The Blog

It would be nice if things were easier. It would be nice if they were fair. It would be nice if things unfolded just as advertised. Honestly, who among us hasn’t wished for a less complicated journey through life? Icons of simplicity, the straight lines and smooth journeys we’re promised often feel more like fantasy than reality.

We all know that life doesn’t play fair. History has been a long, winding road of ups and downs, navigated with a good mix of luck, grit, and, let’s face it, a hefty dose of chaos. For some, the path is riddled with complexities and hurdles, especially for those who’ve traditionally been on the fringes, women, minorities, and marginalised groups.

There’s an old saying that captures this frustrating reality: in order to succeed, some people have to be twice as good. It’s an unsettling truth that so many of us have encountered. The expectation is clear: not only must you meet the baseline to get noticed, but you also have to jump through flaming hoops while maintaining a cheery disposition.

It’s not just marginalised groups, however. The truth is that everyone faces challenges, even those who appear relatively privileged. We’ve all heard the rules; we think we understand the game. We set our goals, lay out our plans, and roll up our sleeves, ready to tackle what lies ahead. Yet, life has a knack for throwing curveballs at the most unexpected moments.

Want to talk about a hidden fee? Think of that surprise bill at the end of the month when the car breaks down. Unexpected delays? How about the time your big presentation is derailed because the tech decided to have a meltdown? Obstacles? They’re practically guaranteed. Adversaries? Definitely lurking in the corners, waiting for you to stumble. And then there’s that ever present pitfall lurking beneath the surface, ready to trip you up when you least expect it.

It’s a wild ride, and as the Stoics remind us, that’s just how life unfolds. It’s rarely fair; one way or another, you’re often going to feel the weight of those extra challenges. Some gatekeeper, whether it’s a boss, a professor, or an evaluator of some sort, may grade you on a steeper curve than others. You’ll look around and see folks with fewer obstacles breezing through, while you’re sweating every last detail.

But, complaining about it or throwing in the towel only gives up your power. It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself when you’re being judged more harshly than others, but maybe instead of clenching your fists in frustration, you should take a deep breath and embrace the lesson.

Let’s talk about embracing adversity. The philosopher Epictetus, who certainly faced his share of misfortunes, believed that life had a funny way of pairing us with strong sparring partners, adversity being one of the tougher contenders in the ring. It’s in our battles against these challenges that we truly grow and discover our strength. The goal isn’t to just survive these tough moments; it’s to thrive and become better for it.

So, what does it mean to be “twice as good”? For starters, it means being adaptable. Life is about pivoting when necessary. If your original plan doesn’t pan out, can you adjust and find another route? Flexibility is key.

Next, it demands resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, learning from them rather than letting them defeat you. This doesn’t mean erasing your emotions or pretending that disappointments don’t sting. It means acknowledging them while also recognising that they don’t define your entire journey.

Furthermore, it’s about cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement. The famous author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, once said, “Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.” That’s the crux of being twice as good. Instead of lamenting about unfair circumstances, ask yourself how you can leverage those experiences to enhance your skills. Look for growth opportunities in your failures. This shift in perspective can have a transformative impact.

Perhaps most crucially, it’s important to surround yourself with a supportive network. Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, having people who believe in you can make a world of difference. They can offer encouragement when you feel like quitting, remind you of your strengths when you feel weak, and celebrate your victories, no matter how small.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane for just a moment. Think about some famous figures who epitomised the “twice as good” mentality. Marie Curie, for example, faced substantial gender bias in her pursuit of scientific discovery, yet she persevered, ultimately becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. How about Nelson Mandela, who endured years of imprisonment and personal sacrifice, only to emerge stronger and more committed to his cause? Both transformed adversity into catalysts for extraordinary change.

Think about a challenge you’re currently facing. What if you could view it through a different lens? Instead of seeing it as a blockade, could it be a stepping stone? Can you find a way to leverage this moment of hardship into something that will serve you and others more profoundly in the long run?

Moreover, let’s acknowledge that striving for excellence in the face of adversity doesn’t translate to perfection. Perfectionism can be paralysing, leading to a vicious cycle of self doubt and fear of failure. The goal isn’t to become infallible; rather, it’s to embrace your imperfections and allow them to humanise your journey.

Remember, too, that there will be days when you just can’t muster the energy to be twice as good. Some days will feel heavier than others, and that’s okay! Everyone feels burnt out or overwhelmed occasionally. The key is to recognise those moments and practice self compassion. Acknowledging that you’re not always at your best is a crucial part of being human, and it doesn’t diminish your efforts overall.

As you go forward in this unpredictable world, hold onto the belief that you have the capability to overcome the obstacles in your path. Adversity can be a fierce companion, but it also cultivates resilience, creativity, and strength. Lean into these qualities to navigate the ups and downs life throws your way.

In the grander scheme of things, life often requires you to summon your inner strength and display your fierceness. Every adversity you face becomes a building block, adding dimensions to your character and competence. Every time you dig deeper and push further, you carve out a clearer path for your future.

Embrace being twice as good. It’s not just about working harder; it’s about working smarter and learning from each experience. The next time you find yourself facing an uphill battle, remind yourself that this is not just an obstacle; it’s an opportunity to become the best version of yourself.

So, the next time you hear “twice as good,” remember: it’s not a condemnation, but a challenge. It’s an invitation to rise up, get creative, and outsmart the barriers that life throws your way. It’s about seeing the obstacle as the opportunity to grow, and in doing so, you just might find that you’re capable of more than you ever thought possible.

In a world that demands more from so many, the notion of being “twice as good” isn’t just a guideline; it’s a life philosophy that demands resilience, adaptability, and a never ending thirst for improvement. Life may not always be fair, but how we respond to its challenges is entirely in our hands. Let’s face them head on, striving to rise above with grace, strength, and the undeniable spirit of perseverance. Remember, whether the deck is stacked against you or the path is clearer than ever, you have what it takes to push through and come out stronger on the other side.