Fit for Life: Be a Soldier

Fit for Life: Be a Soldier

 

We all have regrets, and my biggest regret was not joining the military when I turned 18.  

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My grandfather was in the Navy during the Second World War, my Dad was in the Navy during the Vietnam era, and when it was time for me, I was smart ass know it all that wasn't about to join something where I was told what to do 24 seven. 

 

In addition to my defiance of authority, at that time, in the late 80s, various conflicts were going on around the world, so my parents weren't very encouraging about me joining the military. Therefore, I went to work instead.

 

Little did I realize that the military would have taught me to be more structured and disciplined at an early age.

As an adult, I've always been impressed with the training, efficiency, and structure the military provides. 

So much so that I did a Navy Seal-style self-development program four years ago.  

 

It was a 75-hour Hell Week style program called The Project, where we were broken down physically, emotionally & mentally, then put back together as a 2.0 version of ourselves, so we could level up in life and be the best we could be.

 

I also use military tactics with my high school football team. I don't only put them through vigorous workouts; I ensure we all line up perfectly, count together, and work as a unit. I also encourage them to treat each game like we are in a battle and we need to watch each other's backs to win games. 

 

Although I've never been in the military, I know enough people with some insight and habits that we can apply, so you can conduct your life as if you were living in the military. 

 

Here are a few.

 

Make your bed - A commencement speech for a Navy Seal graduation from a high-ranking admiral William Mc Craven went viral. In the speech, he advised the crowd to "make your bed" first thing in the morning. The reasoning behind this statement was that by doing so, you immediately complete a task, which translates to a win first thing in the morning. That will create a domino effect and encourage us to complete small daily tasks. When we finish one small job after another, it turns into a successful day. If, for some reason, you have a bad day, you get to jump in a nice neat bed that you made.

 

This goes for weight loss also. We tell our members to focus on one pound at a time. When you do the right thing repeatedly, it adds up; before you know it, you will be down 20 lbs. 

 

Workout daily - In the military, you have no other option, and the reasoning behind a strict training regimen is to get soldiers ready for battle. So why wouldn't we need to work out daily? Isn't life a battle? Wouldn't it be easier to battle life if you were fit, healthy, and energetic? Of course, it would. However, only some see this benefit of working out. Some only see it as a brutal way to become physically fit, yet mentally it has many other benefits that will propel our days and help us become more successful in all areas of life. 

 

Travel often - I know people in the military that traveled the world. Some were involved in military operations and saw conflicts and disturbing circumstances, and I am grateful and indebted to those who sacrificed our country. However, I know some who got to see the world differently. Traveling enhances our life experience, even if it is within our country. We become more aware of what's outside the box we live in, and it gives us a perspective on life that we can't get being stationary. I purposely bought into a business model that encouraged me to travel to different cities for training and self-development. I have seen some incredible places and experienced different things, and I am grateful for that. 

 

Look the part - No, we don't all need to look the same, but we should be conscious and always try to look sharp, regardless of where we go. Have some self-respect, and don't leave the house with your pajamas on. How you carry yourself shows not only your sense of style but how you see yourself and your level of self-esteem. When I see someone in public that looks like they just rolled out of bed, it gives me the impression that this person just "gave up" and has no self-respect. Deep down, we care how we are perceived, so develop that sense of self-pride and attempt to look your best. 

 

Be disciplined - This is a big one. Even though I was never in the armed forces, I developed a high level of discipline. It boils down to how important something is to you. When we are in enough pain, we are forced to be disciplined. However, we can exercise our discipline muscles before the pain hits. When we want something bad enough, it requires commitment and the ability to change our habits. If it is important enough, we find a way; when it isn't, we find an excuse. When we develop our sense of discipline, we learn to negate excuses and do what needs to be done. In order to succeed at anything worthwhile, we need to overcome all obstacles and do it anyway, regardless of the situation.

 

Remember, the world wasn't built in a day, and good things take time, energy, and effort. Sometimes we can't hit that home run when we get to bat. Therefore, we need to stockpile the small wins or base hits. When we stay consistent with our mission, we can remain strong. The only way to fail is to give up, and that's outside our vocabulary. 

 

Now go out and be a soldier, and make your bed every day!!

 

Committed to your success,

Matt