If you listen to the podcast by Jocko Willink, a common theme is the ability to control self. Why is this so important? It’s the ability to not cater to fear, impulse, or quit. YOU are in control from the second you get up until you go to bed. EVERYTHING IS YOUR FAULT! From what we put in our mouth, to what we say. Our habits determine our success, but we need the discipline to do what is right. That difficulty is made easier if you have discipline. Delay gratification by doing what is right vs the immediate.
Running or working out teaches you to push past pain and difficulty. It increases discipline. It makes you realize that you are stronger, both mentally and physically than you believe. It gives you purpose and makes you feel good about yourself.
“We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training.”
We are only as good as much as we train. Challenges in life force you to grow as a person. Things that push you just a little bit past your peak of performance. Avoid being on autopilot in life. Costing along and doing everything you normally do. If you are stuck in a routine why would you expect your situation to change? Don’t be content with being the same person you were. What has truly challenged you in the last 5 or 10 years? Who would want to be the same close-minded shallow person? Challenges force growth and break you from staying on the same boring path. The problem is you need the discipline to push out of your comfort zone. Physical challenges will do that, force you to become different than you were, otherwise you won’t succeed. They force you out of routine. The harder I push myself the better person I become, the more tolerant. I am 11 days out from my next 100-mile experience, and I can’t wait!
Patrick is an ultrarunner and coach from Philadelphia who loves documenting his running career. His mission is to provide useful tips and tricks to assist others along their ultra journey. You can find his coaching services at https://ultraruncoach.com.
