Dear Fortitude family,

Welcome back to my midweek motivation! Each day and week brings its own set of experiences and inspirations, compelling me to share my thoughts with all of you.

Something that often gets lost today is the value of hard work. We are a generation of instant gratification. We expect results right away with minimal effort. However, the truth is, the easiest way to separate yourself from the pack is to simply be a hard worker. There will be experts out there who try to sell you some magic pill that doesn't involve working hard. Newsflash: it won't work. Now, to be fair, there are innovations that take time-consuming tasks and make them more efficient. However, successful people use that gained extra time to work hard on something else. Those who truly desire to achieve greatness will use the resources around them to maximize their time effectively.

In the world of sports and elite performance, there are unlimited examples of talent falling by the wayside. What separates the best from the rest isn't just natural ability or luck; it's hard work. Whether you're a young athlete or an established professional, the one thing you can always control is your work ethic. Be known as the person who gets things done. Be the person that others can count on. Always be the hardest worker in the room. When you accomplish these things, everything will begin to come easier to you.

Make no mistake—people will notice. Coaches, teammates, and even opponents will recognize when you're putting in that extra effort. You’ll start to gain the respect of your peers. Beyond recognition, hard work produces results. You'll find yourself setting new personal bests and overcoming hurdles that seemed unbeatable.

There's also something inherently satisfying about hard work. When you put in the sweat, the time, and the effort, and then see tangible results, it creates a cycle of fulfillment that becomes addicting. That sense of accomplishment is something that no quick fix or shortcut can ever provide. It's the kind of deep-seated satisfaction that reminds you why you started on this journey in the first place.

Don't underestimate the role of hard work plays with resilience, either. When you're accustomed to working hard, setbacks become less tragic. You learn how to cope with failures, pick yourself up, and move on—stronger and wiser.

In a culture that often values the highlight reel over the silent effort, stand out by being the one willing to put in the work. Ignore the flashy new toys, the doubters, and the promises of overnight success. Stay committed to your path, because at the end of the day, hard work is more reliable than any magic pill out there.

So, go —dive into your training, invest in yourself, and give it your all. Be relentless. Be dedicated. Always be the hardest worker in the room. When you embrace hard work as your cornerstone, you're not just building skills, you're building fortitude. And fortitude is what makes champions.

Remember, the road to greatness isn't short or easy, but it's a road that's built on the backbone of hard work. Don't just aim to be good—strive to be great. And the only way to achieve that greatness is through relentless, unyielding hard work.

Warm regards,

Colin Jonov CEO & Founder, Athletic Fortitude