Objective Secure

1. Embrace the Warrior Mindset for Unstoppable Drive

The Army’s Warrior Ethos is a code of conduct—ideals by which every soldier lives.

Adopt a code. The Warrior Ethos, a foundational code for soldiers, offers a powerful framework for anyone striving for greatness. It's not exclusive to the military; it's a way of life that defines who we are and who we aspire to become. This mindset provides the mental fortitude necessary to overcome life's inevitable challenges.

Four core tenets. The Warrior Ethos is built on four pillars that guide action and belief:

• I will always place the mission first.
• I will never accept defeat.
• I will never quit.
• I will never leave a fallen comrade.
  These tenets, when internalized, transform abstract goals into concrete commitments, fostering an indomitable spirit that refuses to yield to adversity.

Unlocking potential. This mindset helps unlock pre-existing potential, equipping individuals with tools and methodology to recognize that anything is possible. It cultivates sustained determination, progress, and the ability to inspire others. By embracing these principles, one can approach any goal, no matter how insurmountable it seems, with the conviction that it is achievable.

2. Place the Mission First Through Sacrifice and Prioritization

Success comes to those who at any moment are willing to sacrifice what they are for what they may become.

Sacrifice is essential. Achieving ambitious goals demands sacrifice—the act of forgoing what we want for what we need. This means giving up immediate pleasures like extra sleep, unhealthy food, or excessive leisure time, and reinvesting those resources into activities that propel us toward our objectives. It's about choosing long-term gain over short-term comfort.

Prioritize your time. Time is our most limited resource, and successful individuals spend their twenty-four hours wisely. While "average" people sleep in or get lost in distractions, "the greats" are up early, reading, studying, or working on their goals. This disciplined allocation of time is crucial for consistent progress.

Eliminate excuses. Common excuses like "I don't have time" often mask a lack of passion, improper planning, or a workaholic syndrome that prioritizes activity over value. Recognizing these self-imposed limitations is the first step toward pivoting and breaking free. Every moment presents an opportunity to improve, but it requires a willingness to make the necessary sacrifices.

3. Never Accept Defeat: Failure is Progress, Humility is Key

Failure is not the end of the game; it is the start of the next round.

Failure is a teacher. People often view failure negatively, but it is an essential part of growth and learning. Successful individuals embrace failure, using it as a means to learn, grow, and become stronger. For them, practice is intentional failure, pushing limits to understand capabilities.

Humility is a weapon. Our egos often prevent us from asking questions, pushing boundaries, or accepting setbacks. Humility, however, requires vulnerability and the exposure of weaknesses, which are crucial for overcoming adversity. It allows us to learn from mistakes without the burden of pride.

Fail forward. The only true limitations are those within our minds. By striving for failure, learning from it, and applying those lessons, we continuously move forward. As Thomas Edison famously demonstrated, every "failure" is simply another way not to do something, bringing us closer to the one way that works.

4. Never Quit: Persist Beyond Achievement, Time is Now

Regardless of the goal that has been met, you cannot remain stuck on it.

Avoid complacency. "Never quit" means avoiding complacency and not allowing ourselves to get comfortable with the status quo. Success should be celebrated briefly, but then the focus must immediately shift to the next objective. True progress comes from a relentless pursuit of improvement, constantly seeking the next challenge.

Patience vs. procrastination. While patience is necessary for long-term goals, it can easily morph into procrastination. Patience is consistency without immediate results, trusting the process. Procrastination, however, is intentionally putting off what needs to be done, often due to fear or pride. Recognizing this distinction is vital for sustained effort.

Every minute counts. Our perception of time can vary throughout life, but every minute holds equal value. Whether in the "I have plenty of time" quarter or the "it is what it is" quarter, every minute is an opportunity. A near-death experience can profoundly alter this perception, highlighting the preciousness of each moment and the imperative not to waste it.

5. Design Your Reality with a Clear, Adaptable Strategy

My plan to get back into the ODA began ugly. I knew there were a lot of things I needed to do, but I hadn’t a clue as to how I was going to do them or if I would even be allowed to try, so I just started doing stuff.

Understand your situation. Effective strategy begins with a clear understanding of your current situation, your desired mission, and the obstacles in your path. This involves deep self-reflection to identify what you truly want and why. Without this clarity, efforts may be misdirected.

Frame the problem and identify Lines of Effort (LOEs). Once the mission is clear, break down the journey into broad, general categories of action. These LOEs represent the key areas requiring effort to overcome obstacles and achieve the desired end state. Examples include:

• Military Education
• Physical Training
• Intelligence/Knowledge
• Administrative Tasks
• Tactical Skills

Prioritize, organize, and timeline. Research provides the necessary information to populate these LOEs with specific objectives and decisive points (DPs). Prioritize these DPs, organize them sequentially, and lay them out on a timeline. This creates a living document—a blueprint that guides action, minimizes wasted effort, and allows for continuous adjustment as new information or challenges arise.

6. Execute with Unwavering Discipline, Focus, and Hard Work

We cannot win the war against the world if we cannot win the battle within our own mind.

Discipline fuels freedom. Discipline is the controlled behavior that combines sacrifice and time prioritization. It's about consistently choosing what you need to do over what you want to do. Over time, this discipline can transform needs into wants, as the desired results become more compelling than the immediate gratification of easier choices.

Microfocus on tasks. The sheer scale of a mission can be overwhelming. The solution is microfocus: concentrating entirely on the single, manageable task at hand. This approach, like building a bridge one component at a time, reduces stress and increases efficiency. When microfocus falters, shift to the overarching mission to reignite motivation.

Relentless hard work. Good things come to those who work hard, but great things come to those willing to do whatever it takes. This often means pushing beyond perceived limits, embracing discomfort, and maintaining effort when no one is watching. Nick's rigorous daily schedule, with multiple training sessions and meticulous nutrition, exemplifies this level of commitment.

7. Track and Assess Your Progress for Continuous Improvement

There is no reason to overcomplicate this one. It is simple. This is simply keeping track of what you are doing and how you are doing it.

Log your journey. Tracking your actions and progress is a simple yet powerful tool. Whether it's a physical notebook or a digital spreadsheet, logging details like training metrics, nutrition, and even emotional states provides objective data for analysis. Honesty in logging is paramount for accurate self-assessment.

Three types of assessment. Regularly assessing your status is crucial for identifying areas of progress, stagnation, or regression:

• Performance: Objective data from your log (e.g., run times, grades, sales figures).
• External: Feedback from trusted individuals who can offer honest, objective criticism. This requires thick skin but provides invaluable insights.
• Reflective: Your subjective feelings and emotional state. Being honest about how you feel, even when numbers are good, can indicate if you're on the right path and enjoying the journey.

Trust the process. Systems take time to show their worth. While constant reflection is healthy, avoid premature adjustments. Continue to compile data, even through setbacks, to solidify variables that require fine-tuning. This iterative process of trial and error is how systems are refined and optimized for individual needs.

8. Cultivate Your Community and Navigate Social Costs

If we surround ourselves with people who lack ambition, people who are overly dependent, people who are constantly making excuses, they will systematically drain the energy from even those with the strongest will to succeed.

Ambition has social costs. Pursuing ambitious goals often means sacrificing time with loved ones, which can lead to feelings of neglect or fear of disappointment from those who care about us. Some may even resent our dedication if it highlights their own perceived lack of ambition.

Communicate and involve. To mitigate these costs, communicate your mission and intent clearly to your loved ones. Explain the "who, what, where, when, and why" of your goals, and how they align with collective aspirations. Involve them in the process by asking for their help or making activities a shared experience, fostering a team dynamic.

Choose your circle wisely. Your community profoundly influences you. Surround yourself with a "community tripod":

• Mentors: Those you learn from and emulate.
• Allies: Those who are also striving, providing support and healthy competition.
• Protégés: Those you teach and influence, which in turn enhances your own abilities and capacity.
  While some relationships may need to be reevaluated if they consistently drain your energy, the goal is to seek out those who push and challenge you to be better.

9. Find Value in Every Experience, Even Profound Tragedy

The loss of these men brought value to those who remain in the fight. How many lives have been saved because of their sacrifice? There is no way to ever know, but I am certain it is substantial.

Lessons from pain. Even the most devastating experiences, like the loss of comrades in combat, hold valuable lessons. While the immediate pain can be overwhelming, over time, reflection allows for the extraction of positive value. This process transforms tragedy into a catalyst for improvement and a commitment to honor those lost.

Growth through adversity. Nick's personal story, marked by multiple combat injuries and the loss of his leg, became a profound source of appreciation for life. This perspective, born from facing mortality, fueled his relentless drive to return to duty and make every moment count. It demonstrates that while trauma can be a catalyst, the capacity for such appreciation lies within everyone.

Honor through action. The memory of fallen comrades, like Captain Andrew Pedersen Keel and Staff Sergeant Rex Schad, serves as a powerful motivator. Their sacrifice led to critical lessons learned in military operations, influencing training and saving lives. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that their legacy is not just remembered, but actively contributes to the safety and effectiveness of future warriors.

10. Master Your Internal Dialogue: Language Shapes Reality

Words have meaning, and consistent assertions, internal or verbally spoken, will have real effects within three-dimensional time and space.

Language dictates limits. The words we use, both internally and externally, profoundly impact our mindset and capabilities. Phrases like "I don't have time" or "I can't" are not just excuses; they are self-imposed limitations that hinder progress. Consciously or subconsciously, our language shapes our perception of what's possible.

Command your mind. Gaining command of your language is key to gaining command of your mind, which is the most capable tool within the human body. By replacing negative or defeatist language with empowering affirmations, you shift your mental attitude from passive acceptance to productive action. This internal battle must be won before any external victory can be achieved.

Productive mental attitude. While positive thinking is beneficial, a "productive mental attitude" is more practical. It acknowledges challenges but focuses on actionable steps and solutions. This means being honest about difficulties while maintaining an unwavering commitment to finding a way forward, leveraging the power of language to reinforce determination and resilience.

Last updated: August 8, 2025