I believe your life is shaped by your choices. Outcomes follow action. I know at times it can feel like other people make choices for us, but most of the time we’re where we are because of what we did or didn’t do.

And yes, it’s a harsh reality. I definitely don’t have it all together either. I still make bad calls. At the end of the day I put myself here, so I accept the consequences and handle what comes next. The biggest truth is that not dealing with it, it doesn’t make it disappear.

So I’m opening with that because even when the path feels lonely, most of us aren’t alone. Support looks different for everyone. Some people are hands on. Some are a steady presence.

Surprisingly this hit me after watching a Will Tennyson video this week. If you don’t know him, he’s a fitness YouTuber who is typically funny and from what I can tell a genuine guy. But in this video he trained with a crew of hardcore lifters that gave me old CT Fletcher vibes (go look him up if you don’t know). The leader, Unc, set the exercises, the sets, the reps, and even the weights… for everyone. During the session Will and the others were pushed to their limits (especially Will). No sitting after sets. No closing your eyes mid-set. Keep the sweatshirt on. Which sounds ridiculous until you’ve lived it. It took me right back to boot camp. Same idea. Pressure and rules that mold you into something stronger.

What stood out most was the moment Will’s face showed even a hint of doubt. Before the thought could grow, two or three guys were in his ear. Yelling “you just did ten, you can do another. Handle your business. Head up.” And when the bar stalled, they were there with the spot and the push he needed to finish the remaining reps.

From the outside it looks like you do it alone. In one sense you do. No one can lift the weight for you. But the right people help you find another gear. They remind you who you are when your own voice gets quiet.

We all have to walk our own path, step by step.

Just don’t forget to look to your right and left. Someone’s probably there, ready to help.

And one more thing. You’re also someone’s right or left. Show up for them the way you’d want someone to show up for you.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of The Weekly Standard!

If you found value in these insights, share it with a training buddy or post it on your social feed; let’s spread the knowledge and push each other to new levels. See you next time!

COACH’S INSIGHT