The Money Changer Knows the Feel of a Fake Coin
When you feel the urge to stop, it’s essential to pause and ask yourself: Is this because I’m truly exhausted, or am I just uncomfortable with the challenge? The answer isn’t always obvious, especially if you haven’t practiced pushing your limits, by choice.
In the same way that a money changer becomes adept at spotting counterfeit coins, we too must train ourselves to recognize the subtle differences between feelings—the desire to quit versus the need to rest. This isn’t something we’re born knowing; it’s a skill we develop through experience and introspection. Let’s break this down and explore how understanding this difference, challenging ourselves, and embracing resistance can help us grow in every area of life.
Testing yourself in controlled ways, whether through physical exercise, mental challenges, or stepping out of your comfort zone, helps you become familiar with the signs. True fatigue comes with a sense of depletion, where rest is the only way to recover and move forward. On the other hand, the desire to quit often comes with doubt, frustration, or a sense of fear—emotions that diminish as you push through them.
By learning this distinction, you can make better decisions for yourself. Rest when you need it, but don’t let discomfort masquerade as exhaustion. The more you practice, the more you’ll recognize the difference instinctively.
Challenges in life are inevitable. The best way to prepare for them is to introduce them into your life intentionally. Not because we want more challenge, or we are some sort of suffering-loving fools, but in fact, the opposite. In the gym, for example, we lift weights not because it’s easy, but because the resistance builds strength. The same principle applies to your mind and spirit.
When you challenge yourself regularly, you’ll grow familiar with the feeling of resistance. You’ll understand how it whispers doubts into your mind or sends a wave of hesitation through your body. But more importantly, you’ll learn to recognize that resistance for what it is- a sign that you’re on the brink of growth. When life throws unexpected difficulties your way, you’ll face them with more confidence because you’ve already encountered resistance and overcome it.
It’s no secret that all growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Whether you’re trying to improve your physical fitness, advance in your career, or strengthen your relationships, the pattern is the same: you must face and overcome resistance.
This is the exact principle we apply in the gym.
It’s not just about showing up; it’s about pushing through the hard parts. The discipline to lift one more rep, run one more mile, or try one more time isn’t just building your body—it’s training your mind to persist. That same discipline carries over into every aspect of your life, equipping you to handle challenges with grace and grit.
Discipline is the bridge between intention and action. Showing up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it, is how you build the foundation for success. It’s easy to wait for motivation, but motivation is fleeting. Discipline, on the other hand, ensures that you’re putting in the effort regardless of your emotional state.
Life won’t always offer us the luxury of choosing when to face challenges.
Sometimes, we’ll be thrown into the deep end, unprepared. By cultivating discipline and the habit of doing hard things, we’ll be better equipped to adapt and thrive when life demands it.
The strength you build today, whether in the gym, at work, or in your personal life, prepares you for the challenges of tomorrow. Learning the difference between rest and quitting, challenging yourself intentionally, and embracing resistance aren’t just steps toward growth—they’re essential practices for living a resilient and fulfilling life.
Lean into the resistance. It’s not your enemy; it’s your greatest teacher. On the other side of that resistance lies the version of yourself that you’re striving to become. Show up, do the hard things, and embrace the journey—because growth, strength, and resilience are always worth the effort.