OTHER PEOPLE
F.O.E. Category #2
Listen to Other People
Other People refers to being overly focused on your opponent — their record, their ranking, their reputation, their technique. When you spend mental energy analyzing them, you're not focused on executing your own game plan.
The Problem with Focusing on Your Opponent
There's nothing wrong with studying opponents and developing strategy. The problem comes when you become obsessed with who they are rather than focused on what you need to do.
Signs You're Too Focused on Other People:
Researching your opponent's record excessively before the match
Feeling intimidated by their reputation or ranking
Changing your strategy based on fear of their strengths
Thinking "this guy is way better than me" before you even wrestle
Wrestling reactively — waiting to see what they do instead of imposing your will
Making excuses about the competition level instead of focusing on your performance
"Don't wrestle your opponent's match. Wrestle YOUR match."
The Mental Trap
When you focus too much on your opponent, you create one of two problems:
1. You Get Intimidated
If they have a better record or reputation, you start doubting yourself. You step on the mat already mentally defeated. You wrestle cautiously, afraid to make mistakes, trying not to get embarrassed. This defensive mindset kills your aggressiveness.
2. You Get Overconfident
If they have a worse record or reputation, you assume the match will be easy. You don't prepare mentally, you don't bring intensity, and you get caught off guard when they come out aggressive. Overconfidence leads to poor effort and attitude.
Either way, you lose. You're wrestling based on who they are rather than what you do.
The Predator Approach
Predators don't care about their prey's reputation. A lion doesn't ask how many fights the gazelle has won. The lion focuses on the hunt. Here's how to shift your focus from your opponent to yourself:
1. Study Technique, Not Records
It's fine to watch film and study your opponent's technique. But don't obsess over their record, ranking, or reputation. Those things tell you nothing about what will happen when you step on the mat.
2. Have a Game Plan — Then Execute It
Go into every match with YOUR plan. Know what techniques you'll use, what pace you'll set, what attacks you'll initiate. Then impose that plan on your opponent regardless of who they are.
3. Respect Everyone, Fear No One
Treat every opponent with respect, but never with fear. The undefeated state champ puts on his shoes the same way you do. He bleeds the same way you do. There's no reason to be intimidated.
4. Focus on Your Controllables
You cannot control your opponent's skills, strategy, or mindset. You CAN control your effort, attitude, and aggressiveness. Pour all your mental energy into those three things.
5. Make THEM Adjust to YOU
Don't be reactive. Be proactive. Set the pace. Dictate the action. Make your opponent wrestle YOUR match, not the other way around. That's what predators do — they impose their will.
📝 EXERCISE: Your Pre-Match Focus
Write down what YOU will focus on before your next match. List only things you can control:
Examples: "My pace," "My hand fighting," "My attitude," etc.
[ Space for your controllables ]
🎯 KEY TAKEAWAY
Your opponent's record, ranking, and reputation are irrelevant. What matters is YOUR effort, YOUR attitude, and YOUR aggressiveness. Focus on what you do, not on who they are.
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