Green Beret Seeking Purpose with Dave Fielding

The Mission After

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Our guest today is Dave Fielding, a U.S. Army Green Beret turned intelligence officer. Growing up north of Boston in a blue-collar family, Dave was inspired by his grandfather, a World War II veteran, and pursued challenging endeavors from a young age. His early experiences in the Boy Scouts and near-death experiences pushed his boundaries, eventually leading him to join the military. Dave's journey is not just about professional achievements but also about overcoming personal struggles, including mental health battles and healing through writing. Today, Dave will share insights on transitioning from military service to civilian life, focusing on health, wellness, and personal growth. But before we dive in, I want to tell you about our new free resource available at themissionafter.org. It's called 'The 10 Surprising Military Habits that are Sabotaging Your Career... and Your Life.' This guide will help you identify and overcome those habits, so be sure to download it at themissionafter.org

Summary

The conversation explores the challenges and experiences of transitioning from a military career to civilian life, with a focus on health and wellness. The speakers discuss the physical and mental toll of military service, the importance of self-care and recovery, and the need for self-awareness in managing stress. They also touch on the significance of finding one's strengths and passions in building a fulfilling post-military life. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of mission and the power of personal growth and self-discovery. In this conversation, Mike Bledsoe discusses his journey of transitioning from the military to civilian life and finding his passion. He shares his experience of dealing with the emotional aftermath of his military service, including thoughts of suicide, and how he overcame them. Mike emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and self-awareness in healing and finding one's true identity. He also talks about the significance of prioritizing and pursuing one's passion, even if it means taking risks and making lifestyle adjustments. Mike's mission after the military is to maximize joy and live a life filled with natural beauty and service.

Takeaways

• Transitioning from a military career to civilian life can be challenging, both physically and mentally.
• Taking care of oneself and prioritizing recovery is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being.
• Self-awareness is key in managing stress and avoiding burnout.
• Finding one's strengths and passions is essential in building a fulfilling post-military life.
• Having a sense of mission and purpose can provide direction and motivation in life after the military.
• Personal growth and self-discovery are powerful tools for healing and moving forward. Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, and it's important to prioritize self-compassion and self-awareness in the healing process.
• Finding and pursuing one's passion is crucial for a fulfilling life, even if it means taking risks and making lifestyle adjustments.
• Prioritizing and focusing on one main goal or priority can lead to greater success and fulfillment.
• Maximizing joy and living a life surrounded by natural beauty and service can be a meaningful mission after the military.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:27 The Physical and Mental Toll of Military Service
05:20 Recovery and Taking Care of Oneself
08:34 Navigating Failure and Finding New Paths
12:19 Rediscovering Strengths and Passions
18:34 Building a Health and Wellness Program for Law Enforcement
23:51 Managing Stress and Allostatic Load
29:04 The Power of Mission and Purpose
31:03 Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
34:56 Finding Passion and Healing in Transition
36:21 The Power of Self-Compassion and Self-Awareness
37:50 Prioritizing and Pursuing Your Passion
46:01 Maximizing Joy and Living a Meaningful Life

Links:
Instagram: @davefielding.dol
X: @davefieldingDOL
Website: https://www.davefielding.com/