Do you know what your mission is?

Published: Sun, 11/15/15

Hi

John Paul Jones, founding father of the US Navy Seals had a phrase used the phrase:

'those who will not take risks will fail'

Soldiers can pay the ultimate price if they get things wrong, they need to be clear on the goal of the mission at hand, plan for every contingency, and be prepared for the worst.

In the book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink, Commander of the most decorated Navy Seal unit in Iraq, talks about how the units ensured every mission was a success by the culture of extreme ownership

At at the heart of every mission briefing was the Commanders Directive which was the desired outcome and the purpose of the mission. 

By applying 'decentralised command' through the ranks of the unit every soldier had responsibility to his subordinates and every subordinate had responsibility upwards. 

Each man, including the commanders never had more than six direct reports and all knew EXACTLY why they were on the mission and what was the desired outcome. 

At the heart of this was trust, freedom to make the right choices and a desire for the same outcome as all.

 
In a high risk environment such as a war zone, any amount of planning could never predict what was going to happen. 

Soldiers would get cut off from each other unexpectedly and the enemy often didn't do what was expected.

In this occasion the higher command could be sure that each soldier would act in the best interest of the mission at hand, without the need to freeze and wait for orders from above. 

On a fitness journey you need the same detail and focus at all times.

We need to be acutely aware of what our mission is and have the best plan possible for the weak points.

Your mission is your goal, your WHY and your insurance of a long and fulfilling life. 

When those moments arise such as:
  • Convenience food becoming the only option at a hungry moment
  • weather stops us going for a run
  • party season hots up
  • stressful and tiring day means that resolve drops when thinking about dinner options
  • injury or illness halts a strength program
  • a 'bad' habit sneaks back in
We need to have our mission at the forefront. Cut off from our support network such as friends, your coach even your Doctor, the more aware and determined you are of your clear mission the quicker you can get back on track. 

We are battling with ourselves sometimes, or at least that is how it can feel, so have the courage to take that risk if In line with your mission is often exactly what you need.

Trying a new food, putting a large weight on your back and squatting, investing some money on a coach or new plan or even just challenging your pride and signing up for a new class is a risk.

NOT doing the above will mean you will stay where you are!

Get your mission right, rally your troops, work through those scenarios where you need to counter strike.

We know that it's the small successes and wins that equal a successful mission. If you are prepared and not afraid to walk into the unknown because you know your mission, those course corrections needed will create success at every turn, however terrifying or wierd it way seem.

Every move we make or obstacle we overcome gives us power if a move towards our end goal.

Ever been dragged to a new class or event that you were sure you would hate, only to walk out fired up and energised?

You smashed through your perceived risks and won a battle..that is a massive win in your behaviour change!

Know your mission, destination and plan for the curve balls!

J
James Chandler
Personal Trainer
07870 262741
www.eatwellandworkout.com


'To inspire, educate and support our clients on their journey to better health'