There isn’t a single person on Earth here today, the years before, or to the years to come in the future; that will not face challenges. Part of the human experience is suffering, pain and challenge to overcome. Now I’m not delusional, some people’s suffering looks worse than others, some may have more painful experiences and still others may face many more challenges than others. But every person will go through something, or else they will not grow. There is a science, a method to confronting problems and challenges that will arise in your life. How you view these challenges and things to overcome, is what determines ones success. Choosing to be active or passive in confronting these challenges is just as important.
So we all face challenges. Lets take a look at what a challenge is, the right way. A challenge presents an opportunity, a CALL TO ACTION to view a situation as happening to you, or for you. An opportunity to choose growth by facing challenges head on, and actively confronting them. This means to not sit back when a challenge occurs. It means to not feel sorry for yourself, and to be grateful for another opportunity to grow. That’s the best way to look at challenges. If a challenge was insurmountable, you wouldn’t be given it. A lot of men doubt themselves, but I know from experience that confidence is built through taking consistent action. Challenges look a lot smaller when you are confident, because you consistently take on challenges. The ones that appear bigger? You know they can be broken down into steps. You don’t climb a mountain all in one go, you reach stages or summits. Break big challenges into smaller stages.
In addition to challenges, sometimes because of challenges, suffering and pain can ensue. This could be in many forms ranging from mental, physical, social, spiritual suffering. Each one of us will certainly face suffering at some point, but a lot of it is also our choice. It’s my choice to suffer the pain of constantly breaking down muscles, getting my ass kicked at jiu jitsu, and not eat a lot of fun, sugary shit that I would love to eat. Some people suffer through their choice of not using their muscles daily, never getting their ass kicked, and eating all the sugary shit they please. You get to choose. Suffering is largely a state of mind, as beings with conscious thought, we can create suffering for ourselves on all levels. I personally enjoy suffering, I find solace in it. When I suffer for the right reasons, I am actively choosing to because I know it leads to personal growth and betterment in some way.
Know that you’re not alone in your suffering. There isn’t an issue today that has never been seen before. Your ego and the intrusive thoughts that rattle around in our heads all day want us to believe that we’re the only ones going through things, no one else could understand, its only our cross to bare. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Nothing you are going through today is new, and therefore it can be conquered.
Actively choosing to take challenges and suffering head on, rather than sitting back is a must for any man on the pursuit of betterment and personal development. Challenges are simply opportunities for growth, learning and adjustment. Don’t be the one who never faced any challenges. Face your dragon head on. Shying away from life and challenges that are thrown at you is sitting back and passively letting life happen to you, not sitting in the drivers seat of your own life. Develop the confidence and courage you need in order to overcome obstacles, and watch how challenges and suffering take on the image of smaller mountains to climb.
God wouldn’t give you anything you couldn’t handle. Find a way. Be grateful for the plentiful opportunities for growth.
“It’s my choice to suffer the pain of constantly breaking down muscles, getting my ass kicked at jiu jitsu, and not eat a lot of fun, sugary shit that I would love to eat. Some people suffer through their choice of not using their muscles daily, never getting their ass kicked, and eating all the sugary shit they please. You get to choose.” I love this example because its so relatable to our days to day and it can be this simple.
Confront your challenges. Be in control. Get in the drivers seat. 👏🏼