A friend once told me that many people seem to be exhibitionist masochistic thrill seekers. Daily ice baths, climbing Mount Everest, ultramarathons. It seems like there’s no end to the list of extreme things we put ourselves through.
But there is a subtle difference between masochism and working through adversity. It’s how you come out on the other side of it. There’s no growth to be found in masochism. It’s an act. Combined with an exhibitionist streak it might lead to Instagram likes or a short lived dopamine fuelled ego boost. The effect wanes and we soon need another hit. It’s a loser’s game.
But that should not be an excuse to avoid doing something difficult. Perhaps something that seems like it’s doomed to fail. It can lead to some of the most lasting growth. Our most remarkable achievements lie on the other side of very difficult things.