The Grit to Keep Going—Even When It’s Hard

Falling in Love With the Practice of Self-Mastery

I am learning something I resisted for most of my life: the power of falling in love with the practice itself.

For years, my ego kept me from practicing golf—or anything—with true awareness. Fear of failure pushed me into auto-pilot. I would “black out” during my swing, lose awareness, and then wonder why nothing changed.

No awareness means no learning. And no learning means no transformation.

Slowly—very slowly—my ego is dissolving. In its place is something deeper:

Presence. Clarity. The willingness to grow.

The Niyamas and the Path of Self-Discipline

In Presence Golf: A Sacred Path to Self-Mastery, I write about Raja Yoga and the Niyamas—the practices that shape our inner world.

One of these practices is Tapas.

What Is Tapas?

Tapas is the fire of self-discipline. It’s the willingness to:

• show up when results are slow

• practice when no one is watching

• stay committed even when self-doubt creeps in

• keep going when the path gets lonely

Tapas is the grit that strengthens the soul.

It’s not about perfection.

It’s not about praise.

It’s about growth.

Practicing From Ego vs. Practicing From Presence

For most of my life, I practiced from ego:

• trying to “get it right”

• fearing judgment

• tightening up under pressure

• caring how I looked rather than who I was becoming

It closed me off from my deeper Presence.

Now I’m learning something new—to practice from awareness instead of fear.

• Feeling instead of forcing

• Allowing instead of controlling

• Listening instead of proving

• Letting my deeper Self guide each movement

Consciousness knows.

Ego blocks.

Presence liberates.

The Courage to Keep Going When You’re Dancing Alone

My mentor recently asked me:

“Do you believe in your work?”

It’s a thought-provoking question—especially when you feel like you’re dancing alone.

But today, during my practice session, something clicked. Not because every shot was perfect,but because I felt myself waking up.

I realized: I’m falling in love with the journey itself. Independent of the outcome.

That is the true reward of Tapas.

Where Are You Being Called to Show Grit?

Brother, I ask you this:

• Where are you practicing grit in your life?

• Where are you tempted to quit, but something deeper invites you to stay?

• Where is your soul whispering, “Keep going”?

Remember:

You already have the inner Power.

You already have the fire of Tapas.

You simply need to call it forth.

Be still. Let it reveal Itself.

Whether you’re a golfer or not, Tapas applies to any area of your life.

Golf is the platform I use.

Your platform might look different—but the inner work is the same.