STRONG vs. MIGHTY

Kenneth Stanfield
Aug 9, 2017 · 2 min read

I think while all of us can find similarities between the two ideas, I think there’s a bit of a difference of which I, myself, had not put to thought. But here’s my attempt at doing so.


STRENGTH

What initially comes to mind as I think of strength is physical strength.

I think of the gym.

(and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson)

When you go to the gym, you see various types of workouts being attempted — whether they be cardiovascular-centered, strength-centered, mobility-centered, or whatever-else-centered.

No matter the workout, there is a physical limit that we all reach at some point in the workout, if we are pushing ourselves.

But that physical limit can be pushed further than we might think at first. Not with MORE physical strength, but with mental strength (more on that in just a minute).

BUT…(and it’s a big but)…when it comes down to it, we all hit a limit past which we cannot physically push ourselves.

Unless you’re the hulk, I guess.

MIGHT

Back to mental strength.

When it comes to that workout, the mental limits can be stretched far beyond what many people realize. Being mighty means getting to that physical barrier — or what you think is the sticking point where you just can’t push/pull any further — not giving up…

THEN…

You move the weight.

Now we could sit here and have a constructive argument about how might IS pushing past the physical barrier I spoke of in strength’s section, but I think you get the idea.

Strength = Physical Power

Might = Mental Power (combined with physical power…or what Julius Campbell called “soul power!”)


Question:

What if I don’t go to the gym?

Then you don’t go to the gym and you’re lazy.

No, just kidding.

But I think the question above meant to ask:

“How does this strength vs. power conversation translate into the normal world OUTSIDE of the gym?”

Well, in my opinion, it goes like this.

In the real world, you have the outward actions that everyone can see. Depending on the person and their circumstance, you might say someone is “strong” in their respective environment or culture, solely based on the outward achievements or actions that can be seen.

However, then there’s power. This…not seen so much as it is FELT.

I believe power is the converting energy that causes people FEEL, TAKE, then DO.

Yes, you might have done a lot of things, and achieved even more. But if those actions and achievements doesn’t convert others around you to push past their own barriers…

I guess you get to choose whether you want to be strong, or powerful.

Kenneth Stanfield

Written by

Someone who's trying to add value to the world, one day--post--moment at a time! Father | Husband | Teacher | Christian | Life Enthusiast | Being Happy-ist

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