Rebel Talk: The Lift
Let's go "up north" for a moment—to the Iron Range of Minnesota. Rugged land. Strong people. No-frills, no shortcuts. If you want something done, you do it. That’s how I operate. I’m the type who figures it out, carries the load, and makes it happen. No excuses. Just grit.
So last weekend, I opened up my place for the season. That sacred slice of serenity on the lake—my reset button. I knocked out 116 feet of dock by myself. No calls made. No help asked. Just me, the cold water, and a relentless mindset. Felt good. Like a battle won.
But then came The Lift.
This year I upgraded—new boat lift, complete with a canopy. Beautiful beast of a thing. Hauled it all the way up there with big plans… and then it just sat. And sat. And sat. Heavy. Awkward. Unmovable. Every time I looked out at the shoreline, it stared back at me like a reminder that not every mountain can be moved alone.
All week long, that lift haunted me. Not just physically—but mentally. That voice in my head kept asking, “How the hell am I going to get this in the water?” I wrestled with it, circled it, tested it. No go. And I’ll be honest, it bothered me. Not just the task itself, but the fact that I couldn't solve it on my own.
Then last night, I did something rare for me—I took a break. Hit the local bar for a pizza and a beer. Familiar faces were there, the kind you nod at but maybe haven’t shared more than a couple words with. We got to talking, swapping stories about the day. I mentioned The Lift.
And without hesitation, every single one of them said:
"We'll be there at 10 a.m. tomorrow and get that in with you."
Now I’ve heard promises before, and I’m not quick to expect much. But sure as hell, 10 a.m. rolled around—and there they were. No flake. No excuses. Boots on the ground, hands on the lift. Within minutes, it was in the water. Done.
And right there, standing on the shoreline soaking wet, I realized something big:
Being a Relentless Rebel doesn’t mean doing everything alone.
Each one of those guys was a Rebel in their own right. They weren’t in it for thanks, or recognition. They just get shit done. And they show up for people. That’s the heart of it. That’s what builds communities, friendships, and legacies.
Sometimes, strength isn’t about how much you can carry on your own—it’s about knowing when to let others lift with you.
So here’s the takeaway,
You can be fierce. You can be relentless. But don’t confuse pride with power.
True strength? It’s being bold enough to ask, open enough to accept, and wise enough to let people in.
Because no matter how heavy the lift…
It’s lighter with the right crew.
Keep grinding. Keep growing.
And remember—you’re never alone in this Rebel life.
Stay Relentless,
Ryan
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