Why the Best in the World Actually "Love" the Struggle

Why the Best in the World Actually "Love" the Struggle

In a world obsessed with "quiet quitting" and avoiding burnout, we often lose sight of what it actually takes to achieve world-class results. I recently came across a powerful clip of Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu, and her perspective on pain is a masterclass for any leader, entrepreneur, or professional.

When asked about her grueling training sessions—the constant falls, the harness, the exhaustion—she said something that stopped me in my tracks:

"I actually love struggling. It makes me feel alive."

This isn’t just about sports; it’s a blueprint for anyone navigating the "Minsky Moments" or the "Saaspocalypses" of their own industry. Here are three leadership lessons we can draw from Alysa’s mindset:

1. The "One More" Rule (Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation)

In the footage, even when her coaches tell her a session is good enough, Alysa insists: "One more. One more.".
The Lesson: True champions aren't driven by a boss or a quota. They have an internal "determination dial" that is permanently set to its highest level. If you need someone else to push you, you’ve already lost the race.

2. The Alchemy of the "Struggle"

Most people view struggle as a sign that something is wrong. Alysa views it as a sign that she is becoming. As Megyn Kelly notes in the video, it is the "constant pounding" and pursuit of perfection that differentiates a gold medalist from everyone else.

The Lesson: In business, the "struggle"—whether it’s a liquidity crunch or a pivot in your business model—is where the real value is created. It is the "friction" that polishes the diamond.

3. Resilience Through Reinvention

Alysa’s journey wasn't a straight line. She actually left the sport for two years because the pressure (on someone else’s terms) became too much. But she came back and reinvented the sport on her terms.

The Lesson: Success isn’t about never falling; it’s about having the confidence to know you can get back up because you’ve "done the extra jumps."

The Bottom Line:

Whether you are managing a fund or training for the Olympics, the principle remains the same: Any success will involve a lot of struggle. Don’t run to "safe spaces" when the market gets tough. Embrace the friction. It’s the only way to become a "superhero" in your field.