Passion Struck with John R. Miles - 8 Practical Steps For How You Thrive Through Tough Times w/John R. Miles EP 349

Episode Date: September 22, 2023

In this compelling episode of the Passion Struck podcast, I dive deep into the art of thriving through challenging times with deliberate action. Life's hurdles are a certainty, but how we confront them shapes our path forward. Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Jason C. Redman, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who not only survived but thrived despite facing severe injuries and adversity. Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Pre-order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck, which will be released on February 6, 2024. Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/8-steps-for-how-you-thrive-through-tough-times/  Choose To Thrive Through Tough Times Tough times are an inescapable part of the human experience, touching us all. What truly matters are the choices we make and the mindset we adopt when confronted with adversity. Instead of viewing challenges as roadblocks, let's embrace them as integral components of our personal journey toward self-discovery and growth. Remember, the decisions you make during these trying moments set the course for your life. Choose the path of cultivating positivity and resilience, not merely to survive but to thrive. Brought to you by OneSkin. Get 15% your order using code Passionstruck at https://www.oneskin.co/#oneskinpod. Brought to you by Indeed: Claim your SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR CREDIT now at Indeed dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK. Brought to you by Lifeforce: Join me and thousands of others who have transformed their lives through Lifeforce's proactive and personalized approach to healthcare. Visit MyLifeforce.com today to start your membership and receive an exclusive $200 off. Brought to you by Hello Fresh. Use code passion 50 to get 50% off plus free shipping!  --► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to: https://passionstruck.com/deals/  Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @john_R_Miles. Prefer to watch this episode: https://youtu.be/w315GBYAkn4  Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMiles Subscribe to our YouTube Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@passionstruckclips Want to find your purpose in life? I provide my six simple steps to achieving it - passionstruck.com/5-simple-steps-to-find-your-passion-in-life/ Want to hear my best interviews from 2022? Check out episode 233 on intentional greatness and episode 234 on intentional behavior change. Learn more about John: https://johnrmiles.com/  Passion Struck is now on the Brushwood Media Network every Monday and Friday from 5–6 PM. Step 1: Go to TuneIn, Apple Music (or any other app, mobile or computer) Step 2: Search for "Brushwood Media” Network

Coming up next on Passion Struck, the choices that you make during life's most challenging moments define your path. As you navigate life's unpredictable roller coaster, make the conscious choice to cultivate positivity, hang your own sign on the door and resolve not to just survive, but to thrive and emerge stronger than life found you. Welcome to Passion Struck. Hi, I'm your host, John Armiles, and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance

of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself. If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long form interviews,

the rest of the week with guest-ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become PassionStruck. Hello everyone, and welcome back to episode 349 of PassionStruck. Consistently ranked is one of the top 10 health podcasts and the number one alternative health podcasts.

And thank you to each and every one of you who comes back weekly to listen and learn, how to live better, be better, and impact the world. PassionStruck is also on the Brushwood Media Network and you can catch us Monday and Friday during your evening commute, five-6pm Eastern Time. Links will be in the show notes. If you're new to the show, thank you so much for being here, or you simply want to introduce

this to a friend or a family member, we now have episode starter packs, which are collections of our fans' favorite episodes that we organize in convenient topics. They give any new listener a great way to get acclimated to everything we do here on the show. Either go to Spotify or PassionStrike.com and ask starter packs to get started. In case you missed it, earlier this week, I had on two phenomenal guests. The first was Dr. Neha Sang-Win. She is the author of the new book, Howard By Me, where she uncovers the profound effects

of unhield trauma on burnout and empowers individuals to discover what truly energizes them and provides greater purpose in life. The second interview was with Arthur Smith, who is a trailblazer in nonfiction television. Arthur's renowned for creating iconic shows like Hell's Kitchen and American Ninja Warrior, earning accolades like producer of the year and induction into the real-screen awards Hall of Fame.

His latest memoir, Reach, offers a thrilling peek behind the scenes of his extraordinary career journey. Please check them all out and I wanted to say thank you so much for your continued support of the show. Your ratings and reviews go such a long way to not only increasing our popularity but more importantly bringing more people into the passion struck community where we can give them weekly doses of inspiration, meaning, and hope. If you love today's episode or either of the others that I've mentioned, we would so appreciate it if you gave it a five-star

rating interview. We and our guests love to hear from our listeners. Now let's talk about today's episode. Life and all its complexity and beauty is an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of joy and sorrow, success and failure, love and loss. It's a journey filled with moments of elation and contentment, but it's also one that presents us with inevitable challenges. No one escapes the grasps of life's trials and tribulations. From the moment that we take our first breath, we are thrust into a world where obstacles and difficulties are as certain as the rising

sun. It's not a matter of if challenges will come our way, but when and in what form they will manifest. These challenges take on different guises. They may arrive as personal setbacks, health crises, natural disasters, financial losses, or the complexities human relationships. They can be as gentle as a passing storm, or as relentless as a raging tempest.

Testing our resolve and pushing us to our limits. Yet, it is within these challenges that we find the crucible of growth as well as transformation. Life's difficulties are not merely random occurrences, but purposeful lessons, giving us the ability to learn, adapt, and evolve. In their inevitability, challenges beg us to dig deep within ourselves, unearthing hidden potentials and uncharted territories

of the human spirit. Moreover, these trials remind us of our shared humanity. No one is exempt, and our collective experience of overcoming challenges finds us together in a common thread of empathy and understanding. In today's episode, our focus is on the importance of preparation, physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally, to effectively navigate life's challenges. Delvin to actionable concrete steps that can be taken when we find ourselves in the midst

of such crying times. Let's kick off by Delvin into the incredible story of Jason Redmond, a former US Navy steps that can be taken when we find ourselves in the midst of such crying times. Let's kick off by delving into the incredible story of Jason Redmond, a former US Navy seal who endured severe injuries in a fierce firefight but ultimately discovered the strength and only endure but to thrive despite the setback. Thank you for choosing PassionStruck and choosing me to be your host and guide on your journey to creating an intentional life. Now, let that journey begin.

As an inspiring leader, Lieutenant Jason Redmond consistently favored agility and speed over heaviness and bulk. His typical battle attire rarely included sideplates. However, during a pivotal mission in 2007, aimed at neutralizing a high value al-Qaeda target, an inner voice prompted him to don them. Fortunately, he heated that voice because that night his team faced a deadly ambush.

He sustained eight gunshot wounds from an enemy wielding a PKM machine gun, leaving him for dead amidst one of the fiercest firefights he had ever encountered. A little more than 96 hours later, Redmond found himself confined to a hospital bed in Bethesda, Maryland, grappling with a barrage of daunting medical revelations. Adopters delivered their assessments with brutal clarity.

His left hand was rendered useless. The extent of nerve damage was uncertain. His elbow lay in ruins, and amputation of his arm was under consideration. He was tracked, his job was wired shut, and he received nutrition through a stomach tube. Their final prognosis was equally grim. Lieutenant Redmond, it's going to take years, put you back together. As these words began to sink in, Redmond confronted harsh reality. His military career had abruptly come to an end, and he faced the grim prospect of permanent disfigurement and disability. Amidst this turmoil, he overheard a conversation

nearby that was laden with pity and negativity. What a shame, what a pity, we send these young women and men off to war, and they come home broken and battered, and they're never going to be the same. They're never going to find success. They're never going to be able to get back out there and achieve the American dream. In the face of such bleak sentiments, he felt a heavy sense of finality. It is the end. Yet, as Jason Lay in his hospital bed,

grappling with the full weight of these grim prophecies and the pervasive negativity, he came from an important realization. He had a choice. He could either succumb to self-pity and the negativity around him or find the strength at Persevere. He resolved not to be defined as a victim, but to rise above. When his wife returned to the room, he made a simple request. Give me a pen. With that pen, he inscribed a powerful message. Attention

to all who enter here. If you're coming into this room with sadness or sorrow, don't bother. The wounds I received I got in a job that I love doing it for people I love, defending the freedom of a country I deeply love, all make a full recovery. What is full? That is the absolute utmost physically. I have the ability to recover.

And then I'm gonna push push that about a hundred percent further through sheer mental tenacity. This room you're about to enter is a room of fun, optimism, and intense rapid regrowth. If you're not prepared for that, go elsewhere. Together with his wife, he signed it, the management. From that moment forward, Redmond focused on maximizing his circumstances and disregarding the limitations predicted by the medical experts and ignoring the negativity around him. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, he emerged from the deaths, despair, and adversity, reborn with newfound strength, purpose, and an unwavering conviction to conquer life's challenges and inspire others to do the same.

Today, Jason is a well-accomplished author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and an amazing father. He is the founder and spokesperson for the nonprofit organization, Wounded Where. He is also the author of the memoir, The Trident, The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL leader, as well as the book Overcome, Fresh, Adversity, with the leadership techniques of America's toughest warriors.

Jason Redmond's story stands as a testament to the human capacity to overcome and thrive during life's most daunting moments. If he could rise above his challenges, then the same potential resides within each of us. In the face of adversity, we can choose resilience over despair, and in doing so, we can not only survive difficult situations, but emerge from them stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever to live life to its fullest. So with Jason's story as a backdrop, I think it's so important to go into how do you prepare for tough times. As I have discussed throughout this episode, life is a journey that's filled with both smooth and rocky roads, while we cherish the moments of joy and prosperity,

it's equally essential to prepare ourselves for the inevitable tough times that will come our way. Preparing ourselves for tough times is not about expecting the worst, but equipping ourselves with the skills, resources, and mindset of face challenges with confidence. In his book, prepared, a manual for surviving worst-case scenarios,

former Greenbury, Mike Glover, emphasizes the concept that genuine preparedness can empower individuals to overcome nearly any disaster. For Glover, the essence of surviving a catastrophe lies not into succumbing to fear, but inculcivating resilient habits at foster adaptability, resilience, and the ability to maintain composure and high stress situations. In the same vein, we need to understand the vital importance of preparedness and that it's an ongoing process, rather than a finite destination. We need to be proactive in making plans way ahead of time for tough days and be willing to adapt to evolving

circumstances. While we can't control the circumstances that life throws at us, we do have the power to determine our response. We can choose, be consumed by fear, or we can choose to find hope amidst the darkest hours. It is in these choices that we shape our destiny and define our character, the following are detailed and practical steps for thriving through tough times. The first is that you need to recognize and accept your reality.

Denial can complicate matters further, who effectively address tough situations. You must acknowledge your current reality. Pretending the challenges don't exist won't make them disappear. Don't try to numb the pain that comes with unhealthy things like drugs, alcohol, or binge-watching TV, as I discussed in episode 142 on the need to fill your pain in order to find emotional healing. Express it in healthy ways, which may involve letting go of your emotions, self-reflecting, and spending more time with your inner self. After you've taken the time to feel it and heal, face the challenges squarely. Assess them, make adequate plans, and then

most importantly, follow up with appropriate action. Second, cultivate an unbreakable mindset. This concept of an unbreakable mindset was something that I first heard from my friend, Navy SEAL, Mark Devine. You see, your mindset is pivotal. Regardless of how dire your circumstances may appear, maintaining a mindset geared towards overcoming challenges, allows you to see the potential for growth hidden within your troubles and to rise above them. Conversely, a defeated mentality and hinder progress and prevent you from taking steps and seeking a more desirable and intentional future. Third, leverage your assets. Fear often stems from the belief that we lack the resources to

take effective action. The truth is, in every phase of life, we possess something valuable. Assess your skills, knowledge, and support systems. Recognize that you do have the assets to draw upon, even in difficult times. Fourth, keep the flame of hope burning. Hope is a potent force that sustains us during life's most difficult moments. As prolific author and teacher Tick-Nad-Hon eloquently put it, hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear any hardship today, so ensure that you hold on to hope as a guiding light

and never let go of it. Fifth, they get forward. Remarkably helping others, even when facing personal challenges, can make it easier to cope with tough times. The act of assisting others fosters a sense of purpose and community, reminding you that you can make a positive impact despite your own struggles. Sixth, prioritize self-care. In the midst of adversity, prioritize your physical,

spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. Your body and mind must be at their peak, who thinks such as maintaining a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, practice mindfulness or meditation, ensure that you're getting sufficient sleep and indulge in self-care activities that nurture your overall health. 7. Saver Gratitude While facing difficulties, remember that there is always someone who hasn't worse. Gratitude doesn't mean that you should only be happy in comparison to others, but it helps put your challenges in perspective, acknowledging the positives in your life, no matter how small, releases strength to confront life's adversities, and to do so with a hopeful heart, a th foster

or a robust support network. In tough times, there's a natural tendency to isolate oneself and to dwell on our hardships. Resist this urge, cultivate strong relationships with friends and family who can provide emotional support, having this robust support network and significantly enhance your ability to cope with adversity, and it provides a safety net of emotional sustenance, a source of wisdom, and a reminder that you're never truly alone in facing your challenges. Incorporating these eight steps into your life can help you navigate difficult situations

with grace and resilience. Remember that challenges are part of the human experience. And by developing these coping strategies, you empower yourself not only to survive, but to thrive in the face of adversity. In the words of my friend, Navy Seal, and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy, Crying Times End, these trying times are an unavoidable facet of life, words of my friend, Navy SEAL, and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy, crying times and end.

These trying times are an unavoidable facet of life. A shared experience that touches all of us. Our aim should not be to deny or evade these trials, but to confront them with unwavering, courage and resilience. Embracing the inevitability of life's challenges, calls for an open-hearted and open-minded approach. We must shift our perspective, viewing these challenges not as barriers to our happiness, but as integral components of our voyage of self-discovery. If we allow them, these challenges can temper us like precious metals in the furnace, revealing and enhancing our intrinsic value. Remember, the choices that you make during life's most challenging moments

define your path. As you navigate life's unpredictable roller coaster, make the conscious choice to cultivate positivity, hang your own sign on the door, and resolve not to just survive, but to thrive, and emerge stronger than life found you. I hope you all enjoyed the show, and I wanted to thank everyone who wrote in this week, and especially those who listened. Links to the transcripts will be in the show notes. Videos are on YouTube at both John Armeyles and our other station, PassionStruck Clips, and I have some exciting news that my book, which comes out February 6th, is now available for preorder. And in it, I will go through 12 incredible principles for helping you to live with intentionality and everything that you do.

Advertiser deals and discount codes earn one convenient place at passionstruck.com slash deals. Please support those who support the show. I'm at John Armiles on all the social platforms, or you can sign up for my weekly newsletter at either JohnArmiles.com or passionstruck.com. You're about to hear a preview of the Passionstruck podcast interview that I did with my friend, visionary thought leader and futurist Jacob Morgan. Jacob has devoted his entire career to unraveling the enigma of leadership, and he's uncovered something truly extraordinary, unearthing the secret

behind harnessing vulnerability as a superpower for leaders, something that he aptly calls the vulnerable leader equation. Jacob's latest book, Leading with Vulnerability, isn't just another leadership book. It's an imitation to a paradigm shifting adventure that will forever alter the way that you perceive leadership. Intention is really doing things with purpose. One of the frameworks that I have in the book is called the vulnerability wheel. It's really around, how do you know if you should be vulnerable or be leading with vulnerability at work?

What criteria, like do you just go up to people and start talking? Like is there some kind of a shortcut or a checklist that you can use? And at the center of this vulnerability wheel, which is a series of concentric circles, is intention. And that is understanding why is that you want to do or share whatever it is that you want to do or share. Remember that we rise by lifting others, so share this show with those that you love. And if you found today's episode useful on thriving and tough times, and share it with people who need to hear this message. In the meantime, do your best to apply what you hear on the show so that you can live what you listen.

Now go out there and become Ash and Strut.