Choosing Purpose Over Pain: My Path to Resilience
Some days, I wake up barely able to move.

I feel pain and weakness coursing through my body—nerve damage is an invisible opponent I can’t simply outrun or ignore.

If I know I’ll need to stand, sit, or hold one position for more than ten minutes, the worry starts: Will someone think I’m restless or unfocused when I keep shifting around? Will they misunderstand what they can’t see?

And yet, people often tell me they’re surprised by how I still show up with a smile, with purpose, and with energy for my work and the people I serve.

I’m asked all the time: How do you stay productive and positive when you’re always in pain? How do you keep your zest for life alive?

There’s no magic. There’s no secret formula. But over the years, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about pretending everything is okay. It’s about deciding what you will do with the circumstances you didn’t ask for.

If you’re facing your own hard days—physically, mentally, or emotionally—here are three practices that help me keep moving:

1. I don’t rely on “feeling like it.”

Motivation is a fragile thing. If I waited until I felt like working, exercising, or showing up, I’d lose entire days to the pain. Instead, I’ve trained myself to follow a simple principle: It doesn’t have to feel good to be worth doing.

For example, I once led a four-hour workshop where I was in so much pain I could barely stand still for more than a few minutes. But I reminded myself: my discomfort wasn’t a reason to give anything less than my best. My role was to create an energizing experience for everyone in the room. I shifted my weight, I moved around, and I delivered with all the passion I had—because I refuse to let pain steal the purpose behind my work.

Purpose and consistency come first. Feelings follow when they can.

2. I’m grateful I get to do what I do.

Gratitude is more than an inspirational quote. For me, it’s a mindset that re-centers my focus.

There was a time when I wondered if I would be able to work again, lead again, or even get through a normal day without feeling defeated. Now, I have the chance to serve others, to create impact, and to live a life aligned with my values.

That doesn’t erase discomfort. But it reminds me that everything I do is a gift, not an obligation.

3. I can’t control my pain, but I can control my perspective.

On any given day, my body may not cooperate. But my outlook, my effort, and my attitude are mine to direct.

Resilience is the refusal to surrender to the circumstances around you.

When the pain flares up, I pause. I breathe. I remind myself that I am still here, still capable, and still responsible for how I show up.

I share this because I know many of you are carrying unseen battles. You may feel that no one notices how much effort it takes to keep showing up. If that’s you, I see you.

The absence of struggle doesn’t measure resilience. It’s measured by the choice to keep showing up, especially on the days you’d rather not.

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If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your perspective:

• What helps you keep going when life gets hard?
• What does resilience look like in your story?
• Who in your life or career has modeled true resilience? Tag them or comment their name.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or message me privately if you’d rather connect one-on-one.

We’re all stronger when we share what it really takes to keep moving forward.

Jevon Wooden, MBA, ACC💡, CEO and Founder of BrightMind Consulting Group, is a speaker, trainer, certified coach, and business consultant. He specializes in empathetic leadership, emotional intelligence, and workplace culture. A U.S. Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient, Jevon is the author of From Functional to Phenomenal: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Transforming Your Leadership and Business, where he introduces his 5Y Framework for clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth and Own Your Kingdom: How to Control Your Mindset, So You Can Control Your Destiny. His work has been featured in Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Fast Company.