That's a great post, thanks for digging it up.
But now I feel bad that I slacked off for two minutes checking HN, then another four minutes reading the blog.
But now I feel bad that I slacked off for two minutes checking HN, then another four minutes reading the blog.
Accept that "the grind" is part of the job. A friend of mine's father has a great quote:
"Son, i don't wake up every day and go to a place called fun. I wake up and go to a place called work"
I think learning to be ok with the grind is one of the biggest life hacks a person can make. Whether it's eating healthy, exercise, or shipping your startups first product, there comes a point where it's grind - almost every single time.
There is a danger of falling in love with the grind and losing sight of why. As long as a person keeps sight of a goal, grinding is skill to help get them there.
Accepting the grind is a skill can be developed. Carmack talks about wrestling and then grappling which is an absolute grind. I developed the skill through sports and powerlifting, and now I also train Jiu-Jitsu. There's very little at work that moves my emotional needle anymore.
I had no idea he was a wrestler. My oldest son and I train BJJ together and he finally got interested in high school wrestling after we did a standup seminar. I'm really happy as it tends to develop mental toughness better than any other sport.
From a toughness angle you're spot on. I've never done anything harder than learn to relax and survive underneath someone bigger who is also attacking. You want to panic, which is the absolute worst thing to do.