"Je ne compte pas mes redressements assis ; je commence seulement à compter quand cela commence à faire mal parce que ce sont les seuls qui comptent."

This quote is all about resilience and pushing through pain to achieve something meaningful. It's a reminder that real progress often begins at the point of discomfort. Until you reach that edge, you're just warming up—it's when things get tough that you're truly building strength, both physically and mentally.

Imagine a time when you were preparing for an exam. You probably spent hours reading and re-reading your notes. But it was during those last few hours, when your brain felt like it was going to explode and you were ready to call it quits, that you really started to absorb the material. It's that intense focus in the face of exhaustion that solidifies your knowledge. This is exactly what the quote is getting at.

The quote is attributed to Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time. Ali was known not just for his skill in the ring, but for his sheer determination and mental toughness. When he said this, he was likely speaking from experience, knowing that the real training started when he was drained and every muscle screamed for him to stop.

Let's bring it down to earth with a real-life example. Think about someone training for a marathon. The first few miles might feel relatively easy, but it's when they hit mile 20 or 22 that the real challenge begins. Their legs turn to jelly, their breath is ragged, and every step feels like a monumental task. Yet, pushing through those last few miles is what truly prepares them for race day. It's easy to run when you feel good. It's the miles that hurt that build endurance and character.

So how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by recognizing that discomfort is not a signal to stop—it's a sign that you're entering a territory where growth happens. Whether you're working on a big project, learning a new skill, or training for a sport, acknowledge that the tough parts are the most valuable. Instead of shying away from them, lean into them. When you're studying and your brain is tired, push through and do one more practice problem. When you're working out and your muscles burn, do a few more reps. This is where progress is made.

Picture this: You're working late on a presentation for a big client. It's past midnight, your eyes are heavy, and your brain is begging for sleep. You could call it a night and finish in the morning, but instead, you decide to push through. You refine your slides, rehearse your speech, and when the morning comes, you present with confidence and clarity. Your client is impressed, and your hard work pays off.

This isn't just about physical endurance—it's about mental toughness too. The next time you're faced with a challenge, remember Ali's words. Don’t count the easy parts. Start counting when it gets hard, because that's when it really matters. That's when you're building something great.

In the end, it's about embracing the struggle and understanding that the pain is part of the process. So next time you feel like giving up, think of Ali and keep pushing. The results will be worth it.