Doing The Hard Things

I don't like to do the hard things. Like writing yesterday's post -- about dropping the barbell. I don't like to talk about shortcomings or errors or failures. Writing that was like doing a million burpees. I'd rather pour some water in that bucket of chalk, mix it up, and drink it. Yup, I'd rather guzzle Chalk Cocktail than harp on mistakes. But, just like in the gym, I have to do what is necessary -- and sometimes these posts are necessary.See, these posts: they are my responsibility. You are my responsibility. Each of you. If I have some words that I can write to help you in your journey in this life, then I need to share them. Even if I don't like teaching that lesson and you don't like learning that lesson.I know that sounds presumptuous, but I do believe that we are each other's responsibility. We all bring something to the table and if we don't share that "something" then we are guilty of wrongdoing, just as surely as if we did something evil. Hiding our knowledge helps no one.I'm not here to be popular. I don't need to be liked. I'm here to share what I know, what I need to say, what I need to pass on. If any of you learn from my words, then I am a success. If I learn from you, then you are a success. We are all teachers and students -- no matter our age, our positions, our roles in the world. The key to life is figuring out when to play each role. Sometimes the teacher, sometimes the student. We all wear different hats at different moments.There's a famous quote by the runner Steve Prefontaine: "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." I won't sacrifice the gift. You shouldn't either. Speak up. Do the right thing. Do what is necessary, in the gym and in life. Do the hard thing. And stay away from the Chalk Cocktail -- it tastes nasty, trust me. Pick the million burpees instead.