Business By Hormozi #17: Embracing the Pain: The Journey of Olivia and Ethan

In every success story, there is a period of struggle—a time when growth feels painful and progress comes at a cost. This is the story of two friends, Olivia and Ethan, whose journey reminds us that the fastest growth periods are often the most miserable. If you want progress, get used to pain.

The Early Days: Dreams and Determination

Olivia and Ethan met during college, bonding over a shared dream of creating something meaningful in their lives. Olivia was an aspiring writer, always scribbling ideas in her notebook, while Ethan dreamed of launching his own tech startup. Both were passionate and determined, but they soon learned that dreams never come easy.

They started off with enthusiasm, diving headfirst into their respective projects. Yet, as the months passed, the initial excitement gave way to long, challenging days. Olivia faced countless rejections from publishers, and Ethan struggled with endless technical setbacks and financial hurdles.

The Struggle: When Growth Hurts

As time went on, the friends found themselves at a crossroads. Olivia’s rejection letters piled up, and she began to question if her dream of becoming a successful author was worth the constant setbacks. Meanwhile, Ethan’s startup hit one obstacle after another, and every failure seemed to chip away at his confidence.

One chilly evening, while meeting at their favorite coffee shop, Olivia confessed, “Ethan, I feel like every step forward comes with a deeper wound. It’s like the more I try, the more I suffer.”

Ethan nodded in agreement. “Sometimes, it feels like the pain is all we have. But maybe that pain is what’s shaping us, forcing us to grow stronger.”

In that vulnerable moment, they realized that their struggles, as painful as they were, were the crucibles in which their future success was being forged.

The Turning Point: Embracing the Pain for Progress

Motivated by each other’s resilience, Olivia and Ethan made a conscious decision to embrace their difficulties rather than shy away from them. Olivia began to see every rejection not as a defeat, but as a stepping stone—each “no” bringing her closer to the eventual “yes.” Ethan, too, started to celebrate every setback as a lesson, understanding that the pain was simply the price of progress.

They adopted a new mantra: if you want progress, get used to pain. This mindset shift transformed their misery into fuel for growth, turning struggles into valuable experiences that propelled them forward.

The Outcome: Growth Amidst Adversity

Over time, the fruits of their perseverance began to show. Olivia’s writing evolved into a raw, captivating style that eventually caught the attention of a respected publisher. Ethan’s startup, having weathered the storm of early failures, finally launched a product that resonated with its audience, setting the stage for future success.

Their journey taught them that true growth isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about embracing it, learning from it, and using it as a catalyst for transformation. The most miserable periods, they discovered, were the ones that led to the most profound progress.

Final Thoughts: The Beauty of the Struggle

Olivia and Ethan’s story is a powerful reminder that the path to success is often paved with hardship. The fastest growth periods are often the most miserable. If you want progress, get used to pain. True transformation comes when you commit to the journey, knowing that every small, painful step is a necessary part of your evolution.

What struggles have you turned into stepping stones on your journey? Share your story in the comments below and join the conversation about the power of enduring pain for progress.