You’ve probably heard the phrases “become a hard target” or “stay hard” thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean to be “hard”? Is it about becoming physically harder? Mentally harder? Emotionally harder? Let’s explore what it means to become a “harder target” and how embracing environments of resistance can help us build physical grit, mental fortitude, and emotional resilience.
Building Physical Grit
As someone who has spent a lifetime training in various environments of resistance – the martial arts academy, the weight room, the wilderness, and the oceans – I can attest to the transformative power of struggle and resistance on the human body. When we consistently expose ourselves to these environments, we undergo profound changes: our skin thickens, our bones harden, and our joints strengthen. Our bodies develop a certain level of hardness and physical grit that sets us apart.
I still remember when I was 14 years old and had already trained in martial arts for some time. I decided to join the local weight training gym to develop further the human machine – the very instrument used to do martial arts. In the weight room, just like the academy floor, I encountered an environment of struggle and resistance that forced my body to adapt, become harder, and be more capable. This is a journey that I have followed for my entire life.
However, there was a period when I had to take some time off from the mat and the gym due to significant physical injuries that required surgery. Over the course of a year, as I avoided these environments of struggle and focused on healing, I noticed a significant change in the condition of my body. The level of hardness and grit that I had worked so hard to develop had lessened, and frankly, I was not too fond of it.
As I continue to undergo therapy for elbow surgery, I’m already planning to get back on the mat and into the gym. I am eager to reclaim that lost level of grit and hardness that comes from constant struggle and resistance.
The human body is a remarkable machine designed for movement and struggle. As I enter my 50s, I firmly believe that if you’re not moving, you’re essentially dying. Keeping the body in motion and engaging in activities that push our limits is crucial. This perspective is grounded in the basic tenet that the human form was crafted to overcome challenges and face resistance.
“The more disciplined you become, the easier life gets.”
– Steve Pavlina
Our ancestors survived and thrived in harsh environments, constantly moving and engaging with their surroundings. Their physicality was vital for hunting, gathering, and protecting their families from threats. This natural inclination towards struggle is hardwired into our DNA, and it plays a crucial role in our health and well-being.
The importance of movement and struggle becomes even more pronounced as we age. As we enter our 50s and beyond, the body naturally experiences a decline in muscle mass, strength, and agility. However, by actively engaging in physical activity and embracing environments of resistance, we can counteract these effects and maintain optimal health.
The connection between physical movement and overall health is well-established in scientific research. Regular exercise can boost the immune system, improve cardiovascular health, increase bone density, and enhance mental well-being. Engaging in activities that challenge the body can also help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Moreover, the benefits of physical activity extend beyond the physical realm. Movement and struggle can also enhance cognitive function, boost mood, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The process of pushing through physical challenges can instill a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, leading to improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life.
By embracing struggle and resistance in our daily lives, we can keep our bodies in motion and continue to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. This active engagement with life not only helps us maintain our health but also enriches our overall life experience. So, whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, remember that the human form was designed for struggle, and it’s never too late to tap into your innate capacity for movement and resistance. Keep moving, keep challenging yourself, and you’ll reap the rewards of a healthier, happier life.
Cultivating Mental Fortitude and Emotional Resilience
Building physical grit is just one part of the equation. In my experience, training in resistant environments develops physical toughness and enhances mental fortitude and emotional resilience. We learn to endure and persevere through adversity when we push ourselves to our limits. This resilience is not limited to the physical realm; it extends to our mental and emotional states as well.
Placing ourselves under the fire of struggle is part of the warrior’s path and the chosen journey of a fighter. By “fighter,” I don’t just mean someone who is skilled in physical combat. I’m referring to individuals who consciously choose to fight back against the challenges and problems that life throws their way. Throughout my journey, I’ve faced many more “life fights” than physical fights – moments when I had to muster all my strength and resolve to overcome obstacles and adversities.
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.”
– Tommy Lasorda
So, I ask you, what is your method for growing your physical grit, mental fortitude, or emotional resistance? Life is full of challenges, and that’s a guarantee. But are you preparing yourself to meet those challenges head-on? Are you building your overall machine to be ready?
The simple act of consciously choosing to embrace discipline is a powerful catalyst for developing willpower. As you repeatedly make the conscious decision to take action, it gradually transforms into a habit – a mental habit. It’s akin to rewiring your brain to better handle the inevitable struggles that life throws your way. By continually making choices that challenge your comfort zone, you reprogram your gray matter to opt for proactive steps even when faced with adversity instinctively.
Our brains are incredibly malleable, capable of forming new neural pathways throughout our lives, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. By consistently choosing to exercise discipline, we can reshape our neural connections to favor patterns of behavior that prioritize taking action. Over time, our brain adapts to this pattern, making it easier to automatically lean into discipline and resist the temptation to shy away from challenges.
Developing this mental habit is essential for building resilience and fortitude, equipping us to tackle life’s obstacles head-on. When we choose to follow discipline and confront struggles, we reinforce our mental strength, becoming more adept at weathering life’s storms. By conditioning our brain to respond to adversity with action, we bolster our ability to persevere through challenges, setbacks, and disappointments.
This process of rewiring the brain is an ongoing journey. It requires continued practice and commitment, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By choosing to take action in the face of struggle, we build mental stamina and resilience, enabling us to face challenges with greater courage and determination. As we strengthen our willpower through conscious choices, we develop a mindset of resilience and determination, empowering us to embrace life’s inevitable struggles with a proactive and confident approach.
As we continue to practice making disciplined choices, it becomes a fundamental part of our identity. We internalize the belief that we can overcome obstacles and forge ahead with determination. Our actions begin to reflect this belief, leading us to pursue our goals with unrelenting tenacity. The process of rewiring the brain becomes an ongoing cycle of growth, creating a positive feedback loop that continuously reinforces our capacity for resilience and action in the face of struggle.
Choosing discipline is a powerful tool for developing willpower and reshaping our mental habits. By consistently embracing discipline, we reprogram our brains to take action even when faced with adversity instinctively. This mental habit is key to building resilience and fortitude, enabling us to confront life’s challenges with courage and determination. As we continue to make disciplined choices, we strengthen our mental stamina and forge a mindset of resilience, empowering us to embrace life’s struggles with a proactive and confident approach.
Embracing the Struggle
Embracing the struggle is not about seeking out pain or hardship for the sake of it. Rather, it’s about understanding that adversity is an inevitable part of life and that we have the power to choose how we respond to it. We can choose to be passive and let life happen to us, or we can choose to be proactive and shape our destinies by becoming harder targets.
“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.”
– William Butler Yeats
Training in resistance environments is not just about building physical strength or learning how to fight. It’s about forging a mindset of resilience, perseverance, and determination. It’s about understanding that the fire of struggle can temper and strengthen us, making us better equipped to handle whatever life throws our way.
Whether it’s through martial arts, weight training, or any other discipline that exposes us to resistance, we can develop the physical grit, mental fortitude, and emotional resilience needed to face life’s challenges confidently. We can become hard targets, ready to withstand life’s blows and come out stronger on the other side.
As we continue on our respective journeys, let us embrace the struggle, lean into the resistance, and become the warriors and fighters we were meant to be. Let us build our overall machines, ready to tackle life’s challenges with grit, fortitude, and resilience.
Remember, life will throw challenges at you – that’s a guarantee. But with the right mindset, training, and attitude, you can become a hard target, ready to take on whatever comes your way.
As a highly experienced coach, Alan Baker specializes in guiding individuals on their journey toward personal and professional excellence. With his deep understanding of the human potential and a passion for unlocking greatness, Alan empowers his clients to overcome challenges, cultivate resilience, and tap into their hidden talents.
You’ll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth with Alan as your high-performance coach. He will work closely with you through personalized coaching sessions to identify your strengths, eliminate self-limiting beliefs, and create a roadmap to achieve your goals.
Alan’s coaching approach is rooted in practical strategies and proven techniques that help you develop a winning mindset and optimize your performance. He understands the importance of mental toughness, focus, and motivation in achieving extraordinary results. By leveraging his expertise, you’ll learn how to navigate obstacles, embrace challenges, and consistently perform at your best.
Whether you’re an aspiring professional, an entrepreneur, or an individual seeking personal growth, Alan Baker is committed to supporting you every step of the way. With his guidance, you’ll gain the clarity, confidence, and tools necessary to excel in your chosen field and lead a fulfilling life.
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