Fit for Life: Pain Initiates Transformation

Fit for Life: Pain Initiates Transformation

Last week, I attended a meetup with graduates from a growth and self-development program I graduated from in July 2019 called The Project.

 

Over 200 men have graduated from this program, and I had the privilege of connecting with 50 of them last weekend for a one-day meetup that consisted of a killer workout, some teaching, and some networking.

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The Project is a 75-hour program that breaks men down physically, emotionally, and psychologically by putting us through stressful situations for 3 straight days. We get very little sleep and are put through a mini "Hell Week" by 5 instructors, most of whom have military backgrounds.

 

It breaks us down to build us back up and make us stronger. It exposes the toxic cognitions and weaknesses we carry around to destroy limited thoughts and beliefs and become the 2.0 version of ourselves.

 

Around 60% of all that signed up for The Project quit by ringing the bell, which is why I love it when we get an opportunity to connect at these in-person events. I don't know everyone in the group, as 18 classes have graduated. However, I understand that EVERY MAN IN THE ROOM could endure pain and suffering without quitting.

 

That's a character trait that many don't possess in today's society. Look at how many people throw in the towel when the going gets tough. Look at how many people around you are a little overweight and out of shape. Look at how many people give up on their New Year's resolutions by the end of February.

 

Why am I telling you all this?

 

It's because I want to hit home that to succeed in life, we must endure and overcome pain, suffering, and adversity daily. I encourage you to keep pushing toward your goals, regardless of the terrain.

 

Let's face it, life is complex and challenging, and anything worthwhile will require grit and determination. Anything worthwhile!!

 

To be a professional in medicine requires years of hard work.

To be a Navy Seal takes lots of mental anguish and physical pain.

Running a business with a team requires lots of trial and error.

Getting in great physical shape takes time, effort, and lots of sacrifice.

Earning lots of money takes long hours and sleepless nights.

 

This is why workout people have a more robust, no-quit work ethic. When you have the perseverance to push through tough workouts consistently, everyday life adversity gets more manageable, as well as the everyday mundane tasks that will net us positive results.

 

Every day, we decide to Be a Quitter or become a Warrior.

The difference between success and failure is the ability to get up and keep going.

 

Before I entered The Project in 2019, I was reactive, irrational, anxious, depressed, and had a victim mindset and sense of entitlement. I used to think I deserved more, shouldn't need to get up at 4am to earn a living, and would feel as if I should be more successful than I was.

 

In other words, I was getting mad at the results I wasn't getting from the work I didn't do.

 

Fast forward to today, and I realize I am right where I must be. Since The Project, I have focused on my leadership skills, being coachable by following others' lead, and NEVER walking around a challenging situation.

 

Now, I face my problems and adversity head-on because I have put myself through painful situations and am now more equipped to handle the tough shots life throws at us.

 

I am concluding this article by letting you know you are not alone.

Everyone feels like quitting at some point; however, to be truly successful at anything, you must do what's needed, not just what you feel like doing.

 

Just remember, getting to the gym is hard for everyone, but many people do it.

Going consistently is even more challenging, but others do it.

Sticking to your nutrition takes it further, but others do it.

Getting up to earn a living in the morning is hard, but others do it.

Working overtime is even more challenging, but others do it.

Working 12-hour days is extra complicated, but the wealthy have all done it.

If others can do these things, so can you.

 

We can either find a way or make up an excuse.

The choice is yours, so choose pain, as pain imitates transformation!!

 

Coach Matt