Day 61: A Quiet Grind and Steady Progress

A Cold Start to the Day

Day 61 began the way many of my mornings do. I woke up early while it was still dark outside and stepped straight into a cold shower. Through the Wim Hof method it has become a solid routine, strengthening my immune system, sharpening my focus. The December cold makes it tougher, but the habit is there. Cold showers have really taught me about embracing discomfort, and each morning I emerge feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the day's challenges.

After that I prepared a good breakfast and headed to school. On the way I did my breathing exercises and felt fully awake by the time I arrived. The journey itself was a chance to reflect on the day ahead, mentally preparing me for any obstacles I might encounter. I often find that a good mental warm up is as important as a physical one, reinforcing my determination to make the most of each experience.

A Calm Morning Followed by Heavy Sessions

Just like yesterday I had a free morning with some time to breathe before the schedule became much heavier. The later sessions came one after another and drained my energy quickly. With exam week in full swing many students finished early and grew restless. I handled as much as I could and counted down until I could go home to recharge. The atmosphere in class was palpable, a mix of anxiety and excitement as we all pushed through the pressure of impending assessments, hoping to harness our focus and deliver our best work.

During the day I kept thinking about the martial arts tournaments ahead. I want to participate as a referee before stepping in as a competitor next year. I am currently writing out the full schedule of tournaments in wrestling, jujitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA, and boxing with enough consistency I hope to be ready when the time comes. This preparation requires discipline and dedication a reminder that each moment spent training translates directly into my performance on the mat. Studying the rules and intricacies of how each tournament functions adds another layer of knowledge that makes me a better athlete and supporter of my peers.

Once work finished I went home, cooked a solid meal, ate, and took a two hour nap. It changed my mood instantly. Eating well is crucial for recovery, and that meal was not just sustenance, but a ritual of self care that helps me recharge mentally and physically. After resting, I felt rejuvenated, ready to take on whatever the evening had in store for me.

Evening Training and an Unexpected Session

I woke up too late for jujitsu but still made it on time for boxing. I arrived early and started warming up alone with rope skipping and shadowboxing. A few others joined me eventually. The coach never came, and later I realized he must have gone to the opening of the local boxing tournament. It was an unexpected twist to the evening, but I decided to make the most of it by continuing on my own.

That did not bother me. I continued training on my own. In moments like these I often remind myself that self motivation is equally important as external guidance. The empty space in the gym became an opportunity for me to dig deeper into my practice, focusing on my techniques and perfecting my form without distractions. I really harnessed this time to refine my skills and as I trained I felt a sense of pride for taking responsibility for my own development.

Most people left for Muay Thai but I stayed. I prefer sticking to my schedule and boxing is something I genuinely enjoy. There is something therapeutic about the rhythm of punches hitting the bag the sound reverberating through the gym creates an environment of focus that I love. That evening it became my sanctuary the familiar act of putting on my gloves brought comfort and purpose.

A younger student stayed too, so we worked together. We started with light jabs and crosses for about ten minutes before moving to light sparring. His punches were extremely light and slow, but he kept up. I stayed controlled while still landing many clean shots. It was good practice, and I enjoyed sharing the mat with someone eager to improve. Teaching and sparring with him reminded me of my own journey and reinforced how important support is in martial arts.

Eventually he asked to stop because he was tired. I finished with an ab workout, but the rib pain returned during the crunches. It does not hurt during everyday activities, but intense stretching still brings it back. Listening to my body is crucial, so I acknowledged the discomfort by adjusting my movements accordingly, understanding that recovery is part of the training process.

I wrapped up, went home, took my cold shower, ate again, and rested for the night. This routine has become sacred a way to signify the end of the day and prepare my mind for rest. I often reflect on my progress and set intentions for the next day, which helps me stay aligned with my goals.

Day Sixty One Lesson

Some days progress is quiet, steady, and almost invisible. Today reminded me that discipline matters more than perfect conditions. Whether the coach shows up or not, whether the body feels ideal or slightly injured, the commitment to improvement remains the same. Progress in our personal journeys often lies in the quiet moments the ones where we persist despite the challenges.

Showing up for myself, adapting to the situation, and respecting my limits is part of the long term growth I am chasing. Day 61 was not dramatic or intense, but it was disciplined, and discipline builds momentum. Each small act of commitment adds up, creating a foundation upon which I can build future successes.

Day 61 complete. The grind continues.

👉 What do you do on the days when everything feels slow or unmotivating, yet you still choose to show up?