Not All Warriors Are in the Military

The word "warrior" calls to mind common imagery, driven largely by pop culture stereotypes. On the screen, warriors tend to be soldiers, Vikings, samurai, or barbarians. They have muscles, they have weapons, and they have an indefatigable nature that drives them toward their goal. 

But those stereotypes belie the fact that not all warriors are characterized by their physical attributes. The qualities traditionally associated with warriors – courage, resilience, a sense of duty – are not exclusive to one profession or one type of person. Soldiers go up against a physical enemy, but the vast majority of us face more subtle “enemies.” You may face the challenge of working through PTSD, making the choice between doing what is right vs. what is easy, taking care of a sick loved one, or working three jobs to pay the rent and put food on the table. You may face seemingly insurmountable odds of navigating the "healthcare" system, trying to shift from conventional farming to regenerative farming or rehabilitating after an injury. 

The Warrior Mindset
Say “warrior” and our minds show us one thing. But when you dig below the camouflage and body armor you find that truly being a warrior can be a mindset and a way of approaching life. Across a wide spectrum of experiences and mindsets, the warrior spirit can be found – and also harnessed.

Personal Development
Being a warrior can be about personal development – the commitment to continuously improving oneself. These warriors face challenges head-on, pushing through adversity, and constantly striving for growth. This mindset can be applied in various aspects of life, from career goals to personal relationships.

The mental resilience of a warrior is not confined to the battlefield. It can be applied to navigate the challenges of everyday life. Whether it's facing setbacks in a career, dealing with personal hardships, or pursuing ambitious goals, the mental fortitude of a warrior can help overcome obstacles and find positive outcomes on the other side. 

Advocacy and Social Causes
Warriors don't just fight physical battles; they can also be advocates for social justice and change. People who stand up for what they believe in, actively contribute to positive social change, and work towards a better world embody the spirit of a warrior.

Entrepreneurial Spirit
Entrepreneurs often embody the warrior mentality, taking risks, facing uncertainties, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. The business world is a battlefield, filled with competition and challenges, and the entrepreneurial spirit reflects the same determination and strategic thinking associated with warriors.

Community Service
Those who dedicate their time and effort to support their communities – whether through volunteering, mentoring, or activism – demonstrate a commitment to a cause larger than themselves. They are driven by the same sense of duty that we see in those who fight on the front lines.

Creative Expression
Artists, writers, and creators can be warriors in their own right, using their craft to challenge norms, provoke thought, and inspire change. Creativity, in this context, becomes a weapon to shape perspectives and influence society positively.

Moral and Ethical Courage
Taking a stand for what is right, even in the face of opposition, requires a different kind of courage. Advocating for moral and ethical principles in various spheres of life, such as business or politics, reflects the essence of a warrior's commitment to higher values.

Drawing on the Warrior Spirit in Your Every Day Life
The warrior spirit can benefit you no matter where you find challenge. Warriors take up the charge in spite of the challenges, and they summon the energy, muster their courage, and prepare for all outcomes. Artists, entrepreneurs, chefs, volunteers – they are all driven by internal forces on personal quests that often don’t hew to the easiest route. These routes require strength and endurance – sometimes physical, often mental – and they demand endurance of the body and the mind.

No matter what kind of warrior you are, you want to perform at your peak ability. Fuel your body and mind with high-quality food that nourishes and sustains you for the long haul, and you’ll be fortified for meeting your challenges and exceeding your expectations.