Manage you self care like your life depends on it–Because It Does Introduction: Self-Care is Not a Spa Day Self-care isn’t about bubble baths and beach vacations. It’s a daily operational requirement for maintaining your readiness–physically, mentally, and emotionally. Think of it like your own Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These aren’t wishful wellness ideas; they’re […]
Standard Operating Procedures for Self-Care Read More »
When life feels like it’s closing in, the last thing you might think to do is express gratitude, but that’s exactly when it’s most powerful. Gratitude is not just a feel-good emotion; it’s a stabilizing tool that can ground you when stress and adversity hit. Like any tool, it works best when it’s practiced. This
Tactical Tools: Gratitude Journaling Read More »
For years, self-help movements have emphasized finding your “why” as your reason for doing what you do. While that can be a useful starting point, it often becomes an ego-centric exercise that turns your life into a performance or a brand. It just doesn’t seem authentic to me. I’ve found something more powerful: Start with
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In the military, the SALUTE report is a standard method for observing and reporting key details about potential threats. What if we applied the same structured awareness to our emotions? Emotions, like enemy movements, can be complex and hard to track until you apply a system. By adapting the SALUTE report you can have a
Exploring Emotions: SALUTE Report Read More »
We all face problems every day. But not all problems are created equal. Some require simple solutions. Others demand layered, coordinated effort. And then there are the truly wicked problems. These are the challenges that don’t just resist resolution, but change or grow as you work on them. Understanding what kind of problem you’re facing
Understanding and Solving Problems Read More »
In order to effectively conduct surveillance you have to understand the target. You need to know where they go and what they do. We call this developing a Pattern of Life. It is a deep dive into the actions and behaviors of a target in order to understand them and to predict what they will
Pattern of Life Analysis Read More »
As a Special Agent, one of the core tenants of my mission was to Identify, Neutralize, or Exploit criminal and intelligence threats. Whether the target was a hostile actor or a security vulnerability, success required awareness and deliberate action. As a counselor, I have come to realize that the same framework can also be applied
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One of my favorite tools as a leader in the Air Force was having a daily huddle to answer one simple question “what are you doing today, tomorrow, and the rest of the week?” I kept the meeting short and informal. We were focused on identifying friction points and challenges… not on tasking and micromanaging.
Tactical Tools: The Daily Huddle Read More »
The internet is full of chatter about personal and professional growth, but sometimes we skip over the fact that growth doesn’t just happen. It requires the right conditions. The right kind of pressure. The right kind of support. Like fire needs fuel and oxygen, growth needs both challenge and support in balance. When one side
The Growth Equation Read More »
“If you want to learn something new, read; if you want to understand something deeply, write.” Learning and training with purpose activate different neurological pathways, enhancing your capabilities and building your overall capacity. While reading equips you with knowledge, it’s through active engagement—like writing—that true understanding is achieved. Consume to Create Reading is valuable, but
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