Introduction

Life itself is a war, and each day a battle. Fight or submit—it’s entirely up to you.

Some may handle the battlesof life better than others, but it’s not easy for anyone—it’s not supposed to be. The best we can do is pursue a life of balance and purpose, but even this path is fraught with hardship. It requires always pushing yourself further, demonstrating discipline in an undisciplined world, remaining accountable even when no one is watching, and seeking to have a positive impact on those around you.

It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you’ve accomplished—the journey won’t be easy. So, remember two things when you’re struggling with doubt: nobody’s perfect, and we’reall battling something.

The single mom working two jobs to selflessly provide her children with a better life.

The entrepreneur pursuing his dreams of building a company that revolutionizes an industry.

The man who’s dealing with an emotionally debilitating divorce.

The busy parent balancing the pressures of work, family, and staying healthy.

The veteran who’s reestablishing her sense of identity after leaving the military.

The high school athlete who’s practicing in the months leading up to his varsity tryouts.

The young professional who’s struggling with depression while building his career.

The elderly volunteer fighting every day to improve her community.

The person feeling lost who knows something is missing but can’t figure out what.

No matter what you’re facing or who you are, you’re fighting for a better life, and it’s a life that you deserve.

Who’s standing in your way? Despite what people in today’s culture of victimhood and entitlement say, very few battles are against external forces or other people. The overwhelming majority of our failures and shortcomings are the result of internal struggles, which means the person looking back at you in the mirror each morning is also the one standing in your way.

Now the question is: are you going to take the easy route by playing the victim…

…or are you going to fight?

The Everyday Warrior Philosophy

Everything in life requires work—whether that’s your career, physical fitness, relationships, or mental health. This effort feels easy when things run smoothly, but that never lasts. Despite our best intentions, the circumstances of life often derail us from our goals. Very few people are fortunate enough to have been taught the framework or to have developed the discipline required to remain focused when times get tough.

Today’s world is under attack by those looking to take advantage of other people’s insecurities and busy schedules. Besides taking cov