Walk the Talk & Having a Running Start on New Year’s Resolutions
1/ While traveling with my family during the holidays I have been trying to catch up on family and gym time. I love exercising but the past few years I’ve been prioritizing work over health. Every day over the past few years I’ve been attriting the physical fitness foundation that I built while at United States Military Academy at West Point and in the US Army. One of the major things about the military that is awesome is that it pays you to work and stay physically fit.
2/ I noticed Stan McChrystal doing pull-ups when I got to the gym early yesterday morning. I wanted to say hello to him but before doing so I made sure to count how many pull-ups he did to make sure I didn’t embarrass myself. I said hello, asked him if I could work in a quick set of pull-ups. After cranking out my pull-ups, I asked McChrystal if we could meet later in the day and he graciously accepted the invite.
3/ McChrystal is very well known for adhering to a disciplined regimen: working out, not eating much during parts of the day, etc…I can now provide first hand witness that he walks the talk when it comes to prioritizing his physical fitness in the early morning hours!
4/ The first time I spoke with McChrystal was during the West Point Association of Graduates podcast w/Lance Dietz, here are some of my takeaways from that podcast: https://lnkd.in/giGEKyWD
5/ During our meeting, we talked about the importance of physical wellness, working out during the holidays so we have a running start on our New Year’s resolutions, and our respective journey as we transitioned from active duty. He agreed to take a picture together after our meeting in the gym.
6/ Here are a few more nuggets of wisdom that he shared on the podcast we did together and I’m referencing this advice as it’s a good reminder as we start 2023.
7/ His advice for service members transitioning to the civilian sector: just as there was a massive culture shock on the first day of joining the military (boot camp), there will be a massive culture shock when you transition from the military to the civilian world. But no day is worse than the first day and every day thereafter is better. cc The Military Veteran
8/ The quality of the journey is just as important if not more important than the destination.
9/ Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) that he believes are critical: be honest w/yourself, treat people with respect and be unfailingly courteous, & be self disciplined with what you say and how you act.
10/ We both wish everyone a fantastic New Year’s! We hope you keep your New Year’s Resolutions and to see you in the gym if that is part of your 2023 resolution!
cc McChrystal Group, Context VC, Media Mobilize
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