Extreme conditions offer more to work with than mild conditions, as long as the conditions are not too extreme (for too long). Look at the world and see where mankind has progressed and where we have not. Northern latitudes (although not too far north) spawned more of the major civilized advances than those places where the living is easy. Scarcity drives creativity and innovation, whereas plenty does not.

Being fat, dumb, and happy shows that we are not in growth mode. Lean, ingenious, and motivated gets the job done. Either extreme is bad for successful progress. If everything is perfect, you don’t want things to change or improve, and if you’re starving, weak, and desperate, you can’t change or improve. We have spoken of adversity and noted that the true warrior embraces adversity … and that’s why. The true warrior knows that the path to growth is through overcoming adversity, not running from it … unless, of course, running is appropriate. Warriors are not crazy.

All around us, there is challenge. Do not turn from it. Embrace it. Give thanks for the extreme events and rejoice in your growth! You are warriors and overcoming adversity is what you do. You will turn failure into success as you overcome adversity and build mental toughness. So it is written.