While watching media coverage leading up to Game 5 of the NBA Finals, I heard a powerful quote by Phoenix Suns Head Coach, Monty Williams.

Williams told his team:

“Everything you want is on the other side of hard.”

Unfortunately for Williams, the quote did not propel the Suns to a win in Game 5.

But it struck me as a message we all needed to hear at this moment.

The last sixteen months have been hard.

Mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

The lockdowns forced us outside of our comfort zones.

With so much uncertainty, we were left to focus on what was in our control.

This opened us up to facing hard truths we had ignored for years.

Truths related to our careers, relationships, and general wellness.

Many made hard decisions about careers and relationships that were no longer serving them — others sheltered for cover.

Yet with lockdowns ending, our momentum is now at risk.

Your ego will once again tempt you to sacrifice what really matters.

Especially, now that most of your short-term pleasures have returned.

But you now know the challenges of life will continue to come whether you prepare or not.

You can pay now and play later, or play now and pay later.

It is always your choice.

If you are someone who has been putting in the work:

You may currently be discouraged because the results have not come as quickly as expected.

Don’t be; that is your ego begging you to go back to comfort.

But you know your long-term rewards will not come from going back to what’s easy.

So don’t stop doing the hard stuff.