I saw a keynote address from Jesse Itzler, an entrepreneur and author who has a penchant for pushing boundaries. He told a story that struck home for me.
Jesse co-founded Marquis Jet and Zico Coconut Water, among other ventures. He’s a businessman, adventurer, and avid runner at heart. Jesse's journey of challenging his limits led him to train for an ultra-marathon, and that’s where Chad Wright enters the story.
A former Navy SEAL from North Georgia, Chad Wright embodies resilience and determination. Having faced intense training and life-threatening situations, Chad's mental fortitude is unparalleled.
In the speech, Jesse talked about how he struggled to run beyond 38 miles, aiming for a seemingly unreachable 100 miles. He turned to Chad. Confidently, Chad claimed he could get Jesse to that 100-mile mark, introducing two transformative lessons.
The first lesson was about perspective. Jesse could never vocalize any pain or discomfort. If someone inquired about his well-being during the run, regardless of his true feelings, Jesse's only response was to be, "OUTSTANDING." This wasn't just about masking pain but about restructuring his mental dialogue.
The second was about commitment. Chad instructed Jesse that if he ever felt like quitting, it wouldn’t be in the comfort of an aid station. If he was to stop, it would be out on the course, giving everything he had until he had nothing left. There was no option to just casually bow out; he would either complete the race or exhaust himself trying.
Through these lessons, Chad wasn't just preparing Jesse for an ultra-marathon. He was teaching him about the power of mindset in any challenge we undertake.
For those reading this, whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply someone facing life's daily hurdles, remember Chad's teachings. How you frame your experiences and where you choose to draw your lines can redefine what's possible for you. It's more than just physical endurance; it's a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
How are you feeling today? <b>OUTSTANDING!</b>
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