What did suffering teach you that success never could?

With all the focus on success it’s easy to overlook the valuable lessons we can learn from the more difficult parts of our journey. Below, you’ll find some very interesting insights from some of the most fascinating members of the community.

Ryan Murphy

I’m not the first or the last person to recognize that suffering can allow great opportunity for one to appreciate what they have and build resiliency. So I won’t focus on those particular lessons that suffering has offered to me. Instead, I’d like to reflect on how suffering has taught me more about myself than I think success ever will. Read more>>

Jessie Morgan

Suffering taught me resilience, patience, and humility in ways that success never could. It showed me who I truly am when everything feels uncertain, when doors close, or when I feel lost. Success feels good, but suffering shapes character—it teaches you to trust the process, lean on your faith, and find strength you didn’t know you had. Read more>>

Maryam Ardalan

Suffering taught me empathy that lives in my body, not just my mind. I came to the U.S. at six years old with my parents and younger brother, I didn’t speak English, and my parents were in their early twenties with nothing. I watched them struggle to provide a better life for me and my brother. Read more>>

Corey La Rue

Suffering stripped everything away until all that was left was truth. Success taught me I could win. The accident taught me I could lose everything-my arm, my mobility, my old life- and still choose to get up. Read more>>

Jill deRusch

I would say suffering taught me that I can handle so much more than I remember a lot of the time. I don’t really have to be nervous about anything, I already know how to handle the worst. Read more>>

Erik Scott Chan

Success shows you what is possible. It teaches you how to enjoy the moment and celebrate progress. Suffering teaches you to persevere. It sharpens awareness, deepens empathy, and forces growth in ways comfort never will. It teaches you to appreciate the wins in ways success never could. Read more>>