We are literally living in the era of strength and fitness. Everywhere you look, people are talking about self-care, wellness, and building strength—both inside and out. And honestly, I love fitness. It speaks to me. Trust me, it does.
Let me share a few lessons I’ve learned from my trusty kettlebell.
Do you know about the overload principle? It’s a fundamental concept in sports and fitness. Simply put, it says that if you habitually overload a system—your muscles, for example—it will eventually adapt, grow stronger, and improve. Sounds like a win, right?
But here’s where it gets interesting: what happens if you overload without purpose?
// You as a System
Now, think of yourself as a system.
Are you habitually overloading yourself? Piling on emotional, mental, or physical stress day after day without any real development or progress? Are you so overwhelmed that you don’t even recognize the weight you’re carrying, let alone find the strength to put it down?
Here’s the hard truth: If you’re not making progress, then it’s not worth bearing. Overloading yourself without growth isn’t resilience—it’s self-sabotage. Just like a muscle pushed beyond its limits can be damaged, your mind and spirit can also break under unnecessary pressure. Relationships—professional or personal—that drain you to the point of toxicity need to be addressed. This is the moment to snap out of autopilot.
// Realize, Process, Leave
We often hear the phrase, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But let’s be honest—what doesn’t kill you can sometimes leave you scarred, broken, or worse, emotionally paralyzed. Strength doesn’t come from enduring needless suffering. It comes from knowing when to stop, when to recover, and when to move on.
// Comparison Is a Trap
One of the most dangerous weights we carry is comparison. We tell ourselves, “She’s managing it. He’s thriving. Why can’t I?” But here’s the truth: you are you. Specifically, magnificently, uniquely you. Your environment, experiences, and boundaries shape your responses, and what works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you. Just like fitness routines—no single plan works for everyone.
Stop looking outward to decide your life. Look inward. Reflect. Breathe. Decide for yourself.
// The Principle of Reversibility
Here’s another fitness truth: the principle of reversibility. When you remove the applied stress, your body returns to its baseline and resets. Life works the same way. It’s okay to start over. In fact, it’s necessary sometimes.
Leaving a toxic situation doesn’t mean failure—it means you’re prioritizing your growth. Just like recovering from an injury, you can rebuild, restore, and come back stronger.
//Your Life, Your Strength
The kettlebell teaches us that strength isn’t about carrying every weight forever. It’s about recognizing which weights are worth lifting, which ones need to be put down, and when to start fresh.
Live your life in a way that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Align them in radiant sync, and let go of what doesn’t serve you.
// Faiqa Ali Chughtai
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