"You Never Think About Quitting
When You Think About Winning"
~ Stew Smith
I came up with this quote during a recent Tactical Fitness Report I did with Jeff Nichols when discussing the right mindset for going into selection. So, this is really a good description of my personal journey to and through Navy SEAL training.
- I learned prior to training that having a competitive mindset going into this special ops selection was THE WAY. Training to compete turned each day into a race that was exciting, not a moment of dread prior to every physically taxing event. Reframing events this way adds the ability to crush something versus having it crush you.
It is true - when you "think about winning, you will never think about quitting." The two mindsets are diametrically opposed to each other. Going through a program when there is a 75-80% attrition rate, competing to become one of the students constantly in the top 10-20% will keep you in good stead with those remaining classmate who graduate.
Here's how this applies to special ops selection or other long term challenges:
- When you are faced with a challenging process, event, project, or in most of my reader's world - a spec ops selection, you can change your mentality and focus by competing to win something. You will change your mindset completely even if you don't actually win. That mindset will put you well in the top 20% which is where you need to be in just about anything in life - especially selection programs.
Here is what you need to do:
- Crush the PT Test to get TO the training - DO NOT strive for the minimum standards.
- Start preparing to get THROUGH the training while maintaining above average PT scores
- Be a better recruit - Only once you have built yourself up to this level do you need to talk to a recruiter. Starting this recruitment process too early could seriously affect the outcome of your ultimate goals - become a special operator.
- Keep doing your research and focus on the specific challenges in your future (longer runs, rucks, swims, pool skills, strength for logs, boats, load bearing).
- Be confident in your abilities but not over-confident and know the answer when you ask the question, "why am I doing this?" Something will test your WHY you want to be there.
- Be focused on competing to win or be in the 10% of the class in as many events as possible. But you need to know what the top 10% are doing - so Assess Yourself.
If you really want to know how to take this to the next level, be one of the first to check out these Special Ops Programs available at StewSmithFitness.com. This makes it easy for you to become mentally and physically prepared to graduate spec ops training without having to even thinking about quitting.
There is More to StewSmithFitness.com Than You May Know
Dive deeper into the world of Tactical Athlete training and mental toughness by exploring Stew Smith Fitness Programming for the Tactical Athlete online store. Uncover the strategies and techniques used by elite forces to push past physical and mental barriers. Visit https://www.stewsmithfitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success for many special ops level selection programs in the military and police world.
New Tactical Fitness Training Course!
Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.
Who is Stew Smith? Coach, Trainer, Author, Podcaster
I'm the former Navy SEAL that special ops candidates go to for books, ebooks and online coaching to prepare themselves to get to and through intense tactical assessment and selection programs and qualify for service in their chosen tactical profession. See More at StewSmithFitness.com
Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs
When you start training again, consider the seasonal tactical fitness model. I call it A WAY to train and obviously not the only way to train. But it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, helps with flexibility and mobility, but will also put you at a level of physical abilities where you are happy with your overall ability to just about anything. We have a systems where the seasons dictate our training. When it is nicer outside, we tend to run and do more calisthenics. When it is colder and not so nice, we lift more, run, less, and still maintain our outdoor activities with shorter runs and rucks. Check it out: Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.
My most recent programs that walk you through these four cycles with 12 weeks of each season in two programs.
These Seasonal Tactical Fitness BLOCK Periodization programs will walk you through 4 x 4 weeks cycles with 16 weeks of each season in two programs. (32 total weeks)
The Specific Military / Special Ops Physical Fitness Workouts Where Optimal Performance Will Be Tested Each Day
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 1
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 2 - 3
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 4 Grinder PT
Navy SWCC Workout
Army PFT Workout (Prep For Rucking, OPAT, ACFT)
Army Special Forces / Ranger Workout
Army Air Assault School Workout
Army Airborne Workout
Advanced Running Program - Special Ops Supplement Plan
USMC RECON / MarSOC Workout
USMC OCS / TBS Workout
USMC IST and PFT
The Combat Conditioning Workout
Air Force PJ / CCT Workout Battlefield Airman Prep Course
The UBRR Upper Body Round Robin Workout / Spec Ops version
The Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer / Navy SAR Workout
The Service Academy Workout (West Point, Navy, Air Force Academy)
The Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp Boot Camp Workout
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The Law Enforcement Physical Fitness Workouts
The FBI Academy Workout | FBI Workout Vol 2
The DEA Workout
The FLETC Workout - Ace the PEB
The PFT Bible: Pushups, Sit-ups, 1.5 Mile Run
The Fire Fighter Workout - Ace the CPAT
Online Coaching Options
Online PT CLUB - Weekly Workouts created personally for you.
New Member's Only Content / Services Program!
If you want access to years worth of workouts, many of the top eBOOKs, favorite workouts of the week, free fitness APP, closed Facebook Group, video / picture library of exercises, and more access to LIVE Q/A sessions check out the Stew Smith Fitness Members Section.
The dashboard below has the links to all the information, archives, videos, and links to workouts, podcasts, live Q and A lessons.
Consider this! - A Membership Program and Gain Access to Exclusive Content
(click for Fitness Club Dashboard - members only)
Questions? Just email - Stew@StewSmith.com
At StewSmith.com - List of Products and Services
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