Life throws curveballs. Sometimes, it feels like a whole season of them.
We've all been there – stuck in a rut, facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, feeling like, well, everything sucks.
Maybe it's the pressure of upskilling, the daunting job hunt, or simply navigating the complexities of modern life.
Whatever the source, that feeling of being stuck is universal.
The problem is you can't go through life and simply not experience these problems. It's life, and that's just how it goes.
The solution, however, is being able to adopt a powerful mindset shift that can transform these struggles into stepping stones.
There's plenty of information on the internet on how to go about this, from journaling and meditation to exercising more and becoming a gym rat.
However, one less-common approach is called 'embracing the suck,' and it's a game-changer.
This concept, popularized by figures like David Goggins, isn't about masochism.
It's about finding strength and growth in discomfort. It's about recognizing that challenges are inevitable and choosing to face them head-on, turning 'the suck' into a catalyst for personal and professional evolution.
In this article, we'll dive deep into:
- The true meaning of the military slang 'embrace the suck'
- Why embrace the suck is crucial for professional growth
- Practical strategies to overcome discomfort and thrive in challenging situations.
Let's get into it.
What does 'Embrace the Suck' mean?
"Embrace the suck" is a saying that means that while the current situation may be less than ideal, you have to accept it and work toward improving it.
To embrace the suck means to confront things that make you uncomfortable so that you can overcome them.
The slang is a military phrase.
The phrase was first "embraced" during the 2003 War in Iraq. It served as a mechanism to fortify the military and acted as a way to "cope" with the difficult situations they were facing.
It's a powerful concept because it acknowledges the reality of challenging circumstances without succumbing to negativity. It's about finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
It's not about enjoying the hardship but rather accepting it as a necessary part of growth.
Why you should embrace the suck in your professional life
Everyone experiences career dissatisfaction at some point. It's a natural part of the professional journey. Even highly successful individuals have faced moments where they questioned their path.
In "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," venture capitalist and tech entrepreneur Ben Horowitz recounts a pivotal experience that nearly derailed the sale of his company, Opsware, for millions.
His CFO, Dave Conte, famously advised, "If you are going to eat shit, don't nibble," urging Horowitz to make a difficult but ultimately successful decision.
While your stakes might not involve multimillion-dollar deals, the principle of embracing the suck remains relevant. You might need to embrace the suck if you find yourself:
- Googling "My job sucks."
- Feeling unfulfilled in your work.
- Lacking passion for your company's growth.
- Experiencing work-related anxiety.
- Contemplating a career change.
- Dreaming of a permanent vacation.
Embracing the suck allows you to address challenging situations head-on, preventing them from negatively impacting other areas of your life.
It's about taking ownership of your circumstances and proactively working towards a better future, even when the present feels difficult. It's about recognizing that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones.
Master your fear
Overcoming fear is essential to conquering life's challenges. Life inevitably presents difficult moments, and fear, coupled with indecision, affects everyone. As Frank Herbert wrote, "Fear is the mind-killer."
It can paralyze us, preventing us from taking the necessary steps to improve our situation.
Tony Robbins, in "Unshakeable," highlights how fear cripples our decision-making, particularly when it comes to understanding complex topics like the stock market and realizing our full potential.
This inability to make sound decisions based on fear can keep us stuck in "the suck."
This sentiment is echoed by successful entrepreneurs like Patrick Bet-David, who asserts that embracing the suck is a crucial component of achieving success. It's about acknowledging fear, understanding its impact, and acting despite it.
It's about recognizing that growth and progress often reside on the other side of fear and that facing those fears is the only way to move forward.
How to get over the suck in your professional life
Embracing the suck isn't inherently enjoyable; it's challenging by definition.
It's natural to feel resistance. However, overcoming this resistance is crucial for growth. Here's a breakdown of strategies to navigate these challenging periods:
Change your situation
Embracing the suck involves both awareness and action. First, acknowledge the situation isn't ideal. Then, take steps to change it. This might involve:
- Seeking new opportunities: If you're dissatisfied with your job, explore other options.
- Making a change: If circumstances are truly unfavorable, consider a career move.
- Shifting your mindset: If immediate change isn't feasible, focus on managing your mindset and finding peace while planning your next move.
Evaluate your network. As Dan Pena suggests, your success can be influenced by your closest associates. If your current circle contributes to "the suck," consider expanding your network and connecting with more supportive and inspiring individuals.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Embracing the suck is a recurring process. Pursuing your passions will inevitably involve obstacles. True satisfaction comes from recognizing and navigating these challenges. To become more comfortable with discomfort:
- Revisit your vision: Whether you're an intern or a founder, self-doubt is common. Reconnect with your "why" – the driving force behind your goals.
- Build a support system: A supportive community can provide guidance and encouragement during tough times.
- Analyze the worst-case scenario: Understanding the potential consequences of your actions can provide clarity and reduce anxiety.
Master and apprentice
The master-apprentice dynamic, as seen in stories like Star Wars, highlights the natural progression of growth. Just as the apprentice must eventually surpass the master, it's essential to recognize when you've outgrown a particular stage.
Mentors and teachers play a vital role, but sometimes their own interests might hinder your progress. Knowing when to forge your own path is crucial for embracing the suck and achieving your full potential.
Learn new skills if you don't know what you want
It's perfectly normal not to have a concrete life plan. However, that shouldn't prevent you from learning. Knowledge is empowering. It broadens your perspective and opens doors to new possibilities.
Explore diverse skills – from arts and crafts to fitness or even scuba diving. Each new skill offers valuable lessons and contributes to personal growth.
This process of learning and development can also foster a sense of progress and satisfaction, even when facing challenging circumstances.
Develop habits to encourage change
Change is a constant.
When navigating a difficult situation, adopt an action-oriented mindset. Habit formation is a powerful tool for personal transformation. If a habit contributes to your unhappiness or hinders your professional life, actively work to replace it with a more positive one.
Resources like "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg offer valuable insights into habit formation. Key principles include:
- Starting Small: Begin with manageable steps.
- Consistency: Commit to 3-4 weeks of consistent practice for the new habit to become ingrained.
- Reducing Friction: Make it as easy as possible to stick to the new habit.
These seemingly simple steps can have a significant impact on your life, especially when addressing habits that negatively affect your well-being.
Wrapping up
Let's face it: life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, it feels like you're wading through mud. But here's the truth: the moments that feel the most like "suck" often hold the greatest growth potential.
Embracing the suck isn't about resignation; it's about resilience. It's about choosing to learn, adapt, and push forward, even when it's tough. It's about transforming challenges into triumphs.
And you don't have to do it alone. A mentor can be your compass, your sounding board, and your biggest advocate.
They can offer insights, share experiences, and help you navigate the inevitable ups and downs of your journey.
They can help you turn "the suck" into a springboard for success.
Ready to find your guide?
MentorCruise connects you with experienced mentors who can help you embrace the suck and unlock your full potential. Don't just survive the challenges – thrive.
Find your mentor on MentorCruise and start turning "suck" into success today.