Your Daily Grind Matters More Than You Think in Special Ops
Are you preparing for the rigorous demands of military special operations or law enforcement SWAT training? If so, you are likely aware that success in this field combines thorough and intense physical preparation and mental resilience. While the journey to getting TO and THROUGH selection is crucial, the day-to-day grind is where your true character will emerge. Discomfort, early mornings, hot and cold environments, and well thought out training plans that embrace all the elements of fitness will get you to where you want to go. It takes time to prepare to ace the fitness test to get accepted into the training, then become durable enough to handle all that is selection immediately after Basic Training / Boot camp. It is up to YOU to get through the long days and nights of selection. Embracing this challenging routine day after day is essential for achieving your ultimate goal and for thriving in high-pressure environments.
As a coach, I realized long ago that I can help people prepare to get TO and THROUGH spec ops training, but I cannot help people actually get THROUGH it. Managing the daily grind, discomfort, inevitable failure (at something), long days/nights, aches, pains, illness, and near constant negative feedback from instructors is ALL ON YOU. How do you handle these things?
Reflecting on my experience as a student with the same goal as you and as a tactical fitness coach, the preparation phase is a defining part of your journey. You will build up to use advanced physical training to enhance your strength, endurance, and muscle stamina. However, it's vital to remember that the real test lies in how you face each daily challenge. This journey is not just about enhancing your physical capabilities but also about building mental fortitude.
Each day presents an opportunity to develop mental toughness (one scoop at a time). Just waking up and doing something hard is a challenge each day. I’ve witnessed many individuals rise to the occasion by embracing the grind, pushing through discomfort, fatigue, and doubt. These moments are crucial—they shape you into a reliable team player, ready for the unpredictability of training and the profession of special ops. I encourage you to approach each training session with a sense of dedication. Eventually, you will no longer feel the goal in front of you is impossible as your confidence and mental and physical ability improve.
A systematic approach can significantly enhance your training so you do not end your preparation neglecting any unknown weaknesses. We use the system called - Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization. It allows all of the fitness elements to be developed (strengths and weaknesses specific to selections). There is more to prep than just acing the PST: (see below)
One thing is certain: Your weakness will be immediately exposed once you start spec ops selection training. In my years of coaching, I've found that assessing your physical abilities (all) before and during your preparation helps you discover and focus on strengthening your weaknesses. See Assessment Tool to help you compare your abilities to those who have succeeded before you. Building the mental resilience comes with consistent training, "even when you do not feel like it." Get used to doing early workouts (or end of work day) outdoors to test your resolve and help you acclimatize to the heat, humidity, and/or cold of your training. Such strategies create a well-rounded preparation plan and alleviate the anxiety of neglecting potential weaknesses.
For instance, treading is a common obstacle for many students but often neglected.
It's important to remember that success in this journey isn't solely about speed or strength; it's rooted in consistency and unwavering determination. Check out - Knowing Your Why - When Your Will is Tested. Each training session is a building block. Consistency is essential, so enjoy the small victories—whether it’s completing a challenging workout or overcoming a mental/physical obstacle.
As you navigate your preparation, embrace each day, trust in the process, and know that your dedication will serve you well when it matters most. Remember that the journey is just as important as the destination; you are building a foundation for your future success. If you have questions, you can always email Stew Smith at Stew@StewSmith.com. You can also talk to him personally to discuss your options using the NEW - Consulting Call) program. A more personalized approach is needed in many cases and online coaching can be an option for ANY goal (young and old).
Your commitment to consistent training will pave the way for your success. Dive deeper into specialized fitness training that supports your dreams by exploring resources at StewSmithFitness.com. Learn how to tailor your training and build a strong foundation for physical and mental toughness, allowing you to thrive in selection and reach your long-term goals. Take the first step toward your future today.
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
Quick Summary: Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com
(NEW - Consulting Call) - Need personal help adjusting workouts? Worried if you are on the right track? Let Stew help.
- FREE Fitness (all topics) / Mindset Articles and Workouts - Latest info on training for any goal! (over 1000)
- eBooks, Books and eBooks in PRINT (over 40 options)
- Spec Ops Swim Critiques on social media - YouTube, TikTok, Instagram
- Live QA / CSS Critiques Mon / Tues 9am (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
- Podcasts (over 200)
- Stew Smith Fitness APPs - Triad version, Pushup Push APP, Pullup Push APP, FBI workout APP
- FREE Navy SEAL Exercises Apps - iPhone, Android
- Membership Site - Get access to 100s of week of training programs and unpublished workouts we are currently doing each week. Constantly updated weekly with new articles, videos, and workouts of the week.
- Tactical Fitness Course - 80 minutes to learn how to get both TO and THROUGH spec ops selection programs.
- Online Coaching - Get personalized programming designed for your goals, abilities, time per day, days per week, equipment/facilities...etc.
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.
Books and eBooks Available (All Levels of Fitness)
The Specific Military / Special Ops Physical Fitness Workouts
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 1
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 2 - 3
Navy SEAL Workout Phase 4 Grinder PT
Navy SWCC Workout
Army PFT Workout (Prep For Rucking, OPAT, ACFT)
Army Special Forces / Ranger Workout
Army Air Assault School Workout
Army Airborne Workout
Advanced Running Program - Special Ops Supplement Plan
USMC RECON / MarSOC Workout
USMC OCS / TBS Workout
USMC IST and PFT
The Combat Conditioning Workout
Air Force PJ / CCT Workout Battlefield Airman Prep Course
The UBRR Upper Body Round Robin Workout / Spec Ops version
The Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer / Navy SAR Workout
The Service Academy Workout (West Point, Navy, Air Force Academy)
The Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp Boot Camp Workout
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The Law Enforcement Physical Fitness Workouts
The FBI Academy Workout | FBI Workout Vol 2
The DEA Workout
The FLETC Workout - Ace the PEB
The PFT Bible: Pushups, Sit-ups, 1.5 Mile Run
The Fire Fighter Workout - Ace the CPAT
Calisthenics and Cardio
Online Coaching Options
Online PT CLUB - Premium Coaching -
Do you need a program that actually works for you? We can build it personally for you and your personal goals and help you fit it into your day with the equipment you have available. Let us be your training partner and coach.
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.
Member's Only Content / Services Program!
If you want access to years worth of workouts, favorite workouts of the week, free fitness APP, closed Facebook Group, 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.
