RARE BREED: Lesson 2

MENTAL TOUGHNESS

Some people just have it. They were born or brought up mentally tough. I believe we can take those who are “softer” and make them mentally tougher, in workouts and in life, with the right training and the right environment.

Crossfit training and methodology sets an appropriate stage for practicing mental toughness, which by definition means,

a psychological edge that enables one to remain focused and confident during high pressure situations to perform at their full potential.

The rigorous demands of WODS like “Fran” or “Bear Complex” will certainly crush the weak minded.

At East80 the process of developing Rare Breeds begins with the environment of our box. Those who aren’t mentally tough are going to walk in and may be intimidated at first. We train in a non-insulated warehouse facility with no air conditioning or heating. Monster tires, sand filled beer kegs, sledge hammers, heavy chains, weight belts, and barbells decorate our walls. The sounds of loud music, bumper plates bouncing, athletes and coaches grunting, screaming, and cheering fill the air. Our East80 atmosphere, chalk filled with a loving Rare Breed family, builds a foundation for mental toughness.

Rare Breeds display mental toughness by:

1. NEVER QUITTING in the face of adversity.

2. EXCELLING in times of duress.

3. FIGHTING through pain to finish what they started.

4. DOING work and encouraging others when it gets tough.

5. DEMANDING intensity from themselves and those around them.

Rare Breeds don’t let anyone or anything break them!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of any kind, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking any thing.

James 1:2-4

Are you Rare Breed?

Ham