There seems to be discussion about going hard, about suffering, and the willingness to put oneself in that horrible place. Some do it routinely. Others must be coaxed and punch the card occasionally. Others fake it altogether, and seem to only go hard when no one else is around, though later we all hear about how ugly it was.

Our team is unusual because there is no shortage of people who give it everything, who will suffer and be transformed by it. There are no standouts. Everyone is willing. We refuse to work with people who have not already done the work on their own, or anyone unwilling to rise to the level of those around them. The team is unique because we impose standards, not of "accomplishment" rather of attitude and willingness to work and grow, of commitment, of effort.

Sometimes I hear people complain about how the lack of effort and intensity on their team influences the quality of their own effort. It's true. We become what we hang around. Worse, we become what we do. And if we let the indolent drag us down sooner or later we join them. In the end, our team was built to escape from that inevitability, and in here you will find people willing to work and be present, to be honest about their capacities and goals, their failings and their triumphs. In short, through trial and error we have cultivated a group of good people. We do not want to be in relationship with any other kind. Life is very short. We are fortunate.

Go hard or go home!!!