The Fittest Chief on Earth?

This image capture was from a few years ago, but it is likely that 3-Time CrossFit Games athlete Diane Stuart, Masters Division (50-54), was the "Fittest" Chief on earth. Even if she weren't, I'd make the bold, baseless claim that she was - only so I can make a point. Diane Stuart led by example. Even in retirement, after battling cancer and injuries, she is still getting after it.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.? - Lao Tzu        

This is a philosophical musing that I visit from time to time.? Life can take many forms and lead us in unexpected directions.? Regardless, any goal, any journey, requires a first step.??

The contrarian in me also counters this musing with another one.? Begin with the end in mind.? This is Stephen Covey’s second habit of his famed “Seven” habits book for “Highly Effective Leaders.”? Covey posited that every goal is created two times.? The first is when it is born in thought, and the second is when the physical act to bring the idea to fruition begins.? Therefore, imagination starts the process, and action closes the deal.??

Okay, what is the point?? The point is that we all start somewhere.? At any time in life, we can pivot and change directions.? Within our control is the ability to decide.? When faced with adversity, opportunity, hope, or despair, we all have a choice in how we respond.? Will we rise up or fold?

A recent guest on the Coptimizer Podcast was Chief (Ret.) Diane Stuart. She is the epitome of goal-oriented beliefs and behaviors. If you are a police officer and a CrossFitter, this name probably sounds familiar.? It does because she was a two-time podium finisher at the CrossFit Games in her master's division.? If that does not sound impressive enough, let me provide some clarification.? She was in the Top 3 fittest women, in the world, in her age group.? How about them apples???

Did I mention that Diane accomplished this feat while working as a police chief?? After a storied career at the San Jose (CA) Police Department, where she retired as Assistant Chief, she led the Heyward Police Department as Chief.? But her story is more than just policing and fitness.? Her story is about goal setting, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work.??

Her policing career began in San Jose years after doing ride-a-longs with her dad, a police officer at the Los Angeles Police Department. A first step.? In 1989 she earned her way as the first woman on the SWAT Team and subsequently worked a large part of her career in special operations.? A first step.

But tales of drive and determination are usually accompanied by overwork stress.? Diane talks about her battle with cancer and injury and why leading by example when prioritizing health and fitness is important.? In a world of people who find excuses or reasons not to try, not to begin, her journey is an example that the only thing stopping us from reaching our potential is our limiting beliefs.? Sometimes the first step is making the decision. But thoughts must lead to action.

The struggle at times, particularly for leaders, is finding the appropriate balance between caring for the organization and caring for oneself. Both are important. It is easy to tell ourselves that we are too busy and that when things settle down, we will get to work on our health and fitness. The problem is that it will always be busy, particularly when "busy" is our default mindset. And, as I have talked about previously, it is important to remind ourselves that it all ends. Not just careers, but life itself, so use your time wisely and make the most of your opportunities, but never at the expense of health. Health is wealth.

You can choose to take the first step.? Diane’s is an example worth following.? Let the journey begin!?