I believe in failure. Failure is a constant. Failure is the jumping off point for true growth and improvement. In every endeavor, we have countless opportunities to fail and in turn grow. Failure does not have to be fatal. I love coaching people to believe that failure can be a catalyst for growth.
In the spring of 2004, I boldly informed a teacher of my goals for higher education and a career. I was met with what could have been a drive demolishing response, "What makes you think you can get in there?" My response, "I belong there." In March of '06 I received my appointment package and in June of the same year, I reported to the United States Naval Academy.
Fast forward to present day and the hard truth. I have failed. Some of these failures have entirely altered the course of my life. I have failed time and time again and I am so blessed that I have, because every time I failed, I learned, I improved, and I became better in all facets of my life.
In August of 2019, I left my career as a Naval Officer, a career I loved, because I felt called to pursue other avenues. My inspiring and supportive wife questioned my plan, but never my motives. I wish we had questioned my plan more, as it was wrought with peril. We had plans to start a family and I could not see myself missing a minute of that new adventure. It took me over six months find a job. I felt like I was running from the looming dark cloud, that I had created for myself. The hardest part being, I had prided myself on being a source of light for my people. I love, absolutely love, standing in solidarity with someone experiencing their own dark time. It was important to me to look them in the eye and say, "You can do this, You are strong, You are capable, and I am with you." Yet I could not do the same for myself. What if everything I had said to empower others was hollow and baseless. Was I just talking the talk?
NO! I was designed to help others and dang it I am going to do it. On 2 December 2019, I began my employment with a Veteran Service Non-Profit, was quickly promoted to Executive Director, and in the spring of 2020 found myself frantically seeking new employment.
Forecasting the next chapter, I want to devote my life to helping people realize their goals, visualize their success, and construct the road map that will get them there. I believe this process can begin early as young adults need to know that it is okay to have goals, fall short, adjust their plans and rise again. I do not have a magic formula, because one DOES NOT exist, but I do have the ability to meet people where they are not where the world tells them they should be. I tell my story without reservation or shame, and I do it with motivation and happiness, leaving people excited and feeling like they have an advocate.
