Mental Toughness is Required - Part Two

In part one of this blog series, we talked about the fact that mental toughness is required, and it all starts in the mind.  We covered the first key area, performance, maintaining a positive attitude. Then, we discussed the second key area of performance living in the present In the Ranger community,  we use the Ranger creed to help focus our mindset.    Here it is in its entirety.

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my

chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high

esprit de corps of the Rangers.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the

cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my

country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other

Soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades I will always keep myself mentally alert,

physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of

the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained

soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of

equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the

field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is

not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the

enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger

objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

You are welcome to borrow, adapt, or create your own as needed.

As we say, live the Creed .

The third Area of performance is understanding that slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.  We may deepen our understanding of this concept in a later blog post, but for now, you need to understand that this is a critical off-grid skill. Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast means that before you can accomplish any complex or difficult task quickly, effectively, and efficiently, you must first slow down and learn to do it as slowly as it takes to iron out the kinks and make it smooth. If you can make a complex, difficult, or challenging task smooth, then, through repetition, speed will follow.  In the ranger and special operations communities, this is an essential skill.  

If you were on active duty, some of the areas that you would practice might be in weapons handling.  How you draw and present your pistol out of the holster would be a great example.  Changing magazines in a tactical environment is another great example.  Finally, learning how to transition from primary firearm to secondary firearm is another place where smooth is fast really counts.

How might this work in an off-grid situation?  Well, for example, you might have to learn how to change a tractor tire by yourself in the field.  Before you try to do this like a NASCAR team, you should do it safely and effectively in a static and benign environment.  You wanna think through all the potential contingencies.  For example, you may want to use your truck winch to secure the tractor from tipping or falling over and crushing you in case your Jack or Jack stand comes off of the tractor.  You may want to use a Z drag pulley system off a large oak tree to raise the tractor axle if your jack breaks.  You should work on the differences between safety and speed.  There may be times when speed is essential in your off-grid lifestyle.  However, it is far more likely that safety is the most important consideration, especially when working with farm implements.  This is a perfect example of the principle that slow is smooth, but smooth is fast.  Take everything slow, break it down into its component pieces, and take the time required to make each task you are attempting to master smooth as silk.  Fast will happen in its proper time and place.

In summary, the three principles of mental toughness will never let you down.  A positive attitude is the most effective weapon in the off-grid lifestyle. Living in the present keeps you focused and oriented on today, the only thing you can really impact in real time.  And, as you develop knowledge, skills, and abilities, the concept of slow and smooth and smooth is fast will not let you down.