Everyone cheers for the winner. 
But the real story of success?
It starts far from the spotlight.
Adam Karr shares the hidden truths about success:
The “Will to Win” vs. “Will to Practice”
The “Will to Win” is what drives us to dream big:
- Become a champion.
- Build a thriving business.
- Achieve greatness.
But the “Will to Practice” is where the magic happens:
- The daily grind.
- The quiet, unglamorous work.
- Showing up consistently, even when no one is watching.
Success isn’t about wanting the outcome.
It’s about earning it.
Proof it Works: Real Stories of Practice Paying Off
# 1. Stephen King: Writing Every Day
The Dream: To be a published author.
The Reality: Living in a trailer, working odd jobs.
King wrote every day after long shifts.
His first manuscript, Carrie, was rejected 30 times.
When he threw it away, his wife rescued it and told him to keep going.
The Result?
Carrie became a bestseller.
Even today, King writes daily. Discipline over dreams.
# 2. Sarah Blakely: Building Spanx from Scratch
The Dream: Solve a simple problem for women.
The Reality: Zero experience in fashion or business.
As a door-to-door fax machine salesperson, Sarah:
- Designed prototypes at night.
- Faced countless rejections.
- Practiced her pitch obsessively.
The Result?
Spanx became a billion-dollar brand.
Success rooted in relentless practice.
# 3. Bethany Hamilton: From Shark Attack to World-Class Surfer
At 13, Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack.
Her dream? To keep surfing.
One month after the accident, she was back on the board.
She practiced relentlessly:
- Adapting her style.
- Relearning balance and paddling.
The Result?
Bethany became a world-class surfer and an inspiration to millions.
The Trap of “Wanting” Without “Practicing”
Dreaming about success is easy.
But the “Will to Win” isn’t enough.
Without the “Will to Practice,” you:
Quit when it gets hard.
Chase shortcuts.
Never master your craft.
Success isn’t built on wanting the trophy.
It’s built on earning it, day by day.
Why the “Will to Practice” Matters More
It’s not sexy, but it works.
- Builds Discipline: Daily habits strengthen resilience.
- Fosters Growth: Each session compounds over time.
- Prepares for Adversity: Practice equips you to handle setbacks.
Greatness isn’t one big moment—it’s the result of thousands of small ones.
How to Cultivate the Will to Practice
- Shift Your Mindset: Find joy in the grind, not just the goal.
- Create a Routine: Consistency > Motivation.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Progress beats perfection.
- Obsess Over Mastery: Push limits, explore new methods.
- Surround Yourself with Excellence: Iron sharpens iron.
The Secret of Greatness
The “Will to Win” might inspire you to start.
But it’s the “Will to Practice” that helps you finish.
Success is built in the quiet, uncelebrated hours.
Fall in love with the process—and success will chase you.
This post was inspired by Shane Parrish's interview with Adam Karr for The Knowledge Project Podcast.
