What Spite, Fear, and Love All Have in Common
When I can’t get the weight up for that final rep, I imagine that my family is in trouble, and they are counting on me to lift that kettlebell just one more time.
It usually works.
When I am facing a difficult problem, I’m motivated by the idea that someone thinks it is unsolvable. I picture them doubting me and my ability to figure it out.
It usually works.
When I’m starting to feel hopeless and defeated in a world that is rapidly falling apart, I look for my anger and push forward, refusing to give up — purely out of spite!
Again, it usually works.
There is no single source of strength and resolve that we can pull from. There are many; we often just need to think about it and codify it into our process.
For all of my heroic readers, I have a simple assignment for you.
Reflect on this question:
What gives me strength?
…
- Are you driven by a profound belief in yourself?
- Are you motivated by overcoming adversity?
- Are you driven to protect your family and friends?
- Can you turn to love to find that extra gear?
- Will your righteous anger push you to keep going?
- Can you transform your fear into action?
Whatever it is, find it, cherish it, and learn to harness it.
Real Strength vs The Facade of Strength
Right now, there are people who are trying to project an image of strength.
- They do it by using violence to silence dissent.
- They do it by targeting and harming those who cannot defend themselves.
- They do it by mandating outdated ideas and banning anything that encourages critical thinking.
We don’t call people like that strong; we call them bullies.
Real strength is never about controlling or overpowering others. That’s just a mask for insecurity — a desperate grab for the feeling of safety using fear and intimidation.
Real strength is about discovering what we’re capable of. It’s a resource we can bring to the work we do alongside others in service of a better world.
Make no mistake, being strong is not easy. But we need strong people now, more than ever. There’s work to be done and we can’t do it alone.
So figure out what gives you strength, learn how to harness it, and know that you have friends everywhere.
I hope you enjoyed this post!
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