No Loss, No Gloss

We've all heard the saying, "No pain, no gain." I would like to introduce a new saying:

No Loss, No Gloss

When I first tell people this, I can always count on a look of confusion on their faces. Let's break it down.

Think of a polished stone. It's shiny, beautiful. But it didn't emerge from nature that way. It started as a rough stone with jagged edges, most likely broken from a larger stone. It ended up in a stream or river and was repeatedly pounded by and against other rocks in the current. One by one, each jagged edge was broken off, resulting in a smoother and rounder surface. Then it was immersed in sand, and the shifting currents over seasons refined the surface.

What did it take to turn an ugly stone into a refined river rock? Loss. Loss of all of the rough edges.

What do you need to lose to improve your gloss?

"I don't need to lose anything! I can simply add a layer of cement or epoxy to the surface to become smooth. I can just cover my rough surface." 

But these facades will chip and fade over time. The smooth surface needs to be continuous to the core. So I ask again:

What do you need to lose to improve your gloss?

- Maybe it's a small yet annoying habit. 

- Maybe it's baggage you've been carrying around since childhood. 

- Maybe it's an outdated way of thinking about the world.  

You know best. You're loved ones also know too, if you dare ask them.

Sometimes we focus too much on "what more do I need?" and not enough on "what do I need to lose?"

No Loss, No Gloss