Forged in Fire

Some weeks, ideas and writing inspiration are at an absolute surplus.

Other times, I find myself struggling to decide on a blog-post topic. This has been one of those weeks. Without any real understanding of why this might be, I’ve decided to take the concept itself and run with it. 

Just like with anything else, there are inevitable ebbs and flows. Motivation comes and it goes. I’ve talked about this A LOT at this point. Like here and here. 

The comparison I’ve decided to draw in this specific instance is one that I’ve touched on before, being the ups and downs I’ve experienced over my several years in the running space. The times in which there is a fire burning at an all-time high, and the mileage stacks up effortlessly, contrasted with the (sometimes months at a time) where I, for one reason or another, drag myself through the bare minimum.

Small injuries, jam-packed schedules, and twisted sleep schedules, among many others, are surely factors at play in said phenomena, right?

Right.

But, what does that really mean? Why is it that I, and you, struggle with absolute consistency, in anything that we do?

Simply stated: it’s human nature. We’re hardwired to avoid struggle. But – as I’ve grown to understand, within anything worth pursuing there is sure to be a fair amount of struggle. Achieving physical feats, building a business, maintaining a strong and healthy marriage and family – all incredibly rewarding things in this life that we are capable of attaining, and also filled with immense levels of physical and mental strife.

It’s all inevitable. The trials, the tribulations, the hard times and the moments where we’re left wondering why, or how, or when. 

The sooner we come to grips with this, the sooner we’re set free. The more resolute our understanding becomes, in the power of our mind to both shut us down and to carry us through, depending on the moment in time, the more accomplished we can look to become. 

Those who have achieved major successes in this life, will all echo this very sentiment. This much I can say with certainty. Such as the great Lou Holtz, former NFL Head coach and Television Analyst:

“Show me someone who has done anything worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.”

All of this to say – I’ve been down. You’ve been down. Maybe you’re there right now. 

The greatest ____ that has ever lived, (Entrepreneur, Athlete, Soldier, Chef, Attorney .. you name it!) … They’ve been down, too. 

The difference between them and the opposition? In the moment(s) of struggle, as they’re down on their knees and they’re up against it, they, one way or another, pull themselves back to their feet. Back up and back to it. 

This, and this alone, is what separates the best from the rest. They find a way when others shy away. 

What will you choose to do? Lay down and let your circumstances eat you alive, or pick yourself up off the ground and get back into the fight? The choice is yours, and yours alone.

Forge on.

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