Persistence beats Resistance

Persistence Beats Resistance

Everyone loves a good comeback story demonstrating just how incredible the human spirit can be.

There often exists a recurring storyline within these narratives: The main character relentlessly pushes past their boundaries with an attitude of indifference to the opinion of others.

The result? A myriad of fails and falls before the ultimate triumph…

Enter Mich Stocchi

Michele is a good friend of mine and a CrossFit trainer, who has reached the pinnacle of top performances as a South African CrossFit athlete. 

Competing on a global level at the age of 26, Mich was in the form of his life until he endured a debilitating back injury that rendered his future sporting prospects dubious.

Medical professionals were cautious about Mich’s ability to lift another weight again, but from the onset of his misfortune, he was adamant to persevere.

The power to not give up

With the long game in mind, Mich confronted this challenge head-on. He demonstrated incredible levels of determination, pushing himself a little further each day, all while remaining realistic and respectful of his limitations. 

One year later, he is able to move his body in ways that have defeated the odds. Mich’s ultimate goal is to come back as his former professional CrossFit self. But until such a time, he is resolute on taking the small and calculated steps required to remain fit and healthy, staying positive, and always hoping for the best possible outcome. 

In his own words, “You never know what’s possible, as it’s never over till it’s over!”

A talk on perspective and perseverance

Craig Poole, a renowned college and Olympic track and field coach, delivered an insightful TedTalk imparting his perspective on perseverance and how to make our goals a reality. 

His inspiring real-life stories about people overcoming their disabilities illuminate practical ways to overcome the impending challenges one faces in this thing called life, ultimately empowering us to live life to the fullest. 

Some of his insights really struck a chord with me and we would be remiss not to share at least one of them.

Craig speaks of one of the greatest lectures ever given by mankind delivered in 1941 by a gentleman known as Sir Winston Churchill, whom you might know as ‘The Bulldog of Great Britain’: As he took his place up on stage before parliament, he looked his audience right in the eyes, pulled his fist tightly and stamped his feet rhythmically as he declared: 

“Never! Never! NEVER! Give up!” 

He then made his way back to his seat. That was it! Yet those few but powerful words carried so much weight.

We all have trials and tribulations to endure, and while trying to overcome these, perhaps the greatest challenge of all is fighting the temptation to opt for the path most traveled – to quit. Don’t ever give in! 

The Mighty Amongst Us

The Incredible Mighty Mack

Mackenzie Friedman, affectionately known as Mighty Mack, is a shining example of perseverance in action. 

At only four months old Mack was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of leukemia and without a bone marrow transplant, she would continue to relapse. 

Confined to hospital for nine months straight, Mack had a brush with death too many times to count, yet her unveiling spirit and will to live enabled her little body to endure the remorseless struggles thrown her way. 

In January this year, she underwent a bone marrow transplant which, despite various seemingly insurmountable uphill battles, was and continues to be a wild success. 

Mack’s unrelenting determination to conquer the cursed disease still astounds even the most astute doctors across the globe and today she is a thriving, vivacious, cancer-free toddler with a beautiful future ahead of her. 

Persistence is ALWAYS well within your grasp

It entails a robust mindset of following through, never giving in, and never giving up in arduous situations to attain your goals. 

Always practice persistence when pursuing your dreams! THAT is when the difference between living a life of mediocrity and one of greatness shines on!

Gianluca brings a touch of Italian flair to everything he does. His eye for detail, superior organisational skills and rare ability to nag relentlessly (in the nicest possible way) help to keep the team on track and on target. Say good things to him about Juventus and you’ll have a friend for life.