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Hi, I'm Gregg Swanson, a guide to mental resilience and spiritual evolution. My adventures…from high-pressure sales environments to steep cliff faces…have shown me the transformative power of discipline and mindset. Let's embark on a journey to create a life you love by looking at the principles for living Introduction to Principles for Living We live in a world flooded with convenience, comfort, and compromise. Men are working harder, but feeling more lost. Hustling more, but getting less. They're exhausted from trying to succeed in a system that rarely rewards depth, purpose, or integrity. That's where the Warrior's Code comes in. This code isn't ancient history. It's not poetic fluff. It's a real-world framework...Principles for Living that give modern men clarity, direction, and a reason to get out of bed with fire in their soul. These Principles for Living are about reclaiming your identity, forging mental toughness, and building a life you're proud of. Because the truth is this: If you don't have a personal code, the world will assign you one...usually a weak one. So let's reclaim the narrative. Let's rebuild the man from the inside out. What Are the Warrior Principles for Living? Every warrior, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, operates by a set of guiding principles. These Principles for Living serve as internal guardrails...keeping you aligned with your highest self when the world tries to pull you into distraction, deception, and disconnection. In a society that rewards compliance and punishes depth, having a code is no longer optional. It is essential. Without it, you become reactive, directionless, and eventually disempowered. Why These Principles Matter: These principles provide direction when the world feels chaotic and overwhelming, acting like a compass that guides your thoughts, actions, and responses. They help establish clear boundaries around what you will and won't tolerate in your life, protecting your energy, integrity, and focus. They generate a deep sense of purpose in your daily actions, especially during times when your path feels uncertain or uninspired. They reinforce your core identity, keeping you rooted in who you truly are so you're not swayed by societal trends, external opinions, or internal fear. What Are the Warrior Principles for Living? Every warrior, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, operates by a set of guiding principles. These Principles for Living serve as internal guardrails...keeping you aligned with your highest self when the world tries to pull you into distraction, deception, and disconnection. In a society that rewards compliance and punishes depth, having a code is no longer optional. It is essential. Without it, you become reactive, directionless, and eventually disempowered. Why These Principles Matter: These principles provide direction when the world feels chaotic and overwhelming, acting like a compass that guides your thoughts, actions, and responses. They help establish clear boundaries around what you will and won't tolerate in your life, protecting your energy, integrity, and focus. They generate a deep sense of purpose in your daily actions, especially during times when your path feels uncertain or uninspired. They reinforce your core identity, keeping you rooted in who you truly are so you're not swayed by societal trends, external opinions, or internal fear. Think of these principles like a sword and shield. Your sword represents your action, your decisions, and your discipline...the forward motion of your life. Your shield stands for your integrity, your values, and your self-respect...the protection that keeps your spirit intact in the face of challenge. Without them, you're vulnerable to anything and everything. With them, you become unshakable. The 5 Warrior Codes: Principles for Living with Integrity and Purpose Let's break down the core Principles for Living that defi...
Hello! I'm Gregg Swanson, a transformation coach with a knack for turning obstacles into opportunities. My journey has included surviving extreme situations like an avalanche, excelling in high-pressure sales roles, and coaching clients for over 20 years. Today, I'm excited to share the lessons I've learned about resilience and mental strength with you by learning how to think like a ninja! How to Think Like a Ninja What if you could disappear—not from the world, but from the noise? What if you could move through pressure, chaos, and doubt with the calm precision of a shadow slipping through a locked room? That's what it means to think like a ninja. The ninja wasn't just a warrior. He was a master of stealth, control, adaptability, and presence. He didn't just fight—he vanished, observed, waited, and struck when others panicked. In today's overstimulated, overreactive world, that mindset isn't just powerful—it's essential. In this post, you'll learn how to think like a ninja, with real mental shifts, psychological insight, and performance strategies you can use in your daily life. The Ninja Mentality: What Makes It So Powerful? Ninjas weren't the strongest or the loudest. They were the most strategic. They mastered the art of invisibility—not just physically, but mentally. They could move without being noticed, act without ego, and adapt without hesitation. To think like a ninja is to operate with: Silent Confidence – You don't chase validation or approval because you trust your skills. Your power isn't in proving anything; it's in executing with precision. Strategic Patience – You aren't impulsive. You wait, watch, and let others burn themselves out before making your move. Radical Adaptability – You can pivot without drama. You shift strategies mid-action when needed, and you don't cling to old plans just because they're familiar. Total Presence – You stay rooted in the current moment. You're not distracted by the past or anxious about the future. You see what's in front of you and respond with intention. Imagine a man standing at the edge of a battlefield—not flinching, not flexing, just breathing, scanning, calculating. That's the ninja. That's the mindset. The Science Behind the Ninja Mind To think like a ninja, you don't need ancient scrolls—you need a modern understanding of how your mind works under pressure. Prefrontal Cortex Control The prefrontal cortex is the command center of the brain, responsible for decision-making, focus, and emotional regulation. Ninjas trained to suppress the fear response and operate with calm precision. That's prefrontal dominance—being in control when others are spiraling. Study Insight: Research from the University of Wisconsin shows that mindfulness meditation strengthens prefrontal cortex activity while reducing reactivity in the amygdala (the brain's fear center), helping you stay composed in high-pressure moments. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) A high HRV is a physiological marker of resilience. It shows your nervous system can quickly shift between stress and recovery. Elite warriors—and peak performers—train to raise HRV so they can remain calm, alert, and effective when it matters most. Techniques like box breathing, used by both ninjas and Navy SEALs, are scientifically proven to support nervous system regulation and mental focus. Cognitive Flexibility Ninjas embodied Cognitive Flexibility—the brain's ability to shift between different tasks and thoughts. This mental agility helps you stay calm when plans change, when surprises come, or when life throws a curveball. Psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman found that cognitive flexibility is deeply connected to resilience, creativity, and problem-solving—making it a core trait for anyone who wants to think like a ninja. Mindset Lessons You Can Use Right Now You don't need a sword or smoke bomb to start thinking like a ninja.
Welcome! I'm Gregg Swanson, a performance coach who believes in the power of resilience. From surviving an avalanche on Mt. Rainier to coaching professionals for over 20 years, I've learned that mental strength is the key to thriving in both life and business. Whether climbing a mountain or climbing the sales ladder, I'm here to help you reach new heights by taking a deeper look at the power of forming a habit. Table of Contents Toggle Introduction to Forming a HabitUnderstanding the Core Concept: The Science of Forming a HabitThe Four Stages of Forming a HabitStage 1: Unconscious Incompetence – The Unknown ProblemStage 2: Conscious Incompetence – The StruggleStage 3: Conscious Competence – The Habit Takes RootStage 4: Unconscious Competence – The Habit Becomes AutomaticHow to Apply This to Your LifeRelated Posts Introduction to Forming a Habit What if I told you that success isn't about motivation or willpower? It's about your habits. The things you do daily…whether consciously or unconsciously…shape your future. But forming a habit isn't as simple as just doing something repeatedly. It requires a deeper understanding of how habits are formed in the brain and how to move from struggle to automation. A study by Phillippa Lally at University College London found that, on average, it takes 66 days to establish a new habit. However, the process isn't linear. It follows four distinct stages, each requiring a different mindset and strategy. Understanding these four stages will help you master any habit…whether it's improving your fitness, boosting productivity, or enhancing mental resilience. Let's dive into the four stages of forming a habit and how you can use them to take control of your success. Understanding the Core Concept: The Science of Forming a Habit Every habit follows a predictable psychological pattern. It begins as something unfamiliar and difficult, but through repetition, it becomes automatic. The four stages of habit formation represent the journey from struggle to mastery. The brain creates habits as a way to conserve energy. When we repeat a behavior in response to a cue, the brain forms neural pathways that make the action easier over time. Eventually, the habit becomes so ingrained that it happens automatically…without conscious thought. This is why habits can either empower us or trap us in negative cycles. The key to forming a habit is to recognize where you are in this journey and push through each stage with intentionality. This is where most people fail. They get stuck in the second stage…when a habit feels difficult…and give up before reaching automation. But by understanding the process, you can move forward with confidence. Why This is Important Mastering the four stages of forming a habit is life-changing. Think about the most successful people you know. Do you think they rely on motivation every day? No. They have built habits that automate success. When you learn how to form habits effectively, you can: Break free from bad habits that drain your energy. Build habits that support peak performance. Develop mental and physical resilience. Free up mental energy for creativity and strategic thinking. The quality of your habits determines the quality of your life. You can either spend your mental energy on distractions, or you can preserve it for actions that drive your success. The choice is yours. The Four Stages of Forming a Habit Stage 1: Unconscious Incompetence – The Unknown Problem At this stage, you might not even realize you have a habit that needs to change. Or, you recognize a bad habit but have no idea how to stop it. This is the stage of unawareness. For example, imagine someone who wakes up and immediately checks their phone. They feel drained, unfocused, and frustrated throughout the day, but they don't connect their morning routine to their lack of productivity. They are stuck in unconscious incompetence…they don't know...
Warrior Mind Podcast 708 Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Peak Performance: Unlock Better Decisions and Resilience Greetings! I'm Gregg Swanson, a mental strength coach who has spent over two decades empowering individuals and teams to perform at their best. My life has been an adventure—from competing in CrossFit to surviving an avalanche—and these experiences have shaped my approach to coaching. I believe in turning challenges into opportunities, and I'm here to help you do the same. What If Emotions Could Be Your Superpower? Ever feel like your emotions are running the show? Like you're stuck on an emotional rollercoaster, and you can't find the brake? Here's the deal—emotions aren't the enemy. In fact, when you understand and manage them, they become your greatest strength. That's where Emotional Intelligence (EI) steps in. In this article, we're diving deep into Harnessing Emotional Intelligence—a game-changer for anyone looking to make better decisions, build resilience, and perform at their peak. Stick with me here, because this isn't just about feelings. It's about taking control, sharpening your focus, and owning your outcomes. What Is Emotional Intelligence, and Why Does It Matter? Let's start with the basics. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions, while also tuning into the emotions of others. Think of it as the ultimate life hack—like having a GPS that guides you through the emotional chaos of life and keeps you on track toward success. Here's the kicker: research shows that EI is a better predictor of success than IQ. Yeah, that's right—your smarts can only take you so far. What really sets top performers apart is their ability to keep their cool under pressure, navigate conflicts like a pro, and connect with people on a deeper level. Whether you're leading a team, closing a deal, or just trying to keep your head above water, Emotional Intelligence is the secret sauce. The Three Core Pillars of Emotional Intelligence Let's break this down into three key pillars: Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, and Empathy. These are your building blocks for Harnessing Emotional Intelligence. 1 - Self-Awareness: Know Thyself Self-awareness is like looking in a mirror, but instead of seeing your reflection, you see your triggers, patterns, and blind spots. It's about understanding what makes you tick—and what sets you off. Example: Imagine you're in a heated argument. Instead of lashing out, self-awareness helps you recognize, “I'm getting defensive because I feel undervalued.” Boom—game changer. Now, you're in control, not your emotions. 2 - Self-Regulation: Mastering the Pause Self-regulation is where the magic happens. It's the ability to hit pause before you react. It's not about suppressing your emotions—it's about channeling them effectively. Think of it this way: Your emotions are like a fire. Left unchecked, they can burn everything down. But harnessed properly, they can fuel your engine and light the way forward. 3 - Empathy: Walking in Their Shoes Empathy is your bridge to better relationships. It's the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. And no, it's not about being a pushover—it's about connection. Here's a metaphor for you: Empathy is like tuning into someone else's radio station. When you get their frequency, you build trust and understanding. And trust? That's the currency of leadership and influence. Why Harnessing Emotional Intelligence Is the Key to Peak Performance Here's where the rubber meets the road. Harnessing Emotional Intelligence isn't just about feeling good—it's about performing better. Here's how: Better Decision-Making: When you understand your emotions, you make decisions with clarity, not confusion. Instead of reacting on impulse, you respond with intention. Metaphor Alert: Think of your mind as a snow globe. When your emotions are swirling,
Hi there! I'm Gregg Swanson, and I've spent over 20 years helping individuals and teams achieve mental strength and resilience. Having survived an avalanche and excelled in CrossFit competitions, I know firsthand how to push through life's toughest challenges. I'm excited to share the tools I've used to overcome adversity and help you do the same like mastering resilience. Warrior Mind Podcast 707: Mastering Resilience: Unlocking the Key to Thrive Through Life's Challenges Are you searching for the skills to navigate life's toughest challenges? Do you want to take control of your thoughts, actions, and life with confidence and clarity? Here's the truth: resilience isn't something you're born with—it's a skill that can be learned, cultivated, and mastered. Mastering resilience means approaching life's peaks and valleys with a mindset that propels you forward, even in the face of adversity. Resilience isn't just about bouncing back; it's about growing through what you go through. By applying intentional practices to your daily life, you can cultivate resilience that empowers you to thrive. Below, you'll find a comprehensive guide to mastering resilience—a roadmap to help you become stronger, more adaptable, and unwavering in the face of challenges. 1 - Understand the Principles of Resilience Mastering resilience begins with shifting your perspective. Life isn't a straight path; it's a dynamic journey of peaks and valleys. Embrace this truth: change is inevitable, and growth lies in how you adapt to it. Think of resilience as your ability to transform adversity into opportunity. When you accept life's impermanence, you'll find yourself more curious about the lessons each moment holds. Ask yourself: What can this experience teach me? How can I grow from it? 2 - Strengthen Emotional Regulation Skills At the heart of mastering resilience lies the ability to regulate your emotions. Life will throw curveballs, but your power lies in how you choose to react. Here's how to enhance your emotional intelligence: Own Your Choices: Remember, your emotions are not commands. You have the freedom to respond rather than react. Reframe Your Perspective: When faced with difficulty, step back and see the bigger picture. Practice asking, What's another way to view this situation? Avoid predicting doom or mind-reading; instead, choose optimism. Practice Mindfulness: Ground yourself in the present moment. Mindfulness helps you focus on what you can control, bringing clarity and calmness to chaotic situations. Seek Joy: Create positive experiences by engaging in activities that make you happy and fulfilled. Building small moments of joy leads to greater emotional resilience. 3 - Take Responsibility Taking responsibility doesn't mean blaming yourself for every setback. Instead, it means stepping into your power to influence outcomes. Here are some practical ways to embrace responsibility while mastering resilience: Learn from Mistakes: Nobody is perfect. Admitting your missteps is a sign of strength and a gateway to personal growth. Get Curious: When faced with conflict, ask yourself what role you played and what lessons you can learn. You don't have to take the blame, but you do have the opportunity to grow. Apologize with Grace: Saying you're sorry demonstrates humility and strengthens relationships. True resilience thrives in connection. Release Resentment: Holding onto anger weighs you down. Letting go and forgiving—even if only for your own peace—creates space for growth. 4 - Build a Strong Community Mastering resilience isn't a solo endeavor. Your community serves as a foundation of support and accountability. Connections with others bring meaning to life and remind you that you're never truly alone. Invest in Relationships: Take the time to nurture connections with people who inspire and uplift you. Whether it's friends, family, or mentors,
Hey, I'm Gregg Swanson. My life's journey...from martial arts to mountaineering and spiritual exploration...has shown me that success is a blend of mental toughness and spiritual alignment. Today, I'll share tools and strategies to help you thrive in every aspect of your life by looking at the neuroscience of personal mastery. [ez-toc] Introduction to The Neuroscience of Personal Mastery What if I told you that the key to mastering your life isn't hidden in some self-help book, but already sitting between your ears? Yep, your brain is the ultimate weapon in your personal mastery arsenal. And here's the kicker…it's not just a metaphor. Thanks to the magic of neuroscience, we can actually rewire our brains to achieve our goals, crush bad habits, and perform at our best. Sounds like science fiction, right? But it's not. It's biology. And I'm here to tell you that understanding the neuroscience of personal mastery is the closest thing to unlocking your inner superhero. Let's dive into how it works. Why Your Brain Is the Boss Let's get one thing straight: your brain is running the show, whether you like it or not. Every choice you make, every habit you form, every success or failure…it all starts up there. The good news? Your brain isn't some static hunk of gray matter. It's more like Play-Doh. Fancy scientific types call this neuroplasticity, but all you need to know is this: your brain can change. Think of it like a highway system. The more you practice a behavior…good or bad…the smoother and faster the road becomes. Got a bad habit that's been hanging around for years? No worries. You can bulldoze that old road and build a shiny new one. It just takes consistency and, yeah, a little patience. But hey, mastery isn't supposed to be easy. The Motivation Molecule: Meet Dopamine Here's where things get fun. Ever wonder why some days you're ready to conquer the world, and other days you can't even conquer your laundry? Blame…or thank…dopamine. This little neurotransmitter is like the brain's internal cheerleader, giving you a rush of “atta boy!” or “atta girl!” whenever you achieve something. It's the reason why crossing things off your to-do list feels so satisfying. It's also the driving force behind the neuroscience of personal mastery. But dopamine's not just about feeling good. It's about wanting to feel good. This is what keeps you motivated to chase goals, big or small. Want to hack your dopamine system? Break your goals into bite-sized chunks and celebrate each win. That way, you're training your brain to associate progress with pleasure. And who doesn't love a good reward system? Focus and Flow: Your Brain's Sweet Spot Let's talk about flow. You know, that magical state where you're so immersed in what you're doing that time seems to disappear. It's like being in the zone, only better. Athletes, artists, and high performers live for this stuff. But here's the thing: flow doesn't just happen. It's not some mystical force…it's neuroscience. To get into flow, your brain needs two things: a clear goal and a challenge that's just hard enough to keep you engaged, but not so hard that it fries your circuits. Picture it like surfing. If the waves are too small, you're bored. Too big, you're drowning. But when they're just right? You're riding high, baby. The trick is to set yourself up for success. Eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone, lock the door, and tell Netflix you'll see it later. Give your brain the space to focus, and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish. Why Your Emotions Matter More Than You Think Let me guess. When you hear “personal mastery,” you think of discipline, grit, and willpower, right? And yeah, those are important. But here's the surprise: emotional regulation is the real MVP of personal mastery. If you can't manage your emotions, you're gonna have a hard time mastering much of anything. Your brain's emotional command center is called the amygdala.
Warrior Mind Podcast Episode #705 - 6 Powerful Tips to Eliminating Weak Language: Speak with Strength and Confidence Hello! I'm Gregg Swanson, your guide to mastering mental strength and resilience. Whether I'm coaching sales professionals, practicing shamanic rituals, or honing martial arts techniques, I emphasize the importance of confident communication. Today, let's tackle an overlooked but powerful way to transform how others perceive you: eliminating weak language. Have you ever said something and instantly regretted how it sounded…hesitant, unsure, or overly apologetic? The truth is the words you choose have a profound impact. They don't just shape how others see you; they influence how you see yourself. The good news? By identifying and eliminating weak language, you can sound more confident, feel more self-assured, and command greater respect. Here's how to get started in eliminating weak language Eliminating weak language tip # 1: The Dreaded “But” Ever caught yourself saying something like, “I really like your idea, but…”? That tiny word “but” can be a killer—it cancels out everything positive you said before it. It sounds dismissive, even if you don't mean it that way. What to Do Instead: Use “and” or reframe your sentence. Example: Replace, “I like your idea, but we need to tweak it,” with, “I like your idea, and we can make it even stronger by tweaking it.” It keeps the conversation positive and shows collaboration. Eliminating weak language tip # 2: Overusing “Sorry” We've all done it: “Sorry for being late,” “Sorry for asking,” “Sorry for existing” (okay, maybe not that last one—but it feels like it sometimes!). Apologizing unnecessarily makes you seem less confident and can actually make people respect you less. What to Do Instead: Swap “sorry” for “thank you.” Example: Instead of, “Sorry for the delay,” say, “Thank you for waiting.” This tiny change shifts the tone completely—it shows gratitude instead of weakness. Eliminating weak language tip # 3: “Just” Is Holding You Back Have you ever sent an email that starts with, “I just wanted to check in…”? That one word—“just”—can make your statement feel smaller, less important. It's like you're apologizing for even speaking up. What to Do Instead: Drop the word “just” altogether. Example: Change, “I just wanted to see if you're available,” to, “Are you available?” The result? Your words feel stronger and more direct. Eliminating weak language tip # 4: “Hopefully” Isn't Helping When you say something like, “Hopefully, we'll make it work,” you sound uncertain. It's like you're crossing your fingers instead of showing confidence. What to Do Instead: Use confident language. Example: Replace, “Hopefully, I'll finish this on time,” with, “I'm on track to finish this on time.” People are drawn to confidence—and you'll start to feel it, too. Eliminating weak language tip # 5: No More “Kind of” or “Sort of” These little phrases can sneak into your sentences without you even noticing. “I'm kind of interested in this” or “I sort of know what to do” makes you sound unsure, even if you're not. What to Do Instead: Be clear and direct. Example: Instead of, “I kind of specialize in design,” say, “I specialize in design.” Own what you know. No need to downplay it. Eliminating weak language tip # 6: Cut Out “I Think” Starting a sentence with “I think” can sound like you're doubting yourself. It's as if you're unsure of your own opinion. What to Do Instead: Use assertive phrases. Example: Replace, “I think we should try this,” with, “We should try this.” When you speak with certainty, people listen. Why Eliminating Weak Language Matters The language you use influences how others perceive you—and how you perceive yourself. When you remove weak, hesitant phrases and replace them with strong, confident ones, you'll notice immediate results.
Hello, I'm Gregg Swanson, a performance coach with a passion for helping others push boundaries. Whether exploring the peaks of mountaineering or the depths of self-awareness, I've learned that growth starts with mental and spiritual clarity. Let's start your journey today by learning how to think like Genghis Khan! Introduction to Genghis Khan When you think of the word “warrior,” what comes to mind? Maybe a strong knight in armor, a Spartan with a shield, or a Ninja moving silently in the dark. But one of history's most legendary warriors didn't wear shiny armor or wield magical swords. Instead, he carried a vision so strong it changed the world forever. That warrior was Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire. If I told you that Genghis Khan grew up facing betrayal, abandonment, and near-starvation, you might be surprised. Yet, this boy, born as Temüjin on the harsh Mongolian steppe, became one of the most powerful leaders of all time. He didn't just win wars...he united people, adapted to any challenge, and built an empire so vast it covered 12 million square miles. That's bigger than the entire continent of Africa! But here's the exciting part: You don't need to conquer the world to think like Genghis Khan. You can adapt his warrior mindset to conquer your goals, face challenges, and lead your life with strength and purpose. Let's break down his mindset and discover how to unleash the warrior within you. 1 - Relentless Adaptability: Embrace Change Like a River Imagine you're standing in the middle of a fast-moving river. What happens if you fight against the current? You'll get exhausted, maybe swept away. But if you learn to move with the water, flowing and adjusting as needed, you'll go much further. Genghis Khan was the master of adaptability. He understood that life on the Mongolian plains was unpredictable...fierce weather, scarce resources, and constant warfare. Instead of complaining, he adapted. He trained his people to move quickly, adjust strategies on the fly, and use whatever tools they had to survive. For example, when Genghis Khan fought cities with giant walls (a big problem for horseback warriors), he didn't give up. Instead, he learned siege warfare from other cultures and improved upon it. His army built catapults, dug trenches, and outsmarted opponents who thought they were safe behind stone walls. Lesson for You: When life throws obstacles in your path...like a surprise test, a broken relationship, or a tough decision...you have two choices: resist and get stuck or adapt and grow. The next time things don't go your way, pause and ask yourself, “What's another way I can approach this?” Like Genghis, you can turn problems into opportunities. 2 - Unity Through Vision: Lead with Purpose Picture this: You're part of a team with no leader, no plan, and no direction. Everyone's running around doing their own thing. How far will you get? Not very. Before Genghis Khan, the Mongol tribes were like that team...scattered, fighting among themselves, and losing to outside enemies. But Genghis had a vision: to unite the tribes and create something stronger than any one group could achieve alone. And here's the kicker...he led with fairness. He promoted warriors based on merit, not bloodline. Whether you were the son of a noble or a poor shepherd, if you had skill and courage, you could rise through the ranks. This inspired loyalty because people knew they had a chance to succeed. Lesson for You: What's your “vision” for your life? Maybe it's getting into your dream college, starting your own business, or becoming the best athlete on your team. Define that vision and share it with others who can support you. Great leaders bring people together by showing them how they're all part of something bigger. 3 - Psychological Warfare: The Battle is Won in the Mind You've probably heard the phrase,
Hi, I'm Gregg Swanson, a guide to mental resilience and spiritual evolution. My adventures—from high-pressure sales environments to steep cliff faces—have shown me the transformative power of discipline and mindset. Let's embark on a journey to create a life you love by looking at the importance of mental warmups. Warrior Mind Podcast 702 - 6 Mental Warm-ups to Crushing Every Workout Discover why mental warm-ups are the secret weapon for fitness success. From visualization to self-talk, learn how to prime your mind for peak performance in the gym. Why Mental Warm-ups Are a Gym Game-Changer Let me ask you something: If you wouldn't sprint without stretching, why would you even think about working out without warming up your mind? That's where mental warm-ups come in—your not-so-secret weapon to crush it at the gym. Mental warm-ups aren't some trendy gimmick. They're the difference between going through the motions and walking out feeling like you just conquered Mount Everest. Let's dig into how they work and why you need them. The Night Before: Start Your Mental Warm Up Early Mental warm-ups don't start when you step into the gym—they kick off the night before. Before you crash, set the tone: Plan and Visualize: Go over your workout program in your head. What's on deck? Squats? Sprints? Picture yourself smashing every rep with perfect form. Drift Into Visualization: As you're falling asleep, rehearse your workout. Imagine the feeling of that PR, the satisfaction of finishing strong. It's not just feel-good fluff—mental warm-ups like this activate the same brain circuits you'll use when you're actually lifting. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your muscles. Morning: Prime Your Brain When you wake up, it's time to hydrate, focus, and keep your mental warm-ups rolling. Here's your checklist: Water, Stat: Your brain's mostly water, and dehydration's a motivation killer. Sip up to stay sharp. Zen Moment: A few minutes of meditation or calming music tunes your focus to the day ahead. Bonus mental warm up tip: While you're brushing your teeth or making coffee, mentally rehearse the workout again. It's like giving your brain a head start. Driving to the Gym: The Power of Momentum Your commute isn't just dead time. It's another opportunity to turn your mental warm-up into a full-blown hype session: Crank Up Your Playlist: Upbeat music doesn't just get you excited—it syncs with your brain to pump you up. Positive Self-Talk: Look, talking to yourself works. Whether you're whispering “I've got this” or shouting it (no judgment), you're reinforcing a winner's mindset. By the time you park, your mental warmup has you primed and ready to dominate. At the Gym: Lock In With Mental Warm-ups Before you touch a weight, do a mental warm up that sets the stage for success: Move with Purpose: Physical warm-ups are essential, but pair them with mental rehearsals. Picture yourself owning every set and crushing every rep. Positive Energy: Start your inner pep talk. “I'm here to grow stronger,” beats “I hope this goes okay” every time. Mental warmups here do more than hype you up—they make every move intentional. During the Workout: Stay Engaged Mental warm-ups don't stop when the weights go up. Between sets, keep your mind dialed in: Stand Tall: Good posture isn't just for Instagram—it keeps your mind focused and ready. Talk to Yourself (Again): Replace “This is hard” with “I'm strong enough for this.” Words matter. And yep, keep that pump-up playlist rolling. Music is fuel for the fire. After the Workout: Reflect and Recharge A mental warm up wouldn't be complete without a cool-down for your brain. Wrap things up with intention: Celebrate Wins: Even if it's just one killer set, acknowledge it. Say, “That's just like me!” Learn From the Struggle: Didn't hit your best? That's fine. Say, “That's not like me,
Warrior Mind Podcast #701 - The Power of Visualization in Unlocking Your True Potential Welcome to The Warrior Mind Podcast — your ultimate destination for unlocking mental strength, cultivating an unshakable warrior mindset, and living with purpose. Dive deep into the principles of grit, resilience, and relentless self-improvement as we explore what it means to push past limits and embrace challenges. Whether you're striving for personal growth, seeking motivation, or simply curious about what it takes to build a resilient mind, this podcast is your guide. Each episode is packed with actionable insights, thought-provoking discussions, and transformative strategies to empower you to face life's obstacles head-on. Get ready to challenge yourself, redefine your limits, and discover the unstoppable power within. Join us on this journey to sharpen your mind, ignite your purpose, and unleash your warrior spirit. Are you ready to step into your greatness? The Warrior Mind Podcast — where strength meets purpose. I'm Gregg Swanson, your guide on this journey to mental strength and personal transformation. Over the years, I've coached countless individuals and teams, survived an avalanche, and even tackled some intense CrossFit challenges. Each week, we'll explore strategies to build your resilience and achieve peak performance, both mentally and physically. Let's get to it! Today we're going to be discussing The Power of Visualization in Achieving Goals Table of Contents Toggle Warrior Mind Podcast #701 – The Power of Visualization in Unlocking Your True PotentialThe Power of Visualization in Unlocking Your True PotentialWhat Is Visualization?The Science Behind VisualizationHere's why this works:How to Use Visualization EffectivelySet Clear GoalsUse All Your SensesPractice DailyPair Visualization with ActionReal-Life Examples of VisualizationCommon Myths About VisualizationVisualization in Everyday ScenariosThe Power of Visualization in Achieving GoalsRecap of Key Takeaways:Your Next Steps The Power of Visualization in Unlocking Your True Potential Imagine you're at the starting line of a race. The finish line feels so far away. Your heart races, and doubts creep in. But now, close your eyes and picture it: the end, the cheers, and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line. Can you feel the rush? That's the power of visualization in action…it's not just imagining success but preparing your mind and body to achieve it. Visualization isn't some abstract concept or magic trick. It's a science-backed technique that athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday people use to boost performance and achieve goals. Today, we'll explore how “The Power of Visualization in Achieving Goals” can transform your mindset, performance, and results. What Is Visualization? Visualization, simply put, is using your imagination to picture what you want to achieve. Think of it as a mental dress rehearsal. Whether it's acing a test, scoring a goal, or speaking confidently in front of a crowd, visualization helps you see and feel the outcome before it happens. Why does this matter? Your brain doesn't always know the difference between something you've vividly imagined and something that's actually happened. This means mental rehearsal can prime your mind and body for success. The Science Behind Visualization Let's talk brain science for a second. When you visualize something, your brain activates similar areas as if you were physically doing it. For example, imagining yourself running lights up motor-related parts of your brain. This creates neural pathways, which are like highways in your brain. The more you rehearse mentally, the smoother these highways become, making it easier to perform the real task. Here's why this works: Mind-Body Connection: Visualization helps align your thoughts and actions. Improved Focus: You learn to concentrate on the task without distractions.
6 Powerful Tips to Vanish Self-Limiting Beliefs – Warrior Mind Podcast Episode #695 Welcome to the Warrior Mind Podcast! I'm your host, Gregg Swanson. I've spent over 20 years helping individuals strengthen their mental, emotional, and physical resilience. Whether surviving an avalanche, leading vast sales teams, or competing in CrossFit, I've seen firsthand the power […] The post 6 Powerful Tips to Vanish Self-Limiting Beliefs appeared first on Warrior Mind Coach.
Brain Injury Expert and CEO of ABI Wellness sits down with Gregg Swanson, Warrior Mind Coach (https://www.warriormindcoach.com). They discuss how our negative beliefs hold us back from our aspirations, the importance of optimal experience, how results are a byproduct of the process, and the role of nutrition on brain health. Check out next week's episode with Rand Webber, educational teacher and brain injury survivor.
Welcome to the first episode of our Brain Injury Survivors Series for June, Brain Injury Awareness Month. Brain Injury Expert and ABI Wellness CEO Mark Watson sits down with Dan Sims, an individual who came to the program 26 years after his Traumatic Brain Injury from a car accident. They discuss the impact of cardiovascular activity on his progress, his most influential experiences throughout his process, and how hope was the biggest gift he received from the program. Tune in to next week's episode with with Gregg Swanson from Warrior Mind Coach (https://www.warriormindcoach.com).
In this episode we talk with mental strength coach Gregg Swanson about mental toughness and owning your life and your choices.watch on youtube https://youtu.be/MYOjp0vB6ugfor more information about the aware athlete awareathlete.com
Gregg is a Professional and Certified Mental Strength Coach and Personal Fitness Trainer. He owns Warrior Mind Coaching and Training along with Warrior Fitness Coaching and Training. His high quality, high content programs are thoroughly researched and delivered in a unique, energetic and powerful straightforward manner. Vrooming in corporate Sales Pre 2000, Gregg was making great money in corporate sale in the telcom business. He sales region include California and Hawaii Then around 2000 the telcom bubble burst, telcoms stopped buying infrastructure and Gregg was out of a job. His veer awakening unfolded over the next five years following being "downsized" from his job. He and his fiancé decided to "downsize" their lifestyle which included moving from California to Bend, Oregon. Gregg then vroomed back into corporate telcom sales living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area of California That vroom lasted about three years and Gregg was downsized again Veer into Coaching Gregg started working with the idea of turning his "passion" into a business The problem was that he had multiple passions and he had to figure out which passion he authentically enjoyed sharing with others Most of his passions he were just for him...he enjoy doing them, but not sharing them. His big A-HA moment was when he discovered that he really enjoyed coaching people. Almost Veered off a mountain Gregg tells the story of surviving an avalanche during a mountain climbing trip. He described a new sort of inner peace and gratitude for being alive. This inner peace helped Gregg see that so much of the little things in life that hold us back just don't matter. We discuss building structures in our life to help us cultivate this inner peace. Mystery School Learning the secrets of the universe through transformation experiences. 10 day retreat in Joshua Tree including a practice in native american shamanism. Dance and movement 5 rhythms dance shamanic trance dance ecstatic dance Links Gregg's Web Site Books by John Randolph Price: The Abundance Book and Super Beings The Dip by Seth Godin Subscribe = Love! :D iTunes or Stitcher
Welcome to Conscious Millionaire Epic Achiever Podcast, with your Host, Marcus Aurelius Anderson... Gregg Swanson: Breakthrough Limitations to Achieve Success in Business and Life! Gregg Swanson is a Mental Strength coach helping people breakthrough their limitations to achieve success and peak performance. SUBSCRIBE IN ITUNES And, download your free gift today... Get the High Performer Formula to Make Millions – Click Here! Please help spread the word. Subscribing and leaving a review helps other entrepreneurs and business owners find our podcast… grow a high-profit business that makes an impact. Help your friends Become a Conscious Millionaire! They will thank you for it. Conscious Millionaire Network has over 2,000 episodes and 12 Million Listeners in 190 countries. Our original Conscious Millionaire Podcast was named in Inc Magazine as one of the Top 13 Business Podcasts!
Conscious Millionaire J V Crum III ~ Business Coaching Now 6 Days a Week
Welcome to Conscious Millionaire Epic Achiever Podcast, with your Host, Marcus Aurelius Anderson... Gregg Swanson: Breakthrough Limitations to Achieve Success in Business and Life! Gregg Swanson is a Mental Strength coach helping people breakthrough their limitations to achieve success and peak performance. SUBSCRIBE IN ITUNES And, download your free gift today... Get the High Performer Formula to Make Millions – Click Here! Please help spread the word. Subscribing and leaving a review helps other entrepreneurs and business owners find our podcast… grow a high-profit business that makes an impact. Help your friends Become a Conscious Millionaire! They will thank you for it. Conscious Millionaire Network has over 2,000 episodes and 12 Million Listeners in 190 countries. Our original Conscious Millionaire Podcast was named in Inc Magazine as one of the Top 13 Business Podcasts!
Welcome to Conscious Millionaire Epic Achiever Podcast, with your Host, Marcus Aurelius Anderson... Gregg Swanson: Breakthrough Limitations to Achieve Success in Business and Life! Gregg Swanson is a Mental Strength coach helping people breakthrough their limitations to achieve success and peak performance. SUBSCRIBE IN ITUNES And, download your free gift today... Get the High Performer Formula to Make Millions – Click Here! Please help spread the word. Subscribing and leaving a review helps other entrepreneurs and business owners find our podcast…and turn their big impact into their First Million. They will thank you for it. Conscious Millionaire Epic Achiever Podcast is an entrepreneurial, business, and mindset show that reveals the secrets of the world’s Entrepreneur Epic Achievers. Join Marcus Aurelius Anderson as he goes inside the minds of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, and experts who teach you how they turned their greatest Adversities into their most Epic Wins. Conscious Millionaire Network has over 1,800 episodes and 12 Million Listeners in 190 countries. Our original Conscious Millionaire Podcast was named in Inc Magazine as one of the Top 13 Business Podcasts!
Max Out Insights: The Warrior mindset is about gaining control over oneself: your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual layers Self-mastery is the most important skill of the 21st century, and gaining it will give you a competitive advantage in life and business At what point would you stop going after your goal? If you can come up with a point, don`t pursue that goal because the setbacks will inevitably come your way Change won`t happen overnight, but it will happen inevitably if you`re doing it right When you experience pressure and nervousness, ask yourself why you feel this way and put your expectations into perspective again When you can completely control the event, only rehearse positive outcomes. If there are forces outside your control (like an objection in sales for example), also rehearse the obstacles and how you will navigate through them to a successful outcome BTFAR: Beliefs > Thoughts > Feelings > Actions > Results Using the pain of negative events and failures is a powerful way to drive yourself to the next level It`s your responsibility to be guardian of your own mind and decide which thoughts, ideas, impulses, and opinions you want to enter your consiousness Max Out Quotes: „When you get involved with the physical and experience doubts and fears coming up, the doorway to the mental opens up.“ „The words we use don`t describe but create our experience.“ „If you`re lacking in the physical arena, where else are you lacking?“ „You don`t stop yourself from being distracted because then you force yourself not to look. If you focus on the goal, you`re automatically not distracted.“ „When you mentally rehearse that upcoming event over and over again, you train your unconscious mind to release the pressure.“ „You are responsible for programming your own mind. If you don`t take that responsibility, the world will do it for you.“ „If you want to develop mental strength and live a different life, start telling yourself a different story.“ „Is this thought or emotion in alignment with the life you want to create?“
Join Dr. Renee as she welcomes Gregg Swanson, a leading mental, physical, emotional and spiritual strength expert. Gregg is the owner of Warrior Mind Coaching and an expert in high performance and mastery. Together, Dr. Renee and Gregg talk about what it takes to lead a life with a warrior mindset, the role of courage in mastery and performance, and the importance of embracing the fluidity of change in one's life. Gregg reminds us all that the body is part of the spiritual practice and the importance of alignment with other dimensions of the self. About Gregg: Gregg Swanson is a leading mental, physical, emotional and spiritual strength expert. Gregg specializes in driven individuals including, executives, business owners, solopreneurs, health and fitness experts and sales professionals. Gregg has developed a unique and powerful approach to his mental strength training by aligning a person's body, mind and spirit so that they can live a life of power, purpose and passion. Gregg boasts a unique and powerful ability to blend the physical conditioning, mental strength, emotional mastery and spiritual development into a usable and easy-to-access process for achieving peak personal performance in life and business. Contacting Gregg: FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/WarriorMindCoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mental-performance-consultant/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/warriormindcoach/
Gregg Swanson is a physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental strength coach and he is also author of Develop the Mental Strength of a Warrior. In this episode, we cover topics like how to get clarity around your vision for the future so you can set optimal goals, why and how to set milestones on the path to achieving your goals, and how to set yourself up to accomplish the most important goals of the year by establishing rules and taking responsibility for your daily actions and behavior. In this broadcast, Gregg swanson and I talk about: The importance of being very clear when it comes to the goals you set The exercise Gregg uses to help his clients gain clarity for their goals How Gregg handles clients who know they want to be an entrepreneur but have no clarity about what their business will be Why using pre-determined milestones is a critical part of accomplishing goals How effectiveness and efficiency specifically factor into accomplishing your goals The main roadblock entrepreneurs create when trying to accomplish their goals Why you need to track your actions and not just the results Why Gregg thinks you should have someone else, like a coach, hold you responsible for your actions and results The difference between accountability and responsibility in terms of achieving goals And so much more. How to connect with gregg swanson online: Gregg Swanson's Website Gregg Swanson's Book: Develop The Mental Strength of a Warrior Gregg Swanson's Warrior Mindset Podcast Gregg Swanson's Udemy Courses @mindcoach Great quote from gregg swanson: "Goals aren’t Christmas wish lists." - @mindcoach If you enjoyed today’s podcast, please leave a review on iTunes here. Thanks so much in advance for your support.
In this episode I chat with Gregg Swanson who is a leading mental strength coach, author, podcaster, and founder of the online training program: Develop The Mental Strength Of A Warrior which is used by athletes, martial artists, entrepreneurs etc. He tells a personal story of survival from an avalanche, and shares his thoughts and expertise on personal development via the warrior ethos. We speak about mental, emotional, spiritual and physical strength, survival, martial arts, self defence and more. His website is: warriormindcoach.comVideo available on Youtube
Self-mastery begins with the mind and develops into a strength that is unstoppable. Successful mental strength coach, Gregg Swanson, explains the powerful need for mental strength training in this statement: “Every compartment of your mind is to be programmed by you. If you don’t take rightful responsibility to program your own mind the world will program it for you.” Mental strength training is imperative not only for self-mastery in sport but also to be a successful human being. Its practice should be embraced and includes 5 key areas of focus. Gregg Swanson's practical mental strategies are language specific because a poor choice in vocabulary can mislead a Student-Athlete and provide negative consequences. These 5 mental strength training actions can be downloaded and added to the daily practice of your Student-Athlete. Listen, learn and get them here: http://sportsmastery.com/49
What do you do when you feel stuck and lack the motivation to keep going in your health goals? How do you overcome complacency? When you feel you lack that fire or kick-in-the-pants, you may often revert to former behavior. You may feel frustrated with yourself that you aren't putting in the effort to get the results you REALLY want. Tune into this Body Buddies Podcast episode where Kristy Jo interviews Gregg Swanson of the Warrior Mind Podcast to get ideas and suggestions for blasting through the complacency to SUCCESS! Download Gregg's 5 Powerful Questions Check out Gregg Swanson's Website --> www.warriormindcoach.com www.Body-Buddies.com
This week we talk to Gregg Swanson about the warrior mindset Gregg Swanson is a leading, physical, emotional, spiritual and mental strength coach and expert. He has authored several books and over 100 articles on these subjects. His life defining moment came in June of 1998 when he survived a horrific avalanche while descending from the top of Mt. Rainier. In This Interview Gregg and I Discuss... The OneYou Feed parable. The meaning of a warrior. The warrior mindset. Mental strength versus mental toughness. Mental strength cannot be developed by reading about it. Mental strength is not coming in 1st, it's finishing what you start. Changing course when things are not working. The main blocks to developing mental strength. NLP and Hypnosis. The difference between your conscious and unconscious mind. Surviving an avalanche on Mt. Ranier. Using shamanism to get in contact with your unconscious mind. High Mental Resistance and Low Mental Support. The Complacent Zone. Overcoming mental resistance. How leaders take responsibility for all of their results. The difference between a leader and a victim. Gregg Swanson Links Gregg Swanson Homepage Gregg Swanson Amazon Author Page Gregg Swanson Twitter Warrior Mind Coaching on Facebook Some of our most popular interviews that you might also enjoy: James Clear Srini Pillay Dan Harris Todd Henry- author of Die Empty Randy Scott Hyde See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this conversation mental strength expert, author and founder of Warrior Mind Coach, Gregg Swanson talks about the goals and how to develop a goal achieveing mindset.. The key to reaching goals is to develop a goal achieving mindset. We’ve all done this: You set a goal with the best intention to reach it and about four-to six-weeks into your quest, you start to falter, lose momentum and eventually fall off the path completely. Why? Were you lying to yourself about your commitment to reach your goal? Well, in a way you were, though not intentionally. While your conscious mind was making the commitment, your unconscious mind had its fingers crossed – so to speak. You see, reaching a goal such as getting in shape or getting out of debt requires you to alter what you normally do; to change your behavior. The challenge is your unconscious mind, whose job it is to automate behaviors to ensure that you not only physically survive but emotionally thrive, does not like change. A goal achieving mindset can only be developed by altering the thoughts and beliefs that make up the unconscious mind. Your unconscious mind drives your behavior. So, as Gregg point out in our conversation, while goals are set by the conscious mind, they are achieved by the unconscious mind. No matter what the conscious mind sets out to do, if the thoughts, beliefs, and learned programming of the unconscious mind are not altered you will snap back to old behavior patterns and fall short of your goal. So, making the changes in behavior that are necessary to achieve your goal, requires the cooperation of the unconscious mind. How do you gain the cooperation of your unconscious mind to get into a goal achieving mindset? You need to consciously choose a realistic goal and set an action plan to achieve it. As you work your plan, stay mindful and present to the thoughts and excuses that arises and the emotions and behaviors that result from them. Be diligent and document this resistance and explore the thoughts, beliefs, past experiences, and societal norms that support it. For example, you have set a goal to get out of debt and created an action plan. As you follow your plan, you should pay attention to thoughts like: “Ugg, I’ve been working so hard I deserve a new pair of shoes” or “I’ve been so stressed out I need to take a cruise and get away”. These thoughts bubble up from your unconscious mind, which in this case is ensuring that you emotionally thrive, and cause you to act in a way that is counter to your goal. In order to reach your goal, you need convince your unconscious mind that the new behaviors required to achieve your goal are beneficial to your physical and emotional survival. Paying attention to and altering thoughts is essential to developing a goal achieving mindset. In our chat, Gregg outlines several ways to do this including mental rehearsal and associating a value to the goal.