If You Pray for Rain, You Have To Accept the Mud

BY: TONY RONCHI

“If you pray for rain, you have to accept the mud.”

A fitting quote with endless depth. When catching up with a fellow entrepreneur friend, this was his response when asked how he was doing. Despite his measurable success, I was reminded that entrepreneurship is more of a partnership with dualities than certainty. And we must embrace that reality, not avoid it.

Many of us pray for life-changing outcomes. The farmer prays for rain, the gym owner for a busload of new members.

The universe delivers, but rarely packaged as expected. This isn’t meant to be esoteric — I’ve been shoulder-deep in mud myself!

In my work with many of you, I’ve seen “prayers” answered with unexpected caveats. Like the farmer who finds himself cursing as his tractor sinks into the mud after a summer of drought.

I share this as a reminder: You’re likely right where you unknowingly asked to be. These challenges are simply the mud that follows the rain you prayed for.

You are on track.

Before wishing away the mud, remember what preceded it. Let’s work with the mud — the alternative is worse.