The real edge? Discomfort tolerance

Excellence has less to do with talent than most people think.

Most people mistake discomfort as a sign they’re doing something wrong. The great ones? They take it as proof they’re heading in the right direction.

That hard conversation. That uncertain decision. That moment where nothing’s clear and the stakes feel high?

That’s the work.

We like to dress excellence up as brilliance or talent. More often, it’s just grit in disguise. A willingness to stay in the hard parts longer than others. To keep going when it’s not glamorous or clear or immediately rewarding.

Pain tolerance. Focus under pressure. Choosing consistency when adrenaline fades.

That’s where the edge is - not in genius, but in what you’re willing to lean into when others pull back.

Here’s the twist: it’s not just about enduring the discomfort. It’s about learning to respect it. Maybe even enjoy it.

The truth is discomfort is rarely a threat. It’s a threshold.

Those who learn to stay there longer? They build something the rest only admire from a distance.