Discovering Your Shit Sandwich

Embrace the grind.

A “shit sandwich” is a metaphor for those unavoidable, undesirable parts of our pursuits that we need to accept if we want to enjoy the sweeter aspects. It’s about finding a tough task that you don’t just tolerate but actively enjoy, even if it’s challenging.

Embracing your personal shit sandwich means recognizing the hard work you’re willing to endure for something you sincerely care about. Take my podcast, Remarkable People. Hours of prep, research, and editing go into each episode. But connecting with remarkable people and learning their stories? That’s pure gold!

Identify Your Shit Sandwich

Find what others might consider a chore but excites you. Like Mark Manson says, everyone has their unique struggles they secretly relish. For some, it’s the art of writing, for others, it’s mastering spreadsheets. Years of writing books taught me to love the painstaking process of editing, turning a perceived downside into a passion.

Turn Failure into Fertilizer

Think of setbacks as fertilizer for personal growth. Suzy Batiz, the creator of Poo-Pourri, epitomizes this philosophy. Her life’s toughest moments became the nutrient-rich soil from which her success grew. So next time you’re knee-deep in life’s compost, remember that it’s fuel for future flowering.

Reframe Your Sacrifices

Shift your perspective, and you’ll find remarkable freedom. The real question isn’t what delights you but what tasks are difficult and require sacrifice that you warmly embrace. Struggles transform into stepping stones when you view them as the price of pursuing your calling. Consider them the unique challenges that make life and career worth it.

Stay Enthusiastic

Maintain energy and enthusiasm as you navigate hardships. Take it from Kristi Yamaguchi, who began in twelfth place but ascended to Olympic champion status. Her perseverance illustrates the vital role enthusiasm plays in identifying your shit sandwiches and succeeding in life and work.

Conclusion

As Steve Jobs said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish”—and I’ll add, “Stay willing to take on the tough stuff.” Every remarkable achievement comes with its price tag of persistence. The question isn’t whether you’ll face challenges; it’s which ones you’ll choose to master. From product demos to writing books to building communities, I’ve learned that embracing the hard parts leads to the sweetest victories.

Until next time, relish every bite!

Guy