Everyone
wants to be a Frogman on Friday. One of my favorite quotes from the Teams,
because it applies to everyone and every goal. To use SEAL training as an
example, 80-85 percent don't see the third day of hell week, let alone the last day of training. It takes a lot of work to even
show up for day one, but it doesn't take much to end it. All you have to do is
say "I quit", ring the bell in the picture three times, and it's
over. There is paperwork later, but in essence, that is the end.
All SEAL
training is really about is pushing people to their lowest point, and watching
the decisions they make. When you are at your lowest point, tired, hungry,
cold...do you give in and take the easy way out? During the most difficult
portions of training, the instructors bring the bell with them, to make it that
much more enticing and easy to quit. It sits right there, in plain sight,
always ready for the next taker. I have noticed that most people focus on the
illusion of the shiny object, not the reality of what it takes to achieve it.
The amateur can only see the end state. The professional focuses on the
fundamentals and incremental progress. If you think the "bell"
doesn't exist in your life, your eyes are closed. It is everywhere. The only
difference between the BUD/s bell and everywhere else, is that in BUD/s, when
you ring it, the outcome is instantaneous. Laziness, procrastination,
selfishness, lack of discipline, you fill in the blank...all small rings of the
bell. The bell is everywhere, and it is always calling you. Ring it enough
times and you will find yourself looking back filled with regret.
Everyone
wants to be a Frogman on Friday, but you will never get there if you give in on
Tuesday. I know the sound of the bell haunts many men, don't let the decisions
you make when things get difficult end up haunting you.
