Business By Hormozi #21: The Story of Jake and Ryan: The Power of Trying Harder

Jake and Ryan had been best friends since childhood, always pushing each other to be better. But as they grew older, their paths began to diverge—not because of their abilities, but because of their attitudes toward effort.

Jake believed in giving his best no matter what, while Ryan often hesitated, fearing that effort without guaranteed success might be a waste of time.

One day, life gave them both a challenge that tested their beliefs.

Different Reactions to the Same Opportunity

Jake’s Relentless Effort

Jake had always dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. When he got the chance to train with a renowned coach, he took it seriously. He woke up before sunrise, practiced for hours, and pushed his limits daily—even when no one was watching. His progress was slow, but he never doubted that every extra effort counted.

Ryan’s Hesitation

Ryan, on the other hand, had a talent for music but often held himself back. When he had the chance to perform at a big event, he hesitated. "What if I mess up? What if I put in all this effort and it leads nowhere?" His doubts kept him from practicing as hard as he could, and eventually, he withdrew from the event, convincing himself it wasn’t meant to be.

The Moment of Truth

Years later, Jake and Ryan met again. Jake had achieved his dream—he wasn’t the most naturally gifted athlete, but his relentless effort had made him one of the best. Meanwhile, Ryan regretted all the chances he had let slip away.

"I wish I had pushed myself more," Ryan admitted. "I was always waiting for the right moment, but I see now that the right moment never comes unless you make it."

Jake simply smiled and said, "No one has ever regretted trying harder."

A Lesson Learned

That conversation changed Ryan. He finally understood that success isn’t about having the perfect opportunity—it’s about making the most of whatever chance you have. He decided to start again, not fearing effort, but embracing it.

It took time, but Ryan eventually built the music career he once thought was impossible.

Final Thoughts: The One Effort You’ll Never Regret

Jake and Ryan’s story is a reminder that we rarely regret giving our best—but we often regret holding back.

When faced with doubt, push harder. When tempted to quit, keep going. Because in the end…

“No one has ever regretted trying harder.”