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Why Embracing the Grind is Your Key to Special Ops Success

Stew smith recruit spec ops special ops training tactical fitness

Prepare for Selection and Life: The Best Tips from Stew Smith Fitness

When preparing for a significant challenge, such as starting down the road to become a member of a special operations program, it's crucial to savor every step of the way. The path ahead is not just a test of your physical abilities but a true testament to your will and determination. In my own experience, which began at the United States Naval Academy and led to serving as a Navy SEAL, I quickly learned the necessity of embracing every part of the process. Even failure.


While you'll face tasks that may initially seem insurmountable—whether it's swimming, running, rucking, lifting, or mastering high-repetition calisthenics—embracing these challenges is invaluable. This mindset isn't about just surviving the process; it's learning to love it. Taking this to heart early in my career allowed me to persist, turning potential weaknesses into an opportunity to build sources of strength. (and become a better spec ops candidate)

I speak from experience as the path was long, difficult, but worth it. Remember that your willingness to confront and improve areas where you're less skilled will set you apart. Special ops training is designed to expose vulnerabilities, and it's during these times that I've seen many students display true character. My journey from the Naval Academy to the SEALs taught me that pushing through failure and finally succeeding under pressure is a clear indicator of readiness for the demands of spec ops training and the job itself.

Post Spec Ops Training - Into Team (Training Never Stops)

The journey doesn't stop once you gain acceptance into the program. Once you graduate training, you will be the "new guy," and I can assure you, learning new skills at a rapid pace requires not just grit but a passion for ongoing growth. In my role as a trainer, I've seen how crucial each day is for learning and practice, and it's a concept that will be integrated into the methods when taking your tactical training to new levels as well. You will be surprised at the effort it takes to "master the basics".

Every evolution of the day is an opportunity to level up, taking your fitness from just a starting point to mastering tactical skills under tight timelines. As you do, you will see that the relentless effort to improve pays dividends – something I've seen in countless spec ops candidates who have used my training programs to successfully pass rigorous selection processes. They continue the growth mindset and turn new skill weaknesses into strengths eventually. 


Each year, the commitment to become better, smarter, and more efficient in your trade continues. It's a reality I've embraced, both during active service and now in my role as a coach. As the journey begins for you, know that it's my honor to support those preparing to serve. At Stew Smith Fitness, we stand ready to offer the tailored training and tactical fitness information needed for success.

The journey is ongoing so learn to love every challenge and every victory, big or small. Take failures as learning experiences and become smarter because of that failure. Embrace the challenge, revel in the process, and keep pushing forward.

You are on the right path, and the best is yet to come. Your growth never stops, and neither will our support for your journey. You've got the determination; now unlock the secrets to mastering your weaknesses and pushing your limits. Ready to revel in the process and achieve your ultimate potential? Head over to Stew Smith Fitness for the tactical fitness guidance you need to excel. 

Your Mission Starts Now

Let today be the day you refuse to quit. Let today be the day you adopt a mindset that transforms setbacks into comebacks. Join the Never Quit Mindset revolution and discover your limitless potential.

Act now—seize your $100 savings and begin the transformation that will last a lifetime.


Buy Now!
Never Quit Mindset Book, eBookAudio Book, and 
Online Video / Audio Course


Transform Your Goals, Overcome Challenges, and 
Build Unbreakable Resilience

Discover The Never Quit Mindset by Stew Smith—a transformative personal development resource designed for motivated individuals seeking to break through barriers and achieve lasting success. Whether you're striving for excellence in your career, health, or personal life, this guide provides the tools to develop the discipline needed to conquer obstacles and fulfill your potential.

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 StewSmithFitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success in many special ops-level selection programs in the military and police world. 

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

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

Core Mission

Specific Programs & Courses

Resources and Content

Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Best Health After 50 (latest program developed)

As you cross the wonderful milestone of 50, you might find that your body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone in this—many men and women in your age group are searching for ways to revive their fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. That’s where longtime coach and fitness writer Stew Smith’s newest book, "The Ageless Athlete: Fitness Over 50," comes into play. This book may just be the spark you need to ignite your fitness journey.

Truth is, there are people over 60 and 70 doing this workout. Even the advanced section. It works and will help you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced. 


Remember, as you age, your training needs to adapt.


Have you been thinking about getting back in shape but don’t know where to start?

Imagine waking up each day with more energy, flexibility, and the drive to embrace life head-on. Stew Smith, a seasoned fitness expert with 56 years of experience, has crafted a program specifically for guys like you—men who may feel overwhelmed by fitness options or unsure what’s suitable for their age. With his 22-week plan tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced practitioners, you will find exactly what you need to suit your current fitness level.

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.

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.  

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.

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, improves flexibility and mobility, and puts you at a level of physical ability where you are happy with your overall ability to do just about anything. We have a system 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.  

Online Coaching Options

Online Coaching is Available with Stew Smith Fitness - Weekly Workouts created personally for you.


New Members' Only Content / Services Program!

If you want access to years' worth of workouts, many of the top eBOOKs, favorite workouts of the week, a free fitness APP, a closed Facebook Group, a 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)

Best of all, if you have questions, email Stew Smith himself (Stew@stewsmithfitness.com).  Join the tactical fitness group discussions, latest articles, LIVE QA videos, swim critiques, podcasts, and much more at the Stew Smith Tactical Fitness Training Closed Group on Skool.

 

Questions?  Just email - Stew@StewSmithFitness.com



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