Mental Toughness With Ex-Special Forces and Hell Week’s Ray Goggins

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I don’t know about you but I am fascinated by those survival shows, like Alone USA, where people get dropped into the Alaskan wilderness to fend for themselves. Watching them endure isolation, freezing temperatures, and the constant threat of bears, I start to think, “Hey, maybe I’ve got what it takes to survive out there too!”. Some might call that a toxic trait.

Then reality hits when I find myself squealing after stepping into a puddle with my socks on. Suddenly, the idea of being a wilderness warrior feels a bit out of reach. It’s a stark reminder that I could use a bit more mental toughness in my life.

This week on The Mind Full Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome two experts in resilience and mental toughness: Ray Goggins, a former Army Ranger, Tier 1 special operations unit leader, and star of Ultimate Hell Week, and Dr. John Perry, a psychologist whose research has helped top athletes and business leaders achieve their best by building mental toughness.

Together, they offer unique insights on staying calm, focused, and positive, even when life throws its worst at you.

Meet Ray Goggins Ex-Special Forces and Ultimate Hell Week Star

Ray Goggins knows what it takes to survive under extreme conditions. As a former Army Ranger and special operations leader, Ray has faced some of the toughest environments in the world, from Lebanon’s hills to the jungles of Southern Asia. If you’ve caught Ultimate Hell Week on RTE, you’ve seen him put everyday people through their paces, pushing them to their limits and beyond.

In this episode, Ray shares stories from his book Ranger 22 – Lessons from the Front, offering insights into what mental toughness really means. Spoiler: it’s not just about being fearless; it’s about facing fears with focus and a positive mindset.

Dr. John Perry, Understanding the Psychology Behind Mental Toughness

Also joining me is Dr. John Perry, a psychologist who’s made it his life’s work to study mental toughness. Dr. Perry is based at the University of Limerick, where he researches what it means to be mentally resilient. As co-author of Developing Mental Toughness, Dr. Perry works with elite athletes, business leaders, and educators, helping them understand and build resilience in high-stress situations.

Dr. Perry breaks down some common misconceptions about mental toughness and explains that it’s not something we’re simply born with. Instead, it’s a skill we develop over time, often through life’s challenges.

Key Takeaways: Building Mental Toughness in Everyday Life

In this episode, Ray and Dr. Perry offer practical tips on how we can all build mental resilience, even if our biggest challenge is getting through a stressful week. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

  • Embrace Discomfort: Whether it’s a new challenge or a tough conversation, pushing through discomfort is key to building resilience.
  • Stay Positive: Mental toughness isn’t about never feeling stress or negativity; it’s about moving forward regardless.
  • Set Goals: By setting realistic, achievable goals, we create a sense of purpose and direction—even in challenging situations.
  • Laugh at Yourself: Both Ray and Dr. Perry talk about the importance of keeping a sense of humour, even in difficult situations.

Catch the Episode Now!

If you’re ready to learn more about mental resilience, tune into this latest episode of The Mind Full Podcast. Whether you’re tackling a big life goal or just looking to build a bit of everyday resilience, there’s something in this episode for everyone. Listen in and start building your mental toughness with insights from two of the best!

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