Marine Mindset
Lessons to appreciate from the rigorous, ruthless and unnerving training of SAS and US Marines. The mindset. The change in thinking. Marine mindset.
‘Run till you can’t run anymore. Then run some more. You want to hurt. Not physically but mentally. Then and only then — will you grow.’
Our lives are as tough as we perceive them to be, based on our own experiences.
The life of the US or SAS Marines is incomparable to our 9–5 careers.
Often, when we watch documentaries, we feel bad for complaining about our situations.
But, why would we know any different?
Seventy years ago, you may not have the choice.
Now, we live in a ‘free’ society, and you can do as you please.
We regularly compare our lives to others.
I do it. You do it. We all do it.
I might not share all of my projects and successes for fear of perpetuating that cycle.
I’ll openly share my failures because I feel more people should do that.
But, successes or projects are a bit harder to navigate.
Who to tell and when?
It’s a constant question for me.
That’s going on a tangent; the point is — comparisons exist in many forms.
Social media is helping to perpetuate that cycle.
A lot of other factors are doing the same.
So, when we see these documentaries — we feel awful — but, we should feel naive.
Naive to think we can compare ourselves to anyone.
Their journey and process are entirely divergent from your own.
The Marine mindset doesn’t tell you to lose your competitiveness, if anything, it creates the urge to be better.
I’d like to use this as a precursor before I talk about the lessons I saw applicable to me from these documentaries.
This is the video I watched and felt like there were some transferable teachings.
1) Never think you’re doing a lousy job
Many people will tell you can do better, and you should be doing better.
That you should live your life a certain way.
I get frustrated when I see unutilised potential.
For all the motivation videos, there is one person to satisfy, and that is yourself.
If you’re working your hardest, then you’re doing a great job.
If you’re settled and living easy — make sure you’re happy and content.
The Marines training is about pushing yourself, but it’s under intense pressure — pressure none of us will ever face.
To be doing an okay job is to be trying to satisfy someone else.
You’re doing you; you’re doing a great job.
2) Don’t count the minutes
Our time is valuable.
We spend our time where we see fit for our financial, cultural and societal needs.
It’s not fixed, but it’s constructed.
If you hate what you’re doing, the worst thing to do is count the time till it’s over.
It’s cliche, of course.
The Marines endure things that suck for 18 hours a day.
3) Mind over matter… really!
There was an interview done with former US Marine, David Goggins who says that once you’ve reached your ‘limit’ — you still have 40% left in the tank.
You’ve reached the end of your comfort zone and then some, sure.
But, you’re able to do more.
We settle too quickly into our routines.
A bit of apprehension is really going to help you.
That’s why I loved my trip to Paris — I was never comfortable but always learning.
The Marines have to carry their gear over many hours and in harsh terrains.
It’s not a matter of comparison.
It’s a matter of appreciation, learning and application.
I’ll never be a SAS Marine — but, I may be able to have some traits.
The mindset.
The toughness.
The determination.
The vision.
The perception.
The courage.
Something, maybe if I focus hard enough, I can train myself differently.
It’s good to watch others — just don’t compare yourself too often.
I love to read others writing; I wish people would share with me more.
If I see you post something online, I’ll probably read it.
I like supporting other people — there’s not enough of it — but I will be honest in my opinion.
I think that’s only fair to the creator.
Marine mindset.