30-Year Dealership Operator changing the Game: Turning Ad Budgets into Smart Investments. No More Playbooks from Outsiders. Zero Cost, All Gain with Social Media. Time to Hold Marketing to a Higher Standard!
I recently came across a compelling post by Errol Doebler about the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones, drawn from hus Navy SEAL training experience. The analogy of finding success in the ‘thorn bush’ – essentially the most uncomfortable, unlikely places – struck a chord with me. In our personal and professional lives, we often gravitate towards comfort, the path of least resistance. It’s human nature…….. However, this post reminded me that true growth, innovation, and breakthroughs often reside in those areas we instinctively avoid. The story shared about Navy SEAL training, where the most effective hideout was amidst thorn bushes – the least comfortable but most strategic location – serves as a powerful metaphor. It challenges us to rethink our approach to obstacles and goals. Do we settle for the easy path, or do we dare to venture into the thorny, uncharted territories that promise greater rewards? In 2024, I’m inspired to take this lesson to heart. It’s time to identify my own ‘thorn bushes’ - those challenging projects, uncomfortable conversations, or risky ventures we’ve been avoiding. These are the opportunities where true potential lies. Let’s embrace this mindset and push beyond the familiar. The journey might be uncomfortable, and at times, downright difficult. But the growth, learning, and success I will encounter there will be worth every challenging step. Thank you Errol Doebler for this insightful and motivating message. Here’s to finding my thorn bushes and making the most out of them this year!
CEO of IceColdLeader | Former Navy SEAL and FBI Agent | Author of Ice Cold Leader, Leading from the Inside Out | Columnist for The Aspen Daily News
The first time I was placed in charge of a field surveillance operation was in Navy SEAL training. After my team and I set up our “hide”, the location from which we would observe our target, I went to find the instructors and let them know we were ready to begin the exercise. As I was about to point them in the direction of the hide they told me not to worry, they would find it, and started off in the direction I came. This was laughable to me. We worked hard to ensure we were positioned in such a way that no one could see us and that we were camouflaged appropriately. There was no way the instructors could find us. In the end, it took them about 10 minutes to locate every member of our six-person team. The lesson here was clear. We were to be surveilling our target for (only) 24 hours and, the instructors explained, it was human nature to find the most comfortable place to settle in. From a distance, sure, maybe we were invisible. But someone looking to disrupt what we were doing could easily find us. Why? Because they also would go to the most comfortable place to look. Again human nature. The instructor saw my confusion and walked me over to a huge swath of thorn bushes. “Would you ever go in there and look for someone?” I admitted, no, probably not. “Then that’s where you should be.” Simple as that. Over the years my teams and I set up surveillance locations that made the thorn bushes look like paradise, often for several days on end. Sleep, comfort, warmth, restrooms, conversation, or anything that made you feel normal, or human were never in abundance during these operations. So, how does this apply to you or your team? Your challenge is to think about what your personal, family, team, or company’s thorn bush is. Most often we choose not to see the thorn bush that will give us success in the end. It’s too hard, we get too lazy, and we feel at peace operating where 99% of the people, families, teams, and companies do, the comfort zone. So, in 2024, if you’re looking to have massive impact, do yourself a favor and go operate in the thorn bush. Trust me, there’s plenty of room and plenty of opportunities to disrupt your status quo there.
Dallas Ford
9mo
Great post and the thorny bush is a powerful reminder for 2024 we can all carry with us. I look at it this way. Growth is painful but so is failure. One however is getting you to a better place. Chose your pain don't have it inflicted upon you.
30-Year Dealership Operator changing the Game: Turning Ad Budgets into Smart Investments. No More Playbooks from Outsiders. Zero Cost, All Gain with Social Media. Time to Hold Marketing to a Higher Standard!
9moNate Lampros this is a great story !