In my early 20s, I failed at everything.
Mid 20s: Earned my green beret.
30s: Built successful businesses.
40s and early 50s: Discovered what “living fully” really means.
In Special Forces, we lived by one truth:
The mission brief never survives first contact.
You adapt or you fail.
Life works the same way.
Always changing.
Your mission at 20 isn’t your mission at 30.
Your definition of success at 30 isn’t the same at 40.
What drives you at 40 most possibly shifts again at 50.
The challenge?
Recognizing the pivot points.
Especially when you’ve got momentum.
I see this with the high achievers I coach:
• Crushing it in business
• Making more money than ever
• Everything looks perfect on paper
But something feels off.
Because the mission has changed.
And they’re still fighting the last war.
Here’s what Special Forces taught me about mission evolution:
1. Situational Awareness is Everything
• Reading the battlefield then: Enemy movements
• Reading life now: Internal signals, family needs, shifting priorities
2. Success in One Phase Doesn’t Guarantee Success in the Next
• Different missions require different strategies
• What got you here won’t get you there
3. There’s a Season for Everything
Yes, I talk about balance. But I also know there are times for relentless focus:
• Building your career
• Starting a business
• Acquiring crucial skills
The key is recognizing when that season ends.
Because here’s the truth:
There’s no medal for grinding yourself to dust.
No award for missing your kids’ childhood.
No trophy for a broken marriage.
The real skill?
Knowing when to pivot.
When to redefine the mission.
When to change the measure of success.
I’ve seen both sides:
• The rush of military operations
• The thrill of business victories
• The quiet joy of a life well-lived
Each phase had its purpose.
Each mission shaped the next.
Each pivot point opened new possibilities.
Your mission will change.
That’s not failure – it’s evolution.
The question is:
Are you still fighting the last war?
Or are you ready to accept your new mission?
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