The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck in Fencing: How to Focus on What Matters, Embrace Failure, Define Your Own Success, and Stay True to Your Values

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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck in Fencing: How to Focus on What Matters, Embrace Failure, Define Your Own Success, and Stay True to Your Values

Fencing is a sport that requires a lot of practice, patience, and mental toughness. Getting caught up in the details of technique and equipment is easy, but these are not the only things that matter. The philosophy of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” can be a powerful tool for fencers looking to improve their performance and find fulfillment in the sport. In this article, we’ll explore how the principles of this philosophy can be applied to fencing and help fencers achieve their goals.

Focus on What Matters:

In fencing, it’s important to focus on the most important aspects of the sport, such as footwork, timing, and strategy. Instead of worrying about everything, fencers can prioritize their efforts and energy on what matters. This means focusing on the fundamentals of the sport and working to improve them consistently. As Mark Manson writes in his book, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,” “You cannot be a successful and fulfilled person until you become a substantial person, and you cannot become a substantial person until you have some values that you are willing to struggle for”.

Embrace Failure:

Fencing is a sport that requires a lot of trial and error. Fencers will make mistakes and lose bouts. Instead of dwelling on these failures, fencers can use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Embracing the process of improvement can help fencers become better athletes. As Manson writes, “The desire for more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience”.

Define Your Own Success:

In fencing, getting caught up in the idea of winning medals and trophies is easy. While these things are nice, they are not the only measures of success. Fencers can define their own goals and values and focus on achieving them. Whether improving technique, helping the team, or simply enjoying the sport, fencers can find what matters to them and pursue it with passion. As Manson writes, “The key to a good life is not giving a fuck about more; it’s giving a fuck about less, giving a fuck about only what is true and immediate and important”[3].

Stay True to Your Values:

Fencing can be a competitive and intense sport, but staying true to one’s values and principles is important. Fencers should not compromise their integrity or sportsmanship for the sake of winning. Instead, they can focus on being the best fencer and person they can be and let the results speak for themselves. As Manson writes, “The only way to achieve meaning and a sense of importance in one’s life is through a rejection of alternatives, a narrowing of freedom, a choice of commitment to one place, one belief, or one person”.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the philosophy of “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” can be a powerful tool for fencers looking to improve their performance and find fulfillment in the sport. By focusing on what matters, embracing failure, defining their own success, and staying true to their values, fencers can achieve their goals and enjoy the journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fencer, these principles can help you become a better athlete and a better person. So go out there, fence your heart out, and don’t give a f*ck about anything that doesn’t matter!

References:

Manson, Mark. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.” HarperCollins, 2016.

Thomas Ferriere
Thomas Ferriere
Hello, I'm Thomas, a dedicated writer here and a veteran fencer at heart. Fencing isn't just my hobby, but a transformative passion for my entire family. With my wife and two kids equally immersed in this sport, we've found a unique way to bond while learning the values of discipline, focus, and determination. Through my posts, I share our journey with the hope of inspiring others to discover the joy and benefits of fencing.

2 Comments

  1. Alan Buchwald says:

    I liked the general “thrust” of your article, but would like to see a little more detail as to guidance; clear examples would be helpful. It made me think of one I had at a NAC a few years ago, where the director made the final wrong call in a pool bout for my benefit. I pointed it out to the director and he agreed and reversed the call. My opponent initially did not understand what I was complaining about, until he saw the final score on the box. He said he owed me a beer and I agreed. Although I lost the bout, I remained true to my values and that was the main thing for me. Of course it helps to be a Veteran fencer with years of experience.

    • I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on my article.

      You know what? Your story from the NAC really hit home for me. It’s such a wonderful example of keeping true to yourself, even when the heat is on. Who says you need to win a bout to feel victorious, right? Your experience is a testament that winning in life sometimes has nothing to do with the final score.

      And hey, you’ve made a great point about needing more clear guidance and detailed examples in my articles. I can totally see how that would make the points clearer and more relatable. I’ll try to keep your suggestion in mind for future pieces. Maybe I’ll even sneak in some real-life scenarios or case studies to spice things up!

      Thanks a bunch!

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