The sweet sweaty smell of success

#respecttheoldseekoutthenew2022

"Success isn't measured just from fame or fortune, from the medals or the rewards. But, most importantly, from all the times you fell, stumbled and failed; but without a moment of regret, continued to still push on."

Children who are brought up participating in competitive sports often aim to obtain medals and trophies; however, with time, one should realise that success, is about so much more.

Competing over the last 3 months was a much bigger challenge than I had initially anticipated. Working out alongside some pretty Elite athletes was an absolute honnor, but it also required alot of hard work, dedication and discipline on my behalf. I put in alot of hours at the gym and I was quite strict with my daily routines in hopes that I would be as prepared as possible. There were definitly some moments when I questioned myself and my choices, however I still kept going despite this.

My teams didn't make it on the podium in any of the most recent events (Precision Pairs, Turf Games, WodOn3 - unfortunately we needed to pull out of the last one), yet I still felt victorious after each one of them.

Every team training session and every competition day offered a range of challenges, which, for the most part, lead me to feeling a wonderful sense of achievment and pride. Whether it was surprising myself with doing some heavy (for me) front squats and some solid sets of toes-to-bar, doing some first-time yoke carries and worm cleans, getting some PRs on some lifts and complexes, or pushing through a torturous sled drag when every piece of me wanted to give up; I was reminded over and over again that success is about so much more than winning any type of prize.

For me, success has become all about commitment, consistency, tenacity, perseverance, bravery, hard work, focus, prioritizing, being open-minded, fuelling off others, but also building others up, knowing myself, believing in myself and of course, progressing.

Just a few weeks ago, some friends and I were discussing where I was just a few years back and that was a lovely reminder of the journey I have been on and all the progress that has been made, in terms of strength and fitness, but also in terms of mindset and work ethics.

I may not have any tangible proof of my accomplishments these last few months, but I realize that I have been successful in more ways than one.

"Define success on your own terms."

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