This is a question I get a lot—and one I wrestled with during my latest ultramarathon. Why put myself through so much unnecessary struggle? I battle with this both on and off the trail. It’s not an easy question to answer because there is no correct one. I’m still uncertain why anyone would be so insane as to put themselves through such a harsh physical event, often leading to injuries and months of recovery. However, I’ve come to learn a few things. The experience on the trails cannot be bought. No amount of money can run 100 miles for you, and it certainly can’t push you through the adversity you’ll face along the way. When you find yourself 80+ miles into a 100-mile endurance event, there’s nothing and no one that can put you in that position except you. It’s the hardest yet most straightforward physical challenge there is—move your body to the 100-mile mark, or don’t. So imagine this: you set out, months or even years in advance, with the simple and terrifying goal of finishing a 100-mile ultramarathon. You train relentlessly, prepare mentally, and do everything in your power to be your best on race day. You toe the line, filled with nerves, and the race begins. You’ve practiced your pacing, nutrition, and have run hundreds—maybe thousands—of miles. The nerves soon fade, as they always do once you start moving. Then, you’re at war. You climb mountains, descend into valleys, and push through uneven terrain and mud. Every aid station feels like a breath of fresh air—you pop out of the wilderness to refuel, only to head back in moments later. Through the hours of wear on your body, you face adversity after adversity (it’s just going to happen). Your feet blister, your body aches and cramps, and your stomach turns. Even more challenging, your mind begins to doubt. You question—why? Why run 100 miles? You still haven’t found an answer, but you continue. You find yourself 80 miles in, moving slower than you have all race. The sun has been down for hours, and you’re at your lowest. You ask yourself again: why? Your original reasons vanished long ago. There’s no “why” anymore—just you and the shell of your body.

“Being relentless means demanding more of yourself than anyone else could ever demand of you, knowing that every time you stop, you can still do more.” — Tim S. Grover, Relentless

AI isn’t replacing people. It’s replacing the distracted. The men who stay sharp — disciplined in thought, clear in purpose — will thrive in this new era. Use this new chapter, ⚙️ AI Freedom Code, as a reminder that your mind is your advantage. Every tool is useless without intention. Every machine is powerless without a man of vision behind it. 🧗‍♂️ How are you sharpening your focus this week? Drop one thing you’ve cut out — and one thing you’ve doubled down on.

The hardest battle you’ll ever fight is the one between who you are and who you know you could be. That’s what The Ascent is built for — a step-by-step climb toward mental dominance, self-mastery, and unshakable discipline. This isn’t theory. It’s daily application — mindset drills, reflection prompts, and internal recalibration. Because when you master the mind, everything else follows. The Ascent — A 25-day discipline and mindset climb.

This is where the real battle is fought — between who you are and who you could be. Your mind will test you. It will whisper comfort when you need discipline. Train it. Command it. You don’t rise by chance; you rise by choice — one deliberate thought, one controlled action at a time. The higher you climb, the quieter it gets. That silence? That’s focus. “Self-control is strength. Right thought is mastery.” — James Allen