“Living with a SEAL” by Jesse Itzler
In the midst of COVID-19 “Spring Break” with my family, I spent my time focusing on three things:
- Creating memories with my family (cooking together, eating with no devices, picnics in the neighborhood or a quick walk with the dog).
- Giving myself time to read, workout and reflect on the real meaning in all of this.
- Reflecting on how I can continue to grow as a leader.
Number #3 is what lead me to read “Living with a SEAL”. I have been curious about this book after seeing David Goggins on a morning show and reading his book “Can’t Hurt Me.” This book is about Jesse’s time living with a SEAL (David) for 31 days. It takes you through his journey physically and mentally during this time.
I have always been fascinated with the human mind and truly believe that any limits we have are those that we place on ourselves. How else can you explain all of the mental, athletic and spiritual feats that happen throughout the world everyday?
My top three leadership lessons from this book were:
- When you feel that you can not go any further, have barriers placed in front of you and want to quit, Don’t! You will never grow as a leader if you are not uncomfortable. Jesse was given many workout challenges that made him uncomfortable, but he never regretted completing them once they were done.
- Relationships can evolve over time. A professional relationship can become personal and vice versa. The best relationships are those with a foundation of mutual trust and respect. Jesse and SEAL demonstrated this as their relationship evolved throughout the book. They started the book as acquaintances and end up as friends.
- The human mind maximizes or minimizes our growth as a leaders. Our thought process is what helps us all achieve greatness!
My biggest takeaway from this book was in the power of the individual to unleash their potential.
Cheers to unleashing your potential and Book #6!