I was doing stiff leg deadlifts when it hit.

A weird, sharp pain in my hamstring.

So obviously, like any rational adult…

I walked it off.

And did another set.

Pain was still there. I kept going.

Even hopped on the leg press after.

Because “winners push through.”

Right?

The next week came around. Leg day again.

Still hurt.

So I skipped RDLs… but did the rest.

Third week?

Still painful.

Still training.

It took me five full weeks, a very stubborn brain, and a trip to the doctor
before I finally admitted what my body had been trying to tell me:

Here’s the thing most people don’t talk about:

Discipline is powerful.

So is grit.

So is being “the one who always shows up.”

But…

I used to believe:

Now?

I think winners know the difference between:

• “I’m tired” and “I’m about to break”

• “This is hard” and “This is stupid”

• “I’m uncomfortable” and “I’m ignoring real pain”

So if you’re pushing through something right now…

And something feels off...

Listen to that.

Don’t let hustle blind you to healing.

Don’t confuse courage with ego.

And if you just have one takeway from everything I said…

Don’t sacrifice long-term progress for a short-term rep.

Because sometimes...

And when you're ready?

Pick the weight back up, wiser.

To your growth,
Vikko