Day 46: Strength in Small Steps

Starting the Day Strong

Day 46, I woke up early today, filled with determination and ready to face whatever challenges come my way. A cold shower hit just right, sharp, clean, and invigorating, instantly awakening my senses and preparing me for the day ahead. Even though my rib still whispers with pain, it is barely a shadow today, and that feels like progress, a small victory in itself.

Putting in the Work Outside the Gym

My morning routine stayed strong. I engaged in breathing exercises on the bus, centering myself as I headed into school, focusing my mind and energizing my spirit. The familiar sights outside the window blurred into a meditative background as I breathed deeply and prepared for the day. There were no early teaching sessions lined up, so I dove into preparing exams, as I often do, immersing myself in the tasks at hand. I have been steadily chipping away, doing one or two per day, and today I pushed through and got some solid work done. That felt incredibly satisfying and rewarding.

Once classes began, I handled three back to back sessions by the end of the day, maintaining my composure and enthusiasm throughout. The students were a typical mix, some unruly, some calm, but I stayed grounded, channeling my energy into engaging them. After school, I went home, fueled up with good nutrition that I had carefully planned out, and then squeezed in a workout I have been desperately missing, calisthenics for legs. Using the Calisteniapp, I followed the week 5 program, single leg squats, assisted seated squats, Hawaiian squats, side lunges, and high rep calf raises. My legs were burning in the best way, proof that strength does not always need a heavy gym. Each movement felt empowering and revitalizing.

Later, when boredom crept in, I realized I needed to restock my kitchen, my fridge was nearly empty. On the way to the store, I decided to call a colleague who teaches PE and coaches kickboxing. I asked about the possibility of joining amateur boxing and MMA tournaments, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought of new challenges. He warned me, Kickboxing and Muay Thai tournaments are serious, dangerous undertakings. He said I should consider training for over a year first to truly prepare myself. I disagreed. My coaches told me six months is realistic, and I firmly believe in their expertise and guidance. I stayed resolute in my conviction.

By the time I got home, I had dinner, wrapped up some more exam prep, and went to bed. Still, I feel like I made progress today, inching closer to my goals and pushing through the monotony of life.

Where the Day Tested Me

Rib pain tried to make a cameo, a dull ache that nudged me constantly throughout the day. It is hard to trust my body when I know it is not functioning at 100 percent. I also taught with fatigue, prepping exams, then training my legs, no easy combo to juggle, but I managed. And convincing someone else that my timeline for fighting tournaments is valid, that is its own uphill battle, one filled with doubts and fears. My colleague’s caution felt like a wall standing between me and my ambitions. Part of me wanted to bow to his experience and listen to his wisdom. But another part, the part that has been plotting and pushing relentlessly, stood firm, determined to forge my own path.

The Lesson

Today reminded me that strength is gradual, not sudden. Recovery from injury does not mean stopping altogether, it means adjusting and adapting to new circumstances. I did not spar or bag work, but I still trained. I still built on my foundation. My legs got stronger through perseverance. My discipline stayed sharp and focused. And when doubt crept in, whether about my rib or my goals for competition, I defended my path with unwavering belief. Belief in myself is a crucial part of the journey, and I hold onto that conviction tightly.

Moving Forward With Purpose

In the coming days, I will keep preparing my exams meticulously so I can clear that mental space for training. I will continue my calisthenics program, week by week, rep by rep, because consistency is the key to success. I will also revisit the idea of tournaments, but only when my body is fully ready to take on the challenges they present. I trust my coaches estimate, six months is my goal. Every day of training now matters significantly, even when it is not taking place in the ring.

Day 46 Lesson

Progress does not always roar, sometimes it whispers through burned legs and quiet conviction, through the moments of struggle that lead to growth and self awareness.
Day 46 complete. The road continues, and I embrace each step forward.

👉 How long do you think it realistically takes to prepare for a big goal, and how do you decide when you are ready to take the leap? I am curious to hear your thoughts on this important topic.