Building a Bulletproof Mindset Part Six

This week is the final newsletter in the six-part series of the six principles that helped me change my mindset.

As you recall, the previous five newsletter’s addressed Self-Awareness, Ownership, Consistency, Gratitude, and Catharsis.

This week I’m going to discuss principle number six, Challenge.

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein.

I found this quote from Alber Einstein to be true based on my experiences.

My greatest opportunities or wins always came in the face of challenges.

“In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.” – Carol S. Dweck

As Carol Dweck pointed out, it’s about reframing our challenges into learning opportunities or opportunities to grow.

It’s all about perspective.

This is probably the most difficult of the principles to follow. 

Challenge is about taking on challenges in the face of your fear and discomfort. 

When we have a victim mindset, or a fixed mindset, we want to stay in our comfort zone.

We do everything we can to avoid challenges. 

I was fortunate that I joined the Navy.

This was the best decision I ever made, and I’ll tell you why.

The symptoms of my trauma were killing me.

I was trying to numb my pain and wanted nothing to do with change or being uncomfortable. 

The Navy was anything but avoiding change and discomfort.

The Navy forced me outside of my comfort zone, it forced me to grow.

My path to joining the Navy was anything but conventional.

I wanted nothing to do with the military (for obvious reasons).

I decided to join the Navy one night at a bachelor party.

My friend joined the Navy right out of high school.

He came home on leave from the Navy to attend the bachelor party I mentioned above. 

We sat at a table all night and I listened to him tell me about his experience in the Navy so far.

Even though he was living a rare experience in the Navy (overseas, shore duty, civilian clothes to work, etc.), this was my way out. 

I felt that God was leading me to something bigger and the Navy was the path.

I went home and told my mother the next morning that I was joining the Navy. 

This was the catalyst I needed to grow.

The Navy didn’t fix my mindset, that would come much later, but it forced me to grow and gave me opportunities I couldn’t get anywhere else.

I needed the structure and accountability the Navy provided otherwise; I don’t think I would be here today.

I look back and still pinch myself at what I accomplished in the Navy.

I say I, but I could never have done what I did without the support of my wife.

She was a big part of my success, more than I was.

The bottom line?

Growth must become intentional. It must become a habit.

Growth doesn’t happen without facing challenges. 

When it comes to growth, challenge is mandatory.

We do not grow by staying in our comfort zone. 

Read that again, we do not grow by staying in our comfort zone.

We must start small and continue to face our fears. This becomes a habit. 

If you stay consistent and do this long enough, you’ll look back and not recognize your previous self. 

Stay positive and take action!

If you know someone that could benefit from this newsletter, please share the link with them. 

As always, thank you so much for your support!