Personal Narrative: The Forge

# The Forge

*Challenges make you stronger!*

I came across this amazing tool when I was traveling across my state by bike. No way I could afford to stay in hotels each day, so I had to sleep outside or knock on the doors of random people to sleep in their yards (stressful and humbling). Between the physical exhaustion, the dam bugs, and having to face my fear of talking to strangers, it was a challenge, no doubt.

But one amazing thing I noticed when I got back, even though I was mentally and physically exhausted, I had super willpower. I guess the trials in my day to day life are nothing compared to traveling long distances by bike alone.

Not only did I keep good habits, but I also had the willpower not to do the bad ones. And I had zero tolerance for people's bullshit (which says a lot for the shy introvert I once was).

But then I came across it again. I had another challenging experience, but not as long, and I got that same boost in willpower.

This brings me to the third tool of the badass: **the forge**.

The forge burns away impurities and strengthens the metal.

With [katanakaji](http://badassu.net/katanakaji-smart-way-to-improve-your-life/), the blade is sharped (you know who you are and what you want), but with the forge the metal is harden (you have the power to make it happen).

Combine this with [super focus](http://badassu.net/super-focus-skill-of-a-badass/) (you put in the repetitious practice to hone your skills) you can easily dispatch your demons with your perfect blade.

## Creating Your Forge

Choosing your forge (the environment that challenges you) is very important.

For example, while the career I had at a prestigious firm challenged me, it made me more likely to go home, eat bad food, and do other bad habits.

It was the wrong kind of stress. Why? Because, ultimately, my heart wasn't in it.

**The forge has to be a challenge *you* want to