Motivation is a big thing for performing, whether it’s general workouts or just doing your work. Everyone needs it and the Army is no different. Towards the end of basic training we had to take a final PT (physical training) test in order to graduate and move on to whatever AIT (Advanced Individual Training - AKA training for your military job/MOS).

I wasn’t worried really about my own performance. I had passed the first PT test comfortably. The challenge for me was whether I’d be able to max my run or how high I would score on my push ups and sit ups. At the time the Army was still doing just the three event PT test, which started with 2 minutes worth of push ups a 10 minute break, 2 minutes of sit-ups another 10 minute break, and finishing with a timed 2 mile run. You scored higher the more reps you did or the faster you ran.

There was a guy in my squad who was worried about his push ups though. At this point we were almost 2 months into being in the same squad, so I knew Dawson fairly well and he me. He also knew I was one to try and help push people. “Yosh, I need help. I’m going to struggle on my push ups so I need you to give me something to keep my mind right and motivated to keep pushing.”