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The Spec Ops Dream Can Often Look Like This When Just Starting...

Two of my favorite chapters in the Never Quit Mindset book (10 Chapters) are the following:

Failing is a Learning Experience, and

Manage Doubt: Don't Listen to Yourself - Talk to Yourself.

These are two things we must master each day to move forward. Imagine yourself standing at the foot of a mountain, the peak shrouded in clouds, each step up that path symbolic of a challenge on your journey toward mental and physical toughness. You've got goals, dreams, and aspirations swirling around in your mind, yet the path to achieving them can sometimes feel impossible. You might find yourself wondering where to begin or how to push through when the motivation is low. It's a common feeling, and you're not alone on this journey.

Building toughness, both mentally and physically, is not just about sheer willpower. It's about making intentional changes in your daily routine. To build mental toughness, start by being inspired and motivated to do something. This is one of those things that you can't stop thinking about.

Start building your foundation of fitness and mental toughness by working toward that goal. Preparing yourself daily. There will be days when you are not motivated to do what you have to do (school, workout, study, compete, etc.), but you do it anyway because you have built habits. And through consistency, you have created discipline and you will start to see the mental toughness of that journey start to show. No longer are you worried about cold weather when running or pushing yourself past perceived limits. This is the process, and you have to trust this process and commit to it. 

This means viewing challenges (and failures) as opportunities to learn rather than insurmountable obstacles or stopping points. When you find yourself doubting your abilities, pause for a moment and reflect on your past achievements. Each time you've faced difficulties and found a way through, your mental toughness has grown just a little bit more, a scoop a day if you will. 

Water Confidence is About Practice and Doing Things That Scare You

Physically, focus on developing a consistent exercise routine that you enjoy. Whether it's running, swimming, rucking, calisthenics, or weight training, make sure you have no weaknesses and you are well-prepared for any potential challenge. Incorporate rest and recovery into your routine, too. 

As you journey through this process, surround yourself with a supportive community. Finding people who are also on the same path is confirming, and you will see that the people ahead of you have succeeded, taking away the impossibility factor of what you want to do. Seeing is believing. Having a buddy makes the journey better and reminds you that you're not alone in your struggles.

In the end, remember that toughness isn’t a one-time event; it is developed through a long process, one scoop at a time. Drawing on my experience as a 25+ year tactical fitness coach, a Naval Academy graduate, and Navy SEAL, I have seen firsthand how the principles of inspiration, habits, discipline, consistency, and a supportive community can turn challenges into stepping stones for building mental toughness. Whether you're pushing your limits physically or adopting a mindset that views setbacks as learning opportunities, take these steps, and be patient with the process.

BUD/S Graduation 1992 (Capt. Richards (Hulk), Capt. Dick Couch, and Stew Smith (L to R)

Imagine facing every setback with unwavering strength and confidence. The Never Quit Mindset Coaching Bundle empowers you to turn failures into lessons and build mental and physical toughness that lasts. As you step out of your comfort zone and push yourself harder than yesterday, you’ll discover your true capabilities.

Are you ready to rewrite your story of mental and physical toughness? Dive deeper into your potential by visiting the Never Quit Mindset Program and start your journey towards accomplishment!

Learn The Never Quit Mindset Method

The ability to maintain optimism and persistence even in the face of repeated challenges sets them apart. It is a mindset, a Never Quit Mindset. 

OPTIONS: Book, eBook, Audio Book, and Video Training Course

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Click to add the stretching video, one-on-one coaching call, book, and the Never Quit Mindset Coaching Course.

Summary: Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com

Core Mission

• Tactical Fitness Training For the Candidate / Recruit: Specializing in preparing individuals for military, special ops, law enforcement, and firefighter selection programs (getting you "TO and THROUGH" training).
  
  
• Functional Training for Both Active Duty / Recruits: Utilizing a seasonal tactical fitness periodization system that balances longer workouts of running/rucking, swimming, and calisthenics during the Spring/Summer when days are longer. Then, the focus shifts in the Fall/Winter to lifting (Cals/cardio maintenance) when the days are shorter/colder. This process has 25 years of proven success building tactical athletes who improve in all areas of fitness: strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, muscle stamina, mobility, flexibility, and grip.
  
  
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• Becoming an Asset for All Types: Even non-tactical athletes want to be of use in situations that require some level of fitness to get through the day. Be an asset, not a liability, in potentially dangerous situations, whether natural or man-made. Fitness can be a common denominator in successfully enduring life-or-death scenarios. 

Specific Programs & Courses

• The Ageless Athlete (Fitness Over 50): A 22-week program designed for beginners to advanced trainees looking to regain fitness, flexibility, and energy.
  
  
• Tactical Fitness Over 40: After training people for over 25 years now, many who started with me in the early 2000s are now in their 40s and beyond. Learning how to shift training to remain an asset while also offering longevity, flexibility, and mobility is central to this 52-week program. (4-part series)
  
  
• Tactical Fitness Course: An 80-minute course on preparing for Spec Ops selection, getting TO and THROUGH the toughest military special ops’ programs using this two-phase system.
  
  
  Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization - A 25 Year proven system to become a tactical athlete. 
  
  
• The Never Quit Mindset Book and Course: The "Never Quit Mindset" book and course is a deep dive into building constructive habits that incrementally improve discipline, build mental toughness, and foster a Never Quit Mindset in anything you want to do.
  
  
• Specialized Workout Plans: Specific, tailored programs for Navy SEAL (Phases 1-4), SWCC, Army (SF/Ranger/Airborne), USMC MarSOC / (RECON), Air Force (PJ/CCT), Coast Guard, Law Enforcement (FBI/DEA/FLETC), Fire Fighter, and general fitness too for beginners and advanced athletes alike.
  
  
  

Resources and Content

• • Extensive Content Library: Over 1,000 free articles, 200+ podcasts, and social media content (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) featuring Spec Ops swim critiques and LIVE QA sessions.
    
    
  • FREE Local Training for those preparing to serve! Check out HeroesofTomorrow.org for our location and schedule.
    
    
    
  • NEW SKOOL.com Tactical Fitness Community
    
    
  • Educational Materials: Over 40 options for eBooks, videos, printed books, podcasts (200+), and online video courses.
    
    
  • Apps: Pushup Push, Pullup Push, FBI workout, and Navy SEAL exercise apps (iPhone/Android).
    
    
  • LIVE QA Sessions Each Week: Monday and Tuesday, 9 am EST on social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook) and Skool.com Tactical Fitness community.
    
    
  • Online Coaching: Personalized programming based on specific goals, equipment, and your time availability.
    
    
  • Membership Site: Access to hundreds of weeks of training, unpublished workouts, and exclusive content, weekly newsletter sent to subscribers with the week's latest articles, videos, and workouts (beginner/intermediate, and advanced special ops prep workouts).

Training is What We Do: 

Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond?  We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program.  See how that works.