By admin Here are some key takeaways I’ve carried with me from the world of special operations to entrepreneurship.
- Master the art of controlled chaos
In special ops, chaos is part of the job. The moment you think you have control, something changes. Entrepreneurship is no different — markets shift, competitors pivot, and funding can dry up at a moment’s notice. The best leaders don’t just react to chaos; they anticipate and leverage it. Lesson: See uncertainty as an opportunity, not a threat. The more you practice handling unpredictable situations, the stronger and more adaptable your business will be. - Small wins lead to massive success
In training, we didn’t start with complex missions. We perfected the basics: movement, endurance, and trust. In business, it’s easy to chase rapid growth, but lasting success comes from accumulating small wins every day. Lesson: Focus on mastering the fundamentals — sound financial discipline, hiring the right talent, and refining your product. These small, consistent steps build momentum and lead to breakthroughs over time. - Decision-making under pressure is the key to success
In special ops, hesitation can be deadly. In business, it can cost you millions. The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t always the smartest or most experienced; they’re the ones who can make tough decisions under pressure. Lesson: Learn to make decisions with incomplete information. Trust your preparation, assess the situation quickly, and take decisive action to move forward. - The right team makes all the difference
No special operator succeeds alone. Success in high-stakes environments depends on the team. The same holds true in business. The right team — those who share your mission and thrive under pressure — is vital to your company’s success. Lesson: Hire for mindset, not just skills. Look for people who excel in tough situations, take ownership, and adapt quickly. The right attitude often beats expertise in the long run. - Discomfort is your greatest teacher
In special ops, discomfort is a given. Cold water, fatigue, and relentless stress are all part of the journey. In business, challenges are inevitable. The best entrepreneurs don’t shy away from discomfort; they embrace it as fuel for growth. Lesson: Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Whether launching a new product, entering a new market, or pivoting your business model, taking risks and embracing discomfort is a sign you’re on the right path. - Quitting never feels good
Quitting isn’t about failure — it’s often the moment you stop adjusting, scaling, and adapting. Knowing when to exit strategically is part of the game, but walking away just because things get hard isn’t an option. Lesson: Resilience isn’t about sticking to something that isn’t working. It’s about adapting and finding a new way forward. Never quit; pivot when necessary. - Victory is about mindset, not just results
This principle is core to the SEALs, and it’s something we lived by in my unit as well. You won’t always win, but relentless effort and an unwavering commitment set you apart. Staying committed through the challenges is what makes success truly meaningful. Lesson: Winning is more than the outcome; it’s a mindset. Successful people don’t rely on luck — they prepare relentlessly, adapt strategically, and persist through any obstacle. The pursuit of victory itself is the real reward.