Results! And the gift of adversity...
I have decided to make a triumphant return to YouTube after a 5 year hiatus... in order to spread a motivational video with the final results of our recent fundraising effort.
All I will say in this email is that our efforts should be able to set up our tiny wounded warrior with a pretty cool training space, so he can grow up into a fearless beast... if he so chooses.
That's my kind of therapy.
I have a message to share with the young man that I think might help him (and others) to conquer their fears... and you'll certainly be able to share your well-wishes in the comment section.
I hope to inspire... but at the very least, we will be inspirational.
Keep an eye on your email in the next few weeks for that video announcement.
Since we're on the topic, this has always motivated me to be a better coach... and father.
Working with the youth ain't easy... my son wants to quit at the first sign of adversity in every activity he tries. I almost WISH he would cry like the young man in that video, because at least I'd have something to encourage him through.
Instead, he responds with pure apathy. "I don't like soccer anymore..." just because he got dusted by a faster, more talented, harder-working kid.
Well get pissed and beat him next time!!!
No thanks, Dad.
In some folks, the fear of losing and pain of failure is so extreme that they would rather not 'play' at all. Or fight. Or diet. Or compete. Or whatever...
It's why I quit playing chess. Two hours of meticulous thought, followed by 7 hours of self-loathing?
No thanks, Chess Master™.
But as I'm sure you're aware, greatness seems to be achieved by pushing through the adversity, no matter the mental strain required.
For example, I don't know much about Danny Williams, but when his shoulder popped out of the socket, in his last round vs Mark Potter, it sure seemed like it wasn't his first 'test'.
Imagine losing the functionality of your shoulder... and having no one handy to help you fix it.
Well, when you've made a habit of pushing through adversity for your entire life, it's an easy choice. You pull off the unthinkable, and end up celebrated in a Fight Smart newsletter.
Perhaps we can't always inspire... but we can be inspirational.
In the coming weeks, I'll try to teach a young fellow how to take adversity, and turn it into a gift.
...I just need to think of the perfect combination of words to do it.
Hey... have a fantastic weekend.
-Trav