Yesterday, I went to this restaurant and saw something that really concerned me. You know, when you go to the little fountain drink station to get your drink, and everyone knows if you have a clear cup, it means you got a water cup. Well, this young kid had his water cup, and he walked over there, and I'm right behind him. He looked around to make sure nobody was looking. Typically, the water is right there by the lemonade. He put lemonade in his cup, a little bit of Sprite, looked around, and then walked off smiling like he beat the system.
I thought to myself, "A, nobody cares," but "B, the sad thing about it is, man, you are setting yourself up because it is true in life, how you do anything is how you do everything." This kid is taking a shortcut in life thinking he's winning, but really what he's doing is compromising his character and integrity. He might not realize it now, but that does start to play into life. At the end of the day, people who always look to take shortcuts and get over on somebody ultimately don't ever reach their potential.
The Illusion of Quick Wins
We live in a society obsessed with shortcuts. Look at TikTok or YouTube, and you'll see countless "life hacks" promising to cut down time and effort. But here's the truth: I've never seen a shortcut in anything meaningful that had sustainable results. It simply doesn't happen. Why? Because you miss out on the experience and lessons that come from doing things the right way.
Consider someone who gets promoted due to nepotism. They often become terrible leaders because they haven't earned their position. They lack the experience and the intricate knowledge needed to perform well. The same is true for any field. You have to earn your way to truly understand and excel in your role.
Learning from the Pros
A couple of weeks ago, 115 million people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl. If you look at a football play, it seems straightforward: follow the arrow, run the route. But the reality is much more complex. In real life, you have defenders, timing, and countless other factors that only those at the pro level understand because they've practiced and experienced it all. They've earned the right to run those routes effectively.
The same applies to any profession or endeavor. You can't just be given a position or title; you have to earn it. You need to know how to run the route, not just understand the play on paper. When you try to fast-track or take shortcuts, you're missing out on the experience that helps you run the route effectively in your business, relationships, and life.
The Value of Experience
It's easy to spot people who haven't earned their positions. They often flaunt their titles and achievements because they need external validation. In contrast, those who have truly earned their success don't need to boast. Their work speaks for itself. They know the value of experience and the hard work it takes to get there.
Consider the analogy of steroids in bodybuilding. Yes, steroids can help you gain muscle quickly, but they don't strengthen the supporting muscles and ligaments. Eventually, this leads to injuries and setbacks because the foundation isn't strong. Similarly, shortcuts might give you quick results, but they lack the solid foundation needed for long-term success.
Embrace the Journey
Why are we in such a hurry? As kids, we couldn't wait to grow up, only to realize that adulthood comes with its own challenges. Instead of rushing to the next phase, ask yourself how you can maximize your current phase. How can you learn as much as possible so that when you do move to the next step, you're fully prepared?
Quit looking to get there fast; look to get there right. Embrace the journey and the lessons that come with it. By doing so, you'll build a solid foundation that will support your future success.
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