As you may know, I serve as an officer in the Army National Guard. During our two weeks of annual training a few months ago, there was a private in our company who chose to stay the course. Although he's a young soldier, he prides himself on his shooting competency as a former Marine. On day one at our weapons qualification range, he grouped and zeroed his weapon easily but failed to qualify on the qual-range. Typically, he is one of the most upbeat soldiers in our company, but that evening, he was pretty down on himself as the negatives swirled around in his mind.

I pulled him aside, and we chatted about calming down, relaxing, and refocusing for the next day when he’d have another chance to qualify. I also coached him through the power of visualization and how this tool can be a game-changer for our performance. We discussed the importance of seeing success in his mind before achieving it in reality. The next day, he chose to be focused and calm. As a result, he grouped and zeroed with ease. He then proceeded to qualify with one of the highest scores for the day.

What he didn’t know was that we had also submitted his name to our Brigadier General for a commander’s coin because of his traditionally upbeat manner in which he does business. A commander’s coin is a way for senior leadership to show their sincere appreciation for a phenomenal job on the spot. It’s more than just a thank you or a pat on the back; it’s something tangible to remember the moment by. At the end of the day, this young private not only qualified his M-4 weapon while achieving one of the highest scores but also received personal recognition from a one-star general during his range visit!

Why do I share that story with you? For me, staying the course is pivotal to long-term sustained success. Keeping your head up when your situation runs south is hard to do, but it helps you maintain progress no matter what. Through these personal insights, I've realized things are never as bleak as they may seem at the time! So, how do you stay the course? By staying optimistic, celebrating your wins (no matter how big or small), reframing your challenges, staying flexible, and reminding yourself of your “WHY”. By doing so, you will find that even in the toughest moments, you can stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Life always has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. Recently, I've faced a series of personal setbacks coupled with the inevitable frustration of dealing with tractor breakdowns on the ranch. These moments have tested my patience, my resolve, and my spirit. However, here's what I've come to understand: setbacks are not signs of failure. Rather, they are opportunities for growth and preparation. Each challenge I face sharpens my resilience and prepares me for the incredible things that lie ahead. When life gets tough, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Remember, every struggle is just a stepping stone towards a brighter future. Your challenges are teaching you invaluable lessons and building the strength you'll need to achieve your dreams.

To anyone out there feeling overwhelmed by their current obstacles, take heart. This is your preparation season. Embrace the journey, and trust that each step is guiding you toward something greater. The best is yet to come. Stay strong, stay hopeful, and keep pushing forward.

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I wear many hats while in pursuit of my passions, including serving as a Christian husband, father, Kansas rancher, men’s resiliency coach, Army National Guard officer, consultant, and endurance athlete. I want to hear from you! What areas of your life do you struggle to be resilient in? Let’s have a conversation! You can connect with me on Instagram @coachjohnsachse or shoot me an email at [email protected].