Admittedly, at times, I want to skip steps. You know, the uncomfortable, tedious parts of a process. Sometimes you want to just get to the result. The finished product. The end. So you can finally begin.

What I have learned is, unfortunately, there is no skipping steps in a process if the goal is to win or succeed. Whether its career, health and wellness, family, friends, and/or relationships, all steps must be taken including the uncomfortable ones. You can never truly the wins without the challenges. Pound of flesh.

My experiences have surrounded me with some who want it yesterday. Battering ram, spammy approach. Misinterpreted definition of “not taking ‘no’ for answer”. The absence of empathy, combined with entitlement and a pinch of narcissism is a dangerous combo.

I have been retraining myself to control and moderate ego, pride and self-loathing. I expect great things all while giving myself grace. A day at a time. It’s not easy. Conditioning is real. De-programming then re-programming that conditioning is a mutha.

Some days I just have to stop. I am exhausted. Weary, mentally mainly. But I know I’d be doing myself a disservice by continuing when I’m not in the correct headspace.

Busy in fear is dangerous. Productive with purpose is golden.

Home-cooked always beats microwaved. Even when it’s daunting, scary and lonely. The win’s yours regardless of what you “see”. Trust the process.