Episode 44 – Mark Divine: The Way of The Seal [PODCAST]

What does it take to be a truly mentally tough person? Most people who walk the planet have no idea. But there are a select group of people who have learned the mindsets, practices, and disciplines that enable a strong mind to emerge. Today’s guest is one of those unique individuals and his goal is to help you master yourself and develop the strong mind that you want. Mark Divine is a retired Navy Seal commander and author of the book, “The Way of the Seal.” His experience the U.S. Special Forces and now as a consultant and personal development coach have especially positioned him to help the average person develop both the mental toughness and the physical toughness to overcome any obstacle in their life. This is a “don’t miss” episode of Crank It Up.

From accounting to Navy Seal: Mark Divine’s story.

Mark grew up in a family that had owned and run an old style family business for generations. The expectation was that one day he would move into a role within the business and perhaps own and operate it himself, one day. But his parents encouraged him to get out and experience the world a bit before that time came, so he went to college, pursued and got a Master’s degree and began working for a large accounting firm. It was in that context that he got involved in martial arts and met mentors who changed the course of his life forever. His story is chronicles in his book, “The Way of the Seal” and is a testimony to what anyone can accomplish if they will commit themselves to a course of personal development and discipline. Hear Mark’s story as well as his current practices to keep himself fit and strong mentally and physically, on this episode.

How often is the defeat a Seal candidate experiences mental and how often is physical?

Former Navy SEAL commander Mark Divine answers that question without hesitation: It’s almost always mental. There are exceptions where a man might blow out a knee or sprain a wrist, but the majority of times when a man taps out of SEAL training, it’s because he gave up in his mind first. There’s a powerful lesson there for every one of us about the importance of mental toughness and determination. Without it, we are likely to fall into the ranks of the average, the people who don’t accomplish much and lack the ambition to do so. But with personal determination and work we can build a tough mindset that gives birth to amazing accomplishments. Hear the whole story of Mark’s time in the SEALS and how he’s leveraged that training to help others, in this episode.

The importance of flexibility and adaptability.

In his career as a Navy Seal Commander, Mark Divine saw all kinds of men come through the training programs and assessments required to become a Seal. One of the characteristics that he and his fellow commanders were always on the lookout for was flexibility. A man who had the ability to adapt to an ever changing environment and do what was in the best interest of the team, regardless of his own physical well being was a man they wanted to have on their Seal team. The same principle applies to daily life as well as the experiences you might face every day in the business world. Mark unpacks that concept and explains why flexibility is one of the most valuable qualities you can have, so be sure to give this episode a listen.

What stops most people from developing the mental toughness they really want?

Mark Divine is a person who should know the answer to that question. He spent a full career in the Navy as a commander of Navy Seals and saw men who had that toughness and others who didn’t. His answer is simple: The main obstacle to every person being mentally tough and intentional in their lives is themselves. In his words, “We have to get out of our own way,” which could mean breaking through limiting beliefs, learning new disciplines, or getting outside our comfort zone in order to press to new heights of belief and accomplishment.