Principles from Francis Ngannou, The Baddest MMA Fighter on the Planet
Giving Yourself the Permission to Fail
Estimated reading time (5 minutes)
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Every Friday, I share one principle that can help you in your life or business, one thought-provoking question, and one call to action toward that principle.
Principle of the Week
“I know that if I fail, I can start over and over. I have that skill, and you can take everything from me, but you cannot take that.”— Francis Ngannou, The Baddest MMA Fighter on the Planet.
Francis Ngannou's journey from a childhood of poverty in Cameroon to becoming a UFC champion is nothing short of incredible. Imagine growing up in a one-room house with your mom and four siblings, unable to afford something as basic as a pen and paper. Skipping meals was a norm, and by the age of 9, you were already digging in mines to make ends meet.
What's even more remarkable is that Francis didn't conform to the expectations of his tribe. While they had their own vision for him, he dared to dream differently. He wanted to be the best boxer in America.
At 22, against all odds, he started training to be a boxer in a gym. People around him probably thought he had lost his mind, but his dreams were bigger than their doubts. He was stubborn and determined.
Then, at 25, he sold everything he had and embarked on an unimaginable journey to Morocco, covering 3000 miles through the Sahara Desert. He faced incredible hardships, including multiple failed attempts to seek asylum.
But here's the actionable insight from Francis's story: Sometimes, you must bet on yourself, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Francis didn't let fear hold him back. He was willing to start repeatedly because he believed in his potential.
His journey teaches us that we must understand who we are not, just as he learned from his father's mistakes about what not to do. When faced with unfair contracts in the UFC, he decided to go his own way.
The lesson here is that starting over is not something to fear. In fact, it can be the path to even greater success. Just look at Francis; he's scheduled to fight the world champion, Tyson Fury, in a boxing match. So, dare to dream big, bet on yourself, and don't be afraid to start over when needed. Your journey may lead you to greatness.
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Question to Ponder
Can you count three things that are holding you from betting on yourself in your career?
Call to Action
Developing the resilience to start over after failure is invaluable for achieving success and personal growth. One well-established framework for developing resilience is the "Four Cs of Resilience," which is supported by scientific research in the field of psychology. These four Cs stand for Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Connection:
Here's the actionable framework that you can apply today:
Control: Research has shown that individuals who believe they have control over their actions and can influence outcomes are more resilient. This sense of control can be developed by setting achievable goals and focusing on aspects of a situation that are within your control. Practice mindfulness and self-regulation techniques, such as meditation, to enhance your sense of control. Research has shown that mindfulness can improve emotional regulation and decision-making, contributing to resilience (e.g., Garland et al., 2019).
Commitment: Studies indicate that individuals committed to their objectives are better equipped to bounce back from setbacks. It involves maintaining a sense of purpose and determination, even in the face of adversity. Set clear, meaningful goals and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Studies on goal setting, such as those by Locke and Latham (2006), emphasize the importance of commitment to achieving objectives.
Challenge: Scientific research on positive psychology has shown that individuals who approach adversity with a "challenge mindset" are more likely to adapt and grow from difficult experiences. Develop a growth mindset, which involves viewing failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Research by Dweck (2006) highlights the benefits of a growth mindset in promoting resilience.
Connection: Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of social connections on one's ability to cope with stress and recover from failure. Cultivating your social support network, engaging in social activities, seeking emotional support, and maintaining close relationships have been linked to increased resilience (e.g., Southwick et al., 2014).
Remember that building resilience is an ongoing process. It's about developing the skills and mindset to adapt to adversity and emerge stronger from setbacks. Scientific research in psychology continually explores the factors and strategies that contribute to resilience, offering valuable insights for personal growth and development.
Video of the Week
Francis holds the record for the hardest punch in the world after registering 129,161 power units. “His punches are equivalent to 96 horsepower. That’s equal to getting hit by a Ford Escort going as fast as it can.” — Dana White, UFC President.
If you want to learn more principles, I interview founders on my podcast, The First 100, where they share how they acquired their first 100 paying customers. This week:
Episode 96 - The First 100 with Blair Cohen, the Founder of AuthenticID
Episode 97 - The First 100 with David Wiesen, the Co-founder of Nextdoor
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