To Inspire:

Source: jasonredman.com

Last night I was fortunate to attend St. Charles Preparatory School’s annual fundraiser, “An Evening With….” In recent years presenters for this special evening have included Tim Tebow, Dick Vitale, Dan Rooney, and Cardinal Avery Dulles. Last night’s presenter was Jason Redman, a decorated Navy Seal, now retired, who, in addition to being an entrepreneur travels the country to share his incredible story of almost dying on the battlefield in Iraq after being shot 8 times in an Al-Qaeda ambush on September 13, 2007. Life flighted out, Jason took a round to his face – shattering his jaw and tearing off his nose and right cheekbone. Over the years Jason has had to heal emotionally as well as physically (he’s had 40 surgeries) but throughout his years of recovery he learned much about the power of the human spirit. He shared four life lessons that I pass on to all of you:

• Overcome – With great perseverance we CAN overcome adversity. Navy seals use the letter “X” to describe being a target – for any kind of misfortune. Those who “get off the X the fastest” will thrive much better than those who refuse to move forward and overcome their challenges. What challenge are you facing – see it as an opportunity to grow and to become the best version of yourself – the one God made you to be.
• Lead – Leaders are not born; they are made. The world needs leaders and leadership starts with leading yourself – becoming disciplined and dependable. Once you’ve mastered yourself, begin investing in others and setting an example – then people will follow you. Leadership is not a title; it’s a set of behaviors that inspire others and make them want to follow you.
• Mission = Purpose – We slowly “die” unless we have a mission in life. Mission equals purpose. Determine why you’re here on earth – what is it that God wants from you that only you can accomplish. That is your mission, your purpose. Write it down – look at it every day and orient your life around your mission. Stay focused and avoid distractions that take you away from your mission. At the end of your life, you’ll be so thankful that you stay committed to the great mission/purpose of your life.
• Live Greatly – Embrace life and live with passion and enthusiasm. A life of greatness is not a life of comfort; a life of greatness is a life of service, a life of investing in others. We’re made for greatness – it’s never too late to live that identity!

Jason lost much on the battlefield that day. But he gained so much more – the challenge of recovering from that day transformed him over time into a man of purpose, a man of love. Allow the great challenges in your life to spur you forward to greatness; that’s the path to fulfillment and joy.

Have a great weekend.

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder