Learn a little about what it is like training with one of the finest fighting forces in the world and six key lessons we could learn from them and apply to our own lives.
The British armed forces are among the finest fighting forces in the world and the Parachute Regiment is among the elites of this force. Along with the SAS, Marine Commandos and the Air forces’ finest they really are the best of the best. A while ago I spent 3 and a half months training with the 12th Company Parachute Regiment and this is some of the things I learnt during that grueling time.
Please note, this post will not give you some unbeatable fighting moves, the best place for those is to watch the Karate Kid films 1,2 and 3.
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Six Ways to Live Life Like an Elite
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1. A place for everything and everything in it’s place.
A simple concept , but highly effective. If you want to reduce the stress in your life and become more productive then this is a valuable concept to grasp.
The British forces know the importance of this and is the reason why all military personal are regimented in everything they do. Behavior patterns become ingrained, requiring no conscious thought, meaning procedures become quick, efficient and correct every time.
Start incorporating this into your life easily by keeping your keys in the same place every time you come into the house, make it a habit and you will never lose your keys again. Continuously build in more behavior patterns when you can, it will change your life.
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2. Life’s not fair…suck it up.
If you have never had the privileged of being under the command of a drill instructor then it can best be compared to having The Dark Lord Sauron as your shoulder to cry on. It’s not a happy experience but it does build character, which is essential in life. A handy tip for when life is getting to you…just laugh. It’s amazing what this simple step can do to lift your spirits.
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3. You can go further than you think.
Much of the the para training is about pushing yourself to the limit both mentally and especially physically. After completing tasks you never thought were possible it changes your mindset and gives you the confidence to take on bigger and more challenging things.
Most people give up far too easily and they are missing out on great rewards if they would just take it over the finishing line. Find yourself some thing that will really challenge you and then see it through to completion then enjoy the experience of how good it feels.
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4. Friendship is key.
During the training you form close bonds with the guys around you as you are all going through the same hardships. This is what keeps you sane and makes the experience bearable. In life it is vital to have a network of friends, including some very close ones to share the experiences of life with and to band together through the rough times.
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5. Enjoy the simple things.
For me the 3 hour drive back from the army base at the end of a training weekend with some decent music and some banter with the lads was one of my favorite times of the week, and it cost nothing. Enjoying life isn’t just about earning a lot and spending a lot, try and find the small things that make you happy and learn to appreciate them more.
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6. Have a vision and know when to quit.
I withdrawn from the para’s because it did not fit with where my life is going. It is a decision that was difficult to make because it had become a big part of my life and I enjoyed it, but it was a decision that needed to take place to allow me to pursuit my vision for my life. Having a vision for your life allows you to assess what your currently doing.
If what your doing doesn’t fit with the vision then maybe it’s time to quit.
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