"最後の3、4回のレップが筋肉を成長させる。その痛みのエリアがチャンピオンとそうでない人を分ける。それがほとんどの人に欠けているものであり、何が起こっても痛みに耐えて進む勇気を持つこと。"

When you’re hitting the gym and pushing your limits, the final few reps you struggle through are where muscle growth truly happens. The pain you feel in those moments isn’t just physical—it's mental too. Champions are the ones who endure this pain, pushing just a bit further when most people would stop. That grit, that determination to push past the pain, is what sets them apart.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who famously said this, isn't just talking about bodybuilding. Think about his journey: moving from Austria to America, barely speaking English, and becoming a global icon. It’s a testament to his philosophy—those extra reps he pushed through weren’t just in the gym. They were in every challenge he faced.

Picture this: You’re at the gym. The weights are heavy, you're sweating, your muscles are screaming. You’ve hit that wall, and everything in you wants to stop. But if you push through, if you manage those last grueling reps, your muscles break down just enough to rebuild stronger. This principle applies beyond fitness. It’s the same grit you need when working late on a project, studying for exams, or starting a new business.

Take J.K. Rowling, for instance. Before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon, she was a struggling single mom, rejected by multiple publishers. But she kept going—pushing through those painful 'last reps' of perseverance and rejection. And look where it got her. Her story isn’t just about magic; it’s about resilience and the guts to keep going.

So how do you apply this in your own life? First, recognize the 'pain points' in your journey—whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional. When you hit that point where you want to quit, remind yourself: this is where growth happens. Set small, incremental goals. Push just a bit further each time. It’s not about massive leaps, but consistent, persistent effort.

Imagine you're training for a marathon. The first few miles might be manageable, but it’s those last few that really test you. Your legs burn, your lungs feel like they might explode, and every part of you wants to stop. But if you push through, each time you run, you’ll find you can go a bit farther, endure a bit more. It’s that cumulative effort, those moments of pushing past the pain, that get you to the finish line.

In your daily life, think about moments you’re tempted to give up. Maybe it’s a challenging report at work, or a complicated relationship issue. Those are your last reps. Push through. It’s okay to acknowledge the pain; it’s part of the growth process. Embrace it, don’t shy away. Remember, it’s in those moments of discomfort that true growth—whether in muscle, career, or personal strength—happens.

So, next time you find yourself at that breaking point, dig deep. Think about Arnold, J.K. Rowling, or anyone who’s pushed through pain to achieve greatness. You’ve got that same grit in you. It’s just a matter of pushing through—one rep at a time.