The year is 1965. A U.S. Navy pilot has just ejected from his stricken fighter jet over enemy territory. He had a moment to himself as he floated, slowly back to earth and into enemy hands. Here’s what he said to himself on the way down. “I’m leaving the world of technology and entering the world of Epictetus.” You see, this pilot was a student of history. He had studied Stoicism and stumbled onto the slave turned Roman philosopher along the way. On the way down, he primed himself to survive whatever hell lay ahead. He didn’t panic. He didn’t have an anxiety attack. He didn’t shit himself. Instead, he prepared himself mentally for what lie ahead.
Today, as you prepare for what lies ahead in your work and life, remember to prepare for the coming struggle. Most of us will never face the kinda struggle this pilot faced, but none of us will get out of here without facing plenty of pain. Prepare, now. Prepare the script you want to tell yourself. Prepare the action you want to take. Prepare the kind of second nature you expect to habituate in the struggle. Prepare now. Train the brain, first. Train the rest, next. As I listened to my client this morning play back to me his PA for stepping into his problem child pain, I reminded him how far he’s come from the leader who a year ago would have been looking for a way out, a way around, or to simply look away. His PA, today, told me he’s been preparing well this past year. He is ready to step into this pain and go through it. His second nature is being built.
And, just like that pilot back in 1965 his actions in these kinda moments are going to define both him and his leadership for years to come. That pilot, by the way – Admiral James Stockdale…
BUILT TO LEAD 