I heard these words on a health and fitness podcast this past week. Becky Kiado, the nutritionist and personal trainer I’ve been working with, joined Rhyland Qually on The Strong Ambition Podcast (#135) to talk about her own personal transition and the work she’s doing with clients today.
During their conversation, they discussed which qualities seem to help people be most successful in their health-improvement goals. They both agreed: “The ability to endure is the key to success.” That idea has stayed with me all week.
I know endurance will be essential for my own health journey, but I also think the statement applies to life in general and especially to today’s political climate. Endurance isn’t glamorous, and it isn’t quick, but it’s what gets us through.
As I dug a little deeper into the idea of endurance, I came across a book that caught my attention:
Endure by Alex Hutchinson
Focus: A look at the science behind physical limits, arguing that perception — not just physiology — plays a major role in performance.
Key Concepts:
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The brain acts as a “central governor” that regulates how hard we think we can push.
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Psychological strategies, like positive self-talk, can help us push past perceived limits, much like the way a smile or frown can shift our mood.
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Physiological factors such as heat, fatigue, and fuel use are explored, but the emphasis is often on the mental side of enduring discomfort.
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Stories and research from athletes show how much the mind influences the body’s performance.
That second point — the power of mindset — is one of the reasons I’m feeling stronger every day. I’m recognizing that each step I take builds on the last, and that this isn’t a short or easy fix. It’s showing up each day and doing what I can to reach my goals: improving my mobility, increasing my energy, and yes, losing weight and building muscle so my body can do more of what I ask of it.
It all comes back to endurance.
My 2026 word of the year is Endure.
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