Time Under Tension
Working on Self: A Journey of Mental Strength
Self-growth doesn’t happen all at once. It’s not a lightning strike, it’s a process. And like any process, it has stages, moments that test us, shape us, and ultimately build the person we’re becoming.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking deeply about this through my runs, workouts, and even in unexpected places, such as podcasts and Sunday messages. The lessons keep pointing to the same truth: the work is on the inside first.
In the gym, time under tension builds muscle. It’s not just the rep; it’s staying in controlled discomfort long enough to grow.
Life works the same way. This week, my coach, Kyle, said something that stuck: “Get in your pace and level out your mind.” That’s precisely what growth feels like—staying in rhythm when everything in you wants to stop.
I’ve also heard it from unexpected places: our preacher from South Africa spoke about negativity holding the mind hostage, and even a podcast made me pause to reflect. Strange how life echoes the same lesson if you listen.
Framework: How to Stay in Tension Long Enough to Grow
- Reframe discomfort. Don’t call it pain, call it training.
- Use intervals. Push, recover, push again.
- Anchor to purpose. Ask: What will this give me later?
Muscles grow under tension. So does character.
Question for you: Where in your life are you leaning into tension instead of running from it?
https://www.michaelearls.com/lifestyle/the-power-of-micro-wins/