The Arena Exercise
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The Arena Exercise
We now begin our system. The mnemonic is just twenty-seven words, and here are the first seven. They answer the first question:
“What are you?”
Affirm it…
“I am the man in the arena.”
Say it. Let the words settle in your mind. This is your declaration.
See it…
Russell Crowe stands in the holding pen, called to the arena. He walks forward—not as a spectator, but as a warrior summoned.
Now picture yourself. Imagine the gates of your own life opening before you.
Feel it…
The warm sand beneath your sandaled feet. The weight of the gladius in your hand. The roar of the unseen crowd.
If you have truly felt this, even for a second, you are no longer part of the lowest common denominator. The spectators have taken their tiered stone seats. But you?
You are the man in the arena.
And that is huge.

Your Morning Arena
To the left is the Gladiator’s view as he steps forward. Imagine that as your view each morning.
And on the other side of that gate?
Your challenges. Your fears. Your doubts.
The Hidden Difficulty of This Exercise
It seems simple, but it’s not.
This is more than just visualization—it is a shift in habit, in awareness, and ultimately, in purpose.
Until now, your actions have been shaped by the expectations of others. Now, they will be shaped by something greater—your mission.
For many, this will feel uncomfortable. That’s good.
Watch the trailer below to feel the emotion. Try to feel it when you say, I am the man in the arena.”
Start With Small Wins:
Right now, you might be thinking: I can’t realistically do this.
But you can.
Pick a small moment today—something that challenges you.
- A difficult conversation.
- An email or phone call you’ve been avoiding.
- A decision that needs to be made.
When the moment comes, stand firm. Breathe.
And say it.
“I am the man in the arena.”
Feel it.
Believe it.
And then do it.
Final Thoughts:
This isn’t just a mental exercise. It’s a new way of being.
Your arena is waiting. The gates are opening.
What will you do next?