essay

Day 21: I AM THE PROOF

I don’t need validation—I’m the evidence of what’s possible

Day 21: December 25th. Christmas.

I have gratefulness in my heart and on my mind. I awoke to “Today will be a good day.” I expect it.

Though it’s a holiday, the grind doesn’t stop. Today is Leg Day, so I stretch and get to work: goblet squats, deadlifts, glute bridges, and lying leg raises.

Going through my circuit, the first round is exceptional. The second, I’m really locked in. Third — my mind-muscle connection is perfect. I move and feel every muscle as I should.

One more round to go and I figure I’ll go to failure. I surprise myself some weeks with the amount of energy and grit I find in me. That’s my tenacious nature, which coincidentally is my philosophy and brand and name: Tenacious.Individual.Performance (TIP). I always strive for and intend to obtain a higher standard with myself.


I wrap up, shower, and have breakfast: vanilla almond granola, chia seeds, flax seeds, half a banana, and soy milk — has to be ice cold (smiles).

I wrap up my routine and I’m off to start the day. While on the bus, I let my mind wander.


I am blessed and continue to be shown love and respect. I am grateful for all that I have. I am happy.

I’m glad I’ve changed. A new me, a new year right around the corner. 2026 will be my best year. I will get things done — goals achieved, book written, projects completed, and so much more. I am happy to be on this journey, and I look forward to the work.


I can do it. I will. I do.

I am better. I am disciplined. I persist. I do not give up. I will continue to succeed.

I have already removed the stairwell back down. I couldn’t go back if I wanted to, and I don’t want to. I’m here. The boats are on fire. I will continue on.

I don’t wait till I’m ready. I’m ready because I said so.

I don’t need proof. I AM THE PROOF.

A pencil-sketch portrait of a smiling man in a knit cap on a spiral-bound sketchbook, with a drawing hand, eraser, sharpener and pencil shavings.

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