Slick & Thick: Unlock Your Full Potential | #95

The Power of Reading, Writing, and Meditation

In the world of professional fighting, the mental game is just as crucial as the physical. Chase Sherman, known as the "Vanilla Gorilla," has learned this firsthand through his journey in the sport. As he prepares for his upcoming fight, Chase has discovered the transformative power of three key practices: reading, writing, and meditation.

Reading has become a vital part of Chase's routine, as he delves into a diverse range of topics, from self-help books to autobiographies. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, in particular, has resonated with him, as it explores the concept of following one's "personal legend" and embracing the journey, rather than solely focusing on the destination.

Alongside his reading, Chase has incorporated a daily writing practice, where he documents his experiences, thoughts, and reflections. "It's just like having a blog of who I am and what I did that day," he explains. "I know I'm going to forget a lot of these stories, so it's important for me to have a record of them."

Mastering the Art of Meditation

But perhaps the most transformative aspect of Chase's mental preparation has been his dedication to meditation.

"I was just having a lot of different things going on in my life that were just slapping me in the face with consistent disrespect," Chase shares. "So the last couple of weeks leading up to my last fight, I did guided meditations every day, focusing on transforming my anger into a directed intention."

This approach paid off, as Chase was able to channel his emotions and deliver a dominant performance in the octagon. "I just pulled that energy out of my back pocket and ran through the guy," he says. "It wasn't like I was just suppressing it or letting it overcome me; I was directing it with a clear intention."

Embracing the Primal Nature of Bare-Knuckle Fighting

As Chase prepares for his upcoming fight, he's also excited about the prospect of competing in the bare-knuckle arena. He sees this form of combat as a unique opportunity to tap into the primal nature of fighting, where the gloves are off and the stakes are higher.

"There's just something about taking the gloves off, man," Chase explains. "It's just Primal. You get to let all your inhibitions go and just become an animal when you walk into the cage."

Chase believes that bare-knuckle fighting not only tests the physical capabilities of the fighters but also their mental fortitude. "It's not just about who's the more skilled fighter; it's about who's the real Alpha," he says. "You're just exposed, and you get to impose your will in a way that's not possible with gloves on."

Redefining Success in the Fight Game

As Chase navigates the world of professional fighting, he's learned that success is not solely defined by winning or losing. Instead, he's focused on becoming the best version of himself, both physically and mentally.

"It's not about the decision, it's about putting on a show," Chase explains. "The guys at Game Bred, they don't care about the decision; they just want a violent fight. They want to see blood, they want to see teeth, they want to see a real fight."

Chase's journey is a testament to the power of the mind in the world of combat sports. By embracing the practices of reading, writing, and meditation, he has unlocked a new level of focus, resilience, and self-awareness. As he continues to push the boundaries of his sport, Chase's story serves as an inspiration for athletes and individuals alike, reminding us that true success lies in the pursuit of personal growth and the realization of our full potential.