Three years ago, on September 17, 2022, I stood alongside three close friends at the starting line of the SEALFit 20X — a 12-hour crucible designed to test not just the body, but the mind and spirit. Last night, we gathered for a reunion dinner, and as we swapped stories, I realized how much that single day of suffering and growth has carried over into my career in real estate.
What is the SEALFit 20X?
The SEALFit 20X was created by retired Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine as a way to push ordinary people beyond what they think is possible. The name comes from the idea of finding 20 times more inside you than you believe you have.
It’s a day filled with log PT, sandbag carries, ocean plunges, and relentless teamwork. But the real test isn’t physical — it’s mental. The instructors are masters at creating chaos and fatigue to show you that your limits are self-imposed.
Doing Hard Things Builds Mental Toughness
Real estate is not log PT or carrying a buddy up a hill — but it is a constant test of persistence, adaptability, and mindset. Deals fall apart. Clients get cold feet. Offers get rejected. Just like in the 20X, your first thought is sometimes, “I don’t know if I can keep going.”
But when you’ve been through something like a 20X, you learn that the voice saying “quit” is just noise. You focus on the next step, the next call, the next showing. That’s how you push through in both real estate and life.
Parallels Between the 20X and Real Estate
- Teamwork is EverythingIn the 20X, you survive as a team. In real estate, you thrive when you lean on partners — lenders, attorneys, inspectors, and yes, even your clients. No one closes alone.
- Adaptability WinsDuring the event, you never know what’s coming next. In real estate, markets shift, interest rates change, and unexpected hurdles appear. Success comes from being flexible under pressure.
- Micro-Goals Keep You MovingWhen you’re exhausted in the 20X, you focus on the next rep or the next breath. In real estate, you break big goals into daily calls, weekly follow-ups, and consistent outreach. Small wins stack up.
Why Doing Hard Things Matters
The SEALFit 20X taught me that doing hard things on purpose makes you stronger for the unexpected challenges of life and business. Real estate is a career of resilience — you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
If you can train yourself to lean into difficulty instead of running from it, you’ll not only close more deals — you’ll build the kind of mental toughness that lasts a lifetime.
Final Thought
At our reunion dinner, my friends and I didn’t just remember the pain of that day in 2022. We remembered the growth, the lessons, and the bond it created.
That’s why I say: if you’re thinking about real estate — or any big challenge in life — find your own “20X.” Do the hard thing. Push past the voice telling you to quit. Because every time you do, you unlock a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.