Day 40: Lessons in the Ring

A Fresh Start and a Familiar Routine

Day 40. Four-zero. Feels good to say that out loud. Another step forward in a journey that seems both overwhelming yet oddly familiar. Every milestone is not merely a date; it symbolizes the countless small victories and tiny adjustments that collectively forge progress. It’s an affirmation that I’m moving in the right direction, bit by bit.

Sleep wasn’t great, nothing new there, but I’m trying something different tonight: meditation before bed. There’s an air of hopefulness that perhaps this practice will help fix this broken sleep rhythm that has plagued me for weeks. I imagine the potential benefits swirling through my mind like comforting whispers. Anyway, the morning started the same way it always does, cold shower first thing. It’s a ritual now, more automatic than brushing my teeth. The sharp hit of cold water resets me every time, jolting me into the present moment and shaking off the heaviness of sleep.

Quick breakfast, then off to school. I did my breathing exercises on the bus, part of the Wim Hof routine. It’s getting easier to integrate that into my mornings, turning it into a series of habits that shape my day. School itself was fine, nothing dramatic, just the usual noise, deadlines, and small frustrations that come with being in an academic environment. The projects are wrapped up, and that’s one less thing hanging over my head, allowing a bit of mental space for new challenges ahead.

By the time I got home, I was running on low battery. I cooked, ate, and crashed for a two-hour nap. But that late nap messed with my timing; I woke up at 6:30 p.m. and missed my Jiu-Jitsu class. Not great, but I didn’t dwell on it too long. Life is about adaptability, after all. I got up, geared up, and headed to the boxing gym instead, where I hoped to redeem my day.

The Best Boxing Session Yet

I arrived a bit late but jumped right into rope skipping, ready to absorb everything the session had to offer. First time using my new rope, new wraps, new gloves, and head guard, it all felt official, as if I was stepping onto a grand stage. The gear gave me this boost of excitement, like I was entering a new phase of my training journey. The confidence that comes with having the right tools cannot be underestimated.

We started with basic drills:
👊 Jab–Cross exchanges to warm up.
👣 Footwork inside the hoop, step in fast, Jab–Cross, then switch.
🌀 Jab–Cross–Hook and body-shot combos for rhythm and speed. Each drill was a building block, a way of layering skills that felt both familiar yet thrilling. The rhythm of the gym felt alive, crackling with energy and focused determination.

Then came the fun part, partner drills. I was paired with a young MMA guy, tall, strong, and clearly more experienced. The kind of opponent who forces you to level up, as he had a fierce spirit and a sharp mind. Our drills turned into a real exchange of skill and willpower, pushing each other to dig deeper and reach further.

We stood toe to toe in the hoop, trading body shots, feeling the energy exchange palpable between us. His punches landed clean, sharp hits to my left side that made my ribs sting. Every shot was a reminder of the work I needed to do to keep improving. He had power and precision, but I didn’t back down. I kept punching back, focusing on angles and timing. There were moments of clarity amid the chaos; I gave more shots, but his were heavier. At one point, I had to take a breather, those liver shots are no joke, and I could feel the intensity of the session heightening with each exchange.

After that, we geared up for light sparring. This time, I held my own better than before. I landed several clean shots to the face, worked my counters, and used feints to close distance. My speed carried me through most exchanges, though his technique was more refined. I could tell, he had control, experience, and patience, which I respected deeply. Every exchange was a lesson in itself, a moment to learn from.

By the end, we were both winded and grinning, our adrenaline still pumping from the challenge we faced together. I raised his hand out of respect, he earned it with every jab and combination. He told me, “You’re close. A little more time and you’ll get there.” Hearing that from someone younger but sharper meant a lot, inspiring me to keep pushing forward.

This session wasn’t just good, it was probably my best boxing session so far. I walked away tired, sore, but honestly thrilled, reflecting on the strides I had made within that single hour.

Cooling Down and Looking Ahead

After the gym, I hit the grocery store for fruits and essentials, feeling alive despite my fatigue. The vibrant colors of the fresh produce energized me. I then went straight home, another cold shower, my post-training ritual, washed off the exhaustion and soothed my sore muscles. Quick meal, a few minutes of relaxation, and then bed, awaiting the comfort of sleep.

Today reminded me why I started this. The grind isn’t just about muscle or sweat, it’s about humility, growth, and the quiet confidence that comes from learning something new every time you step in the ring. Each day serves as a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

The Lesson of the Day

Day 40 complete. I’ve realized that every good session doesn’t need victory; sometimes, it’s enough to walk away with lessons, bruises, and respect gained through shared experiences. Progress lives in the small moments between frustration and breakthrough. The grind continues, and I look forward to tomorrow’s challenges with renewed energy and determination.

👉 How do you handle facing people who are better than you? Do you compare, compete, or learn? Each encounter offers a chance to reflect and grow, to understand that every setback is just another opportunity to bounce back stronger.