At Peak

We can’t all be great at everything, but we can all be good at something.
Though the key point is to keep trying to develop.
What you get by achieving goals, is less important than what you learn from pursuing those goals.

The Veteran

You barely see the frail old man,
Slowly walking on his way,
Shuffling amongst the autumn leaves,
But he too once had his day.

Look beyond his ageing face,
You see values still held true,
A warrior from another time and place,
Who fought, to save this world for you.

His mind is here, then drifts away,
To happier times in another day,
Of glory, of duty, and do or die,
Then to sadness, of friends gone by.

Once he led the call to arms,
Though saw so many fall,
Now it seems, he just marks time,
Till he gets his own final call.

Too soon, his stories will be gone,
Along with all the deeds he’d done,
But for now, he just makes his way,
Alone, in his world of yesterday.

Andy Walker QVRM

As an ex-military coach who specialises in resilience, I know what it takes to keep moving forward when the pressure is on, stakes are high, and the temptation to give up feels easier than pressing on…
The truth is:
🚦Everyone faces obstacles and setbacks.
🚦 It’s normal to question ourselves when life seems out of our control.
🚦 We all have the capacity to continue and move forwards.

This is where a trained resilient mind can make the difference…

✅ Identify one thing that is in your control.
✅ If that one thing is positive, no matter how minor, then take action.
✅ Even just one small step in the right direction is progress.
🫡 Now repeat!

We all go through it. We had a dream, the destination in the world we wanted to enjoy. So we set sail, full of energy and enthusiasm. Here we go!

Then at some stage on every voyage, a storm comes our way. Whether it is illness, divorce, disability, or distractions, we are stopped in our tracks. Our new focus is ‘all hands to the pumps’ and bail out to stop us from sinking.

Then the storm abates, and we are left feeling more comfortable languishing in calmer seas.

This is the time we need to take bearings, raise the sails, and set the ship back on course.

This has worked for centuries, so no matter what storms you are personally going through today, never forget your dreams. Once they subside, be quick to restore the direction of travel. Then you may find your perfect destination!

Don’t quit just because you feel like quitting. If you do, you’ll miss out on discovering your full potential!

It’s not about what you do. It’s about what you do for others!

Thank you Facebook for reminding me it’s already four years since I was fortunate to lead forty young Royal Navy recruits to complete new entry training in record time!

Since retirement from the forces, I still use that experience and the same key coaching principles to help others overcome their obstacles, achieve success and a happier life.

Thank you Facebook for reminding me there are few better achievements in life, than helping develop others!

Things aren’t always what they may first seem to be.
Sometimes we just need to change the way we look at them, to get a different perspective!

After 42 years in the regular and reserve forces, I wish to celebrate Reserves Day. So who or what is a Reservist in the UK armed forces?

A Reservist is a special person who commits some of their spare time to service of their country. Whilst others may be heading down the pub on Friday, the Reservist gives up a whole weekend for military training and to learn personal skills such as leadership, team work, and first aid.
Not only do they become capable to defend our country, they also bring unique experience and core values such as loyalty, integrity, discipline, courage, and commitment back to their civilian world.
This is why a Reservist is known as ‘twice the citizen’!

Celebrate and support those who walk amongst us, who are also willing to defend us.

Proud to have served, proud to have played my small part, prouder of all those who gave more.

There’s always an opportunity to learn…

During a recent trip abroad the rain poured down for the first few days, confining us for much of the time. However working remotely from a camper van enabled us to uproot and chase the sun round France.
Lesson 1:
Don’t focus on what we can’t influence - concentrate on what is in our control!

I also found the best way to get work done was to keep our dog happy first…So took an extra seat, his favourite sausages for the grill, and parked on the banks of a lake where he could walk, paddle, & p*e!
Lesson 2:
In order to be effective as a team, you have to take care of every member in the team!

On return this week, I found our neighbours had ensured our rubbish bins were put out for emptying, then returned, and had also cut our lawn. Family had been in to check the house and water the plants.
Lesson 3:
Even small unexpected gestures freely given, can really help make people feel blessed, inclusive, and valued! 🙏 🧘‍♂️