I remember distinctly the inclination I felt in high school to lie about how much I had studied for an exam that I did well on. I had spent a number of hours studying, probably more than average, and yet I felt the need to say that I had barely prepared for it. That I had just browsed the material, or didn’t even go through the study guide, because for whatever reason, the unspoken rule was that succeeding because of some innate talent held more value than succeeding because of committed effort. I remember other students doing the same: lying about their effort, hiding their struggle, subtly attributing their successes to talent rather than effort. Looking back, I am both unsurprised and a bit disturbed by this common inclination. And it’s not just kids.

While this opinion may not make me cool in high school, I am strongly averse to the idea of hiding your struggle and effort. Rather, I believe it ought to be earnestly worn with honor and pride. I frequently see people of all ages and walks hide their struggle -- from their children, their friends, their family, their competitors -- as if it is something to be ashamed of, a sign of weakness or insufficiency. But struggle is both fundamentally human and absolutely necessary for change. It is the scaffolding on which excellence is built.

Rather than hiding your struggle, let it shine. Leave some sweat and maybe even some blood and tears on display for everyone to see. Allow your friends and family and everyone else to know that you struggle, not because you are weak or insufficient, not because you want their pity, but because you are trying to be more and do more. Let them see so that you can lead by example, so that maybe they will be inspired by your struggle to pursue something that they are challenged by. Earnest vulnerability is powerful, and no matter what your first inclination may tell you, your effort and struggle earns respect, not shame.

- PS

2/21/18

• 3 rounds for quality

• 10 hollow body rolls

• Max time ring support hold

Then...

• 10 min AMRAP

• 10 double KBS (70/52)

• 100’ double KB OH carry (70/52)

• 200m run