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In mixed martial arts (MMA), there is no doubt when it comes to identifying a ferocious opponent beyond the Octagon. My experience as a recreational fighter and supporter of Kazakhstan's best MMA athletes has shown me that this fighter's focus is so singular that it narrows down to the moment. nothing else exists. If you are well prepared, you will know your opponent's style and angle of attack and be ready to impose your will on the contest. To be clear, I'm not using the analogy that business is like fighting. Rather, my passion for martial arts has become a crucible for the mindset that has helped me as a CEO of a technology company.
Despite its image, MMA is not just about people hurting each other. In fact, martial arts is all about self-defense, mental health, and competition. Importantly, it also provides a way to train not only the body, but also the mind. This is why we opened a gym for children and youth, giving them the opportunity to learn MMA along with acquiring substantial soft skills. We provide children and youth with the tools to succeed in life and work, stay humble and disciplined, and continue learning martial arts.
There is much we can all learn from the dedication and focus that MMA athletes put into achieving their goals. So here are the areas where I have applied these lessons to the competitive arena of the business world.
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1. Prepare and scout your opponent
It's called market research. When fighting a new enemy, it's important to watch films of their fights, learn all about their training methods, and try to get inside their heads to understand their thoughts. When the opponent attacks, it happens with lightning speed. Mindset influences tactics and temperament, so understanding your opponent's tendencies can help you predict their moves in advance.
Across sports, NBA players are provided with scouting reports on their direct opponents. An NFL athlete spends a third of his training analyzing film from past games. It's a similar concept in business. After founding our technology investment firm in 2013, our team spent the next seven years investing in dozens of small businesses, researching and learning from competitors, potential customers, and partners.
Our determination to understand their strategic moves, goals and mindsets is a key driver of how we shape our business and who we bring in to make us stronger. brought information. Since then, we have integrated our technology into one ecosystem, delivering solutions across fintech, education, enterprise, and media. In other words, doing your due diligence sets you up for success.
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2. Find your balance while moving
Research can give you information about whether your opponent will be aggressive or defensive, but you won't know how your opponent will shape up until the contest begins. Once inside the octagon, their momentary perception skills allow them to instantly tell whether they are masters of the area. Next, you need to adapt to their tactical approach.
Whether a battle is won or lost in a single blow or as a result of sustained pressure, being able to react in the moment is the key to victory. Think of a business person in a meeting with a potential client. Even after thoroughly explaining your background, you may encounter a different reaction than you expected, sometimes forcing you to change your proposal or strategy on the spot. But it's still better than being unprepared and having worse consequences.
In business and martial arts, you don't just have to think on your feet; when you're down, when you're under pressure, when you're in a critical moment, as the game changes with evolving tactics and market disruption. You also need to think about it. My mixed martial arts hobby taught me that balance is not static, but a constant state of adjustment to maintain centering. This fluidity allows you to remain stable even in the face of moving enemies. But despite all this, another enemy will put our ability to maintain balance to the ultimate test, and that is defeat.
3. Join forces (and stand up)
No one goes through life undefeated in a training session. We all have areas where we excel and areas where we outdo ourselves. I once found myself in a situation during training where I was too tired to raise my hands, but I knew if I didn't move I would be knocked down. But even if we lose, we have to get up the next day, analyze where we went wrong and strengthen ourselves for a new battle. Research shows that athletes have higher levels of self-confidence, emotional control, determination, and “mental toughness.” For these warriors, losing once doesn't mean they can't try again. In fact, the outcome of a rematch is often reversed, as defeat provides a learning opportunity.
Mental strength is forged in the fire, and fighters are forced to fight tough battles in training to avoid such a fate in real life. To succeed in the field of business, you must prepare yourself for life's challenges and learn from them. And the measure of our resilience will be our willingness to respond to adversity with renewed determination.
Related: 4 ways highly successful people get back on track through tough times
4. Safety is only for bystanders
President Theodore Roosevelt said that what matters is not the critic who stands on the sidelines, but the man who steps onto the field, “his face marred with dust and sweat and blood.” My experience in recreational mixed martial arts had a huge impact on me and helped me focus my mindset and help at-risk youth. This experience taught me that with enough training, research, and practicing adaptability under stress, you can set yourself up for success in business and life. A true fighter may not be undefeated, but they never lack the courage to stay in the arena not only for themselves, but also to positively impact the lives of others.
