The Secret To Pursuing Your Dreams

I've been working really hard lately, which is equal parts energizing and exhausting. It feels like there are so many things that I need to do. There are so many sacrifices that need to be made. And I already feel like I've been doing this forever.

I was in the middle of one of these moments and texted a comedian friend of mine who is one of the hardest workers I know. It went like this:

“Me: Sometimes I get frustrated because I know I’ve worked hard. I know I’ve done so much. And I just want to be at the enjoy-yourself-and-relax-a-second part.

Him: Yeah... That’s how it goes until you get here.

Me: I’m tired!!!!

Him: Well... You got a prob.”

The frankness of this was not what I was expecting. I think I was hoping for a "don't give up" or some story of how he gets through it himself. Maybe a trick of the trade. Honestly, I probably wanted to be told that I was an amazing talent and shouldn't give up.

But then I let that settle for a minute. Maybe that is his trick of the trade. Oh, you're tired? Then this isn't going to work out for you. No candy coated inspirational nonsense or totally valueless cheerleading. No quotes you could find on a fortune cookie. Just the real shit. How do I keep going? I keep going.

I've known this man for years and I've seen how his hard work has been gradually paying off and building up momentum. Recently, that work has started to really hit on that promise we are all striving towards. He works longer, harder hours than anyone else I know and still has a big social life. It's awe inspiring. As frustrated as we can get with each other, I have a very deep respect for him.

I don't know what his secret is or how he can get up early every morning and after working all night and still be on his game. There's seriously part of me that believes he is an actual vampire. That's not even a joke. That is a real thing that I've told people.

Assuming that he is not a vampire, what is his secret? I think the secret is that there is no secret. I think he was telling me to stop looking for a shortcut, because there isn't one. What's ahead is more road and a lot of it.

So keep walking. Even when you're tired.