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.

Michael (OneTwenty) Herrington

Some of the best art is born out of struggle. It’s like a duck moving effortlessly across the water — calm on the surface, working like hell underneath. When I first picked up a camera I ended up homeless a few months later. I HAD to make it work. So when I see great work now, I don’t just see what’s in front of me. Read more>>

Harry Grammer

Suffering taught me what success never could: what actually matters when nothing is guaranteed. Success rewards performance. Suffering reveals truth. When I was homeless, there was no audience, no validation, no metrics. No one was impressed by effort. No one was watching. And that’s where the real lessons live. I learned that identity collapses quickly when it’s built on roles, income, or momentum. Read more>>

Amy Sems

I think suffering has made me able to appreciate the times when things are going “smoothly.” I don’t think I would be as grateful for those times if I hadn’t suffered. Suffering has also taught me patience and perseverance and helped me to get my focus on what is truly important. Suffering simplifies what really matters. Read more>>