Smooth sharpeners don’t make capable pencils

Dear Player,

Seeking environments of resistance is not something our bodies do naturally. Our instincts are wired to survive. The bed is so comfortable because it is SAFE. We enjoy familiarity because our subconscious does not worry about the uncertainty.

How beneficial is this?

I would say surviving is dramatically different from THRIVING, or expressing your best form. This is what brings fulfillment, and as a player, what allows you to play with confidence.

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” C.S. Lewis

There are two types of situations that can be recognized as unique and extraordinary for their possibility.

The first is an injury or demotion. Anything that takes away a position that you were cherishing. Your immediate reaction: ‘that is my biggest fear.’ It was mine too, and one I eventually grew numb to until my junior year of HS when I tore my ACL.

In a moment life gave me the greatest refining fire. The only version of myself that could make it back successfully was going to be my best.

Regardless of your spiritual interpretation for trials, anyone can chose to see that everything is happening FOR THEM, and not to them. Personally I lean on the scripture.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

This resistance is what will keep you sharp. A sharpener without the tough edge would not make pencils. Life without hardship would lack the glory!

As an athlete with dreams of being great - I feel like this change in perspective was like receiving a super power. That was the day I was bit by a radioactive spider. The moment I could either decide to be built by the discomfort, or destroyed by it.

There are so many inspiring quotes and stories of how unbreakable the spirit is when life is seen through this lens. My encouragement today is to smile and find joy in the resistance of achievement. It is a blessing.

Player - keep going, keep growing.

Much love.

Henry Schertzinger