From Shenanigans to Strength: The Power of Learning the Hard Way

“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” – Henry Ford

Thought of the Day

Over the weekend, I attended my high school reunion. While there weren’t many of us in attendance—and we’ve now been graduated longer than we were ever in school—it was fun to see how much we’ve all grown and changed. Even funnier was reliving some of the shenanigans from the past. Reminiscing about those moments made me wonder how we even made it this far into adulthood.

But I think the coolest part was seeing how those of us who struggled back in school are now living full lives and truly thriving in ways we never could have imagined over twenty years ago. From doctors and lawyers to school board facilitators and gym owners, our little troubled graduating class has produced some incredible people.

Sure, we made plenty of mistakes along the way—but it's amazing to see how those very mistakes helped shape us into who we are today. In life, in the gym, and at work, you're going to make mistakes. Try to learn from them, and don’t repeat the same ones. Share your experiences so others can grow too. This idea comes straight from our team playbook.

That trip down memory lane helped me realize how all the wild moments from the past actually helped me avoid bigger pitfalls in the future. Watching kids today try so hard to be perfect, I wish I could show them that making mistakes is not just okay—it’s essential for growth and learning.

Perfection only really exists in Instagram filters and the dictionary. Learning from your mistakes—that’s what truly moves people forward.

What mistakes have you been running from? Are there big moves you’ve been avoiding because you fear failure? As a parent, teammate, or simply as a human being—growth through mistakes is the key to becoming who you’re meant to be.

Stop hiding, and start growing.

Tuesday June17 2025

Warm up

2 rnds

Kb Goblet squat press

Full body rocks

Kb SDHP

Hollow hold/ rock

Tech

Row

Burpee over (bar, rower, DB in busy class)

Thruster

Wod

20 minute AMRAP

20 cal row

10 burpee overs  ( bar, rower)

5 Thrusters 135/185#

Cool down