Cultivating a Warrior Mindset

[CQC.45]

Mindset is something that I feel is grossly overlooked in the shooting community. As I have made the switch from being hardware-focused to software-focused, it has become obvious to me that it is every-bit as important as the other shooting skillsets we strive to excel at. Therefore, I would like to pose a two-part question to those on this forum:

1). How do you define Warrior Mindset? What does it entail? Surely it is not simply synonymous with aggression. In fact, I would imagine that lack of emotional motivation would be nothing but a good thing. However, I would like to know your perspective.

2). How do you cultivate Warrior Mindset for yourself? Is it inherent in one's personality or is it learned. Like most things, I would imagine some of both. How does one train their mind/perspective to develop such a mindset?

I look forward to the discussion of those on this forum.

[VMI-MO]

Mindset is something that I feel is grossly overlooked in the shooting community. As I have made the switch from being hardware-focused to software-focused, it has become obvious to me that it is every-bit as important as the other shooting skillsets we strive to excel at. .

I would say they are WAY more important. I know plenty of pussies who can shoot really well but would not count on them worth shit. I know alot of guys that might not know the difference between a noveske and dpms however they are truely warriors and wouldnt hesitate to rip someones face off.

1). How do you define Warrior Mindset? What does it entail? Surely it is not simply synonymous with aggression. In fact, I would imagine that lack of emotional motivation would be nothing but a good thing. However, I would like to know your perspective. .

Good question. This requires some more thought on my part. I will get back to it.

ETA: Warrior mindset for me is being dedicated to the cause and stopping at nothing to accomplish the mission. War, war fighting and the study of war are your way of life and what defines you. You seek to improve yourself constantly. You are the one showing up early and going home late.

2). How do you cultivate Warrior Mindset for yourself? Is it inherent in one's personality or is it learned. Like most things, I would imagine some of both. How does one train their mind/perspective to develop such a mindset?

I look forward to the discussion of those on this forum.

I read Starship Troopers and Gates of Fire. Those two books changed my outlook on life and helped to cultivate the idea of what a warrior is.


PJ

[6933]

What developed my mindset was getting into jiu-jitsu and muay thai. Being locked up and still fighting the hold instead of tapping(not to the point of injury) or being caught in a triangle or rear naked really brings out the sissy or the fighter. As does getting punched in the face or kicked in the ribs. Some people would come to train, get tested, and quit. Wouldn't matter if it was a big guy or small. Some had it, some didn't. I just don't like to lose. After a layoff due to a new baby, I can't wait to get started again.

I believe one either has it, or doesn't. Certain activities simply bring it out and hone it. Or, one could be placed into a situation where this personality trait is forced to emerge. Lack of emotional motivation would be a bad thing. This is completely different from allowing your emotions to control your decisions. Emotion for motivation i.e.- I hate to lose, This BG is not going to win, My kid needs me, Shooting well in training today may save my or a family members life one day, etc. is important but not allowing those emotions to affect good decision making is key. The emotion MUST be channeled.

[Atchcraft]

What developed my mindset was getting into jiu-jitsu and muay thai. Being locked up and still fighting the hold instead of tapping(not to the point of injury) or being caught in a triangle or rear naked really brings out the sissy or the fighter. As does getting punched in the face or kicked in the ribs. Some people would come to train, get tested, and quit. Wouldn't matter if it was a big guy or small. Some had it, some didn't. I just don't like to lose. After a layoff due to a new baby, I can't wait to get started again.

I believe one either has it, or doesn't. Certain activities simply bring it out and hone it. Or, one could be placed into a situation where this personality trait is forced to emerge. Lack of emotional motivation would be a bad thing. This is completely different from allowing your emotions to control your decisions. Emotion for motivation i.e.- I hate to lose, This BG is not going to win, My kid needs me, Shooting well in training today may save my or a family members life one day, etc. is important but not allowing those emotions to affect good decision making is key. The emotion MUST be channeled.

Well put, that pretty much nailed it for me. I think training greatly boosts confidence. But, that part of you that runs towards danger, while others run away, is hard to define in words.

VMI-MO hit on a good one too, I know plenty that are bad-asses on paper and have a lot of "warrior" t-shirts. But, they never seem to be around when really bad things start to happen and all hell breaks loose. I don't care what you can do in training or how many "art of war" books (no, I'm not knocking them) you've read, if you are not standing next to me when it really counts... well, sell your crap somewhere else.

[Iraqgunz]

Play Call of Duty and Medal of Honor for hours at a time. That will help.

[B Cart]

I know it's not exactly a real life and death situation, but I have been playing paintball indoors and outdoors for over 10 years now, and It has greatly enhanced my maneuvering, evasion, stealth, and combat mindset skills. Paintball really teaches you how to use cover effectively, how to strategize and attack smartly, and gets you thinking tactically on a semi-real intense field of fire.

I know paintballs aren't live rounds, however the fact that paintballs still cause pain adds a level of realism and adrenaline to a battle like situation.

I know personally, I have learned a lot of valuable tactical skills paintballing over the years, and it has helped me develop more of a warrior mindset. Add to that the right emotion and mental toughness, and I would hope I could perform well in a real life situation.

[VMI-MO]

Paintball really teaches you how to use cover effectively.

No. Bullets go through shit. Paintballs dont. Paintball reinforces shitty use of cover.



PJ

[John_Wayne777]

1). How do you define Warrior Mindset? What does it entail? Surely it is not simply synonymous with aggression. In fact, I would imagine that lack of emotional motivation would be nothing but a good thing. However, I would like to know your perspective.

I can't speak for everyone, but I tend to get pretty pissed off when someone tries to kill me. I'm not a gunfighter by any stretch, but I have been on the wrong end of a gun before and I was pretty ****ing indignant about the experience.

The definition of warrior mindset will probably vary depending on who is giving the definition. Aggression and the determination to do whatever is necessary to win would fit into just about everyone's definition, however.

2). How do you cultivate Warrior Mindset for yourself? Is it inherent in one's personality or is it learned.

It's both. Some come out of the womb with a balled up fist. Others learn to be aggressive or are forced to fight by circumstances. A good example would be the people on Flight 93 who, when faced with what was happening on 9/11, decided that they were going to by-gum do something about it.

How does one train their mind/perspective to develop such a mindset?

Seeing bad things happen to other people helps. When training police officers for the street it's common to show dashcam footage of officers who have been killed by criminal vermin in the line of duty to prompt the trainees to make some decisions right then and there...namely deciding that they will not die screaming on the side of some lonely road. They will be alert, they will fight if it is necessary, and if it really is necessary to fight, by-gum they will win.

Seeing people victimized helps forge the decision that you won't be a victim.

The input of actual warriors (I'm not among their number) would be a lot more relevant for going beyond the basics for the average joe.

[hammonje]

You really won't know how you will perform until the bullets start flying. Less than half active military personnel in a combat zone actually fire their weapons at the enemy when engaged. This statistic has been consistent over many conflicts.

Be careful not to turn yourself into a psycho or take it too far. If you are going to war than that is what basic is for. Strip you of individuality and prepare your mind to kill.

Nothing shows out a bigger Pansie than someone mouthing off or being a tough guy when unwarranted.

I agree....some folks are just born killers. Not really the kind of person I want to be or a role model for others in a civilized society.

Join the military and you can get all you want.

[Redhat]

Less than half active military personnel in a combat zone actually fire their weapons at the enemy when engaged. This statistic has been consistent over many conflicts.

That's interesting, where did you get that info?

Thanks