Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

My previous newsletter covered measuring yourself on effort over results. Now, let’s think about where we put that effort.

I retired from track and field at 28 years old. In other words, I retired when athletes are supposed to be hitting their peak years.

I didn’t retire because of injury, illness, or because I wasn’t good enough. I chose to retire at my physical peak for one simple reason.

The juice wasn’t worth the squeeze.

What Do I Mean by That?

When I say the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze, I mean that the effort I was putting in wasn’t worth the potential reward I’d get at the end.

I didn’t want to destroy myself every day in the quest for a medal, like I had been doing. The maths didn't add up. Losing myself wasn’t worth it anymore.

I rarely enjoyed the daily pain of training, but I endured it because I thought success was all that mattered. In my early 20s, I believed the juice was worth the squeeze.

At 28 years old, for the first time, I actually questioned why I was running anymore. I found that my reasons were tied to external perception and pressure, there was no real reason as to why I wanted to run. Once I figured that out, it became clear that the juice was not worth the squeeze.

Which meant that it was time to move on.

A Story Worth Telling

This reminds me of a documentary that’s always stuck with me.

The Marinovich Project, one of ESPN’s 30 for 30 episodes.

It tells the story of Todd Marinovich, a quarterback engineered for greatness from birth. His father, Marv, a former pro football player and renowned trainer, dedicated himself to creating the perfect athlete. Every detail of Todd’s upbringing was designed for one purpose: to excel on the field. And for a while, it worked. He set records, became a Heisman contender at USC, and was drafted in the first round by the Raiders. But just two years later, he was out of the NFL, lost and searching for an identity beyond the game.

When you watch it, you’ll see this is an example of the juice and the squeeze, as well as many other important lessons. But the question is, did Todd ever stop to ask if the effort was worth the reward? Life is too demanding not to understand the purpose behind your suffering.

One quote from Todd has always stood out to me:

It’s a question worth asking. From a young age, we’re often pushed toward what we’re good at, praised for our ‘potential’ abilities, and steered in a direction that seems obvious. But do we ever stop to ask if it’s what we actually want and if we are willing to pay the price?

And how could we? When we’re young, we lack the perspective to question whether we’re pursuing something because it fulfills us, or simply because it’s expected.

How Does This Apply to You?

At some point, you’re going to have to do things that come at a cost. That cost could be anything. From your time to your health, from not seeing loved ones enough to your finances. Most goals you have will take a pound of flesh.

At those times, ask yourself: Is the juice worth the squeeze?

Is what you get, or could realistically get, out of something, worth what you’re putting in? If the answer is no, then it’s time to question it.

This doesn’t mean panicking, making snap decisions, or questioning every decision you’ve made. But it does mean taking the time to consider what you could change. What could make the juice worth the squeeze?

It’s not a question of whether you want to make tough decisions, endure difficult times, or be successful in the pursuit of a lofty goal.

It’s a question of whether the path you’re on and the target you’re chasing are the right ones. And whether they’re worth the cost that comes with them.

And if they’re not, it’s time to find the courage needed to make a change.

Until next time,
Jack

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