Rock Bottom Isn’t Required
Rock bottom isn’t required to start anew.
Rock bottom isn’t required to want change.
Rock bottom isn’t required to desire more for yourself.
There is a common mantra in the world of personal development that resonates with a lot of people that, if taken as gospel, is dangerous to those that aren’t at the end of their rope:
Your breakdown will lead to your breakthrough.
If read through a certain lens, some people may see the breakdown as a requirement for creating a major breakthrough in life.
But it’s not required.
I promise.
You can choose to change out of desperation.
-OR-
You can choose to change out of inspiration.
You can have no other option besides getting better.
-OR-
You can see the abundance of options before you and desire the opportunity to improve.
Just because it could be worse doesn’t mean that it can’t get better.
You can have empathy for someone who is experiencing their rock bottom in a very real way.
But don’t let that stop you from wanting to expand your world, try new things, and level up your own life. It won’t make their life any better if you choose to set aside your best life because you’d feel guilty having it in the presence of their rock bottom.
Don’t believe the hype that you need to have your back against the wall to commit to an amazing evolution of self.
You could find yourself in the middle of a life you’re content with and be smacked in the face with a reason to become a better version of you.
For me it was my wife.
And then my daughter.
And then the prospect of creating a life that would be amazing for our little family.
Nothing was wrong with my life before I started the journey to get me here.
But I’m ecstatic that I didn’t wait for my rock bottom to decide to become the man that I am today.
Rock bottom isn’t required.
I promise.
-Nick Matiash
Comments
Another great post Nick,
I have thought about this idea a lot as well and and believe that in most cases people don’t realize or even see they are headed for rock bottom, until it hits them smack in the face like the 2×4 to Chris Farley in Tommy Boy.
Dave Ramsey talked me something about his story of hitting rock bottom with loosing millions and a day away from loosing his home. That once you hit rock bottom you learn a very important lesson, a bottom exists. You can stand even, get back up and walk on your own free will.
I think for some the narrative we repeat in our heads doesn’t change until we hit that bottom and the impact forces a new track to start playing.
But on the other hand, it doesn’t have to take that bottom to drive results as you point out. It can begin with a simple recognition that tomorrow is a brand new day and its yours.
Love the message!