What if everything changed tomorrow?
No warning. No roadmap. No clear next step.
That’s exactly what happened when I left the NFL.
One day, I was a pro athlete—
structured routines, clear goals, and a defined future.
The next, I was out in the real world with no playbook.
The same thing happened years later.
My business collapsed.
My personal life was unraveling.
Everything I had built was gone in an instant.
And then, I found myself standing at the base of Everest—
facing a challenge unlike anything I had ever done before.
Each of these moments had one thing in common: uncertainty.
It’s easy to feel confident when the path is clear. But true strength?
It comes from training for the moments you can’t predict.
The ones that force you to start over.
The ones that test everything you thought you knew.
The ones that separate those who wait from those who adapt.
Here’s how to train for the unknown:
10 Steps to Train for the Unknown
1. Prepare for Anything, Not Just One Thing
The world changes fast—so should you.
Train skills that make you adaptable, not just specialized.
2. Strengthen Your Mind, Not Just Your Body
Physical training is easy. Mental endurance is what keeps you moving when things fall apart.
3. Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
The best training ground is outside your comfort zone. Seek challenges, not safety.
4. Build Systems, Not Just Goals
Goals are great—until things don’t go as planned. Systems keep you moving no matter what.
5. Make Decisions Faster
The unknown doesn’t wait. Learn to trust your gut and commit.
6. Train Yourself to Thrive Under Pressure
Stress can break you or build you—train in high-stakes situations before they happen.
7. Master the Skill of Pivoting
The best players, leaders, and climbers aren’t the strongest—
they’re the ones who adapt fastest.
8. Control What You Can, Release What You Can’t
No amount of planning can control the uncontrollable. Learn to shift your focus.
9. Build a Resilient Inner Circle
Surround yourself with people who help you find solutions, not excuses.
10. Never Stop Climbing
When the plan changes, keep moving forward anyway.
The summit is still there—you just have to find a new route.
The WYE Challenge
Think of a time when life threw you a curveball.
How did you react?
What would you do differently if it happened again?
This week, do something that forces you to step into the unknown—before life does it for you.
The Next Step Toolkit
Movie Recommendation: The Martian
How do you survive when everything you planned for goes wrong?
Watch it to figure it out—one problem at a time.
The unknown is coming—whether you’re ready or not.
The question is: Will you be prepared?
Best,
Mark