The Wrestler's Mentality: A relentless approach to preparation, strategy and leadership.

Drawing inspiration from Olympic champion Dan Gable: A role model for integrity, work ethic and tenacity

In the world of amateur wrestling (the real stuff), mental toughness, tenacity, and a relentless work ethic are crucial for success. Surprisingly, these attributes can also be applied to any profession. As someone who transitioned from high school wrestling to a career in marcom, I've found that the mentality I developed on the mat has played a significant role in my professional success. I find myself drawing upon that mindset daily as a consultant and in my search for new leadership opportunities.

In this article, we explore how the wrestler's mentality leads to successful strategies and exceptional results.

“Raising your level of performance requires a proper mentality and meaning from within. This gives you the ability and drive to work on the things necessary to go to a higher level," said wrestling legend Dan Gable. "When people ask me how to raise their level of performance, the first thing I ask is, "How important is it to you?”

The Value of Tenacity and Drive:

Through wrestling, I learned the importance of never giving up, even when faced with what appear to be overwhelming adversities. Frankly, I am consulting and driving Uber Eats while I relentlessly search for the next opportunity to drive demand generation. This mindset has allowed me to approach challenges as opportunities for growth in my personal and professional life. Whether it's job search or developing a cross-channel marketing strategy or implementing a multi-channel communications campaign, I bring the same determination and grit that I once displayed on the mat. Losing is not an option. This tenacity has helped me overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable results in my personal life and for my employers, clients, and colleagues over a 20+ year career.

Building a Relentless Work Ethic:

Wrestling requires countless hours of practice, conditioning, and training. Similarly, in marcom, success is typically a result of preparation, hard work and dedication to an end result. I've incorporated the discipline and integrity I developed on the mat into my personal and professional life, consistently pushing myself to look for new solutions to old problems while going the extra mile. This commitment has allowed me to consistently meet and exceed expectations, delivering exceptional results to organizations, my teammates, and myself.

“When you finally decide how successful you really want to be, you’ve got to set priorities. Then, each and every day, you’ve got to take care of the top ones. The lower ones may fall behind, but you can’t let the top ones slip. You don’t forget about the lower ones though because they can add up to hurt you. Just take care of the top ones first," said Dan Gable. "In 25 years as a head coach and assistant, I think I might have missed one practice. Why? Because practice is my top priority. A day doesn’t go by when I don’t accomplish something in my family life or my profession because those two things are my top priorities.”

The Power of Teamwork:

While wrestling is viewed as an individual sport, it's essential to understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration to drive through the grind. The same holds true in marcom and most other professions. As a wrestler, I learned to collaborate with and motivate teammates to achieve ultimate success. We pushed each other to the limits, coached, mentored, and supported one another. I'm certain that experience has helped me to maximize my potential while making me a valuable team member and leader.

"The only way a team can truly be successful is if each individual on the team puts the team first and works together towards a common goal." - Dan Gable

In fact, my wrestling teammates voted me captain. That tremendous honor instilled in me a much stronger sense of pride, leadership, and responsibility. It helped me to learn the vital importance of effective communication and motivational skills while supporting and coaching teammates in a collaborative environment. This experience has been invaluable throughout my career, as I consistently strive to improve my leadership skills so that I can best empower and guide partners and colleagues towards achieving goals and maximizing their full potential.

Translating Skills to Marketing Communications:

I discovered that the skills and relentless drive I developed as a wrestler align perfectly with my desire to excel as a marcom professional. In fact, I learned more in losing than I did in winning matches. That continues to hold true to my development as a professional.

My ability to strategize, problem-solve, and adapt instantaneously throughout the most difficult challenges (hurricanes, corporate restructuring, pandemics, oil spill disasters, sales) has allowed me to grow as an individual and as a team leader - developing and implementing successful marketing communications strategies. Additionally, my most recent experience in maximizing social media platforms, AI functionality, and SEO has provided me with a new appreciation for technology's role in advancing modern marketing communications strategy and effectiveness.

These skills, combined with a relentless drive for maximizing results, have positioned me as an innovative leader in the industry -- with an ability to overcome and grow as a professional from the most challenging adversities.

The Gable Edge - Tenacity and Work Ethic in Action:

Olympic champion Dan Gable embodies the wrestler's mentality. Known for his unwavering tenacity, relentless work ethic, and integrity, Gable serves as a role model for wrestlers, leaders and professionals alike. In fact, he has transitioned into a outstanding motivational speakers for corporations looking to gain that competitive edge.

I've been a huge fan since the first time I witnessed his greatness in the 1972 Olympics. By examining his journey and the mindset he embraced, we can all draw inspiration and apply his principles to our own careers.

I've sprinkled Gable's quotes throughout this article. His bio provides an understanding of his accomplishments and his relentless drive to success:

If you get a chance, pick up a copy of Dan Gable's book, "A Wrestling Life: The Inspiring Stories Of Dan Gable". The book chronicles his journey in the sport and the lessons he learned along the way. Through his personal experiences, Gable provides inspiration and valuable insights applicable to anyone, emphasizing the importance of hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. It has certainly helped me to become the person and professional that I am today. However, I'm not done yet. There's always plenty to learn and many more mountains to climb as I continue to strive to be the best leader and person that I can possibly be.

Translating the Gable Mentality to Marcom leadership:

Gable's mindset is a source of inspiration for all leaders and professionals seeking to excel in their fields. His integrity, unwavering commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of greatness can serve as guiding principles for achieving success in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of integrated marketing communications.

“I’m a big believer in starting with high standards and raising them," said Dan Gable. "We make progress only when we push ourselves to the highest level. If we don’t progress, we backslide into bad habits, laziness and poor attitude.”

Embracing Continuous Learning:

Gable understood the importance of constantly honing his skills and seeking knowledge. Similarly, I have adopted an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a mindset of continuous learning throughout my career. By relentlessly learning, researching cutting-edge industry trends, reading every piece of content I can get my hands on, and seeking out professional development opportunities, I strive to always bring fresh ideas and innovative marcom solutions to my clients, employers, and colleagues.

“The obvious goals were there - State Champion, NCAA Champion, Olympic Champion," said Dan Gable. "To get there I had to set an everyday goal which was to push myself to exhaustion or, in other words, to work so hard in practice that someone would have to carry me off the mat.”

Going the Extra Mile:

Gable's willingness to push himself beyond his limits sets an example for professionals and leaders aiming to exceed expectations. Throughout my marcom career, I've consistently gone the extra mile, whether it's conducting extensive market research, continuously refining campaigns through data analysis, or collaborating closely with colleagues and advisors to deliver exceptional results.

By consistently delivering high-quality work and surpassing goals and expectations, I've crafted successful marketing communications strategies that make a difference for my clients, employers, and colleagues.

Embracing Challenges as Opportunities:

Gable thrived in environments that pushed him to his limits, constantly seeking out the toughest competition. Similarly, in marcom, job search or in any profession, challenges will always be opportunities for growth and innovation. I've learned to embrace complex projects, adapt to innovation and changing industry landscapes, and seek out creative solutions to overcome obstacles. By translating challenges into opportunities, I've achieved remarkable results for clients, employers, colleagues... and myself throughout a 20+ year career, just as Gable achieved extraordinary success as both a legendary wrestler and coach. Yet, I am well aware that there is so much more to learn and accomplish as our digital, real-time world continues to unfold.

"If you're afraid to fail, then you're probably going to fail." - Dan Gable.

The wrestler's mentality, characterized by tenacity, drive, and a relentless work ethic, is not just a valuable asset in the field of marketing communications, but for anyone who aspires to be a leader. The skills and mindset honed on the wrestling mat seamlessly translated into a successful career in any profession.

As an amateur wrestler turned marcom leader, I've witnessed firsthand how this mentality makes a difference in achieving exceptional results for clients, employers, and colleagues. By incorporating the wrestler's mentality into your approach to your career, job search and leadership skills, you can bring a unique perspective and a winning mindset to all challenges.

"Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there." - Dan Gable

For me, Dan Gable's illustrious wrestling career serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of integrity, tenacity and work ethic. His unwavering commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of greatness inspires professionals and leaders worldwide to reach new heights in their careers.

"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." -- Dan Gable.

By adopting Gable's mindset and applying his principles, you will elevate your abilities, exceed expectations, and make a lasting impact. Allow Dan Gable's wrestler's mentality to be your guide as you strive for greatness.

Respected Communications & Marketing Leader | Amplifying Impactful Narratives | Driving Outcomes | Fueling Demand Generation

[connect. engage. collaborate. repeat.]