Day 39: Showing Up When the Spark Fades

The Morning Grind

I woke up early again, not full of energy, just steady enough to start the day on a positive note. The sleep was decent, not great, but just enough to get me moving without feeling completely sluggish. I took my usual cold shower, as always, refreshing and bracing. It’s not even a debate anymore; it has become just a part of the routine I adhere to for both mental and physical awakening. After that, a nutritious breakfast which gave me the needed energy, then off to school, ready to tackle whatever came my way. On the bus, I practiced some Wim Hof breathing techniques. A few deep rounds, sharp inhales, slow releases. I could feel my head begin to clear up a little, the worries of the day fading momentarily.

The morning was surprisingly smooth. With average teaching hours today, I felt like I could dedicate ample time to my ongoing school projects, making significant progress. But by the end of the day, things started to feel heavier, hour after hour without any break, just a relentless push forward. By the time it finally ended, I was running on fumes. Still, I found solace in the good part: I finished the projects early. I was supposed to submit them today, but the deadline was moved to tomorrow. That didn’t bother me at all; in fact, it provided me with a sense of relief. Being ahead for once felt really good, like a weight off my shoulders.

When I got home, I ate a quick meal, crashed on the bed, and slept for two and a half hours straight. It felt wonderful, albeit I woke up groggy but deeply grateful for the rest. Then I had another meal and headed straight to the gym. Wrestling and MMA were on the agenda for that night, and I was eager to dive into the session, ready to challenge my limits.

The Body Resists, the Mind Persists

The place was packed, more than 30 people were there, all buzzing with energy and ready to sweat. We started with the usual warm-up, which was intense: running, backward sprints, crab walks, rolls, sprawls, knee slides, and everything else designed to get our bodies primed for the upcoming workout. Led by Abdullah, one of the top students, whose enthusiasm always set a high standard. After that came the stretching routine, full-body movements with deep holds that tested our flexibility. My body was stiff, legs heavy from a long day, but I stayed focused and committed to the work ahead.

Then the coach stepped in, and the pace changed instantly, the mood shifted to something more intense. Intense shadowboxing commenced:

• First with just jabs, focusing on precision and speed.

• Then jab-cross, adding complexity and flow.

• Then jab-cross-hook, layering techniques for improved combinations.

• Finally, full combinations with movement, making sure we stayed light on our feet.

Each set seamlessly transitioned into the next without a hint of pause. Between the flurries, we dropped for sprawls whenever the coach clapped. These fast reaction drills left no time to think, only instinct and muscle memory took over. It was an exhilarating experience, albeit exhausting.

Next came the knee attacks, high and low kicks delivered with both legs, along with partner balance drills. One person held the leg up while the other fought to stay upright, testing our balance and core strength. It burned in a way that felt challenging, yet satisfying. Then we moved into evasion drills, touch and avoid, high-speed reflex work, followed by controlled exchanges of kicks, pushing our limits and fueling our competitive spirits.

By this point, the energy was noticeably draining out of me. With each passing moment, the fatigue weighed heavier. I contemplated the idea of leaving early, maybe right after an hour, finding an excuse to call it a day. But despite my fatigue, something inside me whispered to stay for a little longer. Even without my full spark, I felt I could still contribute something valuable to the sessions.

The coach called for sparring rounds near the end, only about 12 people were picked. I wasn’t one of them, which honestly felt like a small relief today. I stayed on the sidelines, took the time to cool down, and stretched. I left earlier than usual at 9:40 instead of the customary 10:30, feeling both exhausted and accomplished.

Quiet Discipline

I briefly considered stopping by the store afterward, maybe get some things done, but I skipped it. Some errands can simply wait. What couldn’t wait was the rest, real, rejuvenating rest. I went home, took another cold shower to wash off the sweat and fatigue, ate a simple meal, and just laid down on the bed, allowing myself to relax.

It wasn’t a spectacular day by any means. No personal bests, no glowing moments of triumph in my quests. But the true testament to discipline lies in showing up when you’re tired and still pushing through, that’s where discipline earns its name and becomes a powerful force in our lives.

The Power of Showing Up

Day 39 complete. Not my sharpest day, not my fastest, but I stayed committed and in it. Some days are built on fire; others, on quiet persistence. Both are equally important, and both matter greatly. The grind continues, and I approach each new day with a sense of determination.

👉 How do you handle the days when motivation runs low? What keeps you moving when the energy fades? This pursuit of improvement can be grueling, yet it’s essential for growth.