Pain is Temporary, Regret is Forever

Growth isn’t always comfortable, but neither is regret. Every time we push ourselves past our limits, there’s discomfort—it’s part of the process. But here’s the thing: that pain is temporary. Whether you’re an artist grinding through long hours, a musician struggling to get that perfect take, or a filmmaker trying to bring a vision to life, the challenges won’t last forever. What does last forever is the regret of looking back and realizing you didn’t give it your all. No one wants to wonder, What if I had just gone for it?

I’ve learned this firsthand. There were times when I hesitated, times when I doubted whether I had what it took to succeed. But every time I pushed through, I realized that the struggle was just a stepping stone—not a wall. From learning to play the guitar as a kid in the Bronx to stepping into the world of filmmaking, I saw that progress only comes when you embrace the challenge, not run from it. And now, with The John Henry Soto Show, my co-host George Batista and I push this same message: show up, do the work, and don’t let temporary discomfort keep you from greatness.

So how do you avoid regret? First, take action now. Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment—it doesn’t exist. Second, embrace failure as part of success. Every misstep is a lesson that moves you forward. Third, surround yourself with people who push you to be better. When you're around driven, passionate people, it’s impossible to stay stuck. The pain of discipline is temporary, but the regret of inaction lasts forever. Which one are you choosing today?

Posted by John Henry Soto at 8:30 AM

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