The Power of Preparation

Laying the Groundwork for Success

Preparation is the quiet yet decisive force behind every great achievement. It’s not glamorous or flashy, but it’s the bedrock upon which success is built. Whether you’re gearing up for a major milestone, tackling a new challenge, or simply organizing your daily life, preparation is the key that separates those who survive from those who thrive. My experiences—from competing in the North Pole Marathon to training as a professional MMA fighter—perfectly illustrate how meticulous preparation makes the impossible possible.

Standing at the starting line of the North Pole Marathon—8,500 kilometers away from home—I faced an environment that was as awe-inspiring as it was unforgiving. The Arctic’s pristine beauty, with its soft, untouched snow and endless blue sky, stood in stark contrast to the brutal cold of -40°C. The challenge was immense, but I knew the real test had already been won through preparation. Similarly, in the cage as an MMA fighter, victory is determined long before the fight begins—in the endless hours of training, sparring, and conditioning. Every step I had taken beforehand made those moments possible.

1. Preparation Starts with Clarity of Purpose

Before jumping into any endeavor, the first step is understanding why you are doing it. Purpose provides the motivation needed to push through discomfort and uncertainty. For me, the North Pole Marathon was about testing my limits—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In MMA, it was about mastering discipline, overcoming personal challenges, and pushing the boundaries of what I believed I could do.

When you have clarity of purpose, preparation becomes intentional. You don’t just react to circumstances—you take proactive steps that align with your goal. Purpose fuels the discipline required for the grueling preparation ahead.

2. Seek Guidance from the Experts

One of the most important lessons I learned was that preparation isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart work. Facing conditions I had never experienced, I sought advice from those who had. Romi Garduce, the first Filipino to summit the world’s Seven Summits, taught me the importance of layering: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating mid-layer, and an outer shell to block out the cold. Without this knowledge, I wouldn’t have lasted an hour at the North Pole.

Similarly, in MMA, I trained under experts in multiple disciplines—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for grappling, Muay Thai for striking, wrestling for control, and boxing for precision. The insights of mentors and coaches gave me the technical knowledge and strategies to prepare for the unpredictable nature of competition. Seeking wisdom from experienced individuals accelerates growth and equips you with tools to succeed.

3. Design a Rigorous and Flexible Training Plan

Preparation requires discipline, consistency, and adaptability. Knowing that I needed to acclimate to Arctic conditions, I designed a unique training regimen with the help of Coach Ige Lopez, one of the top ultra-marathon coaches in the Philippines. Running 200 kilometers a month and training in diverse terrains—mountains, beaches, and trails—built my endurance and strengthened my legs for the unknown challenges ahead.

However, training for the North Pole required more than traditional running. To simulate Arctic conditions, I trained in a blast freezer in Parañaque—a 20×20-meter space chilled to subzero temperatures. Three hours a day, I ran and cycled in mind-numbing monotony, completing over 250 loops each session. It was grueling, repetitive, and mentally exhausting, but it was necessary.

In MMA, preparation is equally varied and demanding. Training sessions involve drilling techniques, sparring to simulate real fights, conditioning for endurance, and strength-building exercises. The monotony of repetition is what turns skills into instinct. Whether it’s freezing loops in a freezer or endless jabs in a gym, preparation requires you to trust the process.

4. Prioritize Mental Preparation as Much as Physical

While physical preparation is critical, mental resilience is what gets you across the finish line or through the final round of a fight. During the North Pole Marathon, the Arctic cold was relentless, and every step felt like a battle. The mental demands were greater than the physical. In MMA, stepping into the cage requires complete mental focus—blocking out fear, pain, and doubt to stay present in the fight.

Visualization, stoicism, and mindfulness are powerful tools for mental preparation. Training your mind to focus on the task at hand, push through discomfort, and adapt under pressure is what separates the prepared from the unprepared.

5. Embrace the Monotony of Preparation

Preparation isn’t always exciting—in fact, it’s often tedious. But that’s where mastery is built. Running loops inside a freezer or performing repetitive MMA drills like jabs, sprawls, or submissions might feel mundane, but these actions build habits that enable you to perform under pressure.

Success doesn’t come from sporadic bursts of effort; it comes from showing up consistently and doing the work, even when it feels monotonous. The small, seemingly insignificant actions compound into remarkable results over time.

6. Learn to Adapt and Course-Correct

No plan is perfect. During the final days of preparation in Svalbard, Norway, I trained under conditions resembling the North Pole, constantly adjusting to unexpected challenges like polar bear sightings. In MMA, fights are rarely predictable. A well-prepared fighter learns to read the opponent and adapt strategies mid-fight. Adaptability is key to overcoming obstacles.

7. Execute with Confidence

By the time I stood at the starting line of the North Pole Marathon or entered an MMA fight, I had done everything possible to prepare. Preparation gave me confidence—a deep belief that I was ready to face the challenge ahead. On race day or fight night, preparation is what allows you to endure the physical and mental toll, adapt under pressure, and finish strong.

The Takeaway: Preparation as a Way of Life

The North Pole Marathon and my journey in MMA taught me that preparation isn’t just for monumental challenges—it’s a way of approaching life. Whether you’re leading a team, pursuing a personal goal, or navigating unpredictable circumstances, preparation gives you the tools to succeed. It’s about:

Clarity: Knowing your purpose and aligning your actions with your goals.

Seeking Guidance: Learning from mentors and experts who can point you in the right direction.

Discipline: Showing up consistently and trusting the process, even when it feels monotonous.

Mental Readiness: Building resilience to stay calm, focused, and determined under pressure.

Adaptability: Preparing to course-correct when plans change.

At the end of the day, preparation doesn’t guarantee an easy path, but it ensures you have the confidence and capability to overcome whatever challenges arise. The journey to success—whether in a marathon, a fight, or life itself—starts long before the starting line. It starts with preparation.

So, whatever your next challenge may be, remember: prepare well, trust your process, and embrace the grind. Success doesn’t happen by accident; it happens because you made it inevitable through preparation.