The Fortitude Chronicle: A Weekly Digest of Athletic Determination

Monday’s Mindset

Just. Keep. Going.

No matter what challenge lies at our feet, we must never quit. There’s something to be said for the people who just keep showing up. We all face challenges, some greater than others. However, we aren’t judged by the pain we endure but by the measure in which we respond to that pain. The joy we seek is often on the other side of that obstacle in our path. We have to trust that it’s coming. Some days, our faith will be tested more than others. That being said, we must build an unrelenting belief that things will work out in our favor.

The essence of being resilient is simply to keep standing back up. This becomes harder when we haven’t seen any tangible proof that our efforts are yielding results. It requires patience, discipline, and a long-term perspective. The story of "The Chinese Bamboo Tree" beautifully illustrates this concept. When a bamboo tree is planted, it takes five years of watering and nurturing with no visible growth. However, once it finally breaks through the ground, it can grow up to 90 feet tall in just five weeks. The unseen growth beneath the surface, developing a strong root system, is essential for its rapid above-ground growth. Similarly, humans follow the same path. It may feel like we haven’t made progress. Yet, we are simply building the foundation for rapid growth to come. We often give up right before we are about to break ground. Just keep going.

One of the biggest mistakes we can make in any endeavor in athletics or life is believing it will be easy. Yes, our genetic makeup will make certain goals more attainable. However, even the most talented in any field will be faced with adversity that feels suffocating. We must prepare for hard times. That way, when hard hits us, we were expecting it. We don’t always know when it’s coming. However, we know that it is coming. Having a little paranoia is actually a good thing. It enables us to always be on our toes, ready for whatever life throws at us. Don’t be surprised; be prepared.

Whatever goal you’re chasing, whatever pain you’re enduring, whatever adversity you face, you are equipped to handle it. Just keep showing up every day. Your efforts will be rewarded, even if it’s not as obvious at first. I know how hard it is to feel that pain of failure. I also know what it’s like to enjoy that feeling of breaking ground. It’s worth the pain and suffering. It’s worth the sleepless nights. Keep it simple and make those deposits every single day. Our problems don’t become smaller as we maneuver through life; they actually get harder. We just become stronger and more equipped to handle them. If you’re reading this and you’re going through something, remember you’re not alone. You will overcome. You are more capable than you realize. Just. Keep. Going.

To Building Fortitude.

 Best Regards,

Colin Jonov, Founder & CEO Athletic Fortitude

P.S. Want to share your experiences or challenges with us? Reply to this newsletter or connect with me on social media @ColkyJonov10. I’m here to support you on your journey!

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