BUILDING THE PREDATOR MINDSET
The Three Pillars of Elite Performance
Listen to Chapter 2
Now that you understand what NOT to focus on (F.O.E.), let's talk about what you SHOULD focus on. The predator mindset is built on three pillars — three things you can control 100% of the time.
"Champions don't focus on what they can't control. They dominate what they can."
THE THREE PILLARS OF PREDATOR MINDSET
EFFORT
Maximum intensity in every moment
ATTITUDE
Positive mindset regardless of circumstances
AGGRESSIVENESS
Relentless attack and killer instinct
These are the ONLY things that matter. Master these three, and you become a predator.
EFFORT
Effort is the foundation of everything. It doesn't matter how talented you are, how good your technique is, or how well you understand strategy. If you don't give maximum effort, you will lose to someone who does.
What Maximum Effort Looks Like:
Pushing your pace even when you're tired
Never coasting in practice or matches
Going 100% from whistle to whistle
Finishing every period strong, not weak
Outworking everyone in the room, every day
The Effort Guarantee:
You may not always win. But if you give maximum effort, you will NEVER regret a match. You can live with losing when you know you left everything on the mat. What you can't live with is wondering "what if I had tried harder?"
ATTITUDE
Attitude is how you respond to circumstances. You cannot control what happens to you, but you CAN control how you react. A positive attitude in the face of adversity is what separates predators from prey.
What a Predator Attitude Looks Like:
Staying positive even when you're losing
Not letting bad calls or mistakes affect your demeanor
Being confident without being arrogant
Encouraging teammates instead of tearing them down
Viewing obstacles as challenges, not excuses
Why Attitude Matters:
Your attitude determines your altitude. Two wrestlers can have the exact same physical skills, but the one with the better attitude will always perform better. Attitude fuels effort and aggressiveness. Without a positive attitude, you cannot be a predator.
AGGRESSIVENESS
Aggressiveness is the killer instinct. It's the mentality that says "I will attack, I will dominate, I will impose my will." Predators hunt — they don't wait to be hunted. Aggressiveness is what makes opponents fear you.
What Predator Aggressiveness Looks Like:
Taking the first shot and setting the pace
Never backing down, never retreating
Attacking continuously, not waiting for opportunities
Finishing moves with authority, not hesitation
Making your opponent uncomfortable and defensive
The Aggression Advantage:
Aggressiveness wins matches even when you're less skilled. An aggressive wrestler with decent technique will beat a passive wrestler with great technique. Why? Because aggression dictates the match. It forces opponents to react instead of act. That's how predators win.
HOW THE THREE PILLARS WORK TOGETHER
These three pillars aren't separate — they reinforce each other:
Effort without Attitude leads to burnout and frustration.
Attitude without Aggressiveness is passive and ineffective.
Aggressiveness without Effort is just talking — no action.
But when you combine all three? You become unstoppable.
📝 EXERCISE: Rate Yourself
On a scale of 1-10, rate yourself honestly on each pillar:
Effort (1-10): ___
How would I describe my current effort level?
Attitude (1-10): ___
How positive and resilient am I in adversity?
Aggressiveness (1-10): ___
How aggressive and attacking is my style?
What specific actions will I take to improve my lowest score?
🎯 KEY TAKEAWAY
Forget about fans, opponents, and circumstances. Focus 100% of your mental energy on three things you can always control: EFFORT, ATTITUDE, and AGGRESSIVENESS. Master these, and you become a predator.
© Z-Fanatical Life LLC, Wrestling Mindset 2018 • All Rights Reserved • CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY