When Things Aren't Working, Find a New Focus, New Way, or New Mission Altogether

Finding Your New Focus / Mission (Storytime)

Back with Navy Rugby was "security" on Army-Navy Football Game Sidelines!

Life is filled with ups and downs, smooth times, and challenging times. This is a story about the hard work and focus required to dig out of the hole I created for myself, and about the most exciting peaks of my teenage years into my early 20s. Finding new focal points and mission changes across the multiple hills and valleys of life that now make up what I call my formative years was the key. 

Long, long ago, back in the 1900's...

I wanted to share something I like to share with 2nd-year students at the Naval Academy whenever possible. It is often a weird time for many, as you lose that freshman focus on being on the alert for typical challenges given on a daily / often hourly basis. In fact, I recently told this story to first-semester sophomores in a guest-speaking role I filled in a Leadership class, and I thought I would share it with you, too. Here is my story:

My freshman year was different between my 1st / 2nd semesters. My first one was an eye-opening experience that had me realizing I needed to up my game in everything:

- I failed my first fitness test (sit-ups).
- I was failing chemistry.
- Did not make the football team (which was a large part of my identity in high school).
- AND I was not doing particularly well as a midshipman in general (bottom 10% in overall midshipmen grades: (military, academic, professional knowledge, other assessments)
Never Failed Sit-ups Again...

Quite simply, I learned how to ask for help. I went to teachers, found mentors, coaches, extra-instruction periods, and took a study-skills class. I was able to turn it around in the next few months, and by the end of the semester, I did not fail anything, maxed the next PT test, and made the rugby team. I was also locked in and ranked #1 in my second semester of Plebe year. This is definitely not a brag, as I was still cutting it close with academics and not starting on the rugby team, but I found systems to help me - teachers, mentors, teammates, and just working hard to be like the people who were doing well. I truly saw how "iron sharpens iron". 

The Summer after Plebe year was awesome. I was able to travel with the Navy to places I had never been, but also had some time at home, where I quickly learned my previous year was like no one else's. My friends at college were really enjoying college. My friends who joined the military after high school were doing real military things like jumping out of planes or even learning to fly Army helicopters  ("High school to Flight school). 
Though I still came back to the Naval Academy very excited not to be a freshman. I quickly became a cynical Midshipman as I felt like I was neither in the military nor in college. I was kind of lost, which led to getting in trouble on the weekends (underage drinking). I had lost my focus on being a squared-away plebe, but did not know how to be a squared-away sophomore. My mission of daily tests by upper-class freshmen year was gone. Well, it took getting into trouble for me to figure it out, and when I was getting my punishment, the deputy Commandant said, "What happened to you? You were #1 in your company Plebe year, and now you are 28th." 

I had no good answer. He continued, "You need to find a new mission. Your current path is not going to end well for you."

I was glad I had that talk, as it was the first time I felt I had even done anything wrong. It was not immediate, but I took that "new mission" for real and started doubling down on grades, working out, and rugby. This is largely what I did for the next three years. Now, I was not perfect, but I felt like I was on the right mission when I was helping others with the things I was good at doing (lifting, working out, PT scores, etc). My day looked like this:
My "New Mission Schedule"

Morning Workouts: I found others who were working out in the morning before school to prep for Marines, SEAL, or just to ace the fitness tests at the Academy. I started inviting those who were not doing well on the physical mission to some of these workouts. I was actually useful to others on this mission and enjoyed helping people who were struggling to meet the standards. Something that has stuck with me for 40 years now. 
Rugby Practice: Got better the second year and even made an all-star team with 4 other Navy players. Two of those guys wanted to be SEALs, and their workouts helped me.
Swim: On the way back from Rugby practice, we would stop by the pool, cool down in the pool, and practice pool skills, technique, and conditioning for half an hour. Then go eat dinner.
Study: I knew my room was not the best place to study, so I packed up all my books and took them to dinner, ate, and then went straight to the library, even though the study period did not officially start until 8 pm. I was often getting a head start before 7 pm. 

Related Story: How Failures Drive Success (if you don't quit)

This was my life for the next 2.5 years, and it became more than a habit. It was part of who I was. People saw how hard I was working, and while I was not the smartest or best performer by any means, I was going to outwork most people. These were 18-hour days that started Sunday night after dinner and ran through Friday evening. It worked for me, and I graduated and secured one of the 19 BUD/S billets at the Academy that year. 

After Graduation: I went to BUD/S, and everything I had practiced over the last three years paid off. While we were basically PLEBES again as BUD/S students, it wasn't overwhelming because I knew how to be that guy. I soon realized I had learned something while at the Academy about persevering and working with others on a similar mission. That mission now was getting through BUD/S.  There were the same ups and downs at BUD/S. The same highs and lows when checking into the SEAL Team and joining the SEAL platoon. Starting over and being the NEW GUY again is all a part of this journey. It never really stops if you are on a growth path. 
BUD/S Graduation 1992

So I'm writing this to say: find your new mission. Go talk to teachers/mentors, work out hard to get stronger and faster. Practice tactical skills that will help you in your future service role, such as rucking, land navigation, swimming, SCUBA diving, and other things that pertain to your mission. But most importantly, remember the reasons WHY you wanted to go the route you chose (Enlist, Service Academy, Military School, college, work, etc) in the first place. The system is there to help you, but you have to help yourself and figure it out.  And if you really want to help yourself, help someone else get better. 

My final thought is to learn from others' mistakes (like mine). It is OK to make your own. Lord knows we are human, and mistakes and failures are a part of who we are, but they are meant to be learning experiences, not immovable obstacles to future goals. Try not to dig out of the hole I had to dig out of, if you can. 

Training is What We Do: 

Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond?  We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program.  See how that works.  

There is More to StewSmithFitness.com Than You May Know

Dive deeper into the world of Tactical Athlete training and mental toughness by exploring Stew Smith Fitness Programming for the Tactical Athlete online store. Uncover the strategies and techniques used by elite forces to push past physical and mental barriers. Visit https://www.stewsmithfitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success for many special ops level selection programs in the military and police world. 

Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com

Core Mission

Specific Programs & Courses

Resources and Content

Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Best Health After 50 (latest program developed)

As you cross the wonderful milestone of 50, you might find that your body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone in this—many men and women in your age group are searching for ways to revive their fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. That’s where longtime coach and fitness writer Stew Smith’s newest book, "The Ageless Athlete: Fitness Over 50," comes into play. This book may just be the spark you need to ignite your fitness journey.

Truth is, there are people over 60 and 70 doing this workout. Even the advanced section. It works and will help you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced. 


Have you been thinking about getting back in shape but don’t know where to start?

Imagine waking up each day with more energy, flexibility, and the drive to embrace life head-on. Stew Smith, a seasoned fitness expert with 56 years of experience, has crafted a program specifically for guys like you—men who may feel overwhelmed by fitness options or unsure what’s suitable for their age. With his 22-week plan tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced practitioners, you will find exactly what you need to suit your current fitness level.

Learn The Never Quit Mindset Method

The ability to maintain optimism and persistence even in the face of repeated challenges sets them apart. It is a mindset, a Never Quit Mindset. 


OPTIONS: Book, eBook, Audio Book, and Video Training Course

New Tactical Fitness Training Course!

Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.

Training is What We Do: 

Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond?  We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program.  See how that works.  

Who is Stew Smith? Coach, Trainer, Author, Podcaster 

I'm the former Navy SEAL that special ops candidates go to for books, ebooks and online coaching to prepare themselves to get to and through intense tactical assessment and selection programs and qualify for service in their chosen tactical profession.  See More at StewSmithFitness.com

Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs

When you start training again, consider the seasonal tactical fitness model.  I call it A WAY to train and obviously not the only way to train. But it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, helps with flexibility and mobility, but will also put you at a level of physical abilities where you are happy with your overall ability to just about anything. We have a systems where the seasons dictate our training. When it is nicer outside, we tend to run and do more calisthenics.  When it is colder and not so nice, we lift more, run, less, and still maintain our outdoor activities with shorter runs and rucks. Check it out: Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.  

Online Coaching Options

Online PT CLUB - Weekly Workouts created personally for you.


New Member's Only Content / Services Program!

If you want access to years' worth of workouts, many of the top eBOOKs, favorite workouts of the week, a free fitness APP, a closed Facebook Group, a video/picture library of exercises, and more access to LIVE Q/A sessions, check out the Stew Smith Fitness Members Section. 

The dashboard below has the links to all the information, archives, videos, and links to workouts, podcasts, live Q and A lessons. 

Consider this! - A Membership Program and Gain Access to Exclusive Content
(click for Fitness Club Dashboard - members only)

Best of all, if you have questions, email Stew Smith himself (Stew@stewsmith.com).  Join the tactical fitness group discussions, latest articles, videos, podcasts at the Stew Smith Tactical Fitness Training Closed Group on SKOOL.

 

Questions?  Just email - Stew@StewSmithFitness.com


Training is What We Do: 

Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond?  We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program.  See how that works.  

There is More to StewSmithFitness.com Than You May Know

Dive deeper into the world of Tactical Athlete training and mental toughness by exploring Stew Smith Fitness Programming for the Tactical Athlete online store. Uncover the strategies and techniques used by elite forces to push past physical and mental barriers. Visit https://www.stewsmithfitness.com now and equip yourself with the tools for success for many special ops level selection programs in the military and police world. 

Here is a list of what we do at StewSmithFitness.com

Core Mission

Specific Programs & Courses

Resources and Content

Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Best Health After 50 (latest program developed)

As you cross the wonderful milestone of 50, you might find that your body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone in this—many men and women in your age group are searching for ways to revive their fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. That’s where longtime coach and fitness writer Stew Smith’s newest book, "The Ageless Athlete: Fitness Over 50," comes into play. This book may just be the spark you need to ignite your fitness journey.

Truth is, there are people over 60 and 70 doing this workout. Even the advanced section. It works and will help you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced. 


Have you been thinking about getting back in shape but don’t know where to start?

Imagine waking up each day with more energy, flexibility, and the drive to embrace life head-on. Stew Smith, a seasoned fitness expert with 56 years of experience, has crafted a program specifically for guys like you—men who may feel overwhelmed by fitness options or unsure what’s suitable for their age. With his 22-week plan tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced practitioners, you will find exactly what you need to suit your current fitness level.

Learn The Never Quit Mindset Method

The ability to maintain optimism and persistence even in the face of repeated challenges sets them apart. It is a mindset, a Never Quit Mindset. 


OPTIONS: Book, eBook, Audio Book, and Video Training Course

New Tactical Fitness Training Course!

Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.

Training is What We Do: 

Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond?  We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program.  See how that works.  

Who is Stew Smith? Coach, Trainer, Author, Podcaster 

I'm the former Navy SEAL that special ops candidates go to for books, ebooks and online coaching to prepare themselves to get to and through intense tactical assessment and selection programs and qualify for service in their chosen tactical profession.  See More at StewSmithFitness.com

Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs

When you start training again, consider the seasonal tactical fitness model.  I call it A WAY to train and obviously not the only way to train. But it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, helps with flexibility and mobility, but will also put you at a level of physical abilities where you are happy with your overall ability to just about anything. We have a systems where the seasons dictate our training. When it is nicer outside, we tend to run and do more calisthenics.  When it is colder and not so nice, we lift more, run, less, and still maintain our outdoor activities with shorter runs and rucks. Check it out: Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.  

Online Coaching Options

Online PT CLUB - Weekly Workouts created personally for you.


New Member's Only Content / Services Program!

If you want access to years' worth of workouts, many of the top eBOOKs, favorite workouts of the week, a free fitness APP, a closed Facebook Group, a video/picture library of exercises, and more access to LIVE Q/A sessions, check out the Stew Smith Fitness Members Section. 

The dashboard below has the links to all the information, archives, videos, and links to workouts, podcasts, live Q and A lessons. 

Consider this! - A Membership Program and Gain Access to Exclusive Content
(click for Fitness Club Dashboard - members only)

Best of all, if you have questions, email Stew Smith himself (Stew@stewsmith.com).  Join the tactical fitness group discussions, latest articles, videos, podcasts at the Stew Smith Tactical Fitness Training Closed Group on SKOOL.

 

Questions?  Email Stew@StewSmithFitness.com

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