Must-Read: The Man Who Pulled a Semi

Stories of inspiration exist for a specific reason. They are around in order to give us role models to look up to. To get examples for how to live. In order to make us feel that if this or that person could achieve the greatness they are achieving, then we can follow those same steps as well. So much of this site, of TV, of the Internet, of life in general is devoted to praising the youth. It’s spent looking at youngsters who made it, for some reason for another, and trying to find life lessons from their story. That, frankly, is a terrible source of inspiration. Instead, we need to look towards our elders, especially the badass once, because they can show us that life doesn’t end when you start getting into your 40s. Only then is it truly beginning.

So today we’re heading to Men’s Health where they have the story of John Brookfield, a 53-year-old man who set the World Record for pulling a semi-truck one mile. Here are some of the details:

To prepare for the event, Brookfield spent his workouts dragging a 1,000 pounds of chains behind him while walking on grassy fields or uphill. “The outstretched chains created a tremendous amount of friction, mimicking the feeling of the truck behind me,” he explains. Brookfield also increased his strength and power by striking a 50-pound sledgehammer into a tire.

But he knew strength wouldn’t be the only key to moving the truck. “The last quarter mile of the route has a slight upgrade and I’ll be tired, so I can’t give in to my discomfort or urge to quit,” Brookfield says. “I need willpower.”

Have enough willpower and you can accomplish anything. Head on over to the link above to check out the rest of the story. And then head on out there, gents, and accomplish something great.