Toe to Toe with 2023

“Originally published on April 19, 2013, the concept of going toe to toe with any year is a timeless one. Therefore, this blog post has been customized to reflect each current year.”
– Thomas Hubbard, 8/15/2014

It was a bout you began training a year in advance for. You knew 2023 would present a challenge and you welcomed it, even though many considered it dangerous and outright suicide. Maybe they were right. Its team of trainers, which happens to include 2022 and 2021, were known for sinking some really tough guys. Sure, folks know you’re good…but are you good enough to go toe to toe with 2023?

Well, one thing’s for certain: You look good! Even your detractors can see you’re in rare form, and begin to raise an eyebrow or two. This guy means business and has come to fight! Your guts and determination immediately earn you a slew of new fans! They may not be routing for you, but think to themselves, “I wouldn’t wanna go toe to toe with that tiger.”

The bell rings and it’s the last sound you hear. The cheering is muffled by silence, only interrupted by the thudding you inflict and take in return. You’re pounding away at 2023—giving it everything you’ve got! Yes, you came to fight and are proving it. By the fourth round, critics and supporters alike are sure the match is yours.

But then suddenly, something happens. One minor slip sends everything spiraling in the opposite direction. An uppercut so vicious it’s felt among all who witness it! Stumbling backward, your legs give way and you fall to the mat.

Everyone jumps to their feet! The silence in your mind is shattered by the chaos in the stadium. The referee scurries and begins what looks to be a certain 10-count. You lay there, showing no signs of getting up. Bookies begin switching their bets. 2023 proves it also came for a fight—and is a lot stronger and technical than anyone estimated.

For many, the fight would stop here. No amount of training or dominance could accommodate such a fumble…mainly because fumbling is rarely factored into our plans. When it happens, therefore, we either don’t have the strength to get up or fear what might happen if we do. It typically requires an entirely new strategy, along with the ability to act quickly on your feet.

Get back up and go toe to toe with your adversaries

2023 has been an interesting year, to say the least. It’s been great for some and not-so-great for others. Much like a boxing match, capturing the same energy and optimism we had at the start of 2023 becomes harder as the year progresses. This is especially true for those who have yet to score a knockout. After the fourth month (or round), the match typically goes from being toe to toe, to a test of endurance.

You may begin to stumble, and at times, even go down. You may think to yourself, what in the world have I gotten myself into? The road to Round 12 may seem far away. But no matter what comes or goes or how many punches are thrown your way; no matter how much you hurt or feel you can’t go on. Keep getting back up and keep swinging! Because that’s what champions do.

Continue to go toe to toe with 2023!

This is your Monday Unleaded for the week of April 28, 2013. Have a productive week!

Mama Said Knock You Out – LL Cool J