I've been through Hell Week twice. That makes me either an expert on mental toughness — or a glutton for punishment. Probably both.
What Going Through Hell Week Twice Taught Me
The first time I went through Hell Week, I survived it. The second time, I was ready for it.
That's a big difference.
The second time around, I knew what was coming. I had trained the right way before classing up. I had confidence — not because it was going to be easier, but because I had already proven to myself I could finish. I was comfortable being uncomfortable.
And here's the thing: knowing what's coming almost makes it harder. The surprise of the first time has a strange way of keeping you present. The second time, your brain knows exactly how much pain is ahead. That's a different kind of mental battle.
But what carried me through was confidence built through preparation. I knew I had done the work. That knowledge is armor.
"I do NOT recommend anyone go through Hell Week twice. Get it right the first time. That's the very reason I created these training programs — so you don't make the mistakes I did."
— Coach Brad McLeod
How to Build Comfort in Uncomfortable Situations
You don't have to go through Hell Week twice to develop this skill. Here's how to build it deliberately:
1. Build Your Physical Foundation First
You can't be mentally comfortable if your body is failing. Get strong from core to extremity. Build the aerobic base. Develop the functional fitness that lets you keep moving when everything hurts.
Without a solid physical base, discomfort becomes panic. With it, discomfort becomes manageable.
2. Deliberately Put Yourself in Uncomfortable Situations
This is where most people stop short. They train hard — but always in comfortable conditions. That's not enough.
- Got a beach or sandpit nearby? Do a workout in wet gear covered in sand
- Train near cold water? Get in the surf
- No ocean? Make an ice bath and use it
- Train in bad weather — rain, wind, cold mornings
- Do workouts when you're tired, not just when you're fresh
Always train smart. Never do cold water training alone — always have a swim buddy.
3. Repeat Until It Becomes Normal
The goal isn't to enjoy discomfort. The goal is to stop fearing it. Every time you push through something hard, you expand your comfort zone. Do it enough times and what used to break you becomes just another Tuesday.
That's what Hell Week really tests — not whether you can survive one bad week, but whether you've built a life that's prepared you for it.
Start Building That Foundation Today
If you're willing to put in the time and take the extra effort to get truly outside your comfort zone, the results will be extraordinary. That's not motivation talk — that's what the data from thousands of SGPT athletes shows.
🔥 SGPT Silver On-Ramp Program — The best starting point. Build your physical and mental base the right way before pushing into advanced training.
💪 SGPT 365 Total Training System — A full year of operator-level programming designed to build the body and mind that doesn't quit — in any conditions.
🏋️ Tier 1 Development Program — Advanced 90-day tactical fitness for those ready to train at the DEVGRU and Delta Force level.
🎯 SGPT Murph Challenge 2026 — Memorial Day is 12 days away. Honor the fallen. Test yourself now.
HOOYAH!
Coach Brad McLeod
Former Navy SEAL | Founder, SEAL Grinder PT & SGPT Online
Author, Freak Frogman Handbook