Lesson Ten: Believe First, Then Become

Some of these lessons might start to sound familiar. And that’s okay. The truth is, important things need to be repeated. Sometimes you have to hear the same message five different ways before it finally clicks, before it finally feels like it’s speaking to you. This one’s one of those lessons. A lesson that I struggle with, but working on following my advice.

Whether you’re rebuilding your body, your confidence, your business, or just trying to survive the chaos of life, there’s one truth that keeps rising to the surface:

Belief comes before ability. Not the other way around.

Nobody Starts Ready

This has shown up in my life more times than I can count. From walking into the gym the first time, not knowing what I was doing, to starting a business without a roadmap, to being a dad, and wondering if I’m getting any of it right, there’s always that voice in your head asking, “Are you ready for this?”

But here’s the thing:

The game doesn’t change when you become capable. The game changes the moment you decide to believe you can become capable.

Most people wait to be good before they begin, waiting to feel confident, waiting until life feels just right. They sit on the sidelines rehearsing their dreams, hoping they’ll magically feel qualified one day.

That’s not how this works. Belief almost always comes first.

Luke Hopkins: A Real Reminder

In 2024, Luke Hopkins completed a full Ironman in Wisconsin, swimming, cycling, and running 140.6 miles. But this wasn’t about athletic performance or chasing a perfect split time.

For Luke, it was personal. He had battled through mental health challenges and moments where just getting through the day felt like its own Ironman. Crossing that finish line wasn’t just a physical win. It was proof that he still had something in the tank. That life could still mean something.

He said, “You can change your life. You just have to believe you can first.”

That line stuck with me. The training nearly broke him. But belief carried him through. And when he crossed the line, it wasn’t the medal or the crowd that mattered. It was the quiet knowledge that he chose to show up, even when it was hard.

Invest in Yourself. Even When It’s Not Popular.

If you’re going to believe, then really believe. Invest in yourself, like it actually matters. Like your future depends on it.

Because it does.

Not everyone will understand. Some people will think you’re obsessed, dramatic, or selfish. Let them talk. Most of them never dared to bet on themselves anyway.

I’ve never met anyone doing better than me that only has something negative to say without constructive feedback.

It’s always the ones standing still that have the most to critique. The ones afraid to dream wildly. The ones who have accepted comfort and mediocrity.

You’ve got to be okay with being misunderstood for a little while. You’ve got to be okay with stepping away from what’s popular so you can step into what’s possible. You’ve got to be ok with accepting your past failures as lessons and not let them define you as anything other than someone willing to try. Not everyone will get it, and that’s fine. The people who are supposed to will either be there or meet you on the road.

Movement Creates Momentum

Belief makes movement possible. And movement opens the door for growth, strength, and skill. You don’t start with talent or answers. You start with a whisper that says, try anyway.

It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable. But it’s the only way you ever get good.

The worst thing isn’t failure. It’s inaction.

It’s standing still while your potential collects dust. And yeah, the beginning of any process sucks. Whether it’s fitness, fatherhood, healing, building, or trying to reinvent yourself. You’re going to get punched in the mouth by reality early on.

But that’s not the end. That’s just the toll to enter the process.

You’re Not Supposed to Be Ready

Once you’re in it, you must trust that if you keep going, the end will come. You’ll figure it out. You’ll build the reps. You’ll find your rhythm.

But it starts with belief. It always does.

You’re not supposed to be ready. You’re supposed to believe anyway.

So take the first swing, show up for the run, apply for the job, launch the idea, tell the person you love them, hit post, and walk into the unknown.

Because belief isn’t the reward for action.

It’s the requirement.

And when you believe first, you permit yourself to become everything you’re meant to be.