With your shield, or on it.
Growing up, 300 was probably one of my favourite films. It still is to be honest, I’ve lost count of how many I’ve actually seen it.
I’ve spent the last couple of days thinking about what I could write about, I’ve struggled in the last couple of weeks for inspiration on topics but sitting here tonight, one of my favourite lines from the film 300 came to mind.
As the Spartans prepare to leave to face the Persian army, Queen Gorgo shouts to her husband King Leonidas.
“Spartan. Come back with your shield, or on it.”
This pretty much translates as, do or die. You come back victorious or you come back dead, no giving up and no surrender. This is what all Spartan mothers would say as their sons went off to battle. It was to remind them of their bravery.
It got me thinking about goals in life and committing to them and that when you really break it down, a do or die mentality is what’s needed to succeed.
Again it brings me back to doers and talkers. In life, you will find there are people who talk, and people who do. Talkers talk that big game, you’ve met them, they’re going to take over the world, be the next big thing, blah blah blah…You know the type. Doers on the other hand, let their work do the talking and come back with results. Time and time again.
I feel that that do or die mentality is what splits the difference between those who achieve great things in life, and those settle for mediocre.
Most people that talk, when they hit that first “failure”, that first hurdle in the road, they become disheartened and give up. The doer, keeps going.
That do or die mentality means that whatever happens, you keep fighting and keep moving forward.
Business, fitness, whatever it might be in life you’re aiming and striving for there are going to be times where you don’t feel like it, you want to give up and pack it in, do or die keeps you focused. David Goggins is an incredible example of this. His book ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ is an incredible source of information on how he beat the little voice in his head telling him to quit.
I won’t lie, I’ve felt like that this weekend. Tired, can’t be bothered, even though I’ve got stuff that needs to get done. I’ve got a list of goals longer than my arm which can sometimes feel overwhelming but I’ve been reminded this either that commitment is needed. Do or die.
It will sound far fetched and drastic to some but it is the attitude needed to succeed. Make that your mentality in any part of your life and watch what happens.
Aut cum scuto aut in scuto.
Come back with your shield, or on it.
Hope you’re all staying safe.
See you next week.
