170: Winning Your Mind Before Stepping Foot in Battle with Mark Divine (Retired Navy SEAL Commander)

If you're not training your mind, then someone else is training it for you.  Without your awareness, knowledge, or consent. And you only notice how deeply entrenched your conditioning when shit hits the fan.    Mark Divine (retired Navy SEAL Commander, best-selling author, and CEO of SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind) returns to the Better Man podcast for a beautiful example of showing courageous vulnerability in today's show.    Because despite writing five books on mental and emotional health…    Despite being a retired Navy SEAL Commander and successfully founding multiple companies…    And despite having perhaps the most intense morning routine you'll ever hear about…    … shit still hit the fan for Mark, which reminds us that perfection isn't possible and to never get complacent.    Mark's one of my favorite guests. And you'll see why when you listen to this show.    Here's what Mark and I discuss:    Mark's exact 4-hour long morning routine (and the "shit hit the fan" story behind why Mark makes it so intense)  How to start a mental strength practice and use it to improve your emotional intelligence and resilience  How to bounce back after going through major setbacks without losing yourself   And more, including…    Why Zen monks break a sweat when they meditate - and easy-to-follow steps for beginners to train your mind to concentrate (2:58)  The "barbell curls for your brain" mindset shift that makes you look forward to meditation (even if you suck at it) (5:25)  How to train your mind like a Navy SEAL (and why you must rewire your brain or someone else will) (15:27)  Why training your mind to become "One Mind" allows you to perceive more than others think possible, to create with almost unlimited potential, and to stay young for as long as you need (19:21)  A simple practicing mistake almost all men make when trying to learn something new (23:28)  How gamifying your goals hijacks your mind and practically forces you to achieve them (24:52)  How to tap into a river of consciousness dating back thousands of years and "borrow" its energy by repeating ancient mantras (33:40)  Why the best way to "rewrite" memories of your past is to create memories of your future (44:20)  An extreme real life example of the imminent danger posed to and others by letting your emotions drive your actions (52:03)  Why doing the work Mark describes in this episode, work that can change your life in ways you can't even imagine right now, won't make you perfect (1:00:51)    Guest Bio:   Dr. Mark Divine|PHD is a retired Navy SEAL Commander, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Founder / CEO of SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind, founder of multiple million-dollar businesses, lifetime Martial Artist, Ashtanga Yoga teacher, and host of the Unbeatable Mind podcast (recently rated #1 health podcast and #30 overall on itunes).   The U.S. Navy selected him to create a nationwide leadership and mental-performance program for the SEALs, designed to help elite teams excel under extreme stress.   Resources mentioned in this episode:    1. Find Mark's programs, coaching, books, and podcast on his site here: https://markdivine.com/    2. Man Flow Yoga Events: We just announced new locations for 2026 in-person events. Find the full list of cities we're coming to here: <a href= "https://manflowyoga.com/man-flow-yoga-events