In my line of work, mental toughness is vital. I go to battle with another well-trained man looking to do me harm. Without mental toughness, I’d crack (or maybe he’d crack me).

But mental toughness is also relevant to YOUR line of work, no matter what you do. Big projects, presentations, interpersonal communication – these are all relevant examples of where mental toughness can play a huge role.

I was recently listening to the Order of Man podcast with guest, Retired Navy Seal Commander Mark Divine, and he mentioned 3 specific techniques he uses to teach mental toughness. I’m incredibly intrigued by Navy Seals and their mental toughness (I’ve read several books on the subject), and Mark does a great job of simplifying it to us “normal” people.

  • Segmenting – breaking down big/daunting tasks into smaller segments
    • Rather than looking at the entire assignment, break it down into manageable tasks
  • Mental rehearsal – play through all bad outcomes and create a plan of attack. Rehearse it.
    • Bring all of those (sometimes irrational) thoughts into the open and play out the results. They become more real and manageable.
  • Mantra – short and sweet w/ big meaning behind it.
    • For my last fight in Brazil, mine was “footprints and vision.” It reminded me to keep moving and keep my eyes on the target. (Perhaps it should’ve been, “DON’T GET CHOKED OUT!!!)

Hope these help and good luck!

-Spaniard

 

About the author : cbrenneman

Leave A Comment

    Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!

    Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby’s name!

Subscribe to newsletter

Insider offers & flash sales in your inbox every week.

[fusion_form form_post_id="2827" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" /]

Latest videos

It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?

It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?

It’s host versus co-host. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler’s and fighter’s appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have often obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?

Join our mailing list today

Insider offers & flash sales in your inbox every week.

[fusion_form form_post_id="2830" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" /]

Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit sed porttitor lectus.