"You're capable of more"
"You're capable of more"
This quote is from one of my favorite real-life savages, David Goggins.
When I was a teenager, I grew up listening to older guys in my family talk about their nature trips.
I’ve seen photos of them climbing mountains, setting campsites, swimming in lakes, and cutting through jungles.
Last weekend was my first time climbing a mountain.
I wasn’t really planning to do so since my lifestyle is basically the opposite of one who enjoys these kinds of things.
My girlfriend was the one who actually invited me and told me that we were going with some ex-coworkers of ours.
I was looking forward to it.
The guides for the trip were friendly and helpful.
After getting oriented about the details of the mountain that we were about to climb,
we started to hike through the neighborhood that connects through the actual trail.
We hiked for 4 hours before we reached our first stop to grab some lunch.
The first 4 hours I believed were challenging but doable.
The next 4 hours weren’t…
We climbed through almost 90-degree slopes.
Passed through mossy rocks.
And cut through heavy vegetation of thorny plants.
And as always…
The last part of the climb was the hardest.
It wasn’t really that bad but my feet were killing me from carrying my girlfriend’s backpack
filled with necessities (as she says).
I can feel the vein on my right foot pumping blood while I wait for my girl as she rests
to regain energy every 1 minute.
All I can think and were doing at this time was I needed to make sure that I can’t
look like I’m going through the same pain as her.
My inner caveman has awakened and I needed to stay strong for both of us.
For the last 100 meters of the climb, I kept getting reminded of David Goggins’ story
on how he finished his first 100-mile marathon with broken feet.
He endured hours of this.
And I remember this specific quote from Goggins
"You're capable of more."
This sentence will be repeated over a hundred times in my mind until we finally reached the campsite at the peak with all our friends waiting.
This quote was my saving mantra.
We rest, set up camp, ate well, drank, and had a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s descent.
Day 2 was easier as expected.
It just took half of the time to descend.
Passing through the same route got me wondering how did we manage to reach the top from
all of these obstacles.
It wasn’t all smooth though.
My feet were more painful from yesterday but I just pushed through as we go through
more slippery, dangerous paths descending to the river which was our last location.
After about 3 hours of slipping and sliding through the jungle, we finally reached the river.
We swam, had lunch, and said goodbyes before we go our separate ways home…
That day I internalized David’s concept that we almost always just put in 40% of what we’re capable of.
We severely underestimate ourselves and settle for less.
Well, I'm done doing that.
I'm done doubting myself.
I know I'm ready for more.
Let's get it.
If you’re interested in working with a person who openly accepts challenges feel free to email me at nickbalmadres23@gmail.com.
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