Embrace the Darkness: The Hidden Path to Success

I want to dive into a profound lesson inspired by my good friend John Donnelly, who recently completed a twelve-hour walk. This concept, popularized by the legendary Colin O'Brady, who holds numerous records for summiting the world's tallest peaks, involves taking a day-long walk, free from distractions, to reconnect with oneself.

The Power of Solitude

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was on pause, Colin O'Brady set out for a walk that lasted twelve hours. No phone, no distractions—just pure time to reflect. This simple act of solitude has become a powerful exercise that I've done, my brother has done, and now John has completed. Spending time alone allows you to learn about yourself, free from the noise of everyday life.

John and I discussed the invaluable lessons that come from the hard work you do in solitude—the kind of work that no one sees. He shared a profound insight: "There’s no magic pill, no shortcut, no silver bullet. You have to do the work, put in the time, do the research, write the book, put in the miles, suffer, and have setbacks." It's about putting in the effort when no one is watching because that's what prepares you for the bright lights of life.

The Difference Between a Leader and a Frontman

Too often, we live for the spotlight, believing that everything must be done in front of an audience. But there's a significant difference between a leader and a frontman. A frontman seeks credit, accolades, and the corner office. A true leader, however, doesn't always get the credit—they make the team feel like they did it themselves. The best leaders often work behind the scenes, pushing the team forward without needing the spotlight.

In my upcoming book, No One Prays for the Lion, I delve into this concept. It's about appreciating the darkness, the unseen work, the growth that happens beneath the surface. Just like a plant's roots grow underground, unseen and in the dirt, providing the foundation and sustenance for the entire plant, our unseen efforts lay the groundwork for our future success.

Embrace the Dark Periods

These dark periods, filled with doubt, second-guessing, and bad drafts, are necessary. They’re the crucible where greatness is forged. Embracing the fact that you get to work on your craft alone—whether you're a sports star, an accountant, a librarian, or a stay-at-home parent—gives you a chance to grow without excuses.

Many people crave the spotlight but don’t understand its true nature. Having been in the spotlight myself, I can tell you that it magnifies your flaws and showcases who you really are. It’s not about rising to the occasion but about defaulting to the standard you’ve set through consistent, repetitive practice.

What’s Done in the Dark Comes to Light

What you do in the darkness, away from prying eyes, eventually comes to light. Your performance in the spotlight will reflect the work you've done in private. So, who are you when no one is watching? Are you planting seeds for future growth, continually striving to improve, and working diligently even when it seems no one notices?

Embrace the darkness, find areas of your life where you can grow, and plant new seeds after each harvest. The spotlight will expose either your hard work or your lack thereof. Make sure it reveals your dedication and effort.

Let's make today great by working diligently in the dark, knowing that the light will eventually shine on our efforts. Keep pushing, keep planting, and keep growing.

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