When I first met my husband, he was working for the Marine Corp as a head coach for the varsity boxing team. I learned a lot about the world of boxing and the techniques that young novice fighters are drilled on every single day of their lives. I learned many things while watching my husband train and condition his fighters, but the single most important lesson I learned was to always have your hands up and keep moving forward.
I thought about how this great sport has many lessons for both life and pursuing a career. In life we must always keep moving forward towards our intended target or goal, and although we may be outmatched by a larger and more intimidating opponent (which can be setbacks or unexpected challenges), we must keep our defenses up and move towards our goal, making sure to use our own technique in fighting back and winning. Turning your back, quitting or throwing in the towel is NOT an option. When it comes to finding a job, fulfilling your destiny and following your own path, you must have the same determination as a boxer. Always keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles come at you, keep your confidence up, use the techniques you have learned to fight the battle and you WILL see results. No other fighter is like you, with your speed, agility or quick defenses (talents).
One of the qualities that I encountered within the boxing community is the passion and drive to win. If someone suffers a devastating loss, there is a long process of getting back into physical condition, training with a variety of partners and gaining back what was lost. So be courageous! Don’t give up because you got knocked down a couple times, and whatever you do don’t throw in the towel, just “role with the punches”.
We all are going to have intimidating opponents in life, which will knock you down for the count, but you must get back up, shake it off and get back into the fight. Make sure as you go back, you know what you’re going to do to differently to defend yourself and win the game. Strategy is key in winning in the boxing ring as it is in life. Without knowledge of your opponent’s weaknesses or fighting style, you will never know how to counter his punches.
Life is just as hard as the ring, but with the right kind of determination you will win in your career and life pursuits. One round at a time . . .