The Storms We Don’t See—And Why They Make Us Stronger

“There’s no more powerful lesson than knowing that your setbacks will one day help you succeed.” – Reshma Saujani

Thought of the Day

When you set out to take on a new journey, adventure, or challenge, it can be easy to assume that things will go smoothly—especially in the beginning, when excitement is high and energy is abundant. You often approach these moments full of hope, focused on the opportunity for a brighter future.

But when you're about to take that first step, do you ever think about the potential setbacks that might lie ahead? When starting something new, do you consider how work, school, family commitments, or summer plans might create friction in your well-laid plan?

This mindset isn’t meant to be negative or to discourage you from starting your journey. It's simply an opportunity to prepare for the storms before they arise.

When I started Jiu Jitsu, I had no idea that within the first twelve months, I would tear my hamstring and undergo heart surgery. If I hadn’t had my routine at Empower to help me rehab and stay consistent through those setbacks, I’m not sure I would have stayed on the mats.

Not all setbacks look like mine—but what are some realistic obstacles that could potentially derail you?

Is there a family trip, a big wedding, or a work or school project that might get in the way? As coaches, we’re here to help you navigate those challenges. That’s why you invest in coaching. To help keep you on track, progressing toward your goals, and getting there faster.

We’re in the boat with you, helping to keep things steady even when life doesn’t cooperate with your plans. So, the next time you’re starting a new journey, take a moment to think about the potential setbacks or challenges ahead. Then, sit down with your coach—we’ll help you build a plan to stay on track. You can get to where you want to go.

Over the weekend, I saw a friend I hadn’t seen in over a year. She’s a small business owner doing amazing work in her community. It was incredible to see her growth—especially when she laughed about old challenges that once felt overwhelming. I remember when those situations felt heavy, and looked like they could stop her completely. But now, they’re just lessons from the journey she’s on to change lives.

The path will not always look the way we want, and it will never be as easy as we imagine at the start. But if you stay the course, surround yourself with the right people, and aren’t afraid to anticipate and face the bumps ahead, you’ll discover you're capable of more than you ever thought possible.

Tuesday

Warm up

2 rnds

Wrist stretchs/ hands and knees rock

Shoulder pass throughs

Side plank

Pvc OHS

Then

Snatch drops

Tech

Snatch

Wod

Randy

75 snatches 55/75#

Heat #2

Cool down