By Coach Dave Wheeler – Building A Winning Mindset
There’s a moment every morning—right when your feet hit the floor—when the world quietly dares you to do something great… or back down. That moment? It’s your shot. Your chance to punch today in the face.
Yeah, I said it.
This isn’t about violence. It’s about violence of action—a military term for taking decisive, relentless initiative. It’s about attacking the day with purpose, intention, and an inner jab that says, “Not today, excuses. Not today, doubt.”
Float Like a Butterfly, Show Up Like a Freight Train
Muhammad Ali, the poet of the punch, famously said: “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” That’s the mindset we’re after. Too many people drift into their days like they’re extras in someone else’s movie—just waiting for something good to happen.
Winners? We come out swinging. We script the scene. We punch today in the face because we’ve got goals to meet, people to inspire, and potential that doesn’t unleash itself.
Ali didn’t dance around opponents waiting for opportunity. He created it—with footwork, fire, and fierce belief.
So here’s your challenge: What’s your first punch today?
Is it knocking out procrastination with five push-ups as soon as you wake up?
Is it landing a jab on fear by making that sales call you’ve been avoiding?
Is it dodging distractions so you can finish writing the first page of your book?
Pick your punch. Throw it.
The George Foreman Principle: Get Off the Ropes
George Foreman wasn’t just the guy selling grills. He was a two-time heavyweight champ… with a comeback story that deserves its own ESPN series.
After losing to Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle,” Foreman disappeared from the boxing scene. Most people thought he was done.
But guess what? He came back 20 years later and won the title at age 45.
Forty. Five.
Let that uppercut your excuses.
Foreman once said, “It’s not at what age you make your comeback. It’s how determined you are to do it.”
So maybe you’re not in your prime. Maybe your dream job passed you over. Maybe life hit you with a combo you didn’t see coming.
You still get to choose: curl up and take the count… or get up, smile through the sweat, and throw the next punch.
Mike Tyson‘s Secret Weapon: Ruthless Focus
Let’s talk Tyson—iron fists, neck like a tree trunk, and a quote you’ve probably heard: “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
That’s real.
Life will hit you. With bills. With rejections. With “you’re not good enough” voices from people who couldn’t lace up your boots.
The solution? Don’t flinch.
Tyson trained like a madman. Early morning runs. Long gym hours. Ruthless focus.
The lesson: If you want to punch today in the face, train like the day is trying to punch back. Because it is.
Make your routine stronger than your mood. Make your discipline louder than your distractions.
Sugar Ray Leonard’s Smile and Swagger
Sugar Ray wasn’t the biggest. He wasn’t the brawler. But he had something else: style, smarts, and swagger.
He once said, “Within our dreams and aspirations, we find our opportunities.”
He believed in timing—finding his opening, waiting for just the right second to strike.
You don’t have to bulldoze every problem. Sometimes the winning move is a quick step, a deep breath, and one perfect shot at the right moment.
So what’s your opportunity today? A conversation? A clean meal? A 10-minute walk instead of a 10-minute excuse?
The Lesson: Don’t Duck Life
This isn’t just about one morning.
“Punching today in the face” is a daily mindset—a declaration that you will not live on your heels.
You’re a forward-motion machine. You’re aggressive with your dreams. You don’t “hope” things go well—you make things happen.
Even if you miss. Even if you get knocked down. Even if today tries to counterpunch… you punch first.
Try This: Coach Wheeler’s Daily Combo
- Three Deep Breaths – Before you get out of bed, center yourself.
- First Punch Action – Do one thing in the first 10 minutes that makes you feel like a champ (push-ups, cold shower, goal review, etc.).
- Out Loud Declaration – Say your catchphrase… mine is “Let’s roll. I’m here to win.”
Final Bell
Today’s not going to fight fair. It never does. But you’ve got something stronger—a winning mindset and a refusal to be ordinary.
Punch today in the face, my friend.
And tomorrow?
Hit repeat.
Let’s roll.
—Coach Wheeler