The Gladiator Mindset
(2 minute read)
For approximately 650 years, during the Roman Empire, gladiators (both men and women) stepped into the arena to engage in battle. They wore armor, wielded weapons and were the personification of strength and courage. It was a popular display, out of which champions were forged. The difference between victory and defeat was literally razor thin. In order to survive, gladiators had to cultivate a mindset which was conducive to success. Failure to do so meant certain defeat.
This same mindset lends itself well to all of us who are struggling to make something out of our lives. We pay tribute to the many modern day gladiators who find themselves in the arena of life, battling it out to achieve success. They have earned our respect, because when we examine their struggles, this is what we see:
Courage: above all it takes bravery to step into the arena. All successful individuals experience fear and apprehension, but they step into the arena anyway. Deliberately stepping into the arena, despite the fact that it carries risk, is what it means to be alive.
Patience: they endure delay, hardship and setback without giving up on their dreams. Gladiators do not abandon worthy goals just because they encounter resistance.
Risk taking: they remain committed to their objectives despite the presence of danger and the chance of failure. Gladiators recognize that the prospect of risk carries with it the invitation for consequential gain.
Nimble: they understand the necessity to constantly respond to change. The capacity to adapt is not only a strong defense mechanism, it is a profoundly powerful offensive weapon.
Strategy: they formulate creative and specific plans for the singular purpose of achieving success. Nothing brings meaning and purpose quite like a clearly articulated plan of action which is well executed.
Self-reliance: they cultivate the capacity to do things and to make critical decisions on their own, without relying upon others. The road to improvement can be very lonely, and there are some tasks and decisions which simply cannot be delegated to others.
Composure: when things don’t go as planned, they remain calm and in control, despite their internal frustrations. This is essential because rarely, if ever, does life go as planned.
Decisiveness: they don’t become paralyzed by indecision, but instead they act quickly and confidently, living with the consequences. Gladiators appreciate that an imperfect plan of action is infinitely better than no plan of action.
Discipline: they maintain control of themselves, even in difficult situations.
Respect for the arena: they recognize that it is a gift and a blessing to be in a position to improve their own lives, and to overcome themselves.
Play to strengths: they identify their particular strengths and capitalize on them.
Focused on the moment: when there is a job to be done, they mentally focus like a laser on the specific task at hand.
Survive to fight another day: when difficult challenges persist, they understand that survival temporarily becomes the primary objective.
Learn from mistakes: when errors of judgment occur (and they will) they analyze what went wrong and why, in a brutally honest effort to avoid repeating them.
Prepared: they anticipate in advance the need to respond to outside forces.
Strong: they withstand the pressures and challenges of taking command of their lives.
Avoid distractions: they focus with precision on their objectives and minimize getting sidetracked by activities which do not advance their goals.
Identify weaknesses: they understand what makes them potentially vulnerable to defeat.
Self restraint: they control their actions and emotions to avoid engaging in destructive behavior.
Respect for opponents: they do not underestimate the competing interests of others, and are willing to learn from the failures and successes of those within the arena.
“Victory is always possible for the person refuses to stop fighting." Napoleon Hill
Let’s do this.
