The Growth Loop: Why Challenge Is the Gateway to Expansion
Try. Fail. Learn. Repeat (TFLR). This cycle powers both your physical fitness and your business success.
I draw a parallel between entrepreneurship and working out because both demand consistent effort, pushing through discomfort, and embracing challenges, not just once, but repeatedly. Whether you’re powering through an intense HIIT session or laying the foundation for a business, the core truth remains the same: real growth happens when you face and overcome resistance. For context, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is my go-to workout style, where I move from one exercise to the next without any rest for 25 to 30 minutes straight. It’s tough, no doubt, but that very intensity is what fuels progress and transformation.
🧠 The Mental Muscle Behind Success
When you challenge your body physically, you’re not just building muscle, you’re developing resilience, discipline, and mental fortitude. The same applies to business. Every time you tackle a tough decision, face rejection, or stretch beyond your comfort zone, you’re strengthening the “health” of your business and your mindset.
And here’s the magic: when you consistently do hard things, people notice. You become a thought leader not because you chase attention, but because your actions speak louder than any marketing campaign. You influence others simply by being the kind of person who leads with courage, consistency, and clarity.
🔁 The Growth Loop: Try→ Fail→ Learn→ Repeat (TFLR)
Whether it’s a brutal workout or a bold business move, the cycle is the same:
- You try something hard. (T)
- You stumble, sweat, or even fail. (F)
- You learn. (L)
- You repeat for continual growth and improvement (R)
I’ve learned that execution beats perfection. Planning every detail can slow you down. If you have an idea, launch it. If you’re unsure, try it. If you fail, celebrate it. Because every misstep is a step forward when you’re committed to growth.
🧘♂️ A Lesson from Uncle Milo
A recent conversation with my uncle Milo, a mental fitness coach also training to become an Ikigai Practitioner, reinforced this mindset for me. He shared a simple but impactful tweak for my HIIT routine: during my no-rest workout, spend additional time on each exercise moving slowly and with intention. Was it challenging? Absolutely. But it reminded me why I’m so passionate about entrepreneurship—the power of embracing discomfort to spark true growth and transformation. When I got home, I put this new approach into practice, completing 26 minutes and 28 seconds of continuous, focused effort. It was incredibly tough, but pushing through made me stronger and more determined than ever.
Doing hard things makes me better. It sharpens my focus, deepens my grit, and expands my capacity, not just in the gym, but in life and business. And when I grow, I get to share that growth with my clients, my network, and my community.
🚀 Why Entrepreneurs Should Embrace Discomfort
If you’re building something meaningful, discomfort is part of the package. But here’s the reframe: discomfort isn’t a threat, it’s a signal that you’re evolving. That you’re stretching into new territory. That you’re becoming the kind of leader who inspires others not by what you say, but by what you do.
I don’t plan to stop growing until I’m six feet deep. And if there’s an afterlife, I’ll be pushing the bar there too. Because this isn’t just about business, it’s about living fully, learning constantly, and serving generously.
🤝 Final Thought: Let’s Grow Together
To my clients, colleagues, and community: know that I’m committed to improving daily. I’m here to support, uplift, and challenge you because I believe in the power of shared growth. And if you’re someone who values relationships, purpose, and continual improvement, then we’re already aligned.
I’d love to hear your perspective on this. How do you approach discomfort in your own journey? What hard things have helped you grow?
Feel free to email me directly at [email protected]** or provide your feedback by completing my survey below:
https://link.healthydataguy.com/widget/survey/cLX2zqvQ09EoMXh7xY9i
Let’s keep pushing the bar. Together.
Brandon Drake, CRM Consultant (aka The HealthyDataGuy)
Using CRMs to strengthen human connection in the digital age
