scott stonehouse

The Vikings were fierce warriors. Hard. Tough.

Some of that toughness is because of the land from which they came.

It was a hard, tough land. Cold. Windy.

Weak people would not survived there. Only strong people could survive there.

Did they like the cold? Did they like the wind?

Maybe. Maybe not.

But the North Wind is what made them who they were.

The hardships we face, the trials we must overcome, the unpleasant things we have to deal with… they can make us strong.

As silly as it sounds, one challenge I am about to face is the cold.

It is about to get cold for a few months in Texas.

I dislike the cold.

A few years ago I started exercising outside. Six days a week, early in the morning, I am either in my garage doing strength training or I rucking (walking with weight on) around the neighborhood.

That becomes unpleasant when it is cold.

But I use it.

It is a small test of toughness.

Get out from under the warm covers and go exercise in the cold, Scott.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable, Scott.

Embrace the suck, Scott.

Be tough, Scott.

Yes, there are more challenging things in life than exercising in the cold. Yet, any time we can practice toughness, however small, it grows our ability to be tough in other situations.

There is also great benefit in a mindset that finds value in challenges and discomfort.

What challenge are you facing right now? What discomfort can you create for yourself?

How can you use it to make you stronger? Tougher?

What value will you gain from facing this challenge?

You can do this.

Remember, the North Wind Made the Vikings.