Ff = μη
Friction |ˈfrikSHən|
noun
The resistance an object encounters when moving over another: the friction of braking. (OED).
From mile 43 onward, the resistance became increasingly apparent; so too, were the lessons gleaned from that day.
Friction creates energy. It generates momentum, ignites the spark, and sets off the fire. When it is lacking, sharp edges dull, enticing one to acquiesce. No friction means no forward movement, or any for that matter.
Friction manifests itself in a number of ways, many of which aren’t physical. Tangibility aside, resistance becomes increasingly evident in the form of opposition between where you’re at now and where you’re headed.
If friction (opposition, resistance, or struggle) is an inevitable part of the pursuit, then how one contends with it depends entirely upon perception. Some perceive resistance as an impassable barrier. Barriers breed ignorance and in doing so, they deter one from learning. In all likelihood, the slightest bit of opposition justifies falling short and typically sounds a lot like it wasn’t meant to be.
Was it? Really? Rare is it that such a statement can be expressed with 100% certainty.
Then, there are the few who charge forward with a resolute spirit and unrelenting persistence because they understand that the answers – or, at least better questions – lie beyond whatever forces are currently working against them. For them, the journey quenches and anything extra is a bonus. For those reasons and more, they see things through. They commit. They finish.
So then, unless harnessed, friction hinders. Those who opt for the former - and not avoiding it entirely - understand that to move forward something needs to be pushed against. They charge the mountain, lift the weight, ask more questions than give answers, hop in the ice bath, run the extra mile, put forth an honest effort, and welcome uncertainty.
Not only do they crave friction; they voluntarily and repeatedly confront it. Such a yearning comes deep from within. Way deep. To overcome that, if even for a few fleeting moments, is to overcome oneself - the strongest source of friction - making for the most fulfilling victory of all.
