The Lion Mindset

It’s About Embracing the Hunt


It's about craving the middle. It's about the HUNT!

Being an athlete is a massive privilege! Last week, I was looking for a motivational resource and stumbled upon the best video: Lion Mentality. If you do nothing else, watch the video! It will get you moving!

This video took a lion’s dominant features and crafted a mindset that reminded me of what it feels like to love the hunt (or the process involved). I used to feel a lack of energy when the phrase, “Enjoy the process” was said. But, after watching this video and substituting the word, “HUNT”, the energy is back and I know I can get behind the idea of enjoying the hunt! 

A Lion's World

A lion’s world is where determination, grit, strength, courage, and leadership come together. This year, after a hunt that feels like it has lasted a lifetime, Detroit gets to show everyone why the Lion is the king of the Jungle. Lions are not the biggest, smartest, or fastest animal, yet they stand on top. Lions have a mindset, unlike any other animal. A lion’s mindset can be applied as an athlete, dreaming and planning for the future, in the classroom, at home, and work. A lion expects to lead, conquer, capture, and excel. A lion loves the hunt, or what we might call the process.

 The hunt requires fierce patience and an ability to handle boredom watching glimpses of victory in the distance.

Courage in the Face of Adversity

Imagine a lion's courage. Imagine a lion’s bravery. Regardless of what challenges are in front of a lion, he or she keeps showing up. Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Start with 20 seconds and gradually build. Results will be waiting for you. 

A lion expects to lead

The lion does not follow other animals. It is not always easy to be brave, and have the courage to be the leader. But, the lion decides ahead of time that he or she will expect to be successful. If you expect to follow, there will be opportunities. If you expect to lead, there will be opportunities. 

A lion has confidence and A Strong Self Awareness
It is not always easy to be confident and have courage when something is new. However, trying new things and reflecting on times when you were brave, daring to seek out new experiences and challenge yourself is exactly what builds confidence. 
Confidence comes when we have the courage to be brave. Dr. Shree Walker's new book Educate Me, says the purpose of educating others is creating change in thinking, understanding, and behavior—positively influencing the trajectory of students’ lives. But making change requires courage, and we can’t see how to meet students’ needs until we know how to meet our own. Educators need the courage to make their voices heard and the boldness to earnestly engage with the opinions of people they don’t necessarily agree with or even like. 

Continuous Self-Improvement

Embark on a journey of self-improvement, mirroring how lions continuously hone their hunting skills. Embrace the spirit of lifelong learning and improvement. Lions are strong learners, adapting their hunting strategies based on experience. Having a mindset that embraces continuous self-improvement paves a huge path to success.

Things get better when we have the courage to focus on doing the internal work. Meghan Lawson's most recent post, From Fixing to Walking Along Side says that the most important work, is the work that we do on ourselves. She reminds readers that it is not about fixing others, but noticing people who are spending time doing deep work that will make them better. Meghan's words deeply resonated with my goals for growth. Inspired, I went back to Lauren Kaufman's message this week Leading for Legacy, as she talked about unlocking wisdom rather than only evaluating experienced educators. As my friend Nichole says, "Listen for wisdom".  A lion listens during the hunt. 

Doing the deep work looks like focusing inward and listening for deep perspective. 

Adopt the Lion Mindset, facing our challenges with courage, leading with determination, and savoring each hunt along the way. It is the energy and excitement of the hunt that keeps us going. Lions crave the opportunity to show up and dominate regardless of what external goals are in front of them. It is not just about conquering the goal but craving the hunt involved in applying for college, training for an event, or working toward a promotion. Ultimately, it is about the hunt and the lion’s mentality to keep showing up and take charge. 

Don't question the hunt, crave it! 

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