Sisyphean vs Herculean.

Most of us are familiar with the tale of Sisyphus, right?
The guy who was condemned to endlessly push a boulder up a hill in Hades… And any time he came close to the summit, the boulder would roll back down to the bottom… All due to Sisyphus tricking the gods many times, until he basically tricked the wrong one, which was Zeus.

I bring him up because a lot of people tend to use his name and the boulder story to represent training, as in you must struggle and push to reach the top, with the knowledge that there will be times that you may have to take a couple steps back or restart entirely.
The problem is they tend to leave out the part that he never actually reaches the top and is condemned to repeat the same task over and over again.

Although parts of it are true when compared to training, I personally believe that this is the wrong story to be idolizing.

His journey ultimately means nothing. Regardless of whether he changes his tactics or believes in himself…
He cannot learn anything new. Nothing from pushing the boulder will translate to his life or, ultimately, him as a person…
He is never going to reach the top. No matter how hard he pushes, no matter how strong he becomes, and no matter what…
He cannot change the outcome. The growth that should come from struggle and defining moments will be lost in the endless loop…

Okay, I know that was getting a bit dark, but I want to drive home that both the journey and the outcome have to ultimately mean something. They are synergistic, if you will.

Meaning:
Without a desired goal, you have no reason to do anything, and without struggle and those defining moments along the way, that outcome is hollow.

Training is an endless struggle, yes.
However, the difference between training and the boulder is that if you embrace it and develop from those defining moments, not only will you reach an outcome, but it will be rewarding.

So instead of following a Sisyphean (impossible to complete and ultimately a waste of time) mindset, maybe it's time to look towards a Herculean (monumental and grueling, but fruitful through strength and perseverance) mindset.

Because it's not about pushing and working as hard as possible endlessly. Some of the greatest outliers in history have learned that it's about both the process and the result. They had to adjust where needed and learn. For there will always be another goal or outcome… not to mention, there will always be hardship and pain with every new journey.

Though thankfully, if you understand this, and treat your process with that Herculean attitude, you will always get better, become stronger, and reach your goals.

Don't forget to encompass your training and mindset around these simple guidelines:
Work Hard. Study Well. Eat & Sleep Plenty.

The difference is one is more personalized and the other is general, though they both will yield results!

Train smart, but never forget to train hard.