Responsibility: Balancing Nerves, Purpose, and Everyday Life

With my first international competition on the horizon, I find myself increasingly anxious. The logistics of travel alone are daunting. The weight of international perceptions adds another layer of unease. And, of course, there is the quiet but persistent question: Have I prepared enough?

On the one hand, I feel ready. On the other, I know the magnitude of this event. I want to compete well—not only for myself, but to show my children that it is possible to take on hard things and rise to the occasion. I want this tournament to be an experience that excites and inspires them. At the same time, I see it as an opportunity to lean into my brand and grow my online business. The TikTok Shop is calling, and promotion can’t wait.

The question, then, is how to balance it all. Training, business, family, writing, daily work—it often feels like an impossible juggling act.

The reality is that I can’t do everything in a single day. Inevitably, priorities shift. Some days training falls lower on the list. Other days it’s chores. And, truthfully, there are times when even family gets less of me than I’d like. That is the source of much of my inner conflict: knowing that something important will always be postponed, left for tomorrow or the weekend.

This leads to moments of frustration and doubt. Am I focused on the right things? Am I making meaningful progress, or am I simply staying afloat? I know many of us wrestle with these same questions. The weight of responsibility is relentless. Every day brings another round.

So what can we do? Responsibility is a constant and unyielding opponent. The only real option is perseverance. We must learn to forgive ourselves for perceived shortcomings. We must do our best, accept unfinished lists, and still allow ourselves moments of rest—moments to enjoy the company of family and friends—knowing that tomorrow the work will be waiting.

In my view, this is what life is really about. The obstacle is the way. Struggle shapes us, develops our character, and makes our stories worth telling. A life without challenge or conflict would be unbearably dull. Yes, our struggles often feel mundane—laundry, dishes, work, endless chores. There is little romance in the daily grind. But perhaps that is precisely the point. The battles of everyday life prepare us for the greater ones ahead.

I’ll admit: I struggle with gratitude in the face of chaos. A messy house doesn’t inspire thankfulness. Constant demands for attention from my children can feel exhausting. Yet, perhaps these challenges are themselves evidence that I’m on the right path—that I am present, that I am engaged, that I am striving.

The key, I’ve realized, is to celebrate small victories. To trust that, even in imperfection, I am moving in the right direction. Perseverance is not about flawless execution. It is about showing up, again and again, with the courage to keep going.

As the competition draws closer, I know the nerves won’t fully disappear—and maybe they shouldn’t. They’re a reminder that what I’m doing matters. This moment isn’t just about stepping onto an international stage; it’s about embodying the lessons I try to pass on to my children every day: perseverance, courage, and the willingness to embrace challenge.

No matter the outcome, my hope is that they see their father striving—not perfectly, but wholeheartedly. Because in the end, that’s what this journey is about: showing up, meeting life’s responsibilities with resilience, and finding meaning in the struggle itself.