Fight To Win

"Don't break anything, don't get into any fights. If you do, Fight to win"
-Christopher D. Volksen-

What comes to mind when you hear the words, "Fight To Win?"
As a teenager my Father would tell me this everyday before I left for school. In my mind, when I would hear these words, I thought of black eyes, bruises, and bloody noses. Not the prettiest picture you could paint for these few words.

As I was sitting at my study desk today thinking about life, Fight To Win suddenly jumped into my head. I thought about it for some time and slowly came to realize that there is much much more to these Three powerful words!

In all of our lives we all face challenges and trials that will make us fight for some kind of victory. Whether it be school, friends, family, sports, or career. Lets face it, we are all human and none of us are perfect.

Before I started my mission I would find myself outside all the time! I love the outdoors, and one of my favorite activities was rock climbing.

Looking up at the rock and then back down at my hands taped up and covered in chalk, the only thing running through my mind was, "This climb is impossible, my hands hurt, and I am not good enough for this climb". My mind was full of negative thoughts that seemed to really weigh on me.
I rested for a bit, just staring at the massive rock which seemed to get bigger and bigger as the evening went on. But after some time I felt rested enough and ready to try to conquer this rock one last time before the sun slipped behind the mountains. Stepping up to the giant, I was running through the different holds and foot placements I would be preforming during this climb in my head.
The first couple moves went great but, as I approached the spot where I couldn't get past, I could feel my forearms start to burn and fingers becoming weak.
Two more moves and I will make it to the top, "Come on Volksen you got this", I kept shouting in my head. Using what strength I had left in me I reached out for the hold that seemed impossible. To my surprise I felt my finger tips snag the hold! Suddenly my energy shot to the sky! I grabbed hold and made the final two moves to finally finish the climb. It is a moment I will always remember! The taste of victory is very sweet! It is something we all should strive for.

As I think back to this past experience and to the famous words, "Fight To Win", I think of how differently my attitude would have been about one of my favorite hobbies if I wouldn't have fought to "WIN."
I hope that this short story and these few words that my father told me will be able to encourage you to strive for a victory in what ever your fight is at this time. Like I said before, the taste of victory is sweet!

D&C 103:36
All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence......