Can you be an elite warrior?

This past week we had a select group from a Canadian infantry regiment, many of whom have their eyes on JTF-2 or another Canadian SOF unit, attend a SEALFIT Unit Academy.  What a great group of guys and a great experience we had coaching these warriors.  I have always believed that there was no such thing as an “elite” special ops unit, rather just elite warriors and regular soldiers.  Each SOF unit has a different specialty and focus, which makes them unique and all important in the overall strategy of their nation.  But, when it comes to warriors, it is the will to prepare and think differently that defines an elite warrior and separates him from a career soldier.

What are some of the characteristics of an elite warrior?  Let’s look to the Canadians of last week for inspiration:

• Elite warriors learn to win in their minds before they seek to win on the battlefield
• Elite warriors don’t whine.  They embrace the suck, get the job done, then move on
• Elite warriors love their fellow teammates like their brothers and sisters
• Elite warriors love their enemies as much as their fellow soldiers (this is an advanced warrior principle!)
• Elite warriors display integrity in their thoughts, words and deeds, alone, with their teammates and within the “system”
• Elite warriors do today what others won’t, so they can do tomorrow what others can’t
• Elite warriors take their eyes off of themselves and place them on their teammates
• Elite warriors expect to lead, don’t shy from the hard leadership roles, and step back effortlessly when it is someone else’s turn
• Elite warrior don’t seek fame or fortune, and are humble about these things if they come their way…often deflecting credit to others
• Elite warriors seek the severest training, desiring to forge a “Kokoro Heart” and “Unbeatable Mind.”  They earn their “trident” of respect every day
• Elite warriors never quit.  They never quit in training or on an operation.  They never quit their teammates.  They never quit training their body, mind and spirit.  They never quit trying
• Elite warriors are innovative.  To them the term “failure is not an option” means that failing is required to learn fast, so the whole concept of failure is a moot point
• Elite warriors train realistically and they master the basics…coming back to them often.  They take nothing for granted
• Elite warriors know WHY they are doing what they are doing.  It is this connection to their WHY that keeps them focused and motivated when things get shitty
• Elite warriors are never truly Elite warriors, they are all just Elite warriors in training…
• Are you an Elite warrior in training?  I think the Canadians were…and I would love to see if you are as well at a future SEALFIT Academy or Kokoro camp.

Until then, train hard, stay present and be positive!

–Mark Divine

SEALFIT / Unbeatable Mind