After slacking this morning, I read an article that delved into focus and perseverance when it comes to training. It was a short article about two Navy SEALs that competed in the Ironman race this past year. It talked a little (wish it would have gone into more detail) about how they had to find time to do their tri training and still do all the crazy training that comes with being a SEAL. When I was reading it, I starting laughing at myself; laughing at my ridiculous excuses for skipping a workout; laughing at how I “just don’t have the time today.” If these guys can push themselves to the limits at their job and then still do some training, then there is no doubt in my mind that I can’t push myself a little harder or find time to do some training.
At the end of the article, the SEAL was asked to give a couple of tips for success to those of us training for a triathlon. The article calls it the “Triathlon Training/SEAL Mentality” (we’ll still acknowledge that training to be a Navy SEAL is far more challenging than training for an Ironman).
- Eliminate self-limiting thoughts. More often than not, people have preconceived notions about what is possible for them to achieve. They sell themselves short. Abolish thoughts that hold you back from achieving your true potential.
- Optimize your skills. Everyone begins at a different place and each of us are dealt a different set of genetic cards. Use that to your advantage and optimize your assets.
Be willing to spend the effort and energy to be successful. Anyone can succeed if they are willing to work at it. Too many people want to reap rewards without the sacrifice that is necessary to achieve any goal. - Enjoy the journey. If you can enjoy the pursuit of excellence, you've got it made. Aiming to enjoy only the end result makes it impossible to endure the necessary sacrifices to achieve any goal really worth having.
- Be a student. The more you understand about what it is you're trying to do and how to do it, the easier it is to be successful. Be a student of your passion.
- Persevere. There are many things that can get in the way of successfully achieving any goal. You have to be willing to figure out how to get over, under, around or through those obstacles. Keep trying.
- Develop mental toughness. It is not the physical challenges that keep men from successfully surviving the SEAL training, it is mentally giving up. You need to start believing that you can do it, you can be successful. Others have been successful before you, you can do it too.
- Be prepared to suffer. When you are training for an event as large as a 140.6-mile triathlon, it is a long haul. There is going to be bad weather, aching body parts and times when you are just plain tired. Know that some stress, followed by rest, will make you stronger physically and mentally.
- Take strength from others. This tip is particularly valuable for race day. Right when you are thinking things are really bad for you, look around. You'll see that others are suffering too. Knowing you're not the only one and that other people will suffer generates energy, if you're willing to accept it.
- You must want success. Doing something that is difficult requires that you want to be successful with every fiber of your core. The intense desire to succeed helps you overcome obstacles that crush other people.
- Avoid over-training. It is easy for highly motivated people to over-train. Achievers are often rewarded for doing more and working harder. While you must work hard and do the prescribed work, you must also rest in order to reap the benefits.
I’ll leave you with a quote that is displayed at the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado that, to me, sums up the Triathlon Training/Seal Mentality…“the only easy day was yesterday”.
