I have always struggled with my weight.

This also affected my self-confidence until I started taking action to get in better shape both mentally and physically. I am still on this journey, but now I have healthy self-confidence and a much better body.

In April 2022, I did my first Spartan race. Throughout the training & the actual race, I realized the followings:

1) Painful Growth & "Growthful" Pain Are Great

Doing a Spartan Race is painful. Training for it is even more painful.

But growth always comes with pain, and pain almost always leads to growth in the long run. This is what I call "growthful" pain.

The experience helped me apply this lesson to other life aspects - especially my career and dating life.

2) Training Helps Defeating Unhealthy Pleasures

"When a person can't find a deep sense of meaning, they distract themselves with pleasure." - said Viktor E. Frankl.

From time to time, I struggle with this. But training itself taught me to keep certain pleasures in moderation and kick other unhealthy pleasures out of my life.

3) Being An Active Person Shall Be Our Identity

I wasn't an active person for most of my youth. I hated running and avoided going to the gym.

It all changed two years ago after I got a taste of the beauty of being an active person and, thus, a fighter. So I started to become one.

Identifying an active person has a positive effect on our whole life. We develop a fighter mindset that helps to stay consistent and persistent.

It also happened to me, and that's why I'm here now, constantly publishing.

4) You Get To Know Yourself Better

This is a fucking cliché. But it's so damn true.

You learn that your limits are way beyond what you think you are capable of.

I could never imagine doing a Spartan race - let it be a 5K or a 21K. Now, I've done both races and am hungry for more.

Start experimenting with any physical and creative activity, as you can never know where it will lead you. One thing is for sure: it will make you a better, stronger, and more alive person.