One of the greatest opportunities we have to grow and become better human beings is when we are pushed out of our comfort zone. Just like in working out, when you feel the pain, that is when the change is happening. Your muscles are fatiguing and you are becoming stronger. If you give up right when the pain comes in, then you will never become stronger and never evolve. The physical effects on the body are similar to the psychological effects. Our brains want to trick us into thinking we are tired and can't give anymore but if we fight that urge to give up and push through, we come out the other end feeling accomplished, strong, and with a natural high that is unlike anything else. More times that not, we need the encouragement to push through but there are also times when we need to pull back. Being wise and listening to our bodies is also that of a champion. Knowing the difference between building stamina and doing more harm than good takes knowledge and wisdom.

Heres how you can differentiate the two and be the champion you were meant to be.

Check in with yourself- The best way to do this is to spend alone time through meditation. Doing something alone, with no outside distractions and giving yourself time to clear the slate so to speak. At this time, check your energy level and ask yourself what you need today and what you are willing to give today? Some days you will feel weak and have little to give to yourself, let alone anyone else but other days you will feel like a warrior ready to fight hard and give to everyone in need. Acknowledge your ability each day and act accordingly.

Look at the big picture- If the effort you put in today will make you a better person tomorrow then it is worth it but if the effort you put in today will only weaken you tomorrow then step back. Don't think about the hard work today think about where it is taking you. Look at it from a broader perspective.

Excuses or Truth- Our brains will trick us into thinking all kinds of things to get out of having to do anything out of our comfort zone. It will say, you could hurt yourself if you do that or I'm no good at anything and I don't want to embarrass myself. Your excuses can become your truth but only if you accept them as such. You are stronger than you think and even with all the excuses in the world if you refuse to accept them then they have no power over you and you win.

Find someone you admire or idolize and replicate them- You will find one thing in common about all people we admire. They all have discipline. Bruce Lee is a great example of the power of the mind and body. He embodies what not giving up looks like. He accepted only positive truths with no excuses and was a master of discipline and stamina. His mind was his strongest asset, then his body followed.

Things that are worth it do not come easy- There are so many great examples of this. Couples that have been married 60 years, Olympians, college graduates. Think of something that you are most proud of in your life. I guarantee it was not something that was handed to you on a silver platter. It was something that you put your constant blood, sweat and tears into. Succeed and glory in the satisfaction of your accomplishments.

You are who you hang with- Access the company you keep. Surround yourself with people whose traits you admire and respect. Positive people who support your positive efforts towards being the best version of yourself. They say you are most like the 5 people you spend the most time with, so if you are not big fans of these people then make some positive life changes and create new people into your life.

Staying positive- Maintaining a positive attitude through challenges. You can tell a lot about someone's character by how they respond to something that is difficult for them. It is easy to feel defeated and let negativity creep in and destroy your mood. Try your best, know that it will pass and find something to be joyful about in that moment. Choosing gratitude in this moment will shift your perception and turn anything negative into a positive. Continual practice makes this tool work and eventually it will be inside you on a cellular level and negativity will be something of the past.

*I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'-Muhammad Ali