Lessons from a Navy SEAL Part 3 of 4: Quit Once, Quit Again
July 2, 2009 by dr. lam
As part of Luttrell’s description of his BUD/S training (see yesterday’s blog if you missed it), he said he would absorb the energy and spirit of the member who quit the training. In other words, when someone just couldn’t hack it, it was more proof that the surviving training team was that much better than the guy who just left. Luttrell recounts the story of one guy who quit BUD/S, then a couple of years later Luttrell saw him on an actual SEAL team. He queried, “Didn’t you quit the team when I was training?” The man responds, “Yes, at the time I quit, but I made it through the next time.” Luttrell and his teammates believe that once someone quits, he is always labeled a quitter. The reason Luttrell says that his SEAL team members believe regards the idea, “How can I trust this guy not to quit again when my life is on the line?” or “I bet the second time that this guy went through BUD/S he had an easier instructor.”
The point that Luttrell is offering is that if someone on your team has proven to be unreliable, they will most likely let you down again. Trust and reliability are critical components to any relationship, personal and/or professional. Failure once bespeaks a failure in character that will most likely show up again. This hard-nosed SEAL perspective may serve well in our personal and business dealings. Perhaps it is too hard-nosed, but it serves as an iron-willed standard to which we can aspire.
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9 Responses to “Lessons from a Navy SEAL Part 3 of 4: Quit Once, Quit Again”
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I’ll dwell on this concept today and maybe comment tonight. That’s a really good point about trust and reliability.
Hey, all blog buddies, have a great fourth of July! Btw, does anybody know why the fourth is being celebrated on the 3rd this year? Just wondered…
thanks heather. hope you have a great 4th too!
I really love this blog because trust and reliability and even respect are all character traits that have to not only be earned but they cannot be broken in order for someone to possess them. Very good point! I recall a friend who’s kids showed her no respect (which was entirely sad) and she ended up demanding that they respect her (which kids should show their parents respect), but I got to thinking that respect is not something that someone can force. It is something that is earned. When someone has earned trustworthiness, reliability and respect, I have to say that, that says a lot about that person’s character. I want to make sure that I am trustworthy and reliable and worthy of respect. This will be my new goal in life. Thanks Dr. Lam, for always bringing great concepts to your blog forum! You are a great role model!!!
thanks heather. you are certainly the most trustworthy blog commenter by far. that you have earned! GN
Thanks!
let me see if this emoticon will show up.
cool, it worked.
Gee, it worked!…lol