Dear Fortitude family,

Welcome back to my midweek motivation! Each day and week brings its own set of experiences and inspirations, compelling me to share my thoughts with all of you.

Man, when I saw this tweet, I simply couldn’t resist writing about it. It was a powerful perspective offered by the great Jerry Seinfeld: “Find the torture you are comfortable with.” This sentiment draws a parallel with all great athletes, entertainers, and achievers in the world who are deeply passionate about what they do. These individuals go well beyond the status quo and make immense sacrifices to reach the pinnacle of their fields simply because it’s their blessing in life; they found the torture they’re comfortable with.

Not to belabor the point, but I also couldn't continue writing without highlighting that the author of the tweet links Jerry's quote to a saying by another legend, Paul Graham: “What are you excessively curious about — to a degree that would bore most other people? That's what you're looking for.”

I like to believe that for athletes and elite achievers, both of the above quotes ring true. However, sometimes we lose sight of what initially propelled us into our respective fields. Before the recognition, money, and accolades, we pursued our passions simply because we loved them. These endeavors didn't feel torturous; on the contrary, we engaged in them with such joy and enthusiasm that others might have deemed us insane. However, it’s easy for this mindset to get lost in the shuffle.

As we grow and evolve, so do our tolerances and passions. What might have been an unbearable task in the past becomes a challenge we are eager to overcome. We develop resilience and a deeper understanding of our craft, learning to embrace even the most uncomfortable aspects with open arms. This evolution of mindset is what truly delineates the good from the great.

Now, It's crucial to dissect what Jerry Seinfeld is saying here, with torture being the operative word. Success isn’t always about sunshine and rainbows. While passion and love are significant drivers, the discipline to do the necessary yet unappealing tasks is also crucial. For example, football players love playing on game day, but they may not enjoy the extra 40+ hours of watching film, spending countless hours in the training room and rehab, or excessively lifting weights. However, they willingly endure these 'torturous' activities to perform at the highest level. Having lived through this, I can assure you these things feel tortuous to most. So the question is: What's the 'torture' you're willing to endure? Can you bear the pain in your sport, profession, or company that others can't? What brings you so much joy that you'd willingly do things that seem insane to the common person?

As Paul Graham articulates, if you're not curious about something to a degree that would bore most people, perhaps you're not in the right field. Alternatively, you must reconcile with the fact that you may never excel in your chosen endeavor — and that’s okay! Just don’t expect greatness without the requisite curiosity and passion.

Warm regards,

Colin Jonov CEO & Founder, Athletic Fortitude