Day 23: When Things Don’t Go as Planned

A Late Start and a Heavy Load

So, Day 23 started differently than I had anticipated. I woke up late, not particularly tired or sore from the previous day's exertions, just late. I didn’t even have time to take my usual cold shower, which always helps to wake me up and get me into the right headspace. My school starts at 6:30 a.m., so I had to rush out the door, barely having time to gather my thoughts and prepare myself mentally for the day ahead.

Yesterday, I had been assigned a ton of work, creating a daunting pile that I felt I needed to tackle. I stayed up late into the night finishing most of it, trying to keep my eyes open as I fought against exhaustion. I was expecting a lighter day today, possibly even a small break to catch my breath but of course, that didn’t happen. Instead, I was handed even more work to complete. New exams to prepare for, revision sheets to create, and a seemingly endless array of school activities, talent shows, projects, you name it. It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed at times.

It’s frustrating sometimes, but it is an intrinsic part of the job. Teaching demands an unusual amount of patience, flexibility, and a great deal of unseen effort that often goes unnoticed. Each day brings its unique set of challenges, and while I can manage them, I sometimes find it a struggle to keep my spirit high amidst the chaos.

Between that heavy load of work, I also tried to move forward with my Iqama verification process yet another long step toward finally becoming financially independent. I am eager to take control of my future and want to be able to buy the right equipment, supplements, and training essentials without having to rely on anyone else for financial support or decision-making guidance.

So yeah, it wasn’t the kind of "easy Sunday" I had hoped for, but in the grand scheme of things, I managed to finish most of what needed to be done after some serious effort. I just hope they don’t dump more work on me tomorrow, as I feel stretched thin already.

Refueling and Resetting

After school, I made a conscious decision to prioritize one crucial aspect that I could control; nutrition. I cooked a proper meal, taking my time to eat slowly and enjoy it. Each bite was a moment of reprieve from the stress of the day. Then I took a short nap to recharge before evening training. The importance of recovery and care cannot be overstated in a busy life.

By the time I woke up, I felt somewhat better, not completely refreshed, but enough to get moving without dragging my feet. My plan for the night was simple but intense: wrestling at 8 p.m. followed by MMA at 9 p.m.. I was excited for the physical challenge that lay ahead.

Even though I wasn’t in the mood initially, I reminded myself that discipline often means showing up especially when you don’t feel like it. Many people give in to their feelings, but I wanted to push through, knowing that the effort I put in would ultimately pay off.

Wrestling Without the Coach

I arrived on time, anticipating a rigorous session. The warm-up began with about 20 of us stretching and getting our muscles ready; led by two top students since the coach wasn’t there yet. We did running, rolls, jumps, and full-body stretches for around 25 minutes. It was a solid start, the kind that really gets your blood moving fast and invigorates your spirit.

After a short water break, we switched to shadowboxing drills; first just movement, then jabs, then crosses, and finally full combinations. There were no kicks this time, just a pure boxing focus that sharpened our skills. Afterward came light partner drills; emphasizing movement, timing, and control, all essential elements in both wrestling and MMA.

After that, we practiced knees, kicks, and knee slides; intense, repetitive, and fantastic for coordination and building muscle memory. The repetition helps to ingrain these movements so they become second nature, a necessity in combat sports.

Finally, we split into two distinct groups: those with full MMA gear and those without. Since I didn’t have my headguard with me, I had to join the group doing groundwork. I paired with a beginner; it was his first day. He wasn’t offering much resistance, I felt his heart was not into it and honestly, it felt too easy for someone with my level of experience. I found myself hoping for a tougher, more challenging session to push my limits.

Then came the disappointment; no MMA tonight. The coach didn’t show up, and the senior students told us to wrap up early. I had been eagerly ready for a full two-and-a-half-hour grind, but to my dismay, we finished after just one hour. It left me feeling unsatisfied, a little restless even.

The Unfinished Energy

I left the gym feeling a mix of frustration and acceptance. My body had been prepared to push through, but my mind was already heavy from the day’s earlier chaos. Maybe it was for the better, though an unplanned early night means more rest and recovery for a busy week ahead that is sure to be filled with challenges.

When I got home, I took my cold shower, revived my senses, had a light snack as I reflected on the day, and went to bed early. Not every day delivers what you expect; sometimes, it’s about making peace with what you receive and moving forward in a positive manner.

Reflection

Today was a reminder that you can’t control everything; not your schedule, not others’ plans, not even whether your coach shows up when you expect him to. What you can control is your response to these situations and how you choose to face them.

I showed up, I trained, and I gave what I could, even when everything felt off and disjointed. That’s what this journey is truly about; resilience through the unpredictable and the ability to keep moving forward, regardless of the circumstances.

Day 23 complete. The grind continues, even when it’s messy and unpredictable.

👉 What about you? How do you stay motivated when plans fall apart or when your routines get disrupted? It’s a question worth pondering, as we all navigate our own challenges.