How Persistence and Preparation Lead to Growth and Eventual Success
(But you have to start and develop the Never Quit Mindset)
If you are considering doing something hard, it will require getting good at something that you are currently not very good at doing. Maybe it is something you have never even tried before. I know that my own journey as a freshman (Plebe) at the Naval Academy was complete with ups and downs, a few successes, and many failures, but each day, I was improving just a little bit more than I had the day before. Sometimes the win for the day was just not giving up.
I was lucky. I had a Mom who listened and pushed me.
My own story of considering serving in the Navy SEAL program after graduation started with my first Navy SEAL PT at the Academy. These were taught by the Navy SEALs stationed there and attended by mostly juniors and seniors who had years of experience over the freshmen like me. My first PT was filled with calisthenics that I could not finish, a run that I finished last, and even a 500-yard swim that I did not finish in time. That was humbling, because I was good at some things, like lifting weights and playing football, but this was completely new to me, and I sucked. It took me continuing to show up, doing extra workouts on my own, finding training partners better than me at muscle stamina and endurance, and not quitting this process for two years. It took me that long to be competitive with classmates seeking the same goals. Eventually, I got better at everything I needed, and every new thing I attempted, I faced it with excitement and determination, rather than ignoring it and postponing the inevitable process of learning something new.
Growth does not occur immediately. It is a long process of doing and learning, showing up even when you do not feel like doing something you suck at doing. Eventually, you see improvements. It may take months or even years to get to a level where you feel confident in your abilities to surpass the standards of entry into a career path that you know will be harder than the fitness test you struggled with for many months. Don’t forget you have to get TO the training by taking fitness tests, and then you must prepare to get THROUGH the training by specifically training for what is in front of you. These are not secrets, yet most people on this path fail to prepare properly.
Overcoming Doubt and Achieving Long-Term Goals
Setting out to achieve a long-term goal can feel overwhelming, especially when the mountain ahead seems insurmountable and you’re surrounded by skeptics—sometimes including your own inner voice. The reality is that when you start something far outside your current comfort zone or skill set, it’s natural to feel uncertain and to encounter doubt from others who may not see your vision or believe in your potential. These doubts, both external and internal, can make the journey seem even more daunting, but they do not have to define your outcome. Instead, they can serve as fuel, pushing you to prove to yourself just how capable you can become.
From the Never Quit Mindset book chapter: Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable.
The key to making progress lies in embracing the process rather than fixating on the end result. Every expert was once a beginner, and meaningful growth happens incrementally, through consistent effort and perseverance, even when you don't feel like it. No, especially when you don't feel like it. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and mentors can make a significant difference; seek out those who have walked the path before you or who excel in areas where you’re struggling. Even when motivation is low and the temptation to quit is high, showing up for yourself—day after day—builds resilience and discipline. Celebrate small victories, acknowledge setbacks as learning opportunities, and remember that persistence, not perfection, leads to improvement. Not all victories are personal records and the best score ever; sometimes a victory is just showing up and not quitting.
Ultimately, achieving a long-term goal is less about natural talent and more about the willingness to persevere through discomfort, doubt, and criticism. As you continue to work, you’ll notice gradual progress; what once felt impossible will begin to feel within reach. The process of overcoming both external skepticism and your own self-doubt transforms you, building not just new skills but also a deeper confidence in your ability to tackle future challenges. The journey is long, but with patience, consistent effort, and the Never Quit Mindset, you’ll find yourself capable of surpassing even the highest standards you once thought unattainable.
Training for ANY goal is not just physical—it’s mental. Visualize success, manage stress, and cultivate the mental and physical resilience necessary for both the test and the challenges ahead. The Never Quit Mindset Course, Book, eBook, AudioBook
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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
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