Let me tell you how I almost threw my day away. Sometime this week, my body felt lazy. Like, “just five more minutes” lazy. My to-do list stared at me from the desk, and I stared right back, thinking, “Maybe tomorrow.”
I was this close to throwing in the towel when a thought jabbed me;
MIKE TYSON!
Here’s a man who, at 58 years old, stepped into the ring to fight Jake Paul, a 27-year-old social media sensation. Tyson went eight full rounds with someone half his age, in front of a packed stadium. And me? I was about to lose a fight with my blanket.
If Mike Tyson could do that, what was my excuse for procrastinating? And while he didn’t win on paper, his reflections after the fight had me clapping like a proud fan at a packed stadium.
Here’s what he said:
Hearing that gave me perspective. My battle wasn’t with a world-class fighter or even my health, it was with my own excuses. And Mike Tyson knocked them out cold. And along the way, I picked up five life lessons from Tyson that are too good not to share.
Here’s how I flipped the script and used Tyson’s story to KO my laziness:
1. Excuses Are Lighter Than Gloves, But They Weigh You Down
Tyson could’ve said, “I’m too old for this,” or “I’ve already proven myself.” But he didn’t. He showed up, even when the odds weren’t in his favor. That made me realize: the weight of not doing something is heavier than the effort it takes to get started.
2. When You Fall, Stand Back Up (Again and Again)
Mike Tyson has been knocked down more times than he can count in the ring and in life. Yet he always gets back up, ready to fight again. After losing half his blood and 25 pounds this year, most people would’ve bowed out. Not Mike.
The takeaway? Life will hit you hard. The key is to stand up, brush off the dust, and face it head-on. Because resilience is the real heavyweight champion.
3. Every Battle Counts
Tyson didn’t just fight for the win; he fought for the experience, his kids watching, the crowd cheering, the moment. I decided to treat my tasks the same way. No matter how small, every completed task is a victory worth celebrating.
4. It’s Never Too Late to Evolve
Did you know Tyson is an actor, entrepreneur, podcaster, and cannabis advocate now? Cannabis, of all things! This man has reinvented himself more times than I’ve changed my hair goals on Pinterest.
We all need to take notes: You’re not stuck. Reinvention doesn’t care about your age, your past mistakes, or what anyone thinks. If Tyson can turn his life around from the most epic highs and crushing lows, what’s stopping us from trying new things?
5. Gratitude is the Real MVP
After his fight, Tyson didn’t focus on losing. He celebrated the fact that he got to stand in the ring in front of his kids and fans. That gratitude? It’s the secret sauce to turning struggles into triumphs.
When I checked off a task today I’d been procrastinating on, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t a world-title fight, but gratitude made it feel like a win.
6. Start Small, Then Keep Swinging
I wasn’t about to jump into the hardest thing on my list, but I started. One task led to another, and before I knew it, I was on a roll. Tyson didn’t go eight rounds on sheer will; he trained for months. Starting small is how you build momentum.
7. Show Up for the People Who Matter
What moved me most was Tyson’s pride in showing his kids that even in defeat, he could fight with everything he had. He didn’t just step into the ring for himself, he did it to inspire them.
We’re all someone’s role model, whether we realize it or not. And every time we show up, we’re showing others that it’s okay to try, to fail, and to keep going.
8. Your Biggest Fight is With Yourself
Tyson’s battles have been just as internal as external. He’s talked openly about addiction, mental health, and his struggles to find peace. It’s a reminder that our toughest opponent is often the one in the mirror.
This hit home for me. I’ve had days where my inner critic feels louder than a stadium crowd, but Tyson proves it’s possible to silence the noise and keep fighting. The key? Facing your battles one round at a time, whether it’s through therapy, self-reflection, or just not giving up.
My Tyson Moment
After reading his post, I thought about how easy it is to feel stuck, lazy, or defeated. Just early this week, I hit a brick wall with work, and my inner voice went, “Why bother?” But Tyson’s words felt like a coach in my corner saying, “Get up! You’re still in this!”
So, I dusted off my to-do list, found one thing I could tackle, and got it done. And you know what? It felt like my own mini-victory, my round-one knockout against procrastination.
What’s Your Excuse?
Mike Tyson didn’t let age, health scares, or the critics stop him. So why should you let procrastination, doubt, or a “lazy day” hold you back?
Next time you feel like putting something off, picture Tyson in the ring, 58 years old, trading punches with someone half his age. Let that be your reminder that showing up is half the fight, and finishing what you started is the real win.
Final Bell
Mike Tyson isn’t just a boxing legend, he’s a walking masterclass in resilience, gratitude, and reinvention. His story is a reminder that life will throw punches, but as long as you keep fighting, you’ll win in ways that matter most.
So, what’s your Tyson moment? Whether it’s starting a project, overcoming fear, or just getting out of bed on a tough day, take a page from Tyson’s playbook: Show up, swing hard, and leave everything in the ring.
Now, let’s hear it, what’s your Tyson moment? Share in the comments, I’m in your corner, cheering you on!
Your Psychology Friend
JD