“Humor et Labor.”
In SOF, we pushed beyond limits.
Performed when failure wasn’t an option.
But here’s what most don’t know:
We partied. Hard.
Those “unofficial” gatherings? They weren’t just parties.
They were necessary pressure valves.
Where:
– Tensions dissolved into laughter
– Barriers broke down into brotherhood
– Stress joked away and transformed into stories
Our commander understood the truth that most “hustle culture” high performers today miss:
→ Sustained excellence requires release.
Yet here you are…
Wearing your 24/7 grind like a badge of honor.
Thinking rest and balance are weaknesses.
Believing joy is the enemy of success.
Your co-workers see it.
Your spouse feels it.
Your kids miss you because of it.
But let me share a battle-tested truth:
→ The strongest warriors know when to de-compress.
→ The best operators understand that recovery isn’t optional.
→ The most effective leaders recognize that joy multiplies impact.
You’re not a machine.
You’re human.
A human-being, not a human-doing.
And humans need both sides of the equation:
– Humor et Labor.
– Play and Work.
– Release and Drive.
The mission isn’t just to survive, making a few extra Euros.
It’s to thrive.
And sometimes, that means raising a glass instead of raising hell.
When will you give yourself permission to live completely?
PS: Enjoy this? Follow Robin Coenen for more.
Ready to build your own Epic Life?
Join my community of subscribers to the Epic Life Newsletter here> https://robin-coenen-newsletter.kit.com/53c375a1b4