20 years ago, I competed in an unsanctioned underground mixed martial arts fight.

I was in my 30s and had been training for about six months. I wanted to challenge myself and see what it was like. Not necessarily my smartest decision, but I wanted to do it anyway.

My original opponent didn’t show up, and I ended up facing a much more experienced fighter instead. The difference in experience showed — I lost in under two minutes.

What I took away from that experience was realizing I could get knocked down but still find the courage to stand back up, shake my opponent’s hand, and move on.

Like many setbacks in life, that moment didn’t define or break me. It showed me I was willing to face something few others experience and come through it.

I carry this lesson with me. It’s part of who I am and helps me keep going during tough times when giving up feels like the easier option. But you have to get back up, shake it off, and keep moving forward. What other choice is there?