind-numbingly boring everyday deposits in your bank account are what makes the big changes later.” Little things add up to make the big things. One gain per day. One step forward per day.
It's not romantic. It's not exciting or extraordinary. It's just work. And over time, it becomes transformative.
TRY THIS TODAY
Write down the one piece of work that matters most this week. Do 30 minutes of it today, however you feel.
Much of what I've learned about Stoicism comes from Ryan Holiday. Find more of his writing at dailystoic.com and ryanholiday.net.
While I have edited much of this content, there are some cases where I have taken Ryan Holiday's words directly. I've included them because I think they are powerful and will be helpful for you. They are also helpful for me, and I've put them here so I can learn and understand more myself.
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