Muhammad Ali said it best. And I quote, “I hated every minute of training, but I said, don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” This quote serves as an excellent segway because I am not trying to take a stab at people who promote self-awareness, self-acceptance, ect., but I have found that hating myself has had its time and place too.
It facilitates change. It has encouraged me to train harder, make goals, be ambitious, and ultimately... better myself. Tread carefully when listening to that inner critical voice when introspecting, loving yourself, giving yourself a pat on the back is equally as important, but hear me out. The sentiment I am trying to express is this: Don't get it twisted. Always hold yourself accountable. Content is a dangerous place. And that's why discipline is so important--loving your future self by doing the very things you may hate in the present.
Finding the ability to completely dedicate yourself to something, to constantly give your best effort, is truly a rarity. But really, I think it all boils down to your source of fuel. Maintaining that fuel, that best effort, and sustaining that warrior mentality in boxing and even academics is no doubt seemingly impossible. Why I felt compelled to write this article is to prove that it can be done. I truly believe that motivation fails, but discipline perseveres–my motto when pursuing any ambition. Bringing dreams to fruition is usually never a sprint, but more so a marathon.
So what is the key to sustaining yourself when on the right track? How does one avoid burnout? I think the answer is elusive and unique to every individual. But for me, I have found a few ways to work around this and just “make it happen.” The most important thing to remember is that even if the desired outcome fails, true failure is given up, not falling short of goals.
The biggest step I have ever taken is also the smallest step I’ve ever had to take. The size of the step doesn’t matter as long as it’s a step forward. One step at a time. Taking an overwhelming task and breaking it down into manageable parts is key, something engineers do on a regular basis, a skill that can also be applied to grueling, athletic training.
Lastly, try to have fun with the journey even during the worst of times. Finding humor or joy when morale is at an all time low can make the difference between breaking and excelling. It can mask the pain of bringing things to the next level. It takes the edge off. For instance, deciding to make a personal programming project just for fun, something I have done many times. These projects served as a reminder that I am genuinely passionate about what I am trying to achieve. Even when enduring hardships with boxing, especially when I was starting at ground zero, hence objectively having the worst cardio at my gym, cracking a joke or two and laughing at myself has helped.
I am still a Pillsbury doughboy with big dreams, but god willing, despite whatever motivations I may have, and acknowledging the kind of fuel I bring doesn’t matter, I continue to take strides forward to reach my goals.