The Key to Getting Tougher:
Finding Comfort Doing Uncomfortable Things
Consider that many individuals find themselves trapped in a comfort zone. It is essential to recognize that pushing beyond this zone and engaging in experiences that bring on discomfort—be it mental, physical, or emotional—is crucial for nurturing mental toughness/resilience and pursuing personal growth. As an ambitious individual, you will inevitably encounter challenges that test your limits. Embracing discomfort can significantly enhance your resilience and bolster your confidence and create a tougher mindset for future challenges.
First and foremost, acknowledge that discomfort is an inherent aspect of growth. It is common for individuals to avoid situations that may induce anxiety or stress. However, adopting a mindset that views discomfort as an opportunity can fundamentally alter your response to challenges. To facilitate this transformation, reflect on the lessons learned in each obstacle: “What did I learn from this experience?” Whether the experience was a success or failure, this inquiry helps cultivate a growth-oriented perspective, enabling you to perceive challenges as stepping stones rather than hindrances. This is a way of flipping the script on the word "failure" and turning it into a "learning experience," making it easier to get back up and try again.
Typical Challenges That Push You Out of the Comfort Zone:
- Early Morning Workouts (when you don't feel like it)
- Do Things in the Heat / Cold Climates - Get Outside Every Season
- Fasting (if you need to lose weight)
- Working on Weaknesses (run, swim, lift, public speaking, etc)
- Walking 10-15 minutes after every meal
- Doing pushups or squats every hour on the hour (10 reps)
Next, understand the integral role of building confidence through challenges in developing mental toughness. Start by establishing small, achievable goals designed to gently push your limits, evoking a mild degree of discomfort. This could be your typical workout but done before work or school in the early morning before sunrise. It could be something you must do outside in the heat or the coldest time of the day. Completing even a modestly challenging task can significantly enhance your self-esteem. As you gradually confront these challenges, you may observe the expansion of your comfort zone, empowering you to tackle more substantial difficulties with renewed confidence.
Moreover, focus on your long-term goals, especially during adversity. When setbacks inevitably occur, having a clear vision of your aspirations can serve as an invaluable guiding principle. Shift your long-term objectives into smaller, manageable milestones to sustain your daily consistency/habits and mitigate the feeling of being overwhelmed. Celebrate each milestone you achieve, as acknowledging your progress reinforces your capability to engage with discomfort.
In addition, staying centered in the face of difficulties necessitates the development of coping strategies for navigating pain and discomfort. Taking a deep breath and moving forward is key in high-stress/low-energy situations. By moving slowly at first, you can get the mind and body working together - even when the mind is not entirely on board with doing what it must do. Turning off the voice by "stop listening to yourself but instead start talking to yourself" can be the very thing you need to turn a lazy, comfortable moment into strength and discipline.
You will not get to the next level without discipline. Finally, remember that an absence of fear or discomfort does not characterize resilience but the capacity to move forward despite them. The journey toward developing mental toughness is ongoing; like any skill, it demands sustained practice and is only gained by a scoop at a time - one day at a time through consistency, habits, and staying on track. (aka discipline) Reflect upon past experiences where you successfully navigated pain and discomfort, appreciating how these moments have contributed to your strength today.
Workouts in the Elements (Embrace the Heat and Cold)
In summary, you can cultivate the mental toughness vital for personal growth by embracing discomfort, fortifying your confidence through challenges, and focusing on your long-term objectives. Each step taken in the face of discomfort is, in fact, a step toward a tougher version of yourself.
Seasonal Tactical Fitness Programs Will Build Optimal Performance and Specifically Address Weaknesses Each Phase
Consider the long-term training system of the seasonal tactical fitness model as it offers the opportunity never to neglect your weaknesses, helps with flexibility and mobility, and will also put you at a level of physical abilities where you are happy with your overall ability to just about anything. We have a system where the strengths and weaknesses dictate our training. Check it out: What is Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization?.
There is More to StewSmithFitness.com Than You May Know
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
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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 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.
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The FBI Academy Workout | FBI Workout Vol 2
The DEA Workout
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The PFT Bible: Pushups, Sit-ups, 1.5 Mile Run
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Calisthenics and Cardio
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Many people ask me what is the difference between the Premium Program and the Online PT CLUB Coaching. The people on either program receive personalized training from me - Stew Smith - to best fit your abilities, goals, time per day, days per week, facilities, and equipment. We communicate regularly about your progress and your feedback helps me create the next week plan for you. There is no template workout and see you later. These programs are created 1 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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