Tough

Strength from the challenge

Some view a challenge as a threat, while others view it as an opportunity to perform. To some, winning is the challenge. To others, the process of winning is the challenge; to them winning is not as important as the battle. A warrior wants to win but he or she loves the combat even more. A warrior knows he or she may die in combat but that is of little concern; more important is how one conducts him or herself on the battlefield. Appearing as a coward or quitter or as unreliable or performing in less than an honorable manner is much more feared than is death. When facing a challenge, a warrior gets tough and draws strength from the challenge.

Getting tough

Making yourself tougher is not easy. You will have to push yourself to your limits and beyond. You must feel discomfort and pain, and learn face and deal with your weaknesses and fears. You have to seek new challenges that stress you in the areas of your greatest weaknesses.

Pain is your body telling you to stop what you are doing for it is being injured by what is occurring, while discomfort is your brain telling you to stop what you are doing because it can no longer bear what is occurring. You must learn to endure discomfort, but whenever possible, you should stop when there is pain. Pain is processed in the brain, so the brain has some control over pain. Sometimes, especially during times when you need to be tough, the brain may reject pain and allow you continue, even when you are injured.