What Does Winning Look Like?
You can define what winning looks like each day!
Every morning, before you even step out of bed, you face a decision that will define the course of your day. Do you simply try to survive, or do you set out to win? As a tactical fitness coach, I know firsthand that the difference between those who thrive in some of the world’s toughest environments and those who falter isn’t just physical; it's rooted in mindset, the Never Quit Mindset. The question, “What does winning look like?” isn’t just a motivational prompt; it’s the foundation for building determination and accomplishing immediate goals, not merely surviving, but thriving and winning. The beauty of this is that you get to define what winning looks like each day.
From Survival Mode to Compete Mode
Too often, people wake up and brace themselves for the day, hoping merely to endure the challenges ahead. But for those preparing for elite military and special operations training—like Navy SEALs, SWCC, EOD Divers, Rescue Swimmers, Army Special Forces, Air Force Special Warfare, Marine Recon, MarSOC, or SWAT teams—mere survival isn’t enough. In these high-attrition environments, where standards are uncompromising and competition is fierce, a “just get through it” mindset falls short.
The Frogman near the Quarterdeck at BUD/S
Train to Compete – Not Just Survive
Instead, shifting your perspective from survival mode to compete mode means you wake up with intention. You ask, “What does winning look like for me today?” and you answer with specific, measurable goals. This daily practice transforms your approach to training, work, and life, fueling you with a clear picture of what is to come. Once you adopt this mindset, my mantra, “You never think about quitting when you think about winning,” then applies appropriately.
This simple truth serves as an anchor in the storm when people around you are falling apart. When your mind is fixed on victory, on achieving your specific daily goals, thoughts of quitting lose their power. You become solution-oriented, mentally tougher, and ready to push through obstacles in front of you.
Defining Your Victory: The Power of Specific Goals
Winning isn’t an abstract idea; it is built from taking action and achieving, day after day. Before your feet touch the floor, envision what a successful day will look like. Maybe it’s completing a grueling swim workout under the target time. Perhaps it’s nailing every rep in a challenging calisthenics/lift session, or maintaining composure and leadership during a team drill. Your goals could be physical, mental, or even focused on recovery and preparation for what’s next.
· Set a physical target: “Today, I will shave 10 seconds off my run time.”
· Focus on mental toughness: “Today, I will push through discomfort without negative self-talk.”
· Focus on Performance: “Today, I will be in the 10% of every event.”
· Commit to leadership: “Today, I will encourage and support my teammates during our hardest evolution.”
· Prioritize recovery: “Today, I will dedicate time to stretching and proper nutrition.”
By defining what success looks like each morning, you create a roadmap for the day, one that keeps you motivated, disciplined, and accountable.
Applying the Mindset in Tactical Fitness and Beyond
The “winning” mindset isn’t just for elite military candidates; it’s a universal tool for anyone facing adversity, competition, or high standards. Whether you’re preparing for Special Ops selection, leading a SWAT team, or simply striving to be your best, the discipline of defining your daily win keeps you proactive and purposeful.
As a tactical fitness coach, my role is to help you cultivate this drive. The training is designed to challenge you physically and mentally, simulating the pressure and unpredictability of real-world missions. But the true test—and the ultimate advantage—lies in your ability to rise each day with a winning vision. That’s what separates those who endure from those who excel.
Make Winning a Daily Habit
Tomorrow morning, when you open your eyes, ask yourself: “What does winning look like today?” Write your answer. Commit to it. And then attack the day with the intention and energy of a competitor, not just a survivor. Over time, these daily victories will compound, creating the Never Quit Mindset and the highest level of performance that defines excellence and winning. See more programming for any fitness goal at StewSmithFitness.com
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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
Quick Summary: Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com
(NEW - Consulting Call) - Need personal help adjusting workouts? Worried if you are on the right track? Let Stew help.
- FREE Fitness (all topics) / Mindset Articles and Workouts - Latest info on training for any goal! (over 1000)
- eBooks, Books and eBooks in PRINT (over 40 options)
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- Membership Site - Get access to 100s of weeks of training programs and unpublished workouts we are currently doing each week. Constantly updated weekly with new articles, videos, and workouts of the week.
- Tactical Fitness Course - 80 minutes to learn how to get through the spec ops selection programs.
- Online Coaching - Get personalized programming designed for your goals, abilities, time per day, days per week, equipment/facilities...etc.
Dive deeper into Tactical Athlete training and mental toughness by exploring Stew Smith Fitness Programming for the Tactical Athlete online store. Discover the strategies and techniques elite forces employ to overcome 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.
Books and eBooks Available (All Levels of Fitness)
The Specific Military / Special Ops Physical Fitness Workouts
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
Calisthenics and Cardio
Online Coaching Options
Online PT CLUB - Premium Coaching -
Do you need a program that works for you? We can customize it to your personal goals and help you fit it into your day with the equipment you have available. Let us be your training partner and coach.
Many people ask me about the difference between the Premium Program and the Online PT CLUB Coaching. The individuals in either program receive personalized training from me, Stew Smith, tailored to best fit their abilities, goals, time available per day, frequency of training per week, facilities, and equipment. We communicate regularly about your progress, and your feedback helps me create next week's plan for you. There is no template workout, and see you later. These programs are created one week at a time, with you and me in communication to figure out how best to create the next week.
Tactical Fitness 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.
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If you want access to years worth of workouts, 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.
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