EP.1 - Prepare your Mind for the Fight

There have been piles of books written on the right types of weapons, shooting methods, fitness, legal considerations, and other self-defense related topics, but THE MOST IMPORTANT TOPIC of MINDSET is rarely discussed. This video series on 'Building Fighter Mindset' is Instructor John Lovell's attempt to cover some of the biggest areas of what comprises good fighter mindset and how to build such a mindset. This video and the videos following will include (but not be limited to) subcategories of mindset such as: being ready to die, being ready to kill, mastering your fear, physiological effects of fear, fighting for a higher purpose, what happens to you when you die and how theology is relevant to gunfighting, using rage to your advantage, thinking calmly amidst the chaos of a violent encounter, ridding yourself of despair or regret, and much more.
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Video Overview:
While guns, firearm instruction, working out, martial arts, and all that good stuff is very important, none of it matters much if you do not have the right underlying fighter mindset. Mindset allows you to conquer fear, to see threats early, to rouse rage, to settle ethical questions before the fact, and to settle what is worth living and dying for. Without fighter mindset, your training and guns mean absolutely nothing. This video series is aimed at addressing these difficult underlying questions with practical wisdom. Fighter mindset seems to be one of those areas that fighters agree is critical, but then is never really discussed or trained openly.

[@DucksDoQuack]

Thinking about this stuff makes my eyes water, not saying I'm crying, but just passion of wanting and knowing I could give up everything, my life as my everything, to sacrifice myself to prevent someone else from being hurt or killed. John 15 12-13

[@tsherman393]

Understanding that you are already "dead", allows you to just perform. Don't be afraid to die, be afraid to fail.

[@JerryMac007]

love that you are not scared to bring the Bible up, never deny him before anyone for any reason. ..... carry on ....

[@edisonpayton7950]

you probably dont give a damn but does any of you know a way to log back into an instagram account?? I was stupid lost the account password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me

[@colinjax3381]

@Edison Payton Instablaster ;)

[@edisonpayton7950]

@Colin Jax I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@edisonpayton7950]

@Colin Jax it worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much you saved my ass!

[@colinjax3381]

@Edison Payton No problem =)

[@hoviksmail]

"I wanna approach this subject with a token of humility" I wish more people did this with more subjects.

[@locksmithdb2075]

John is s very humble, non egotistical, true speaking warrior. He knows himself and is honest about it.

[@zakxknutson956]

I agree completely. Props for not editing your son out of the video! Love seeing a dad being a dad!

[@hawkknight4223]

God bless you John. And may He bless everything that you put your hands to in his name.

[@stevenlowe3245]

My experiences as well. Nice to hear someone else say it. We are all heroes and cowards, it all depends on the circumstances.

[@Al.M619]

"Christianity, that's been my "little secret" to rise above occasions and difficulties." Good stuff, I'll use that in my youth ministry. Great content Sir.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

Love your name Judah!

[@raylegrand3564]

The more I watch, the more respect you earn... My faith in Christ is the foundation of everything I do. You’ve gotta be willing to live for Him in order to truly be willing to die for Him. Glad you’re out there doing what you do.

[@larryrolan8678]

This is almost the exact discussion we had with our church security team just this evening. Keep up the good work brother.

[@phredrocks]

I am beside myself with how you engaged your son!!!! awesome Dad stuff right there!!!!

[@nickolausaug]

I love that moment with your son....he answered so easily that it gives me confidence that if I ever saw you and your family attacked I would step in without thought....I don't have kids....I have a girlfriend that has two awesome kids...and in getting attached to all of them it has taught me how much I would be willing to give for anyone with kids to go home to....would I like to go home myself?....Of course!.....but when it comes to our future and families.....I would not even hesitate....I have had a great life and despite not having children of my own I believe that protecting family structures as a man with no children.....I could not live with myself knowing I was a coward when an event happened that destroyed a family....

[@bethanydoubtfire5696]

Had I been asked such a question when I was 15 I would have instantly said that I would give my life to save others. Having since lost my faith, I find myself struggling with the concept of my own mortality and having asked myself what I would do in such a situation I find myself a coward. Hopefully I can become the person I strove to be when I was younger and place others above myself, to live a life I can be proud of. Thank you for creating this video, it's given me insight into myself and the changes I need to make to be a better person.

[@NUCLEARMOOSE1]

Bethany Doubtfire Interestingly enough, I had the same situation, but backwards. I stopped believing in god and started feeling more expendable and I personally haven't ever been very caring to myself. I've noticed since, though, it's become that others are all of what I am, and I would die for someone else to live, simply to show how much they meant to me, regardless of whether I knew them very well or not at all.

[@ronaldparker8263]

John I have only met one other man in my life that reminds me of you. I met him about forty years ago and knowing him made me a better man. You appear to have a quick smile, a love for Jesus Christ, a love for your family that is unwavering, and the ability to protect others in a way that can only be appreciated by those who have love for others. I found you the other day-- and have subscribed, and you can bet I will be watching your videos on a regular basis.

[@lokisith69]

Appreciate the naked egoless approach here, most of us like me are not operators and have no le or military experience but we have a squared away moral compass and a desire to do the right thing. You seem to have an ego less approach to what you do....that is the pathway to all self improvement....please continue

[@KnightlySirJames1]

ROCK ON !!!

[@richardpatterson2774]

Outstanding and theologically correct. As a 73+ year old retired minister I appreciate several factors of your presentation; first the correctness of the theological aspect, the humor and relaxed style of communication, and the spotlighting of the need for making these life and death decisions before the event happens.

[@pulitz09]

Loved the kiddo making an impromptu appearance and your response to it!

[@trevorstephens9490]

I love you often tie your mindset and other videos to Christianity! So many "tacticool" guys act like they're better than religion and I appreciate how you stay humble in that regard! Definitely earned my subscription.

[@billmurray6773]

as a father this video spoke to me. thank u john for ur videos.

[@stetsonsmith8591]

As a civilian trying to understand what it means to be a warrior this was exactly what I was looking for and so thought provoking.

[@mikefoster5663]

I’m a big tough dude but when you talked about your wife would understand you would sacrifice yourself to help others knowing the odds were against you and where you described the kids dying with every gunshot and you’re decision to go towards the gunshots against the odds to help got to me. That’s who I would like to think I would be. I may never know but God bless you because I know that’s who you are.

[@HighFlyer61488]

Dude you're my hero. If only our country had more like you. Weird to say this from one guy on the internet to another but I do look up to you. You've taught me a lot. Thank you.

[@BBslider001]

"Love those more than you love yourself".....ABSOLUTELY

[@1234kingconan]

To me, fighters mindset means being ready to meet God, and being surrendered to his will. That doesn’t mean going out and starting fights etc that’s foolishness. I mean whatever his plan for me is I thank him, and I’m always ready to meet him, because my life is for him. This world of form we see isn’t his treasure he gave us, it’s already within us and within him.

[@jasonstojanovski]

"I think she wouldn't have had it any other way and she would write "Victorious" on my casket"..... there's something deeply beautiful about that... Glad i finally decided to hit that subscribe button after years of having your videos pop up. God Bless you brother.

[@InGratitudeIam]

The best hug I ever got from my son was the one he gave me just before he deployed to Afghanistan as part of a SF group. For some reason, I knew he'd be ok. He had the right mindset. Thanks, John for sharing your wisdom.

[@glengranger3896]

Much respect for just stopping in the middle of what your doing to acknowledge your son coming up love it.

[@ajhc18]

I know this is an old video, but I hope you see this: Dude, you are the best. I rarely get the type of satisfaction that I do from watching a person (human) of your values and character that not only inspires me but gives me sort of internal energy to be better... and it's not even anything you do directly. That little ten second clip with your son was such an awesome interaction to watch, your way of communication with him and then to us - incredible. Keep it up, brother, I love your content and always look forward to new information from you!

[@ZephyrusBlue]

ajhc18 I’m back at this video because I’m trying to find something for someone else. I’ve recently gotten into his videos as well, over the past month or so and I’ve consumed so much...I’ve basically binged it and that’s kind of bad because I haven’t retained everything BUT, he is so ridiculously good and I absolutely agree, I love his content so much. He provides such a nice, refreshing bit of “something” that is like something we’ve been urning for and didn’t even know it.

[@ehb4605]

I 100% agree, growing up I would fight for someone else far before I would fight for myself. I think I was taught this at an early age from my grandfather. I even caught myself in the Army telling my wife that I would want to deploy before someone with kids did.

[@kevincrockett7655]

I've always thought this way. Mindset is everything. Doesn't matter about a man's size at all. It's the size of his heart, his intent and his fortitude that is the deciding factor, I think. It takes a certain breed of man to be willing to lay down his life to protect others. Be brave and upright that God may love the... speak the truth even if it leads to your death... safeguard the innocent and do no wrong...a moral code that has stood for millennia.

[@Renaldo135]

Excellent and thanks. Old warrior here walking through the end of my career after 23 years of serving "people I don't know" and a Infantry Marine Prior to that giving you a shout out and recognizing what you say as the truth and appreciated. Keep up the good work.

[@ehb4605]

My wife knows I love her and knows if I am near an active shooter scenario that my first and only concern is protecting as many people as possible. I love everyone with in this country and people in general. I would proudly give my life if that meant saving countless life's. Some people see that as a weakness, but I think it is my greatest strength! Thank you for the great videos, you have helped me through some tough life problems by telling your story and allowing us to learn for your mistakes and successes. Keep it up!!!!!!

[@trustnoone9828]

I've noticed that I have taken alot of your old & newer videos, and added em to my favorites list. I can honestly say, I like your opinions & the way you think. I wish more people in the world could think & speak logically like this.

[@horuslupercal5437]

Funny that part about clicking off the video for the religious stuff. I’m an atheist, personally. However, unlike most atheists; I don’t care what people believe. Believe what you want. Have fun with it! I’m also the only atheist I know of that will actually go to church with people who invite me to go with them. Great video! Much love, mate!

[@AndersonOozie13]

Watching some of your old stuff now, I love it. This is how most of us think and why we have a passion for firearms, is because we want the best possible chance of eliminating evil and saving lives. I already told my parents I may not even save a single person and screw up horribly, but if I hear an active shooter discharging his weapon, I'll be damned if I don't at least try.

[@OneGuy411]

I remember what my 1st SGT. he told me when I was a Special Operations medic in a past life. He told, "The best way to get over your fear of death is for you to believe your already dead. If your already dead, nothing can hurt you". If you can put yourself into that mind set courage will always over take fear. I'm just saying that it worked for me.

[@maxpayne6919]

i am not into guns.. never was.. but i have been doing martial arts for over 8 year.. this was a subject that it was never discussed.. you are on point sir.. much respect.. i have subscribed

[@williambarnette1049]

What a great way to put this I have had a 41 year career around violence as law enforcement and military and you’re right sometimes you’re a hero and sometimes you’re a zero,

[@Steelguard327]

As your Brother in Christ and Brother in arms, I could not agree more!!!! Quickly becoming my favorite KZbin channel!!!

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

awesome man - thanks!

[@chelseamadison4137]

Praise the Lord for His word and the fighter mindset 👍

[@jamesvogel1915]

I want to thank you for teaching people the importance of mindset. As a person who has survived a few violent encounters with guns and knives both when I was armed and unarmed every word rang true. I was blessed with a violent childhood. God does not give us more than we can bear. I was also fortunate to finish at the top of my class 11D10 armor recon(which later provided me with survival skills having reinforced my warrior mindset.) Guns, gear, skill. and tactics are all necessary to fight. However, the thing that will get you to the other side is mindset. Can you do what you need to do to live. The thing that kind of reminds me of that is when Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid have to jump off the cliff into a river. Jump or die. Mindset for me has always been like that. Fight or die, even when fighting might result in your death. It is a personal moment and one that you must play in your head over and over BEFORE, it happens. I haven’t thought of such things for a long time, thank you John for the heads up. Keep up the good work. God bless you and your family. James Vogel.

[@Edge51]

I appreciate your honesty in saying you were not some Ubersoldat that had ten medals of honor.

[@zeke1eod]

Excellent topic, glad you're not afraid to speak about Christianity and the warrior mindset! Excellent choice using Paul's​journey as a example! As a retired LEO/Christian I applaud all that you do!

[@wallyvoight659]

Loved your example of the Apostle Paul. Warrior mindset. Willing to die for what he believed in. 5 Stars

[@viewsandreviews180]

Mr. Lovell you don't have to and shouldn't apologize for the thoughts in your mind or the beliefs in your heart. As a former heathen, current veteran, and Christian I 'm glad my best friend (also named John) didn't bat an eye when he told me what he believed. The fact that he acted that way got my attention. The fact that he lived like he really believed it (even in a tough place and in a tough time) made me willing to listen. That is how a coworker became a friend and later my brother, as i hope you are. Good video Mr. Lovell, good instructions and good history reference. May God bless your efforts.

[@OPTOPUS-PRIME]

Of all the things you have said on this vid, the example of Paul is the most I find touching... the family as well.

[@mvpjordan7584]

Thanks for including Christ in your video man :)

[@michaelinman8]

This video made me like and subscribe! Most people would say go back inside to their son or daughter. You bring him in and tell him you love him. The world needs more people like that.

[@jkugler1776]

Yes it does

[@garymatney9344]

I have worked in personal security & my mindset has always been, to get to them, you have to get past me.

[@anthonycaldi7056]

I recently got back into shooting, and I try to get as much good information as I can about guns, shooting & safety. Came across your videos a week or so ago, and enjoy and appreciate the content which is about far more than guns. Very Inspirational!! Thank you.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

+anthony caldi thx bro!

[@JAMES-CORBETT-275]

John, I see fortunate gifts from you. Your well earned experience merits a "Thank You" from all of us Active, Inactive or Civilian. Our blessing is in your gift of being able to communicate to all of us in this great country what you know to be true.

[@stephenpetry6894]

Hi John! Recently found your chanel and love it. I especially liked how you used Paul as an example in this video. thanks for sharing!

[@mattarchey9062]

John I know this is an old video but I'm asking you take make an updated video, with knew knowledge. I am nobody to you, but this video helped me a lot Thank you so much John.

[@chadstatum1762]

I recently come across your channel and very glad I did. thank you for your service but most of all being a Christian. keep up the good work it's your calling to help others to understand and learn.

[@Shooter_Medic]

Awesome, I am so pleased to finally see a channel regarding self defense, tactics, etc that is not afraid to speak of the Bible

[@josephweems7682]

Good message. I was blessed to be raised by dedicated public servants. Helping anyone in danger is required in my family. Amen brother.

[@georgeroffe9084]

John, you mention those who tune out at the mere mention of The Bible. I want to tell you that I tell my wife I love your videos and your message because you ARE a man of God. I think because of this, some of the things that drive you are some of the same things that drive me. As always, thank you for your messages and your insight, and above all else, thank you for your service to this fine country.

[@brimstonefootsteps4332]

Wait...you said Bible and Jesus???? That earned a Sub my friend. You are the first person who has presented that type of "bravado" that I truly believe has the balls to back it up. Very glad I found your site!

[@KnightlySirJames1]

ROCK ON !!!

[@RPTRXLCN]

Wow. I can't believe I've been referencing John's videos for 5 years! Time flies. Since then, I've become an avid WSPN supporter, I've taken WPS's Pistol 1 and 2 training (with Paul), and I've even grabbed the War Poet Pistol. It's amazing how much the Warrior Poet Society has grown. I just wanted to take a moment to come back and comment on this video, because this is one of the videos that always stood out in my memory. 5 years later, I still reference this video (I did again, tonight, while I was training). Good for you John. I am truly happy for you, for all that you've accomplished, and for all the lives you are having a positive impact on. Keep up the awesome work!

[@brian_b_music]

John 15:13 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

[@vincehall8274]

Love the BIBLE verses, warrior poet is a win every time

[@matthewmerical767]

God bless you brother.

[@djkoolarrow1]

We all need this video. Thank you..

[@armymdc4]

The active shooter definitely brings the moral dilemma the the average Joe does not think about on a daily basis. But as you stated, it is a matter of what your willing to fight for or bind your fate to. Great topic!

[@lbcsv]

Thank you for pushing through this topic no matter where it took you. Speaking matter-of-factly, touching on biblical concepts, philosophical concepts, really helps. Thanks.

[@GUNSHIPFLEX]

Love how candid and honest you are. Thank you for the great content .

[@edfortin8837]

I am starting a team at church. And I am just a truck driver. All of your input is taken to hart. I don’t know much about security. I just see it at work. I wish I joined the military when I was young. But I took a different route. Drugs and drinking. You’re a blessing and thanks for your service.

[@beeamerica5024]

I had a German Shepherd I learned more about security from him than anyone else

[@joelbenoitthewanderingbiso4976]

@@beeamerica5024 and he's way more reliable than any gawd or religion.

[@readyme]

John, fantastic topic. Thank you for your willingness to share. You have really given me a lot to think about and discuss with family and friends.

[@chrischandler2456]

Thank you for your service Mr. Lovell

[@Analog_Pilgrim_138]

Beautiful moment at the start with your son ❤

[@Local.Hammer82]

As an atheist i love you're message and all the info from you're channel. Good people are good people no matter the religion

[@WestTexasPipeGuy]

I'm glad I gave your videos a chance. Currently binge watching and sharing with friends before work tonight.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

thanks for watching and especially for sharing

[@willschuhmann6910]

John Lovell you are such an inspiration to me and your videos are so motivating, im really lazy and listening to your videos just motivated me to get up and do something instead if just sitting around, i want to be a us navy seal and am trying to create the mindset and drive to achieve my goal, u helped me do 80 situps, 40 pushups, and 30 squats in under 6 minutes, not great but all great things start small, love the videos dude keep motivating people to be the best version of themselves

[@williamvailati2044]

Yes Jesus answered that one who you belong to is very important !!!! John well said and well done !!! Semper Fi

[@ehmsicksteen8018]

I believe you have a gift. You are teaching people to love each other a little bit more. I hope these videos are fulfilling for you, because they are beneficial for your subscribers.

[@Padavic165]

Sir, Thank you for this video. I needed to see it. We often forget about what really matters, when we train. I always overhear conversation about gear, tactics, and weapons (which are all very important) but not about if we are ready to DIE for people we have never met. It's heavy stuff, brother... very heavy. Thanks again for reminding us how important this topic is. Much love and respect to you. Keep up the good work, YOU ARE A HUGE EXAMPLE TO US. and you ARE saving people already, with your knowledge. Thank you, -ADAM, Los Angeles.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

+Adam Padavic thx Adam 👊

[@macluca1]

You should have a podcast man. I'd listen to it.

[@jamespearce7954]

Something that weighs on my mind that I must not fail to act in a life or death situation. It's a difficult situation everyone will go through and until you are actually there you are never really sure. I constantly am aware that in carrying concealed or openly I am making myself responsible to at a moments notice, act in order to save my life, the life of a family member, even a stranger or children. A failure to act you know for sure will result in someones life being lost. To lose one's life foolishly is also a bad move, because you immediately remove yourself from being of any further use in the situation. I believe in Jesus Christ and that I may be called on to intervene in a situation to save lives other than my own. I keep focusing on what is my first move, then my next and so on. I don't carry a sidearm, focusing on looking forward to ending someone's life, but to save someone's life, even my own. I am glad to have found your channel. I have always asked how do others deal with this. You have offered methods of how to deal with different scenarios. The fact that you admittedly have experienced the full range from coward to hero is helpful to me as I know you and I are only human. Until one is baptized under fire you can never be sure. All you can do is to train, train, train until you go into that warrior mode on memory reflex. God be with you.

[@MisterBlueSky1000]

Thank you for this video. It is rare to see a person of action admit that the inner matters of philosophy and faith are what truly matters. Where I live - Jerusalem - we have to deal with terrorist attacks on a regular basis so this is very helpful.

[@brightroad5883]

Best Renegade Mindset For Fighter Which Will Make You Guaranteed Champion. Go Here-: bit.ly/2G5kG3A

[@DonnyLisa1]

Great food to think on. The disciples were role models in many ways. Thank you.

[@nmr6988]

I really like these unscripted chats. Your honesty and sincerity shine through. You make great and important points from your experience and observation that can help me prepare in a way that works for me personally, at least as a starting point. From there I can examine and build upon that foundation. I personally appreciate and am edified by your Christian testimony and perspective. You and your wife are wonderful, by the way. Very inspiring and a window on what a Christian marriage can be.

[@bricefsvens5031]

John you have seriously inspired me to make some real positive changes in my life. thank you for your wisdom, humility, faith and professionalism. God bless.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

thrilled to hear this and very happy to help

[@mowermicah7880]

I've listened to quite a few of your videos, and this is one of the most thought-provoking ones for me

[@delapazconstruction268]

Praise God brother! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and quality content.

[@tylerclark1801]

I've only been subbed for a few hours and you already have me thinking about who I am as a human and American. I can tell you will be a huge part of my long path to becoming a good patriotic American, Warfighter, and all around man and good human. Thank you john, I hope I get to meet you someday.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

+Tyler clark I'd like that too. Thanks Tyler

[@xenon91]

Respect dude. I wasn't in the army. But had a lot of bad life experience. Your mindset and advice makes total sense

[@ethericwizard2881]

Thank you for your perspective and honesty. It's really refreshing to hear.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

glad to give it and thanks for enjoying it

[@Gaboon777]

I love you brother. Thanks for your words and insight.

[@2fast2block]

I'm not looking to come across as the ultimate word or anything of stature, hell there are times I'm so afraid of what's about to happen my heart feels like it's about to come out of my ribs and other times I just don't care, all I want to do is inflict pain to those wanting to do it to me. I'm just saying people usually don't 'rise to the occasion', including me, but they fall, they fall back on how they trained for the situation. It certainly helps me knowing that I'm never alone. I have God and Jesus Christ with me always. You mentioned Paul, he was very disciplined. At first it was very disciplined in how to capture and persecute Christians. He changed that discipline in the route of doing God's deeds in extreme pressure situations to be helpful to Christians. He still blew it at times but he kept on going. He didn't reach a happy ending in his life but he knew that this life is just temporary. Paul knew he had eternal life coming and eternal rewards for his efforts. That's what helps me so much, realizing this life is just a moment in time compared to eternal life. We may die doing God's will but what the reward is in return far, far surpasses this life. Guess I'm saying is, we need to know the 'big picture' and live by the big picture.

[@mac4466]

Late to the party on this video but I like you spreading gods word. And man the boys probably grown so much, fatherhood is the best gift

[@vinnycostanzo7019]

Thank you for your service, and your content, you are a great inspiration! God Bless You!!!

[@blazerbarrel2]

Yes , keep building on this topic . Thanks

[@jrtama5]

That was a beautifully direct and simple to digest; I think you'll reach a lot of the right people with this one👍 great job sir!

[@stevenm4655]

john , I like your style and message you give.good job.

[@WarriorFitnessQuest]

I love the special appearance by your son!!! Great video man! The warrior mindset is something that I have researched over the last 30 years of my warrior career.

[@AppliedDefenseConceptsLLC]

I just discovered your channel and videos recently John and you seem to be wealth of information for not only defensive disciplines, but broad subjects such as theology, philosophy, and the like. It is good to see someone who instructs the craft who is so well rounded and real! I look forward to seeing more of your videos soon! - Kevin

[@zachsmyder385]

Please keep this series going! Love it!

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

Will do - the next is already ready

[@CineresCineribus]

Absolutely love your videos! And I love that you added the apostle Paul into your video as well, excellent way to use history in the present.

[@PlumCrazyHomesteader]

I would have to say...it depends. I am naturally protective of myself and others. If I die, then I can't protect others. I am also a mother of 4 grown boys (5 if you count my husband) and am still not afraid to go toe-to-toe with them or to defend them. I am so proud of my boys, because they are of the same mindset to protect others and have done so on many occasions.