Sometimes weaknesses are a direct reflection of our strengths. We are tenacious yet stubborn. We are patient and careful, but prone to overthinking, overanalyzing to the point of paralysis. We are sensitive, dogged, or committed in ways that are admirable, but can be frustrating, overwhelming.

Some people like taking risks. They love the thrill, the excitement, the freedom. For others, it makes us far too uncomfortable, insecure, nervous. Still, others, don’t necessarily enjoy risk taking per se, but do it anyways: They understand – usually from experience – that incredible innovation, transformational change, unprecedented achievement typically requires assuming a certain degree of risk. They know that risk can lead to failure. They know that failure – in the right hands – cultivates humility, curiosity, and can be a phenomenal learning experience. 

Sometimes an adversity will burn trees, homes, and bridges for miles around. For a moment there seems to be so little you can do. As indeed there is. And that can be the magic of it. We know that too many options, too much choice can be debilitating. It can leave you questioning your judgement to the point that no matter what you decide, you remain a little anxious that you could have chosen better. 

Our bodies are physically programmed to handle adversity. It’s one of the reasons we’ve survived for as long as we have. When bombarded with an onslaught of incredible physical demands, the human body ultimately responds by increasing energy efficiency, building lean tissue, and increasing neuro-muscular mechanism so we are stronger and more powerful, and improves our capacity to resist fatigue and handle stress.

Adversity comes in so many different forms and can be physical, mental, emotional, or - often - an intricate combination of all three. Adversity creates real pain and can be accompanied by fear, anguish, and despondency. It can also incite anger and spur furious, violent action.

The putter is the most used club in a Golfer’s arsenal, so it’s certainly important. But I imagine being a good putter is far more important than having a good putter. Being a great putter can be the difference between winning and losing. And while you might think you need to spend hundreds on a new putter… it’s likely more valuable to take a long hard look in the mirror and decide what you can improve in yourself first.

Believing in something… believing in yourself… that’s the stuff of survivors, champions… the people who make it happen… when everyone else said it was impossible. Hope – even unfounded – keeps a fragile spirit alive. Hope when it’s founded? That’s a beast to be reckoned with. A belief that is founded is based on facts: historical or scientific evidence that the future hoped for is not only probable, it’s inevitable.

Pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge. These are the golf clubs with the highest loft. Designed for chips, pitches, and playing out of sand bunkers. Designed – in other words – to get you out of trouble after you’ve made a less than optimal shot.

No matter how great a golfer you are, you are not going to win every game. That’s not to say there isn’t something to be said for approaching your game as if you are going to win. However, you are defining winning at any given moment. A winning mentality is accompanied by hope, determination, confidence, and is, in some cases, self-fulfilling.

Typically played off the tee, for all to scrutinize and see. Your driver is designed for a powerful, fully committed swing which sends the ball on a long, glamourous trajectory.

Summer weather is here and we are ready for it! Staying fit has become difficult the longer we stay in isolation but we can do this together. Some days can be dedicated to staying in and baking, while others can be all about getting outside and moving – it’s all about balance.

Dare I admit this publicly? I was disappointed when the Golf Courses opened. I’d been sneaking onto the cart paths for some of my runs and bike rides with the boys and WOW! The spaces are glorious. That said, I have many loved ones who love to golf. So ultimately, I can be happy. 

There’s something different in the air. Over the last few days, we’ve experienced phenomenal weather and slowly but surely the city is re-opening. But, for many of us, we’re still spending far more time at home than we would like.

Okay, I NEVER tire of that fact, but I’ve got a different angle on it today: I’m going to revisit Hell Week. After 3 days without sleep, the SEALs paddle down to the Mud Flats. They enter the swampy patch of terrain and the mud essentially swallows them until only their heads are visible.

“…being thankful has been standing out for me even more as of late: The value it brings, not just to others but really to one’s self… Find something, anything, and be thankful for it. If it is a person in your life, let them know."

Get your workout in. A strong, mobile body reflects solid willpower and a sound work ethic. Low to moderate exercise can act as moving meditation. It calms the mind, increases patience, and boosts your ability to think outside of the box and find creative solutions. Really intense exercise creates a razor-sharp mind. It purges stress hormones, boosts confidence, and makes everything else seem easy.

Make your bed every morning...and make it well. If a SEAL can’t make her bed perfectly, is she able to load a gun, map an exit strategy, watch your back? Start your day with integrity. Do the simple things right. Take care of the details. Caring about the little things demonstrates you are committed to the process, committed to excellence, and, in fact, care a lot about the bigger things. Nothing of significance stands the test of time without a sound beginning and carefully built foundation.

Happy Tuesday! This week, we are back with another Healthy View blog and we hope everyone had a great long weekend. It is odd to think of this as a long weekend, since it has been a very long 10 weeks of isolation. We found that it helps to keep a balance between relaxation and productivity. Our team has stayed busy by reading, baking, working out, outdoor walks, and most importantly, staying up-to-date and educated.

We’ve just come off a weird long weekend, and have to cram 5 days worth of work into 4 bizarre, unconventional days. Who better to look to for guidance and inspiration than the unusually courageous, resourceful individuals trained to thrive during unconventional warfare: SEALs.

We know that an ability to live in the present is associated with greater levels of happiness and sense of fulfillment. We also know that people who perceive that have a greater sense of control and are better able to live in the present. A sense of lack of control can be pervasive. And there is so much we cannot control these days.