Got Grit?

Lessons learned from my daughter...

Have you got what it takes to bounce back? To be resilient despite whatever obstacles you may encounter? It can be personal. It could be professional. Or, it might be that age-old challenge of the balancing act between them.

Recently, my daughter graduated from the US Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS). It was six grueling weeks at Quantico, VA, in 90 degree, humid weather. Rising at 4:30 am (0430) every day, she and her fellow candidates ran over 45 miles through wooded and rocky terrain, waded through murky water in full uniform and gear, completed challenging leadership and physical fitness tests, sat through hours of classroom lectures and academic exams—all on little sleep, and no caffeine! To survive and succeed, candidates had to be extremely fit physically and mentally. They had to push themselves to be resilient and agile, to learn how to think clearly and quickly when exhausted, and to lead their peers by being confident and decisive.

From a shy toddler to a teen tomboy, she struggled to fit in and find her way through middle school and high school. She was harassed by bullies and faced disappointments that caused anxiety and doubt. Read more...

#resilient #leadership #agility #OCS #oorah #DeanBaker