Hey People,
It’s time for some real talk. I think one of my favorite quotes that keeps my fighter spirit burning comes from the one and only Denzel Washington. He said, “fall down seven times, get up eight…Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.”
As many of you know, 18.3 was a humbling experience for me. I set out to hit that workout ONE and DONE! I humbly admit that I did not stick to that plan and tortured myself multiple times with that workout. 18.3 was a reminder of what is actually so wonderful about CrossFit and trying to achieve your dreams, in general. In fact, I’ll go a step further and say that is what the Open is all about! It’s about finding the movements you have a hard time with so that you know where to focus your attention for the next year. In other words, it’s about finding the sh** you are terrible at, lol!
Life is about taking chances. If you are not living on the edge of your capabilities, you are not truly living. CrossFit demands your absolute BEST. It demands that we reach our maximum potential both physically and mentally and that, for me, is what I love about it sooo much. Life is HARD! Anyone who says differently is not challenging themselves. There should always be things in your life that require improvement because, well, no one is perfect!
In the moment of failure, yes, it is difficult to see the light. But looking back, it is our failures that make us stronger. It is our failures that encourage us to grow and MAN, did 18.3 make me GROW! How does a strength athlete get stronger? They constantly push their muscles till they fail. How does a scientist figure out a cure to a devastating disease? He or she runs a multitude of tests and experiments that FAIL until the one that works, that saves lives. Failure saves our lives.
In this sport, as in life, you have to get COMFORTABLE with failure. Use the knowledge you gain from experiencing failure to fuel your success. Failure does NOT mean you suck. It’s the light that helps you see where you need to improve so that you can become the BEST athlete, the BEST student, the BEST employee, the BEST version of yourself.
Recognizing and accepting failure means having an honest relationship with who you are and where you want to go. I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, get comfortable with being uncomfortable, because that is where growth lives.
Until next time, BE strong, BE bold!
Love, Brooke Ence
xoxo
