Day 59: The Return to the Ring

A Calm Start, Despite the Chaos Behind It

Day 59 started on the right foot. I woke up on time, taking advantage of the early morning silence that often serves as the perfect backdrop for a focused mind. I followed my usual routine: took my cold shower, a ritual I rarely skip, as it invigorates my mind and body, and headed out for the day with a heightened sense of purpose. On the bus, I completed my breathing exercises, setting a peaceful tone for the morning and mentally preparing myself for the challenges that lay ahead.

School was manageable, an environment that fluctuated between uncertainty and comfort, but I learned something annoying: my supervisor had cancelled the online revision session I had prepared diligently yesterday without even telling me. It was an unexpected setback that felt like a small punch in the gut. That meant all the extra work I had put in was now unnecessary and rather frustrating. Still, what’s done is done. I didn’t want to let this unfortunate news ruin the rest of the day, so I decided to focus on the positives instead, reminding myself that these things happen.

Later, during a break in my schedule, I ordered protein, creatine, and other supplements. I felt it was essential to fuel my body correctly. During my free sessions, instead of forcing myself to work on the blog, which I often found quite draining, I made the conscious choice to rest. Between the many teaching sessions I had, I needed whatever moments of quiet I could get to recharge my mental batteries and maintain my focus.

Afternoon Reset Before Training

Once I got home, I took a long, much-needed nap, nearly two hours of uninterrupted rest that felt absolutely glorious. Afterwards, I had a good meal that would give me the energy I needed later, recharged myself, and prepared for the boxing session ahead. I was aware of how crucial these moments were for my physical and emotional well-being. Since I didn’t train yesterday, today was non-negotiable; I felt a strong urge to get back into the rhythm of things.

From 7:30 to 9:00 PM, it was more than just time; it was an opportunity to get back into the groove, to reconnect with the discipline I had worked so hard to cultivate.

Back in the Ring

There were around sixteen of us in class, a mix of familiar faces and new ones, each bringing their unique energy to the room. We started with rope jumping and shadow boxing, the usual warm-up routine. It was intense enough to drain you quickly - nearly thirty minutes of nonstop movement before gearing up for the more rigorous parts of training. The sweat dripped down my forehead, but I welcomed it as a sign of hard work.

My first partner was a skilled 16-year-old who was surprisingly quick on his feet. We practiced light jabs and crosses, then moved into very light sparring. I used my height and reach advantage, landing clean shots to the face while he caught me with a couple of body shots, enough to make the rib pain flare up, but nothing I couldn’t handle. It was a solid first round that warmed both of us up for what lay ahead.

Next, I sparred with another lighter opponent who had solid hooks and good blocking skills. He challenged me, pushing my limits a bit, which was necessary. Then came the real challenge, a much taller, heavier guy who took things more seriously than he probably should have. Even so, he only landed two clean shots in almost ten minutes of sparring. His reach was long, but my footwork and distance control kept me safe. I countered effectively whenever he closed in, leading to a remarkable exchange of punches that sharpened my focus.

We sparred for almost an hour. My stamina was fading, and the momentary fatigue began to settle in, but the satisfaction of being back in the ring after days of uncertainty made every second worth it. Each jab, each dodge, felt like a step forward in reclaiming my momentum.

Afterwards, I picked up some late-night groceries, went home, made a simple but nourishing meal, ate, took my cold shower, and finally, headed to sleep with a sense of fulfillment.

Day Fifty-Nine Lesson

Today reminded me that discipline is not rigid, it bends, adjusts, and adapts without breaking. It takes on various forms, allowing for flexibility even amidst a hectic schedule. Even when work wastes your energy or circumstances shake your patience, the commitment you keep to yourself is what matters most in the long run.

I didn’t let yesterday’s missed training turn into a pattern. I firmly resolved myself not to let extra work drain the fire out of me. I rested when I needed to, trained when it truly mattered, and pushed my limits in the ring with clarity and control. Each decision I made felt intentional, contributing to a greater sense of achievement.

True progress is built from days like this, not perfect, not smooth, but consistent; it’s the little wins that add up over time. Each commitment, no matter how small, nudges you closer to your goals.

Day 59 complete. The cold, the chaos, the sparring, the grind continues.

👉 How do you stay committed to your goals on days when work drains your energy before training even begins? What strategies help you to push through and remain focused despite external pressures?