NEVER RETREAT

It will be no surprise to anyone who knows me that I am absolutely, unequivocally against any form of retreat. I don't view retreat solely as a military tactical defeat; I view it as a psychological defeat, a moral defeat, and often a spiritual defeat. The effects of a retreat will thicken your heart like myopathy¹, eventually affecting every aspect of your life.

To me, retreat and defeat are two sides of the same coin. Don't misunderstand me: I'm not claiming that every battle in life can be won. Some struggles are so immense that victory seems impossible, regardless of how much you sweat, cry, or bleed. Yet any fight truly worth engaging in is worth seeing through to the very end!

I'm going to keep this article short. In these few paragraphs, I want to argue that any battle worth fighting is worth sacrificing everything you have. If it's not worth that kind of sacrifice, then there was no reason to fight the battle in the first place.

Here are three compelling reasons why retreat is never an option for me—and why it should never be an option for you, either.

Nothing in life comes easy. Every inch of ground gained comes at a cost. Some battles may cost you more than others, but every inch of ground you’ve gained in life has demanded something in return. The very idea of giving up ground that you’ve paid for—dearly or not—should be out of the question. That’s why retreat should be removed from your vocabulary.

Some people become so overwhelmed that they forget the true cost of all they've invested to get where they are today. These individuals operate under the belief that the current fight is simply too difficult. As a result, they become willing to sacrifice everything they’ve accomplished in the past because of the challenges they face today. Never... ever... give up the ground you’ve gained through blood, sweat, and tears.

Every fight is costly. Every fight is painful. Every fight comes with consequences. The pain and consequences you're experiencing in the moment can cloud your judgment. It's human nature to want to make the hurting stop. However, it’s not always the best decision to stop the hurting at all costs.

Don’t weigh the costs and benefits of a battle solely based on the immediate consequences. There’s another factor to consider—and it might be the more important part of the equation.

One crucial question you must bravely confront is this: How much will this decision ultimately cost you in the future? When I reflect on my current circumstances alongside the potential future benefits, I often realize that I'm willing to sacrifice far more than I initially thought in order to pursue my future. I urge you to incorporate future benefits into your calculations when "counting the costs." This perspective will empower you to make choices that not only serve you today but also help forge your future. Embrace this challenge—calculate wisely, and strive for the rewards that await you!

A personal retreat is never solely personal. It always impacts those around you. Not only do you benefit when you persist through a tough fight, but the people around you also gain from the example you set. Sometimes, standing your ground instead of retreating sets an example that will endure long after you're gone.

When you eliminate retreat from your vocabulary, you have no choice but to find a way to stand your ground or move forward. It may not be easy, and it likely won’t be pretty, but the long-term results far outweigh the short-term benefits of retreat.

So, remind yourself the next time you're stressed to stand your ground. The next time you're in a tough battle, remind yourself that moving forward is the only acceptable option. The next time you're facing a fight that seems unwinnable, tell yourself that you will NEVER RETREAT!