Mindset for Sparring Practice

Of course Sparring IS NOT fighting, there IS a difference. 
In sparring you are trying to practice with safety in mind, in a fight safety does not exist. 

The goal of each sparring session is to practice the same skills you need to succeed in a fight or match. This means that the way you think, feel and perform during a sparring session in class should approach the way you think, feel and act in a match or fight as closely as possible while maintaining the safety of the participants. Don't approach the situation as play... force yourself to perform. You are the actor, your mind and body is the audience. Your body must be made to believe that what it is experiencing is the real thing.

Look your opponent in the eyes, mess with their mind, control the pace, control the space, move first, never show weakness or fear. Every feint should be indistinguishable from the real attack. Every strike should be on target and have the potential to end the fight or create the opportunity to land the winning blow. Every engagement is a new battle. Every battle is an opportunity to win the war. Treat your sparring partner with respect and tough love. This is war, not play. This is hard work. This is serious. This is training. Don't accept less.