GETTING PUNCHED IN THE FACE

When I used to box regularly, I would joke that I needed to get punched in the face to “keep me honest”. Nothing like getting my beak splattered to remind me that a)it *hurts* therefore b) I’m not as tough as I might like to think.

When I started deploying, I was struck by how many guys in a business full of steely-eyed killers were un-willing to put the gloves on and go a few rounds. Or go to the mat room and roll. Or shoot on a clean target with a timer while their peers watched. Or run through the PT test before doing it for score.

They were scared to get punched in the face.

They didn’t want to do something that would keep them honest about where they actually are in their skills. They couldn’t handle the ego hit that it might have delivered.

Self-deception is a very dangerous road to go down. As professionals we should always try to have a very clear picture of what we’re capable of.

Get out of your comfort zone and risk getting punched in the face from time to time. You’ll be better for it.