Harnessing Inner Strength Amidst a Cushy World

Transiting from teenage years to young adulthood, I realized about a year ago that I was burdened with tasks I didn't desire to undertake. The pressure of long working hours, complex tax paperwork, and a full-time student's obligations felt weighty. However, a critical pivot in my perspective led me to comprehend that challenging endeavors offer rewarding experiences and lifelong benefits. Since the age of 13, fitness has been my haven. Be it running, weightlifting, or partaking in sports with friends, maintaining an active lifestyle has been my saving grace during challenging times. It has prevented me from straying too far from the right path and succumbing to life-depleting choices. For years, I've made a conscious effort to work out at least four days a week. Despite relocating to various locations in the last five years, I always find a way to incorporate gym sessions into my schedule. Building muscle and strength after a full day of work has become an enjoyable ritual, regardless of the gym I visit, which frequently happens to be Planet Fitness. And then one day, I discovered David Goggins on YouTube. Before delving into the transformative impact Goggins has had on my mentality, I must offer a snapshot of my academic life. I would best describe my academic journey from middle school to college as "a step above average". My report card usually comprised A's and B's with a smattering of C's during high school, where I undertook a couple of AP and honors classes. My GPA hovered around 3.5 in high school and has stayed the same in college. However, a life situation led me to drop out after my first semester, despite passing all my classes. I wish I had known about David Goggins then to fuel my resilience and tenacity, to simply "keep going". This temporary withdrawal derailed my momentum, setting me back significantly in my academic pursuits. In today's world, especially within underserved and underrepresented communities, people often fixate on reasons they can't achieve something rather than focusing on the possibilities of why can succeed. This perspective can apply to completing a degree, earning a promotion, or even approaching an attractive person across the grocery aisle. I have discovered that living with confidence and determination has empowered me to accomplish more than I ever could while dwelling in a self-pitying, defeatist mindset. This brings me back to David Goggins. While listening to his podcast during my tiling work, I was already transitioning from a place of adversity to a place of potential. Goggins’ philosophy resonated deeply: if he encountered a task he was reluctant to undertake, he would chide himself for being "soft" (a toned-down rendition of his actual words). This mantra has made such a profound impact on me that it's become a part of my daily routine. Every morning, as I get out of bed, I remind myself not to be "soft" and "stay hard" as he would say. I make my bed every day, only eat home-cooked meals, and diligently stay ahead of my school assignments. No matter the challenge, David Goggins' philosophy helps me persevere. His wisdom encourages me to embrace hardship, knowing that it will yield rewarding outcomes.