The Warrior v. The Gardener

There is thought provoking quote that I love:

“It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.”

When I read this it makes me think… have I been more like a warrior or more like a gardener?

The gardener cultivates, tends, plans, and sows seeds to reap a harvest.

The warrior trains, analyzes weaknesses, protects their team, and in the end goes to battle to WIN and defeat the enemy.

Both roles have value, but I do know if I am planning to go to battle at any point in time, I want to feel prepared and ready.

As a warrior, you can prepare and train to go to battle yet still find peace found in tending to a garden.

The warrior employs mental toughness by relying on their preparation.

This includes the physical aspects, but more importantly the warrior prepares their mind.

Warriors preparing for battle can train their mind by:

• Visualizing positive and negative plays happening on the field

• Rehearsing how to respond in any of those events

• Using discipline to train their weaknesses

• Creating consistent practices

• Training their breath with mindful inhales and exhales to improve their focus

• Journaling their thoughts to become more self-aware

U.S. Navy SEAL trainer and leadership coach Mark Divine has said,

“Mastery of self is in service, and allows more powerful service to humanity”.

When a warrior is dedicated to their journey to improve themselves, they in turn are on a mission to improve the people and team around them too.

As warriors, we will face challenges in all areas of our life.

When the struggle is looking us right in the eyes, our training and preparation will lead us to victory.

It is easy to be calm in a peaceful garden.. It is more challenging to be calm in a high-stakes, emotional situation.

I can only speak for myself but I am going to venture to say others may feel the same way as me… I strive to be composed and confident when it comes time to perform.

The only way to achieve that is to prepare and plan for that!

Composure and confidence doesn’t just magically happen.

It starts with the intention to be composed and confident.

Then it requires ACTION and discipline to train the mind and have the ability to execute in the moment.

Have you been more like a warrior or gardener lately?

What can you do today to prepare for your battles?