How Do We Build Strength?

We all know that if we want to build physical strength, we work, lift weights, or do some other physical activity that challenges our muscles. In the short run, that physical activity breaks down those muscles, but in the long run, it stimulates them to build back and grow stronger.

So, isn’t it paradoxical that we often look, at a failure, as--- failure, instead of an opportunity to become stronger. As I see it, failure is the breaking down of our emotional, intellectual, and spiritual muscles, and like what happens with our physical muscles, we hurt, we get sore, and we are often inclined to avoid the activities that caused this pain. If you push through it, however, these intangible muscles are just like their physical counterparts, and they will grow back stronger and more resilient.

It would be interesting if we could look at failure as an opportunity to become stronger, and realize but failure is part of being human, and part of the process, becoming a stronger, more resilient person.

The bottom line: Don’t avoid the things that cause you pain, discomfort, or anxiety. Seek them out instead.