For the second time in a year and a half I am witnessing a member of my family becoming a US Marine. The entire family will once again attend this humbling, yet exciting, ceremony. Our first Marine, Tyler is now serving in Afghanistan. Today, we will attend the commissioning service for Stephen. The pride even as I write this is almost overwhelming.
As I get the privilege to spend time around these brave men and women I always come away impressed and inspired. As I was thinking about what impresses me when I am here with them, I decided there were at least five lessons I see in them that could apply to any of us in our day to day pursuit of excellence.
- The first, and possibly the most important life-lesson, Discipline. There is no mistaking the discipline that is required to become US Marine. This is the ability to not only work hard, but the ability to know what needs to get done and then DO IT! No matter how I feel today, no matter what stands in the way, they just get it done.
- Be Prepared. No matter what may come at them in the field they are ready. They work hard at anticipating all the possible circumstances that might come up and then they prepare a response to that situation. They know, as we all should, that when an opportunity presents itself it is too late to get prepared. You never know what, or when, opportunity will knock, so be prepared every day.
- Teamwork – you never see a Marine alone. They are always moving about in teams. They are trained to work as one and communication is the key. My Marine here told me today that when you don’t think you can go any further a teammate comes along side you to help you make it through whatever challenges you may be facing. Working together as one ensures success.
- Follow-through – a Marine never stops until the job is done. There is no half-way. The same should be said for us. Are there any half completed projects around your house or work? This is where discipline and integrity come in. Finish what you start.
- Vigilance – The US Marine is always standing guard, watching over their mission, ensuring that nothing unwanted comes in to un-do the great work they have done. In life, that means keeping watch over your work and life to make sure that everything is going as planned and that nothing has crept in that reduce your chances for success.
I just returned from an entire day on the base with the graduating class and their families. The Marine values of Honor, Courage and Commitment were alive and well today, and every day, with these hero’s. I am inspired to be more and do more just for having been around them.
Question: What other lessons can we learn from our military heroes?
