Today we’re going to talk about how to overcome adversity. A client of mine sent me a book called Overcome, written by Jason Redmond, a former Navy SEAL out of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Great book. I recommend you read it.
In reading this book, Jason had some adversity to overcome in being a Navy SEAL. He took on some serious injuries and he had to come back and fight to be the person he needed to be for himself, his team, his company, and most importantly, his family. It wasn’t easy. He had to work on his mind as well as work with his physical limitations. He came up with something in the book I liked that I’m going to share today called The Pentagon of Peak Performance. It has five core pillars that we must master to be the successful leaders we need to be as well as to enjoy life to its fullest.
The first is Physical Leadership. This is the foundation of The Pentagon of Peak Performance. We need to take care of ourselves physically. We need to be strong, we need to eat well, and exercise. This is our vehicle for life. The first thing Jason had to work on was his physical body because it was somewhat destroyed after the adversity he had in Afghanistan. He had to build his foundation first. The first step to being a great leader and being successful in life is to take care of yourself physically. Remember, a strong body builds a strong mind.
With that in mind, number two most important of the core values is Mental Leadership. It’s all about developing your mind. A mind is a muscle. It craves growth and challenge. We must feed our minds just like we feed our bodies. Strong body, strong mind. As you build these two core pillars, when adversity strikes, you’ll be in much better shape to handle adversity. Jason Redmond got hit hard. He lost a lot of blood, almost too much that any normal person should lose, and he almost died. However, the doctor said, “If it wasn’t for your physical and mental strength, you most likely would not have made it.”
The number three core pillar is Emotional Leadership. Let’s face it, there’s adversity in life and business around the corner. When we master Emotional Leadership, we are in control. No one’s going to follow somebody who cannot manage their own emotions. We can’t be hot and cold. Myself, when I’m off, I vent to my coaches. I get it out with them so I can be back on my A game with those I need to lead, like my family, my clients, and such. You need to be calm, concise, clear, and in control. Only we can choose to be in control. It doesn’t matter what happens around us, it’s how we respond to what happens.
Number four is Social Leadership. That’s how we invest in the people closest to us. Our family is definitely number one. When things get tough, people who you think are friends, may or may not be there for you. In Jason’s case, when things got tough, his wife was there and said, “This is what it is. Let’s move on. I’ve got your back.” That strength from someone who authentically loves you will take you to the next level of strength. Invest in the people closest to you.
Number five is Spiritual Leadership. Let’s face it, there’s a lot more going on in this world than just us. Do I believe in a higher power? Absolutely, yes, works for me. I choose to believe. Believe that there’s something bigger than you. It’s not all about us. We’re here for a reason. Connect with nature. Be grateful for what you have. Feel free to meditate, slow yourself down and just be at ease and peace with who you are and why you’re here.
The Pentagon of Peak Performance, number one, Physical Leadership, take care of your body, be strong. Number two, Mental Leadership. Feed your mind. Number three, Emotional Leadership. You are in control. Number four, Social Leadership. Be in tune with those around you. And number five, Spiritual Leadership. Realize there’s something out there much bigger than you. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10. Ten, you’re a rockstar, one, you’re not, in those five areas. Shine up the ones you’re weak in and I guarantee you’ll have a better life; you’ll be more successful and you will be the leader that others want to follow.
COACH MICHAEL DILL is an Award-Winning Certified Business Coach, global speaker, and published author. He is a proud Action Coach Franchise partner as well as the President of Power & Ice Wealth Creation a strategic leadership company that works with business owners, leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs to both develop a systematized and structured organization while accelerating their mindset, efficiencies, and effectiveness to grow both personally and professionally to achieve extraordinary results. He brings more than 40 years of business and entrepreneurial experience in his leadership, team training, and mentoring practice. Businesscoachmichaeldill.com