"المجد هو أن تكون سعيداً. المجد ليس في الفوز هنا أو هناك. المجد هو الاستمتاع بالتدريب ومحاولة أن تكون لاعباً أفضل مما كنت من قبل."

Being happy is what truly matters. It’s not about grabbing trophies or clinching victories here and there. The real magic lies in the journey, in the everyday grind, in the pursuit of becoming a better version of yourself. Think about it—ever noticed how some people seem genuinely content just working on their craft? That’s the essence of what this quote gets at.

Now, let’s rewind history a bit. This idea isn't new. Remember the ancient Greek philosophers? They often talked about the importance of finding fulfillment in the process, not just the outcome. More recently, this sentiment has been echoed by many athletes and artists who emphasize that the joy is in the daily practice, in the moments of growth and improvement, not necessarily in the final accolades.

Imagine a young basketball player, Emma. She dreams of playing in the WNBA someday. Every morning, she wakes up at the crack of dawn to practice her free throws. She misses many at first, but gradually she gets better. Her friends might be sleeping in or watching TV, but Emma finds joy in those quiet, solitary mornings on the court. It’s not about the future glory of the WNBA for her; it’s about the small victories—each swish of the net, each disciplined morning, each drop of sweat.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First off, shift your focus. Sure, goals are great—they give you direction. But don’t let the endgame consume you. Find joy in the steps you take along the way. If you’re learning a new language, celebrate mastering a tricky verb tense. If you’re training for a marathon, relish each run, each moment your feet hit the pavement.

Here’s a relatable scenario. Picture Alex, a budding chef. He dreams of opening his own restaurant one day. But for now, he’s a line cook in a busy kitchen. It’s hectic—orders flying in, plates crashing, the head chef yelling. Yet Alex loves it. Not because he’s winning awards or getting recognition, but because each night he’s learning. Maybe tonight he finally perfects that béchamel sauce or gets the timing just right on a perfectly seared steak. He’s driven by the passion for cooking, for improving his skills, not just the distant dream of owning a restaurant.

Next time you’re chasing a goal, take a moment to appreciate the journey. It’s easy to get lost in the chase for success, to think that happiness is a future reward. But remember, the grind is where the real joy hides. The hours you spend honing your craft, the mistakes you learn from, the little improvements you notice—these are the true rewards.

Let’s be honest, life’s too short to only find happiness in the big wins. The real glory is in the everyday moments, the daily efforts, and the relentless pursuit of bettering yourself. So, next time you’re practicing whatever it is you’re passionate about, smile. Because right there, in that moment, you’re living the glory.