This week Marcus Aurelius Anderson delves into the philosophy that ‘moderation is for cowards.’ He highlights the importance of extreme commitment and total effort, using examples from historical warriors and modern leaders. Marcus shares actionable strategies for applying this all-in mindset to various aspects of life, such as self-defense and personal growth. He also discusses the value of preparation in facing adversity. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and explore over 200 episodes featuring interviews with peak performers, including former Navy Seal Commander Rich Devinney and legendary authors Robert Green and Steven Pressfield.
Episode Highlights:
01:41 Commitment and Action
02:32 Self-Defense and Situational Awareness
03:57 Applying Extreme Commitment
Episode Transcript:
00:02
Dr. Nonverba is a show that’s raw and real, featuring hard-hitting interviews with people that live by the ethos of actions, not words. Marcus Aurelius Anderson is a TEDx speaker, best-selling author, veteran, and leadership and mindset coach. With this show, you get to join Marcus as he goes inside the minds and experiences of the world’s most successful warriors, leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts. With each episode, you’re going to get the philosophies, concepts, tactics, and strategies these leaders use
00:32
to turn adversity into victory. Live an extraordinary life based on actions, not words. Now, here’s your host, Marcus Aurelius Anderson.
01:02
Commit. Moderation is for cowards. I’m Marcus Aurelius Anderson, and this is another installment of Octodon Verba’s Warrior Wisdom. In these shorter solo episodes, I will highlight lessons from warriors past and present in all kinds of settings, from the battlefields of Italy, Greece, Japan, and the Middle East, to more modern warfare, including tactics seen today in business, society, and culture. I’ll also be sharing leadership lessons based on my own teachings and experiences.
01:31
The reality is this, the world is a battlefield and to not master these lessons leaves you grossly ill-prepared for the adversity that you will inevitably face in the future. Now, onto the lesson. I mentioned that moderation is for cowards, that it’s easier to make the decision once than to continually have to reevaluate, giving yourself opportunities to give up and capitulate. But let me add some context for those that will take this lesson out of context. As a leader and a warrior, there is an appropriate time
02:01
for an appropriate skill to the appropriate degree. However, when it comes time to commit and take action, there are no half measures. There is but one degree of commitment, and that is total. In such cases, the appropriate time for an appropriate skill to the appropriate degree means that in this case, the appropriate degree is to give absolutely 100 % effort all out, holding nothing back and leaving nothing in the tank.
02:27
and self-defense or in the defense of others that are unable to defend themselves, there is a time to do everything in your power to avoid the altercation to the best of your ability. That’s why mastering the skills of situational awareness, physical and verbal de-escalation, and knowing when to simply walk away from a potentially violent encounter are always preferable. But, when there is no other option than to take massive definitive action, then you must do so without hesitation and give it everything that you have. In this case,
02:58
It is better to throw the hardest punch that you possibly can than to hit lightly. If it is obvious to you that violence is imminent, throw the first punch. The best defense is a good offense and sometimes just showing that you are not an easy target will be enough to deter others from further escalation and making adversaries think twice before trying to pile on. One of the most profound quotes that I’ve ever read from thick-faced Blackheart is this, there is a time to submit to being slapped.
03:26
and there’s a time to hit back twice as hard so that you will never be slapped again. If you turn the other cheek because you are afraid to hit back, that does not mean that you are somehow morally superior. It simply means that you are a coward. Extremes are easier than moderation. Don’t negotiate, commit. Moderation is for cowards. And while this lesson is succinct and simple, that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily easy. However,
03:52
Its simplicity means that you will have the greatest likelihood of applying it effectively in your life. And again, for this lesson, I chose extremity, in this case, in my brevity, instead of watering it down with moderation, to make the most impact with this lesson that I possibly can, for you, the listener. Your after action items for this lesson to apply for the next 30 days. Ask yourself, where can you apply this idea of extreme commitment
04:19
instead of the compromised mediocrity that society calls moderation. Where can you use this all-out effort mentality for short periods of time to break through to your next level? Think of a short burst of effort, like an all-out sprint or trying to do a one-repetition max when you’re lifting. Is it fasting from social media, certain people, or certain foods? Remember, there is but one level of commitment, and that is total. Anything less is just bullshit. What else has to happen before you take action?
04:50
What more do you have to lose before you commit? Stop waiting, stop hesitating, stop compromising, go all in. Moderation is for cowards. Thus endeth the lesson. If you enjoyed this or any of the other over 200 episodes of Acta Non Verba, I absolutely recommend going back through the entire catalog, downloading it and checking them out. Those also include other Warrior Wisdom episodes like this, as well as longer deep dive interviews with guests like
05:18
the legendary authors Robert Green and Steven Pressfield, as well as peak performers like the Acta Non Verba guest of recent Acta Non Verba 244, former Navy SEAL commander Rich Diviney, and my long content interview with Rayron Gracie on Acta Non Verba 242. None of these are behind a paywall, at least for the moment, and they’re all available for free. Go check out the entire catalog while you can. And while you’re there, hit subscribe. Tell us what you think about this episode on iTunes, Spotify,
05:46
or also our new YouTube channel. By subscribing and leaving a review, it helps us attract like-minded individuals and spread the Acta Non Verba message to others. Sharing this lesson on social media with others gives you the tools and tactics that can be used in teams or other company environments as well. If you’d like to get more exclusive content and information regarding the release date of my new Acta Non Verba. book, upcoming live events, the release of Acta Non Verba apparel, and more, join the Acta Non Verba. Inner Circle for free at Marcus Aurelius Anderson.
06:16
And don’t forget to check out OctaNonverbaPodcast.com. Until next time, live a life of actions and not words. Live a life of Acta Non Verba. Thank you for listening to this episode of Acta Non Verba.
