Push through the pain: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

Orison Marden, the founder of Success magazine, said, “Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them.” He was right.

I’ve heard from so many women who have faced down domestic violence, disaster, poverty, death of a loved one, unemployment you name it. Though the tragedy they dealt with was horrible, the women changed from being victims to victors. It made them stronger. Fierce, even. They have learned that nothing can hold them back.

Athletes in training often talk about “no pain, no gain.” During their resistance training, they reach a point in the reps when they can feel a burn. A coach will often tell them to keep going. That’s because a few more reps will help them reach a metabolic state that increases lean body mass. You learn that if you eat the same way and do the same workout every day and never leave your “comfort zone”, you will never see change in your body.

You and I both know people who, if their lives were being graded, you could say they were maintaining a “C” average. They show up and do just enough to get by but they never leave their comfort zone. These are usually the same people who wait and hope things will change.

Think about your favorite song. I bet it’s filled with a mix of high notes, middle notes and low notes not just middle notes. And if the artist is singing with emotion, he or she is going to break a sweat, just from singing. Their singing is so powerful; you’ll feel it, too.

Anything worthwhile in life is going to require a little blood, sweat and tears.

By Tierra Destiny Reid, CEO, Stylish Consignments; President, TDR Brands