Warriors

Last night I watched one of the best MMA fights I've ever seen. Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones fought challenger Alex Gustafsson in an epic battle. Jones edged him out in a close decision (which I think was deserved). Both fighters took beatings and both showed such tremendous heart and courage using every last ounce of their will. For Gustafsson, he showed no intimidation toward Jones who is considered by many as the best MMA fighter in the world. Right from the start he attacked Jones without fear but did so intelligently and with confidence. For Jones, he had to find the courage to battle back for a comeback win as he had lost the first 2 rounds and had a bad cut over his eye. There's no doubt he was rattled for nobody had ever gave him a scratch let alone beat him up for 2 rounds, but he kept his composure. He battled back and was able to win the remaining 3 rounds. He showed the heart of a champion. Jones hurt Gustafsson very bad in the later rounds but Gustafsson refused to get knocked out. He scraped and clawed his way to finish the fight on his feet. He lost the fight but in no way did he lose respect. He gained it in a big way. both men did in my view. What a fight!

I admire UFC fighters because these guys are modern day warriors. It's gotta be the most grueling sport, not just because you're getting kicked and punched but also the cardio that's required. I once tried grappling and man I gotta tell you, 5 minutes of grappling is more tiring than an hour of jogging. This is why each match is 3, 5 minute rounds (with championship matches 5, 5 minute rounds). All sports are games and in games there are winners and losers. The same is true with the market and in life as well. If you look at all of those who are successful in the sport or game they play, you will find many similar traits. Aside from being blessed with natural talent and ideal physical traits, those at the very top tend also to be the mentally strongest. They are dedicated to their craft to the point of obsession. They tend to have an unshakable belief  in themselves and their desire to be the best almost to the point of arrogance, in fact, many are even though they appear humble on TV. They play to win, not afraid to lose and when they do lose or are in a losing position, they don't have any self doubt. The true test of your character is when you're in losing position. That's when you see what your're made of.  Losing sucks and it hurts but with the very best, a defeat doesn't weaken them. They see it as a just temporary setback and a learning experience and keep charging forward relentlessly until they become number 1.