5.3 Muhammad Ali: Start Counting When it Starts Hurting

“I don't count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because those are the only ones that count.” - Muhammad Ali

When the workout gets hard, how do you respond?

What is one of the most effective ways to get stronger? Lift heavier weights.

What is one of the most effective ways to get faster? Run faster.

What is one of the most effective ways to run harder for longer? Run harder, longer.

Real progress and growth happen when you push yourself past your comfort zone, but too many people quit when it gets hard or starts hurting.

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali once said, “I don't count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because those are the only ones that count.”

We get better, stronger, faster, and tougher when we push ourselves past our limit, allow ourselves to properly rest and recover, then do it all over again and again. But this is hard and most people want to stop, rest, or quit when it gets hard.

How do you get more mentally tough so you can push yourself beyond your limits? Put yourself in situations where you have to push yourself beyond your limits.

When it starts getting hard, remember that it is supposed to be. Muhammad Ali said he hated every minute of training, but he suffered through training because he knew what would come from it. He wanted to be a champion, so he didn’t start counting his reps until he pushed himself to the point where it hurt.

Question of the Day: What is an area in which you need to start counting when it hurts?