Motivational speakers praise the warrior mindset. They say it is the key to success. What is the warrior mindset and how do you get there?
Here are some tips to embracing the warrior mindset:
- Choose Your Support System. People seek comfort and support when faced with challenges and problems. Support systems are vital if they consist of people that will build you up not say I told you so." Ensure that the support system is give and take.
- Stop the Pity Party. Were taught to say Why me?" Warriors embrace challenges; they dont stick their heads in the sand.
- Live in the Solution. Warriors dont live in their problems. They live in the solution. When faced with a problem make a list of ten possible solutions. The solutions may not be feasible but could lead you to the next right answer.
- U.S. Navy Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale said You must retain faith that you will prevail in the end regardless of the difficulties. AND at the same time…You must confront the most brutal facts of your current reality whatever they might be."
- Fear is the enemy. Franklin Delano Roosevelt said The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Some refer to fear as an acronym: False Evidence Appearing Real. You can conquer fear by looking at the situation with objectivity and then taking the next right step.
- Take Control of the Situation. You can control bad situations by choosing the appropriate action. Take a breath and think about the best solutions before taking any action.
- Circumstances Dont Define You. Experiencing a failure does not make you a failure. Getting fired does not mean you are unemployable. Being divorced does not make you unlovable. Look at the circumstances objectively getting help from a support person if necessary.
- Its Not About You. If something occurs that is not in your control chances are it has nothing to do with you. Remove your ego from the situation.
- This Too Shall Pass. You should realize that nothing lasts forever. Warriors fight a battle and then move onto the next.
Philosopher and author Sam Harris shares his thoughts about meeting challenges head-on and how it can help to build strength:
It can also be very powerful to experiment with not moving (when in pain or dealing with other discomfort when meditating). To try just totally surrounding to whatever sensation is there. Because there will come a time in any life where physical pain is unavoidable. And this (meditation) is a very good practice for finding equanimity in those moments. That feeling that you cannot bear a sensation whether its pain or some other unpleasant feeling is never quite true. Because in that moment youve already borne it. Whats really happening is youre afraid of the next moment. And it is possible to find true equanimity in the midst of even very unpleasant sensations. And this can be an extremely powerful experience."
Harris makes good points in dealing with fear utilizing a support system and working through issues to find a good solution. Trials help us to grow stronger learn to deal with issues that we once thought were impossible and gain valuable experience to move forward with our lives. Using these tools helps to develop a warrior mindset and to propel us forward into becoming the people we were meant to be.