Just don't be sad lol

No one wants to suffer in their life- yet no one gets to not suffer. It is reasonable to believe that suffering makes life unappealing. I’m here to argue the opposite.

An idea constantly echoed in books related to happiness and meaning in life is that one cannot grow in comfort. Watching TV all day or engaging in activities that don’t require much effort won’t transform you into a more complex individual with a richer understanding and experience. You become complex and grow as a person by engaging in activities that require your attention and challenge you. 

According to Flow – the psychology of optimal experience – horrific events in life often lead to people finding their purpose. This transformational effect has more to do with the reaction than the experience itself. The first step is to recognize that other people suffer due to the same cause (poverty, let’s say). Then, focus your effort on solving the problem for everyone. Someone being raised in poverty developing an interest in economic policy is an example. In the book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck”, Mark Manson suggests you search for problems you want to solve if you want to find your passion.

Human beings have an innate need to be associated with something bigger than themselves. As a result, we have religion, politics, favourite celebrities, and sports teams. Likewise, trying to solve a problem that affects many people is transcendental. The motivation for such a daunting endeavour comes from your experience of suffering as a result of the problem.

David Goggins – an ultra marathon runner, former most pull-ups in 24 hours record holder, and public speaker, among many other things – had experienced child abuse, racism, poverty, and bullying. Instead of getting paralyzed by his fear and anxiety, he used them to push himself. An anecdote that comes to mind is how he kept running a marathon despite his legs bleeding and literally shitting himself.

Although I have my fair share of struggles, I would say I haven’t experienced the worst of what life has to offer. It is important to note that my knowledge on the matter is limited, and I’m not trying to invalidate the adversities faced by other people. The takeaway from this is a perspective I hope to carry in life. It’s the idea that suffering can make you resentful and rob you of your potential, or you can be grateful for it and try to construct a purpose out of it.