The Conor McGregor Mentality — and how it profoundly changed my life
Conor McGregor, forged in Ireland, used to be a plumber, but is now one of the most electrifying, enigmatic, yet controversial figures to step foot in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
Since I was 15 years old, I have been a fan of Conor McGregor. I witnessed his rise to stardom, boxing Floyd Mayweather, watched the infamous Khabib fight and its aftermath.
I am writing this not to discuss his character or actions but solely on his mentality and work attitude.
To say that his impact on my life has been colossal would be an understatement. Much of my mentality and work ethic can be accredited to this single individual.
Take responsibility
“Nothing good ever comes from sitting there worrying or sitting there feeling sorry for yourself… Keep positive and keep pushing on and things will turn good” — Conor McGregor
This quote has changed the way I approach life, so much so that I have it hanged in both my bedroom and living room.
Eradicating “victim mentality” and self-pity from my brain has forced me to take control of my own future. Ultimately, the only person that has the power to change the steering wheel to your journey in this life is yourself. Growing up, embracing this quote has dramatically changed the multitude of my life experiences. Comprehending that I have to be the change that I wish to see, I always set out to do the best that I can do.
In project work or assignments, I do not make excuses for what I can’t control — the actions or efforts of team mates or the environment. You can put me in any scenario and I will still strive to produce work of the finest quality. As a result, I take full responsibility for all my successes and failures.
Self-belief
“I believe in myself so much that nothing is going to stop me”
“If I told you how confident I was for the future, you wouldn’t believe me. But your belief is not needed.”
“I keep having vivid dreams of success. Then it’s time to sleep”
-Conor McGregor
One thing that everyone, and I mean everyone — the fans, the haters, the people sitting on the fence, can agree on, is this man’s undisputed and reverberating self-belief in himself. His self-belief is so perfervid that he has the power to influence millions to believe in him.
But don’t just take my word for it…
Despite having a 0–0 boxing record, Conor McGregor stepped foot into the boxing ring against arguably one of the greatest boxers of our time with a record of 49–0 as a +300 underdog. As a matter of fact, in the 48 hours leading to the fight, 95% of bets were placed on Conor McGregor.
Through press conferences and world tour, Conor McGregor has convinced millions of fans and even sports analyst to think that he had a shot at toppling Floyd Mayweather’s 49–0 record — and get this, all from his unrivaled self-belief in himself.
“I do what I do. I am going to sleep this man inside of four rounds. The same way I sleep them every other time.” — Conor McGregor
Even after mounting losses and setbacks, his self-belief has never been shaken. I thoroughly enjoy his steadfast and undeniable belief in himself. At the end of the day, no individual has gone out to do incredible things without first believing in himself/herself. As a result, I do not allow self-doubt to invade my mind when I set out to accomplish my goals.
Hard work
“There’s no talent here, this is hard work. This is an obsession. Talent does not exist, we are all equals as human beings. You could be anyone if you put in the time. You will reach the top, and that’s that. I am not talented. I am obsessed.” — Conor McGregor
I have saved the best for last. Hard work. This is another quote I have hanged in my bedroom.
Well, of course, talent exists in this world. Some individuals are just inherently better, born smarter, blessed with top-notch athleticism or possess exceptional music inclination, but that is not the mentality you harbour when you enter the battlefield.
This quote exemplifies Conor McGregor’s mentality. You treat everyone — your friends, your adversaries, your enemies as equal and the only way to outshine them is through hard work.
And that is very true.
People can leave you. Life can let you down. Relationships may end at any moment.
However.
Hard work never betrays you.
