In computer programming and software development, everything is binary. Sure, we may program conditional statements of if this happens, then do this and if that happens, then do that. However, at the end of the day, it’s still a binary decision of having to do one thing or the other. It’s a series of 0s and 1s.

Why do we, as people, love to live in the gray? We love the “nuisance” that keeps us from progressing toward what we know is right in order to appease those who don’t stand firm on any particular position. Some people will say, “You are too extreme.” Well, I personally love being extreme. I want to be extremely successful in all the things that I do. I put in the work even when I don’t want to do it. One of the most important things I’ve learned from Jocko Willink and David Goggins is motivation is crap. Discipline is everything. To quote Jocko, “Discipline equals Freedom.”

There are so many people in life who will hold you back, whether intentionally or non-intentionally, from accomplishing all of your goals and reaching your true potential. They will tell you to pace yourself. They will tell you not to be too extreme in your work, or in your diet, or in your workouts, or in your hobbies. They will encourage you to have a “work/life balance.”

Personally, I remove myself from people who have that type of mentality. Most of the people who share that mentality do not have the results in their lives that I want for myself. My mentality is to put my best effort into the things that I choose to do; into the things that I want to be successful in. I have to be the best version of myself. I believe for those who want to be successful, we must be extreme in our careers, hobbies, education (whatever form it may come in), relationships, and in life in general. 

To me, everything is “work” anyways. Time is our most valuable asset and resource. I don’t want to lose any of it. Therefore I take an extreme work ethic for the company that employs me making sure I provide them the best quality of work I possibly can. However, I also take extreme work ethic for my jiu-jitsu training. It doesn’t stop there though. I am extreme in the support I provide for my wife to make sure she is always in a good place and has everything that she needs. The same concept goes for the things I decide to learn, the people I allow to be in my life, and so forth. So one may ask how or when do I enjoy life? Maybe that’s the difference. I enjoy the work. I enjoy the journey. The results are just a representation of the work I put in.

At the end of the day, we all have a choice to make. Regardless of whether we choose to make binary decisions or wander in the gray forest of indecisiveness and emotional decision-making, our outcomes will always be binary. Our work ethic will be reflected in our results.