One of the biggest things I’ve always wanted for Missing Link is simple: I want this place to give you a life that’s worth living. Not just “hey, I can deadlift more now,” but “hey, I used my fitness to actually DO something.” That’s why I love when y’all sign up for 5Ks, marathons, Spartans, Strongman comps… or those big bucket list things like skydiving or tackling a century ride along the Outer Banks. We can get you ready for any of it.Now—does that mean it won’t be scary? Nope. If you’re about to toe the line at the Wrightsville Beach Marathon this weekend… yeah, those nerves are probably starting to kick in riiiiight about… wait for it… waaaaaaait for it… now.
Here’s what I’ve learned about leaning into the scary stuff and coming out stronger:
1. Fear and excitement are the same thing.
Your body doesn’t know the difference. Racing heart, sweaty palms, adrenaline dump—check, check, check. The only real difference is the story you tell yourself. So when you start feeling anxious, ask: “Am I actually scared, or am I just excited?” Most of us don’t get excited that often as adults, so our brain defaults to “fear mode.” But really… it could just mean you’re fired up.
Quick story: back in 2015, I was standing on the Olympic lifting platform at the Hard Corps competition, staring down a PR snatch with 195# on the bar. The nerves were real. Right before my attempt, one of my coaches leaned in and said, “It’s like opening your Christmas presents!” That line has stuck with me ever since. Now before every big workout or event, I remind myself of it—and it flips the switch every time.
2. The waiting is worse than the doing.
Your brain loves worst-case scenarios. You end up running the whole event (with every possible disaster included) in your head 78 times before you ever start. By the time you actually show up, you’re already exhausted from worrying.Here’s the truth: anticipation is always harder than action. If you get to choose when to start The Hard Thing, choose “right now.” Skip the dread and just get moving.
3. Ask yourself: Will this matter a year from now?
If the answer’s no, quit stressing—it’s not worth your energy.If the answer’s yes, then that’s all the more reason to lean in and do it. Those are the moments that matter.Because here’s the deal: life is just a collection of moments. And the ones that actually stick with you—the hard climbs, the sleepless nights, the “holy crap can I actually do this?” events—those are the stories you’ll tell later. The boring stuff (breakfast, shaving, scrolling) fades into the background. But the moments where you stepped into the fear? That’s the good stuff.
So yeah… lean into it. Even if it’s scary. Especially if it’s scary.
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