You will be challenged. You will be tested.
Fact.
Whether it’s financial, emotional, moral or physical… in some way shape or form we will all be challenged and tested. It’s inevitable.
Scary, right?
Or is it?
Our internal reactions to the idea of being challenged are largely based upon how we perceive the notion of challenge itself. Do you view the idea of being tested as a chance at failure? Or, do you view that idea as a means to succeed beyond expectations?
I don’t have the answer. That’s on you. Here’s the good news, I think both states of mind lead to ultimate glory.
What the heck am I talking about?
Resistance
I am big fan of author Steven Pressfield and his concept of resistance. Resistance is the force inside ourselves that tries to stop us from living to our utmost potential. Resistance tells us we can’t. Resistance scares us. Resistance holds us back. Resistance isn’t a figment of your imagination and it is stifling real.
Battling resistance sets us on the path to becoming superheroes. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Resistance can also be viewed as a compass. I believe that resistance is what generates our perception of fear when being tested. What if we learn to use that resistance induced fear as a compass for what we really want to do?
“Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.” –Steve Pressfield
That quote from Pressfield’s The War of Art kicked me deep in the soul. Full disclosure time: I am scared more often than not. Whenever I teach or write, I fear failing. I don’t fear failing myself—I fear failing my family. I cringe at the thought of letting down the friend, peer or stranger that takes the time to read, learn, watch or listen to something I do. Your time and money are precious, and I value it greatly. Given how much I do write and teach and the fear it conjures up, I could take the easy road and stop typing right now.
But I can’t. I’m being challenged as I write this. Tested.
I will win.
As I open myself up to you, I walk head on into a firestorm of resistance that is telling me I’m that I’m exposing my weaknesses. Admitting to fear. Sharing too much. Yet, I will finish this piece. I accept this challenge. I will pass this test.
When this process gets easier, I will find something more personally frightening to write about.
If I can do this, so can you
Recognize and accept what scares you and drive directly into it. You will struggle and you will succeed in the long run. There are some battles we must face to achieve our greatest potential. That is why I’m putting this out there. I want to help you find your compass and embark on the journey of being your truest self, of living full out.
Find your calling
Stop letting resistance generating “what ifs” hold you back. Instead, start answering your own life questions, your calling. Some of these battles will be small and find quick victories while other challenges will be all out war. Both battlefronts are important. You must stay in the fight. Most of us have felt that deep calling inside our gut. All too few of us take the steps to listen to the call. The decision is yours.
You will be challenged. You will be tested.
You can only win if you try. We can only win if you try.
Thank you for your time.
-Fury
Steve “Coach Fury” Holiner’s superhero headquarters is Mark Fisher Fitness in NYC. Fury’s a Senior RKC, Master DVRT, and an Original Strength Instructor. He is available for classes, semi-privates and instructor training and programming at MFF. Follow Fury at: coachfury.com, facebook.com/coachfury Instagram@iamcoachfury and Twitter @coachfury.