Mindset over Motivation
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Mindset over Motivation

Conquer your goals and get it done.

135
Mindset over Motivation
Google Images

“You must own everything in your world. There is no one else to blame.” Former Navy SEAL and author of Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win Jocko Willink preaches the importance of mental discipline and fortitude. Listen to some of his podcasts and he discusses the importance of having, maintaining and improving a hard mindset and getting after your goals with ferocity and hunger. The concept of motivation is all good but, it has proven to be unreliable as it comes and goes, similar to a diet. One day, feeling lean and mean. Then time goes by, finally coming to the realization of how much work that comes with a nice body. Then couch playing video games and stuffing your face with junk food. Just because the motivation has left does not give you the right to procrastinate, skip a workout or miss an assignment. If you really care about your body, health and lifestyle then one will not procrastinate but, instead take charge of one’s goals and dreams. Procrastination is the enemy of motivation. They simply have different meanings.

In no way shape or form, am I saying that I have a “perfect” mindset and I would be lying to you if I said I don’t procrastinate. However, some of the greatest lessons I have learned from myself and experiences has been a direct route from procrastination. Let me tell you, it bit me in the butt a few times. A general lesson that I found myself in and have applied to situations is, once your conscious reminds you to do something, do it. It doesn’t matter what’s going on now or who you are with, just get it done. Trust me when I say this, it will help in the long run.

It was the beginning of my senior year in high school, and I had sworn into the United States Navy and would be shipping off after the summer. However, I knew I wanted to get in better physical shape but, spending time with the boys, mix in a couple late nights and suddenly there you are looking unhappy in the mirror. That of course, was on me, I did not discipline myself enough to get to my goal. Little did I know, my guardian angel had been looking out for me and sought a solution that was brutal, amazing and frankly, in plain sight.

A good friend of mine, one of the most driven people I have ever met, was deep into mixed martial arts and often praised in the school hallways for his ability to throw a nasty combination or sweep your legs for a double leg takedown. We got to know each other more from the nightly trips to the mixed martial arts gym. One night, on the ride home, he mentioned that I wrestle for the high school team. At first glance, I wasn’t crazy about it. What’s the point of a high school senior wrestling for one year? Then he said, “You want to get in crazy good shape for the Navy, right?” It was at that moment that I decided to join and found myself signing up for the days to come.

It was soon, that I got my paperwork in and I had joined my new teammates in what was the most hellish but rewarding sports program I have ever been through. My first practice wasn’t anything out of the ordinary but, coming home was clear as day; I walked into my house exhausted. Immediately, venting to my mother about the physical strain that was new to me. I wondered how I would survive the next long months to come, if I could barely survive a two hour practice. I had spent the whole practice begging myself not to quit, not to udder those treacherous words. Now, it pains me to think of such an act. My mom stopped what she was doing, looked me in the eyes and said, “You can do it Aaron. You can do anything you put your mind to.” She was right, she always is and I left her hopeful for the near future.

I began that wrestling season an immature kid, out of shape and lost from any sort of drive. As it turned out, I had to lose fifteen pounds in order to compete. Turning my food regimen around was the move, from junk food and ice cream to egg whites and chicken. I maintained a solid 189 the majority of the season with 184.9 being my lightest weight. The end of the season came around, and we were all getting drained. Back breaking practices was the norm and so was pinning opponents. With that being said, wrestling took away from our social and work lives. We practiced two hours everyday after school and Saturday was full with tournaments. While losing weight and winning matches was great, the thought of chilling with the boys was something I needed. The state tournament was just around the corner, a sign that the end of the season was near. A small part of me was saying I could take the easy route go on my back a few times, hang up the shoes and call it a season. Losing is something I hate and avoided at all costs, it was my last year in wrestling and the only choice was to leave it all out on the mat. In order to make the state tournament, the requirement was to place third or above in sectionals, the odds were not in my favor. Walking out of that gymnasium with a third place medal around my neck was one of the best days of my life. I had beaten the odds and through pain and suffering, through the course of that season, a hardened mindset was forged. It was a great day for the team. My brothers and I had been through thick and thin together in those few months. The bond wrestlers share is like no other. I would not have been able to make it to the state tournament if it were not for my coaches and my brothers pushing me to get better every day.

Wrestling dates back to the days where man had his hands and a stone for defense. Along with mma, it is one of the most savage sports, deriving from human kinds survival instinct. The mindset you deploy in life, whether it may be sports, fitness, work or school is absolutely crucial to a successful path. Our coach made many references to “mental fortitude”. As it is defined by Google, “a measure of individual resilience and confidence that may predict success,” The day to day grind of how bad you want it, it is the burning fire inside of the soul. It is absolutely necessary to unleash your never quit mindset and to never give up. Life is a difficult test and it will suck you down into a black hole if you don’t grab it by the throat and take control. The saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” In that moment of true despair, muscles on fire and lungs ready to explode, buckle down, focus on the task at hand and give it your all. You might end up somewhere glorious.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40951
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25518
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951031
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

133667
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments