The Pain You Choose Defines Your Purpose
This quote by Philip Santus emphasizes the importance of understanding the cost and commitment behind pursuing one’s desires. Let’s break it down into sections:
1. “What pain do you want in your life?”
- This section challenges us to reflect on the difficulties we are willing to endure.
- Every worthwhile goal comes with its own set of struggles, sacrifices, or discomforts. For example, achieving financial success may require long hours of work and overcoming setbacks.
- The phrase suggests that choosing one’s pain—or being deliberate about the challenges we take on—allows us to grow and move toward meaningful goals, rather than avoiding discomfort altogether.
- It acknowledges that life is not free of pain but asks us to embrace the pain that aligns with our purpose.
2. “What are you willing to struggle for?”
- This section dives deeper into the concept of commitment and sacrifice.
- It asks a question of personal values: What dreams or goals are important enough that you’re willing to face hardships for them?
- Struggle here isn’t seen as something to avoid but as an indicator of how much we value something. For instance, building a strong relationship requires navigating conflicts, just as mastering a skill demands time and effort.
- By identifying what you’re willing to struggle for, you reveal your true priorities and where your passion lies.
Combined Meaning
Together, these two lines form a profound insight: happiness, success, or fulfillment isn’t found by avoiding pain but by choosing the struggles that align with your purpose. The willingness to embrace challenges is what ultimately leads to a meaningful life.
In essence, Philip Santus encourages us to reflect on our choices and ensure they are rooted in intentionality, resilience, and clarity about what truly matters.
