Fit for Life: Advice From Tom Petty

Fit for Life: Advice From Tom Petty

I always liked Tom Petty’s music, however, now that he has passed, I like him even more. I think after he died, I listened to his stuff a little deeper and my appreciation for his artistic ability has grown tenfold.

 

He is an awesome artist and incredible songwriter that has produced a huge array of hit songs.

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I was driving home the other day, and his hit “I won’t back down” came on the radio, so I pulled in the driveway, put the car in park, turned up the volume, then jammed out, singing along with the song.

 

I wasn’t only listening, but letting the words sink in and make a life comparison to the lyrics, then realized, we could all use a little Tom Petty motivation, so here’s my interpretation of the song.

 

Well, I won't back down

No, I won't back down

You could stand me up at the gates of Hell

But I won't back down

 

In this day and age, we can’t back down. Owning a gym through a pandemic is pretty close to standing at the gates of hell when it comes to being stressed out, anxious, and uncertain of what will happen to your business, however, backing down wasn’t a thought or option. My question is, when have you been stood up in front of the gates of hell and not backed down, or better yet, when that happens, will you be ready, or have the mentality to never give up?

 

No, I'll stand my ground

Won't be turned around

And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down

Gonna stand my ground

 

Politics, news, haters, and critics, are all part of the world that tries to drag you down. Do you give in to gossip, toxic cognitions, and let others bring you down. If so, it’s time to cut everything toxic from your life. Things like bad behavior and negative people. We need to set standards for ourselves and constantly strive to live up to those standards. You are in control of your own destiny, so be the victor and not the victim by keeping this world from dragging you down.

 

There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)

Hey, I will stand my ground

And I won't back down

 

That’s correct, Tom. There ain’t no easy way out, regardless of what we are trying to do in life. Heck, sometimes getting out of bed is a struggle, let alone facing the reality of trying to get through the day unscathed. There will always be problems, obstacles and adversity coming at us through the day, so we always need to be ready to solve problems and make decisions. Not trying to be negative with that statement, however, the reality is, life is tough, so be ready to deal with it.

 

Well, I know what's right

I got just one life

In a world that keeps on pushin' me around

But I'll stand my ground

And I won't back down

 

We all know we got just one life, yet sometimes we take that for granted. Sometimes it takes a loved one to pass, or to have a life or death situation happen to realize this fact. With that being said, it’s a good idea to be proactive and try to live the best quality of life we can, because we DON’T KNOW how long it will last. Start living your best life now.

 

We all know what’s right too, yet sometimes we ignore what’s right in order to gain self-satisfaction. You know eating broccoli is right, but you eat ice cream instead. You know working out is the right thing to do too, yet many neglect to do so. The point is we know what the difference between right and wrong is, so it’s up to us to develop self-awareness and do the right thing.

 

Take a minute to play the song and see if it gets in your head as well. As I said, I always liked Tom Petty, but now he is gone, his work resonates even more now.

 

Coach Matt