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Strike Report - November 2009
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Perfect valor is to do, without a witness, all that we could do before the whole world.” ~ Francios de La Rochefoucauld
THE CONDITION MINDSET and why it is so important When it comes to fighting, courage and skill are only half measures; mindset, willful mindset, this alone is the full measure and determinate on whether victory can be achieved or not. History is replete with this lesson. On the eve of the battle at Dorchester Heights in 1776, General George Washington gives this order to his Officers, "The season is now fast approaching when every man must expect to be drawn into the field of action, it is highly necessary that he should prepare his mind, as well as everything necessary for it." (my emphasis) And one of Washington's own fellow revolutionists, by the name of Thomas Jefferson, gives us this great quote, "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." As history tells us, Washington and his men secure the heights at Dorchester and threaten General Howe's British garrison in Boston. By March 4, 1776, the British withdraw and sail to New York. However, it is Thomas Jefferson's quote that I believe strikes the heaviest chord when talking about one's own mental attitude. All of us at some point or time, whether in the military or serving in law enforcement, have been around those individuals that can inspire and motivate just by the disposition of their own desire, their passion, their pure energy and intensity. It seems that no matter what they do or what challenges are set before them; their mind jumps to a focal intensity level that leaves no doubt that the mission or particular assignment will be successful. I have been so fortunate in my professional career as a law enforcement officer and instructor, to have been exposed to so many good men and women that have risen to this level of condition mindset. It is they who have made me better and I am so appreciative of it. These types of individuals are natural leaders as well and holding themselves and the responsibility given to them to a higher standard. They are never satisfied and always are seeking excellence. Without this type of condition mindset it breeds self-doubt, inconsistent decision making, and second guessing. As old Will Shakespeare state, "Our doubts are our traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt." He nailed it on the head! So, how do we come by this ability to develop and apply this type of condition mindset! Through knowledge (exercising the mind) and keeping ourselves educated in our chosen profession. We can do it by taking our training seriously and honing our skills to a technical proficiency which cannot help but raise the confidence level of the individual. Equally important is maintaining one's health by eating right and getting enough regular exercise. These two things alone can sharpen the mind, increase alertness, and help in recovering quicker should you be injured. Most importantly, is believing in one's self! Never stop growing! Never get to the point that you believe you have reached some sacred plateau of tactical godliness where there is nothing more (usually the Super Ego has taken over if you think like that) to learn or could possibly be taught to you. Open yourself up to other thoughts, techniques, and ideas. You will quickly ascertain and be able to decipher what works, what doesn't, what is bullshit and what is some hard-core knowledge worth keeping that will transport you and your teams into the warrior world of Norse Vikings in Asgard, ruled by Odin. All right, I am having some fun, but you get the idea. Mindset, mental attitude, it is the single greatest survival factor for a law enforcement officer. Start conditioning yourself to it.
Jack C. Perritt "Victory is measured by the courage of action and the determination to win!"
Resources: Strike International David McCullough - 1776 Micha F. Lindemans |
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