Monday, June 15th, 2009

Toughness

There is a misinterpretation of what toughness is.  Many athletes, and “hardcore” people, like to believe that toughness is measured by physical strength or a willingness to take action regardless of the consequences which is often times a reckless and inconsiderate act.  The image of James Dean, rebel without a cause, the Marlboro man and others like him are all considered to be tough.  Guys in bars that beat up people who look at them funny, people in gangs, firefighters, hockey players, wrestlers pro and otherwise, all of these people are seen as tough. 

While I will not debate the amount of toughness that firefighters or hockey players or even wrestlers bring to their chosen professions, what separates them from those who are simply in a gang and who profess to be willing to take someone else’s life? 

Toughness is not measured by the amount of muscle you have on your bones or the number of people you’ve physically harmed.  It’s not tattoos or loud words.  It isn’t retaliation, it is not revenge.  Toughness isn’t breaking the piece of shit’s neck because they took your dream and flushed it down the fucking toilet.  Toughness is waking up every morning anyway and REFUSING TO LOSE. 

I am tough.  I will not succumb.  I will take it on the chin.  And then I will stand back up.  I will stand back up and beat your sorry ass from one end of the floor to the other by out working you.  You will not be able to breath.  You take a step, I’ll be there.  You want to run, I’ll get their first.  I will out work you.  I will leave no doubt in your mind that toughness is about putting up with all the adversity and moving on with energy and focus unimpeded.  I will wake up tomorrow.  And I will beat you.