Mental Armor: 5 Real-World Ways to Build Mental Toughness (And Why It Might Be the Missing Link in Your Game)
“Everybody wants to be a beast—until it’s time to do what beasts do.” – Eric Thomas
Mental toughness is something everyone talks about—but very few are willing to train for.
They know it matters, but instead of building it like a muscle, they leave it as a “wish.”
“I just need to be more confident.”
“I need to stop overthinking.”
“I’ve gotta be mentally stronger.”
I’ve been there.
From My Personal Battle to Purpose-Driven CoachinG
As an athlete, I was always the one who wasn’t big enough, strong enough, or simply got overlooked.
Coaches passed me by.
I didn’t have the best measurables.
And that wore on me—not just physically, but mentally.
It challenged the way I saw myself. I started asking:
“Am I even good enough?”
“Is this really worth it?”
“Will I ever be seen for who I truly am?”
There were moments I let the opinions of others shape my identity.
Moments I tied my value to performance and approval.
That’s a dark road—and I had to fight my way off of it.
That’s why we go so hard on the mental side of the game here at Crucible.
Because I know what it’s like to question yourself.
I know how heavy doubt can be… But I also know what it takes to grow through it.
So let’s talk about what mental toughness really looks like—and five real-world ways you can start building it today.
These aren’t theories. They’re the same principles used by Navy SEALs, elite endurance athletes, and warriors who live and breathe pressure every single day.
1. Embrace the Suck — Like a Navy SEAL
SEAL training doesn’t build warriors by making things easy. It’s meant to break you—to expose the cracks and bring the real you to the surface.
That pressure isn’t punishment. It’s the process.
“Discipline equals freedom.” – Jocko Willink
Jocko didn’t become a leader because things were easy. He became unshakable by choosing hard things on purpose. And that’s the key: you don’t build toughness in comfort.
Mental Armor Move: Start stacking Discomfort Reps.
Wake up early.
Say no to distractions.
Do extra reps when everyone else stops.
The mind adapts to challenge the same way the body does—by exposure and reps.
2. Train When Nobody’s Watching — Like Cameron Hanes
Cameron Hanes doesn’t train for applause. He runs marathons after work, lifts heavy, and practices his craft in silence.
Why?
Because true toughness isn’t built on hype.
It’s built in the quiet moments when you choose to show up—regardless of who sees it.
“Nobody cares. Work harder.” – Cameron Hanes
That sounds harsh until you realize—it’s freeing.
When you stop waiting for praise, you start chasing purpose.
Mental Armor Move: Track daily Win Stacks—small, internal victories that build confidence over time.
Confidence isn’t given. It’s built through consistency.
3. Redefine Pain — Like James Lawrence (The Iron Cowboy)
James Lawrence did what most would call impossible:
100 Ironman triathlons in 100 days!
I remember watching his journey every day on social media and was blown away.
This 100 Ironman triathlons comes off of another challenge where he did 50 Ironman, in 50 days, in 50 states!
Pain didn’t stop him. It refined him.
“Most people think pain is a sign to stop. I see it as a sign to grow.” – James Lawrence
Most athletes treat struggle like it’s a signal to quit.
But what if it’s actually a signal to grow?
My favorite day of his 100… was actually day 101… where he went out and did an EXTRA day without all the fanfare…
Not for the fans. Not for anyone else… but for himself… just to prove he could.
Mental Armor Move: When it gets hard, don’t ask “Why me?”
Ask:
“What is this pressure building in me?”
“Who do I become if I endure this well?”
Reframing pain transforms it into power.
4. Talk to Yourself — Don’t Just Listen
One of the biggest shifts I had to make as an athlete was changing the conversation in my own head.
I used to let doubt do all the talking.
But once I started speaking truth over my situation… everything changed.
“If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.” – Michael Johnson
Self-talk isn’t soft. It’s survival.
You either preach to yourself—or your insecurities will.
Mental Armor Move: Create your Confidence Script:
One truth that anchors you when doubt rises.
One statement that cuts through the noise and recenters you.
Say it when your mind spirals. Say it when the pressure hits.
Say it until you believe it.
5. Get Around People Who Challenge You
Even the best warriors never go to battle alone.
Navy SEALs run in teams.
Elite athletes have coaches and tribes that call them higher.
If your circle doesn’t push you to grow, it’s probably pulling you backward.
“If you want to go far, go together.”
Mental toughness thrives in the right environment.
That’s why Crucible isn’t just a gym—it’s a tribe.
One that expects more from your mindset, not just your measurables.
Mental Armor Move: Get in a room where average isn’t accepted.
Train where character is the standard, and mindset is a muscle.
Final Word: You Can Grow Beyond This
If you’re stuck in doubt, fear, or you just can’t seem to believe in yourself—hear me on this:
You are not broken.
You are not weak.
You’re simply untrained in the one area that matters most: your mind.
And that’s where Mental Armor comes in.
This is a system for athletes who are ready to stop letting fear win and start showing up with courage, clarity, and conviction—every day.
Because the truth is simple:
You don’t rise to the level of your goals.
You fall to the level of your training.
Let’s train!🔐
Build Your Mental Armor Now
This isn’t about hype—it’s about hope with hard reps.
If you’re ready to train the most important part of your game, let’s go.