For the past six weeks I have been training one of my top athletes at Lonnie Young Recreation Center. Prior to his weight training with me, he spends about an hour with his boxing trainer. Sometimes I get to the gym a little early and watch the young guys spar and train. Watching the seasoned trainers guide the young men and seeing their hunger and passion for the fight game it prompted me to think about the battles and fights we go through in our lives.
Find Your Passion
It can be said that the desire to fight for a cause or stand for something is innate. Meaning we are all born with a propensity to engage in meaningful conflict or support for something we believe in. That being said, it’s surprising to see how many people that either don’t support a cause or do so half-heatedly. In many cases, we support causes because its convenient or because its the hot topic. If you are not passionate about what you’re fighting for, you will not put forth your best effort and you will not yield fruit. My passion is helping people reach success and higher levels. Whether is as a coach, trainer, lecturer, motivator, bible study teacher, etc., I work within my gifts in those areas because it means something to me. They way that looks for me is, I spend my non-work and non-family time planning or working on programs and systems that will motivate others.
Be Prepared to Rumble
As I watch the young guys in the ring, it’s easy to tell the guys that aren’t ready to rumble. When the bell sounds, they usually come out slowly and often get caught first. Most of them respond to that first shot well, almost as if it was a wakeup call and then they get in the mix. When you’re following your passion and supporting your cause you also have to come out ready to rumble. There will be tough days where your efforts seem fruitless and you seem to be losing, but if you keep throwing and keep working, you’ll have success.
Whether your fight is the plight of youth, racial injustice, gender equality, gun control, or educational system reform, etc., you will only put forth your best effort if it means something to you. Be passionate and put your heart into your fight and even when you take a few shots, you’ll be able to withstand the pressure and still win!