Similarities in Mentality: Thriving in Top-Level Sports and Urban Prepping

Although sports and urban prepping may appear distinctly different, the two actually share various similarities. To thrive in both environments, it’s of utmost importance to have a refined set of skills and a long-term plan. Reaching the pinnacle of a sport or overcoming an urban disaster aren’t walks in the park, but they’re both made less problematic by adopting similar mentalities. So, let’s look at some of the traits that both fields share.

Organization

In all walks of life, organization is a must-have skill. For urban preppers, this trait is paramount to survival, as creating shelter, preserving food and water supplies, and maintaining personal hygiene relies on organization. While different urban scenarios require varied skills, being a disciplined organizer is pivotal as a survivalist, particularly for those leading a group of people.

It’ll come as no surprise that organization crosses over into top-level sports. This skill is at the heart of many team-based sports, as few teams reach the pinnacle without being a well-oiled machine. Take Formula One, for example. The all-action sport may rely heavily on one driver to get the car over the line, but a racer’s success is dependent on their pit crew’s organization. Typically, F1 teams have around 50 meetings in a race weekend, showcasing the value of precision and strategy refinement in open-wheel racing.

Leadership

Leadership 

Without leadership, some urban prepping communities and high-level athletes may lack a sense of direction. Being the head of a survivalist group isn’t a straightforward task, but it’s a responsibility that someone needs to accept. In urban prepping, leadership doesn’t necessarily refer to one instruction-giving figure. Because of the importance of disaster planning, allocating roles is pivotal. For example, a survival group will likely have a medical care leader, whose responsibilities will vary from those in charge of cooking, foraging, and other essential day-to-day tasks.
Much like organization, leadership is also part and parcel of professional sports. Similarly to urban prepping, it isn’t only down to one person to accept responsibility, with delegation also playing a central role in soccer. While the buck stops with the manager, they have a sizable team around them specialized in different areas. For example, goalkeeping coaches train the shotstoppers, while data analysts lead the evaluation into performance-related matters.

Delegated leadership is also evident on the field of play, hence why clubs appoint captains and vice-captains. Being a leader in soccer and urban prepping isn’t merely about accepting responsibility for results, as it’s also about keeping spirits high and engaging with those around you. This is why Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson is held in high regard by his club and international teammates. The 31-year-old sets a high standard and demands perfection, and that’s resulting in trophy-winning success. The Sunderland-born midfielder led Liverpool to Premier League success in 2019-20, and the Reds are 11/2 in football betting to repeat the feat in 2021-22, as of June 18th.

Master the Art of Mental Strength

Whether it’s on the field of play or when prepping for an urban disaster, being able to overcome adversity is of utmost importance. While it’s often easier said than done, mastering the art of leadership and organization will go a long way in helping you achieve your goals. So, keep an open mind and learn from other walks of life, as you never know what skills might come in handy.