The Magic Is in the Work
The Magic You're Looking For Is in the Work You're Avoiding
I heard this quote the other day and was floored—the truth, so simply stated! The best part? I was on the treadmill, a habit I committed to last year and have firmly nailed down. Now, I can see and feel the results of my fitness efforts, which is incredibly exciting. But let me tell you, the road here took literally hundreds of not-so-exciting days. There were mornings when I was tired but worked out anyway. Boring walk-jog intervals where I felt silly because I used to run long distances. Sore muscles that ached in the evening. Delicious meals passed up for healthier choices. Making your dreams a reality isn’t about luck or instant gratification—it’s the by-product of consistent, sometimes unglamorous work.
At the start of a new year, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of resolutions and fresh beginnings. The promise of transformation feels tangible, and the motivation to tackle big goals is sky-high. But as the initial spark fades, the real test begins: Will you keep going when the novelty wears off?
Here’s the truth—the magic you're searching for, the breakthrough you want, is hiding in the work you’re avoiding. It’s in the early mornings when the bed feels too warm to leave. It’s in the gym sessions that aren’t Instagram-worthy. It’s in the hours spent refining a skill when progress seems invisible. This unglamorous, repetitive work is the price of admission for achieving something extraordinary.
The Grind Behind the Goals
Goals don’t achieve themselves. That dream body, fulfilling career, or life-changing project? They all demand consistent effort, often long before you see any tangible results. It’s like going to the gym. The first week feels great, but by week three, the soreness sets in, and the scale hasn’t budged. You start wondering if it’s even worth it. The magic moment—that noticeable shift—isn’t here yet, but this is exactly where most people give up. Growing a business is the same way - tons of up front work and investment that no one even sees (nor cares about) until way farther down the road.
Building anything meaningful requires building muscles—whether literal or metaphorical—and that means repetition. Showing up again and again. Doing the same tasks, refining the same moves, day after day. It’s not glamorous, but it’s where progress lives.
When Motivation Fades, Discipline Steps In
As the excitement of January resolutions fades, you're left with a choice: Do you want it badly enough to push through the monotony? Motivation might get you started, but discipline will keep you going. Discipline is what carries you through those days when the work feels tedious and the results seem distant.
Remember, achieving a goal doesn’t just require you to want it. You have to work for it. Want to get stronger? Lift the weights. Want to write a book? Show up to the blank page every day. Want a better relationship? Have the hard conversations and do the inner work. In today’s fast-paced rewards-based world, our self-discipline has withered away. Instant gratification of scrolling, shopping, spacing out and being entertained is a mouse-click away and retraining our minds to focus on consistent effort without visible rewards is tough. It takes practice - just like learning a new language or doing more pushups - to improve.
Falling in Love with the Process
The key to sustained effort is learning to embrace the process itself. Find satisfaction in the act of doing, even when it feels like you’re spinning your wheels. Small wins, like lifting a slightly heavier weight or getting one step closer to your project’s completion, add up over time. Celebrate these moments and remind yourself that each small effort is bringing you closer to your goal. You’re committing to a new way of living whether that’s becoming someone who lives a healthier life, is great with money, is a successful entrepreneur, or has firm but kind boundaries. Become someone who loves the actual process, the work, the effort - not only the results.
1. What Would ___ Do?
This involves stepping into the identity of the person you want to become. Think of it as a form of “cosplay” for personal growth. Don’t just lose weight—be someone who lives healthy. Don’t ‘spend less’—become someone who is great with money. Start small: when faced with a choice, ask, “What would a [fit person, disciplined writer, focused entrepreneur] do?” Embrace the behaviors that align with this identity, even before the results show up.
2. Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way
Break your big goal into tiny, actionable steps and celebrate every time you complete one. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, celebrate each mile added to your training plan. Small wins fuel motivation and build momentum, reminding you that progress is happening.
3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Shift your mindset from seeking immediate results to celebrating progress. Your goal is to take a step forward every day—not just to reach the end destination. Did you move forward today? WIN. Progress compounds over time, and every small step counts.
4. Keep Your Word
Personal integrity—the practice of consistently aligning your actions, choices, and words with your core values—is key. If you committed to not drinking, saving money, losing weight, or launching your brand…then do it. Why would you skimp on your promises to yourself? And what does it imply if you don’t feel worthy of your own commitment? Often, breaking these promises erodes self-trust, making it harder to believe in your ability to achieve your goals. Honor your commitments as a reflection of your worth.
5. Find Joy in the Journey
Instead of focusing solely on the end goal, look for ways to enjoy the process itself. Whether it's listening to a favorite podcast during your workout, savoring the quiet moments of early morning journaling, or appreciating the skills you're developing, find something to love in the daily grind. Cultivating joy in the journey will make the process feel rewarding and sustainable, even when the results are still on the horizon.
The Choice Is Yours
Right now, you have a choice. You can let the thrill of your resolutions fizzle out and return to your comfort zone, or you can lean into the work. Yes, it’s often boring. Yes, it’s hard. But it’s also where the magic lives—in the discipline, the grind, and the commitment to your dreams. This year, choose to stay the course. Show up for yourself, even when it’s hard. The magic you’re looking for is waiting for you—on the other side of the work you’re willing to do.
I promise!
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