I though this was a common saying attributable to someone else
(but nothing came up on my google search)

Nevertheless, it shares a well worn principle

When I have buckled-down to do something which could have been avoided, deferred or ignored
the results were often memorable and rewarding

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.”
[Quoting Reverend Phillips Brooks, during Remarks at Presidential Prayer Breakfast, February 7 1963]”

― John F. Kennedy