Navy SEAL Mindset

Welcome back to The Navy SEAL Mindset Podcast. In this episode, we're talking about real resilience, bouncing back when you've burned out, and how to lead like a high performer—even when you're off your game. I'm your host, William Branum, retired Navy SEAL sniper instructor, and today, I'm pulling back the curtain on why 2024 didn't go the way I planned—and what I'm doing about it.I'm also sharing powerful insights from one of my elite coaching clients, a high performer in the finance world, who hit a major wall at the end of the year. This episode is for anyone who pushes hard all year, then crashes when the momentum runs out. If that sounds like you… lean in.Key Takeaways:Stop Waiting to Start: You don't need January 1st to change your life. Start the day you decide you're done playing small.What Real Resilience Looks Like: Resilience isn't about never falling—it's about how quickly you bounce back when life knocks you down.Be Present on Purpose: Learn why taking time off the gas isn't lazy—it's strategic. Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what you need.Overcome Inertia: Whether it's a podcast, workout, or life goal—getting started is the hardest part. But once you're rolling, momentum becomes your best friend.Protect Your Inner Circle: High performers don't have time for energy vampires. Keep your circle small and filled with growth-minded, resilient people.Collaboration Over Isolation: Even the most driven individuals need connection. Success thrives in environments where you give and receive support.Join me as we unpack the mindset it takes to sustain high performance without crashing, and how you can shift your energy, not stall it, when it's time to rest and reset.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome back to The Navy SEAL Mindset Podcast. In this episode, we're diving deep into the power of culture, communication, and taking action like a SEAL. I'm your host, William Branum—retired Navy SEAL sniper instructor, speaker, and coach—and today I'm calling myself out and getting back to what matters: delivering the Navy SEAL mindset straight to you, no more excuses.After speaking at a Self-Storage Mastermind event and recording two back-to-back podcasts, I was reminded of the importance of consistency, leadership, and living what I preach. This episode is a wake-up call—to me and to you—about overthinking, setting the standard, and why culture always wins over strategy.Key Takeaways:Stop Making Excuses: If I can admit I was slacking, so can you. Get back on the path and keep showing up.Communication is a Lifeline: In combat and in life, the ability to clearly communicate can be the difference between chaos and mission success.Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast: You can have the best plan in the world, but if your team (or family) lacks strong culture, it won't matter.Train Like You Fight: From the SEAL teams to everyday leadership, the way you prepare is how you'll perform under pressure.Take Care of the Team First: SEALs live by “team gear, personal gear, self.” Apply that mindset to your business, relationships, and community.Be the Culture Driver: If you're not intentionally shaping the culture in your organization, someone else is—and that's a risk you can't afford to take.Whether you're leading a business, raising a family, or trying to level up in life, this episode is your blueprint for building resilience, leading by example, and creating a culture that wins—even when the plan doesn't go perfectly.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome back to The Navy SEAL Mindset Podcast. In this episode, we're taking a trip to the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro as I share five powerful lessons learned from my recent climb up Africa's tallest freestanding mountain. I'm your host, William Branham, retired Navy SEAL, and today, we're diving deep into the importance of challenging yourself, making fitness a priority, and tapping into new mental and emotional gears when the going gets tough.Key Takeaways:Have a Plan: Whether you're climbing a mountain or tackling a major life change, having a plan is essential to give you direction and help you visualize the end result.Hire a Guide: The value of having an experienced guide, coach, or consultant can't be overstated. They won't do the hard work for you, but they will steer you in the right direction and help you avoid unnecessary roadblocks.Make Fitness a Priority: Fitness is key to thriving, whether it's on the mountain or in everyday life. I'll share how training for altitude made all the difference in my climb and why building skeletal muscle is essential for longevity.Emotional Intelligence in Tough Situations: Emotional intelligence isn't just for the boardroom—it's critical when facing physical challenges, too. Stay present, focus on the next step, and avoid getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture.Do Hard Things: Push your limits regularly. Whether it's a yearly challenge like climbing a mountain or swimming the Hudson River, these experiences will unlock new levels of resilience and mental toughness that you can draw on when life throws its toughest challenges your way.Join me as I break down each of these lessons and share how they can apply to your own life. Remember, the summit isn't the finish line—it's only halfway. --------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome back to The Navy SEAL Mindset Podcast. In episode 27, we're diving into the power of solving the right problems, managing chaos, and leading effectively. I'm your host, William Branham, and today I'll be walking you through some lessons from my time as an instructor in the Modern Day Knight Project and sharing how leadership, both on the battlefield and in everyday life, is about focusing on the real problem—not just the symptoms.Key Takeaways:The Value of Titles vs. Results: Leadership isn't about your title—it's about the results you create. We explore why titles are just words and what really matters is the impact you have on your team and the world.Chaos as a Tool for Leadership: Hear how we use controlled chaos in the Modern Day Knight Project to challenge participants and test their problem-solving skills under pressure.Solving the Root Problem: Whether in business or relationships, we often focus on fixing symptoms rather than identifying and addressing the real problem. Learn how to dig deeper and resolve the core issues for lasting success.Teamwork and Communication: Effective leadership is about sharing solutions and ensuring everyone knows how to tackle problems together. No one succeeds alone, and real growth happens when teams solve problems as a unit.I challenge you to look at the problems in your life, both personal and professional. Are you addressing the symptoms, or are you going after the root of the issue? Fix the problem, not just the pain. --------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome back to The Navy SEAL Mindset Podcast. This is episode 26, where we're diving deep into the dynamics of leadership through the lens of masculine and feminine energies. I'm your host, William Branham, and today we're exploring a unique perspective on leadership that challenges conventional views and embraces the strength found in both masculine and feminine qualities.Key Takeaways:Masculine and Feminine Energies in Leadership: Understanding that leadership qualities are not gender-specific but can be embodied by anyone, regardless of gender, using either masculine or feminine energies effectively.Debunking the Myth of Toxic Masculinity: Discussing why terms like 'toxic masculinity' are misleading and unhelpful, and how true masculinity and femininity are inherently positive forces within leadership.Navigating Dynamics in Personal and Professional Relationships: How to manage these energies to create balance and foster trust, whether in personal relationships or professional environments.Emotional Management and Leadership: The importance of maintaining your role and emotional composure as a leader to provide a safe space for others to express themselves freely.Continuous Improvement and Overcoming Challenges: My journey of personal development and the continuous effort to improve and master the art of podcasting, despite the challenges posed by my ADHD.I encourage everyone to think about how you can apply both masculine and feminine energies in your leadership style, not just to dominate but to truly lead and create an environment where everyone can thrive.Thank you for tuning in, and remember, whether it's on the battlefield or in the boardroom, maintaining your composure and understanding the dynamics of your own energies can make you a more effective leader. Stay awesome and see you next episode!--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

I'm excited to share three powerful leadership lessons from the battlefield, insights that I believe are crucial for leading high-performing teams in any environment. These lessons are drawn from both my military experiences and a new book I'm co-authoring titled "Mission Ready."In this episode, we explore the principle of letting others "have it your way"—a negotiation strategy that is as effective in the boardroom as it is in combat. I recount lessons from Mike Hayes, a fellow SEAL who taught me the power of subtle persuasion and leadership through adept negotiation skills. We'll dive into how these methods apply not just to military scenarios but to everyday leadership challenges, whether you're steering a company, managing a team, or guiding a family.Key Takeaways:Leading by Example: Learn the importance of setting a professional standard, as I share stories from Iraq where the appearance and conduct of our team set us apart from other contractors. This lesson underscores the influence of non-verbal communication in leadership.Influencing Up and Down: I'll discuss techniques for influencing both your superiors and your team, turning leadership into a collaborative, persuasive interaction that enhances organizational cohesion and effectiveness.Strategic Patience: Hear about the value of letting situations mature to make informed decisions. This approach saves resources and lives on the battlefield and can similarly prevent hasty decisions in business or personal life.These principles aren't just for the high-stakes world of military operations—they're applicable to the challenges we all face as leaders in our own lives. Join me as I share these insights, along with personal anecdotes that bring these lessons to life.Stay tuned for actionable strategies that will empower you to lead effectively, no matter the context. And remember, whether you're navigating a critical mission or everyday challenges, the goal is to lead so skillfully that others naturally follow your lead.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of the Navy SEAL Mindset, I had the privilege of joining Mark Silverman on his show to discuss the intricate dynamics of leadership, the profound lessons learned from my SEAL training, and the importance of overcoming mediocrity and fear. We explored how the principles I've honed through my military and post-military experiences can be applied to personal and professional growth, emphasizing the significance of facing and conquering one's fears.Key Takeaways:Leadership is not just about being in charge; it's about being able to follow, adapt, and learn continuously.Overcoming fear and mediocrity is crucial for personal development and success. Engage in activities that push your boundaries and challenge your comfort zone.The concept of "never quitting" is fundamental, focusing on perpetual self-improvement and resilience.Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is essential for growth and development.The power of gratitude and competing against oneself in kindness and generosity can transform your life and mindset.I shared personal anecdotes from my SEAL training and life after the military to illustrate these points vividly. My journey from the battlefield to the stage of public speaking, my venture into entrepreneurship with Naked Warrior Recovery, and the life-saving experiences in the Grand Canyon were all pivotal moments that shaped my understanding of leadership and the human spirit.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In Episode 023 of the Navy SEAL Mindset, I explore the transformative power of focus and how it can be the decisive factor between success and failure in both the military and civilian realms. Drawing upon my extensive experience as a 26-year Navy SEAL veteran and a sniper instructor, I share insights into how focusing on what you want, rather than what you don't want, can guide you through life's challenges and lead you toward achieving your goals.Key Takeaways:The story of adapting to protect the interim government of Iraq highlights the importance of focus and learning new skills rapidly under pressure.Personal anecdotes from my journey to becoming a Navy SEAL demonstrate the critical role of focus in overcoming obstacles and achieving one's dreams.The concept of "focus" in marksmanship serves as a metaphor for life, emphasizing the need for clarity and concentration on your goals.Insights from Napoleon Hill's works, including the "Law of Success," reinforce the idea that success is attainable through focused effort and belief in one's abilities.Remember, focus is not just a skill but a way of life. Embrace it, and watch how it transforms your approach to challenges, opportunities, and ultimately, your success.Stay awesome, and remember to focus on your path to greatness.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I explore the multifaceted nature of leadership through the lens of failure and success. We'll discuss the critical role failure plays in shaping effective leaders and the importance of learning from these experiences. Drawing on personal anecdotes, including a pivotal moment during 9/11, I illustrate the essence of leadership in times of crisis and uncertainty.Key Takeaways:- Leadership is an art form, honed through experience and often through the lessons learned from failure. Embrace your failures as opportunities for growth.- The Navy SEAL Creed emphasizes the significance of leading by example in all situations, a principle that guides me both in and out of service.- A leader's responsibility is not to have all the answers but to seek solutions and make decisive actions. It's about supporting your team and owning the decisions you make.- Real-life leadership extends beyond formal roles; it's about how you lead in everyday situations, including your family and community.- I share a personal narrative from 9/11, highlighting how unexpected challenges test our leadership and the importance of adaptability and resilience in such moments.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode, I continue my chat with the awesome Nick Kumalatis, sharing gripping stories of adventure, leadership, and personal growth.As a former Navy SEAL, I'll take you on a thrilling journey—from heart-pounding rescues in the Grand Canyon to eye-opening experiences with the Modern Day Knight Project. Together with Nick, we'll explore what it truly means to be brave, resilient, and committed to growth.Join us for an engaging conversation filled with tales of courage, camaraderie, and the power of pushing past your limits. Episode 021 isn't just a podcast—it's an invitation to discover your own inner strength and embrace the extraordinary.Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we dive into the heart of the SEAL mindset. Don't miss out—join me, William Branum, and let's embark on this incredible adventure together!--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome to the Navy SEAL Mindset, episode 020. In this episode, I share insights into my personal fitness journey, overcoming physical limitations, and the importance of exercise and nutrition. I discuss the challenges of staying fit while managing disabilities and pain, and how I adapt my workout routines to maintain physical and mental well-being.Key TakeawaysOvercoming Physical Limitations: Despite being rated over 250 percent disabled by Veteran Affairs, I emphasize the significance of pushing through pain and limitations to stay active and healthy.Importance of Exercise and Nutrition: I advocate for a balanced approach to fitness, focusing on higher protein and fat intake, and lower carbs, while stressing the necessity of weightlifting and physical activity for combating age-related muscle degradation.Early Athletic Experiences to SEAL Training: Reflecting on my early sports involvement and the journey towards becoming a Navy SEAL, I highlight the evolution of my fitness regimen and the rigorous training involved in SEAL preparation.Workout Routine in the SEAL Teams: Detailing the typical SEAL team workouts, I describe the balance of calisthenics, weightlifting, and cardio, and how this regimen shaped my approach to fitness.Transition to Civilian Life and Current Workout Routine: Post-retirement, I delve into how I built my home gym during COVID-19, and outline my current workout routine, adapting to injuries and focusing on full-body workouts for overall fitness.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome to the Navy SEAL Mindset. I am your host, William Branum, and this is Episode 019. In this episode, I delve into the concept of quitting within the context of the Navy SEAL mindset. I challenge the traditional notion that winners never quit and quitters never win, exploring the importance of quitting things that don't serve us, both in personal and professional aspects of life.Key TakeawaysReframing Quitting: I discuss why it's essential to quit things that are not beneficial, focusing on quitting habits, relationships, or activities that don't align with our goals and values.The Importance of Small Victories: I emphasize creating small victories to gain momentum and the necessity of building up to bigger challenges, comparing it to weightlifting and gradual progress.Quitting in Business and SEAL Teams: Sharing my journey, including 26 years in the SEAL teams and 5 years in business, I reflect on learning when to quit, even in difficult circumstances.Quitting in Personal Life: I advocate for quitting toxic relationships, harmful habits, and anything that negatively impacts mental and physical health.Innovation through Subtraction: I conclude with the idea of innovating one's life by subtracting non-beneficial elements, urging listeners to quit often and focus on what truly matters for an epic life.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome to the Navy SEAL Mindset. In this episode, I dive into my recent experience preparing for and delivering a TED Talk. I explore the critical importance of clear and concise communication in leadership and the discipline involved in crafting a compelling message within the TED Talk format.Key TakeawaysMy Journey to the TED Stage: I share the personal and professional journey that led me to deliver a TED Talk, emphasizing the rigorous preparation and focus on audience engagement.Leadership Through Communication: I discuss the essential role of effective communication in leadership, reflecting on how to convey powerful messages succinctly and impactfully.Crafting a TED Talk: I delve into my process of writing, editing, and refining the TED Talk content, underscoring the discipline and meticulous attention to detail required.Insights from Delivering the TED Talk: I describe my unique experience on the TED stage, including the dynamic of two-way communication with the audience and the lessons learned.Navigating Life's Transitions with SEAL Precision: I connect the themes of my TED Talk to broader life lessons, focusing on how to navigate life's transitions with the same precision and preparedness as a Navy SEAL.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome to "The Navy SEAL Mindset," this is episode 017. I'm your host, William Branum, and in today's episode, I share my personal journey from a 26-year career as a Navy SEAL to embracing civilian life. This transition, I must confess, has been one of the most challenging missions of my life.Key Takeaways:The Transition Challenge: I discuss the complexities and emotional challenges of moving from the SEALs to civilian life. It felt like waking up to a completely transformed world, much like a dramatic scene from an Avengers movie.Finding New Purpose: I delve into the importance of discovering new roles and building a meaningful life post-military. I emphasize the crucial skills of adaptability and resilience in this process.Applying SEAL Lessons to Everyday Life: Drawing on my experiences in the SEALs, I explore how the lessons learned there can significantly impact and improve everyday life.Motivation for Life Transitions: This episode is not just about my journey; it's about inspiring anyone facing major life changes. I hope to motivate and guide not only veterans but anyone transitioning into new phases of their life.Conclusion:My story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. It's about facing new challenges head-on and finding opportunities for growth in them. Whether you're a veteran like me or someone stepping into unknown territories, this episode is meant to offer guidance and inspiration in navigating life's significant transitions.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I share my thoughts on the power of discipline and living a disciplined life. I open up about my own struggles with discipline early in my military career and how a lack of discipline almost prevented me from becoming a Navy SEAL.Here are the key takeaways that I share in this podcast episode on discipline:I recommend setting yourself up for success by making a plan and writing down your goals. Break big goals into small, achievable steps.Prioritize what's important to you. Don't get distracted by things that don't advance your goals. Stick to your schedule.I explain how discipline creates habits. Repeat actions purposefully until they become routine, like waking up and going to bed at the same time daily.Discipline is mechanical, not motivated by feelings. Do the right things consistently, even when you don't feel like it.Apply discipline to all areas of life - fitness, nutrition, relationships, parenting. Show up fully in every aspect.Discipline compounds over time to create the life you want. Start with small wins today. What new habit will you build?--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I discuss the principles of the warrior mindset and how to apply them to everyday life and leadership. I share quotes from Sun Tzu, Joan of Arc, and others on winning the battle in your mind first.Key Takeaways:"The battle is won or lost in the mind before it's ever fought in combat." Prepare mentally and visualize success. Own the stage.Lead yourself first through discipline, fitness, confidence. The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war.Be early, prepared, and knowledgeable to show true leadership. Judge yourself before judging others.Recite and own the Modern Day Knight Creed with authority. My tone and delivery should instill confidence.Life will throw curveballs. Maintaining a warrior mindset means being ready for combat daily. Compete against yourself.You must cultivate the warrior mindset to win at life. Prepare diligently, build confidence through practice, own every stage and challenge. We all face battles - will you be ready? Stay awesome and keep training!--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome to The Navy SEAL Mindset podcast. In this episode, I reflect on my recent experience hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim for the second time this year with the organization Man Made. I share the lessons I learned and insights from the challenging yet rewarding trek.Key Takeaways:Experience is invaluable - doing something once allows you to be better prepared and perform better the next time. You can't buy experience, only earn it through perseverance.Overprepare whenever possible - it's always going to be harder than you think. Exceed the minimum standards.Fuel your body properly for the task at hand - the type and amount of food needed is unique for an ultra endurance event like this hike.Help others, even if they resist - we called for help for struggling hikers who refused our aid, likely saving their lives.Hardship brings growth - seek out challenges that will expand your limits. The hardest things teach the most.If you're inspired to push your limits through adventure, join me on the next Man Made expedition. Visit ManMadeTribe.com to learn more about our men's organization dedicated to forging the character of men. Sign up now to be part of our upcoming events and men's retreats focused on brotherhood, purpose and overcoming challenges.Let's embark on the next adventure together and discover what we're made of.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this special replay episode, I was interviewed by my friend Amin on his podcast Be Well Do Well. We discussed my journey to become a Navy SEAL, some scary moments from combat missions, the difficult transition back to civilian life, and how CBD helped me manage anxiety and stress. I also share my "get naked" mindset philosophy and 5 key principles (NAKED) for thinking like a SEAL.Key Takeaways:It took me 13 months to get through SEAL training due to a mediocre mindset at first. I had to learn to crush the standards, not just meet the bare minimums.Leaving the military was one of the hardest missions of my life. I lost my purpose, mission, and team overnight. It took time to rebuild.CBD helped me manage anxiety and stress without alcohol. It enabled more positive self-talk.The "get naked" mindset is about removing ego and armor to become more vulnerable and find healing.The 5 NAKED principles for thinking like a SEAL:N = Never Quit. I break big goals down into small victories.A = Accept Failure. Failure provides my biggest lessons in life.K = Kill Mediocrity. I seek out discomfort and compete in kindness.E = Expose My Fears. I do hard things that scare me.D = Do the Work. I don't get complacent.My Websites:5sealsecrets.comnwrecovery.com (My CBD company - use code "BeWellDoWell" for 20% off)Connect with Amin:bewelldowell.fmhttps://linkedin.com/in/theaminahmedThank you for listening to my podcast, The Navy SEAL Mindset!--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome back to the Navy SEAL Mindset podcast! In this episode, I dive into the third Navy SEAL secret of leadership - the OODA Loop. We'll explore how this decision-making process can be applied not just on the battlefield but also in everyday life and business scenarios.Origins of the OODA Loop: Colonel John Boyd, an Air Force fighter pilot during the Korean War, developed the OODA Loop as a critical decision-making tool. It allowed the U.S. to outperform the Russians in dogfights, even with inferior equipment.Understanding the OODA Loop:Observe: Start by observing the situation, your team, the enemy, or the context. Gather as much information as possible.Orient: Orient yourself to the gathered information. Analyze and understand the current state of affairs.Decide: Make a decision based on your observations and orientation. This step requires thoughtful consideration.Act: Execute your decision promptly. Take the necessary action to move forward.Applying the OODA Loop:On the Battlefield: Navy SEALs employ the OODA Loop in high-stress situations, adapting their strategies based on changing circumstances.In Business: Salespeople, leaders, and entrepreneurs can use the OODA Loop to gather information, adapt to client needs, and make effective decisions.In Relationships: The OODA Loop helps navigate complex interactions, allowing you to observe, adapt, decide, and act to achieve positive outcomes.Unraveling Weaknesses: The OODA Loop exposes the weaknesses of your opponents by observing their actions, orienting yourself to their strategies, deciding on countermeasures, and taking effective actions.Making It Their Idea: In leadership and persuasion, making others believe that the decision is their idea can be more effective than imposing your will. This often leads to desired outcomes.Recap of the Navy SEAL Secrets of Leadership:Secret 1: Multitask like a Navy SEAL - Focus on the essentials: shoot, move, communicate.Secret 2: Leaders get no bullets - Train and empower your team to lead effectively.Secret 3: Master the OODA Loop - Enhance decision-making in all aspects of life.Stay tuned for more valuable insights on thinking like a Navy SEAL, and as always, stay awesome!

In this episode, we dive deep into Navy SEAL secret number two of leadership. But before we do that, a quick recap of the first secret: "There's no such thing as multitasking." In a gunfight, only three things matter: shooting, moving, and communicating. Nothing else takes precedence.Now, onto Navy SEAL secret number two: "Leaders get no bullets." Here are the key takeaways:1. The Challenge of Leadership: In the world of Navy SEALs, as well as in corporate environments, leadership is about making life or death decisions. It's not just following orders; it's about making the right calls when the stakes are high.2. The Neutering Effect: Young leaders often struggle to balance their desire to engage in combat (or other tasks) with their responsibility to lead effectively. When they focus on shooting, they lose sight of the bigger picture.3. Discipline and Observation: Taking bullets away from young leaders doesn't punish them; it teaches discipline. When leaders stop shooting and start observing, they gain a broader perspective on the battlefield, the team, and the enemy. This shift in perspective is crucial.4. Maneuvering and Adaptability: In both military and corporate settings, maneuvering is constant. Your perspective changes as you move, and with observation, you can adapt to the evolving situation effectively. Leaders who can see the bigger picture make better decisions.5. Training Your Replacement: Effective leadership involves developing the next generation of leaders. In a corporate context, this means allowing your second-in-command to lead meetings, make decisions, and take charge. Train your replacement to ensure your organization's growth.By implementing Navy SEAL secret number two, you'll learn how to balance the desire to engage in the action with the responsibility to lead effectively. Discipline, observation, and adaptability are the keys to success in leadership, whether in combat or the boardroom.Thank you for tuning in to The Navy SEAL Mindset. I'm William Branum, your host. Don't forget to subscribe, and I'll catch you in the next episode. Until then, remember to get naked—shed the unnecessary burdens—and lead with a clear focus on what truly matters. Boom!--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I bust the myth that we can multitask effectively. Distractions make us weak. I explain why there's no such thing as multitasking, using the intense focus required in a gunfight as an analogy.SEALs must master three skills - shoot, move, communicate. You can't do them simultaneously and excel. I share how senior leaders must train their replacement and get in the arena to lead from the front. Give your full attention or none at all.The bottom line is you have to do one thing at a time and do it very well. Set aside distractions and be fully present. Whether at home, work, or in a gunfight, focus on the task at hand. Don't believe you can multitask - it's arrogant and ineffective. Strive to do less but better.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I share leadership insights from reconnecting with a former SEAL Team Master Chief, call sign "Mags," who mentored me. With 39 years in Naval Special Warfare, his wisdom is invaluable.Mags taught me: 1) Your reputation is everything. 2) Lead from the front and be the example. 3) Set the culture - define it intentionally before others do. I also discuss why leaders are made through deep training, not born.Promoting your best salesperson to management often fails without leadership development. Put people in roles they want with proper training. As a leader, own mistakes and ask for help. Empower your team to think independently and plan.I'm excited to dive into 5 Navy SEAL secrets of leadership in upcoming episodes, teaching through the lens of leading a gunfight. My goal is to inspire listeners to step up and lead in all areas of life - family, work, and beyond.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I talk about fighting entitlement and realizing you haven't earned the right to take it easy. I share my experience training for a tough swim event, then catching myself wanting to take multiple days off after.Just because you do something hard once doesn't mean you deserve a break. I discuss embracing discomfort, doing hard things consistently, and expanding your capacity. Set big goals that require stepping outside your comfort zone.Entitlement makes us weak - we should always feel there is more to do. I challenge listeners to ditch the entitlement mindset. Do the work, day in and day out, without expectation of reward. Keep pushing your limits through difficult experiences. You'll be surprised how much more you're capable of.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I discuss the importance of doing the work - the fifth "SEAL secret" to getting naked. We live in an age of instant gratification, but real results come from continuous effort over time.I share how in SEAL training, the expectation is to perform better today than you did yesterday. Even as a leader, I had to earn respect by matching or exceeding the performance of my juniors. Doing the dirty, unglamorous work is how you show commitment.True rewards come from the journey of planting seeds through consistent action, not expecting instant returns. It's about showing up with no expectation except to do your absolute best. Can you wait 10 years for results? Persist anyway.I challenge listeners - are you ready to get naked and embrace the SEAL mindset of never quitting, accepting failure, killing mediocrity, exposing fears, and doing the work? If so, go to 5SealSecrets.com and get the free PDF guide outlining this mindset.The goal is to inspire you to show up fully every day, lead from the front, and persist in your worthy pursuits. Keep planting seeds through doing the work and one day you'll grow into that mighty oak.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I discuss the importance of stepping into the arena every day. Life is not meant to be faced with a sneer or cynical attitude. Don't just criticize others - get in the arena yourself.The credit belongs to those who strive valiantly, who know great enthusiasm and devotion, even if they fail. Failure is part of the process. Hire coaches to help you improve at your craft. Don't let others stop you with their judgments or limitations - use it as fuel to work even harder.I share my own story of being told I wasn't good enough to be a Navy SEAL, but I succeeded anyway. To get better at anything, you have to fail, get back up, and keep striving. Make the calls, have the hard talks, get rejected - it will lead to growth.Have the courage to expose your fears and accept failure on the path to achievement. At the end of the day, it's about having the attitude that no one will ever stop you from greatness. You must make the choice to get into the arena every single day. Don't sit on the sidelines - strive boldly instead.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I talk about how to "get naked" and expose your deepest fears. Fear is the anticipation of something that will probably never happen, but it controls your life anyway. To expose your fears, do things that scare you - public speaking, new hobbies like jiu-jitsu or skydiving. Notice when fear turns into action in your own life, like avoiding an accident. Use those moments as momentum to expose more fears.I suggest writing down all your anxieties and stresses. Fear doesn't exist on paper. Ask for help and business from others, even if rejection scares you - accept failure. As Mark Twain said, courage is resisting and mastering fear, not the absence of fear. My goal is to help you expose your fears so they can't control you anymore. Once exposed, nothing can stop you. You have to be brave enough to get naked, face those fears, and start living the epic life you deserve.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

In this episode of The Navy SEAL Mindset, I talk about how we are surrounded by mediocrity and enemies trying to make us average every single day. It's our job to kill that mediocrity and take the fight to the enemy. To improve your life, you need an uncommon desire to succeed and kill mediocrity.I suggest starting to compete with yourself every day - whether it's in kindness, generosity, or gratitude. Compete against your own ego, which knows your weaknesses and will try to make you quit. Realize that fatigue is just an emotion telling you to slow down. Use your mind to push your body further than it thinks it can go.Hardships make you stronger. Manufacture hardships like intense workouts to become hard to kill. To get out of a rut, start moving. Movement is often what can get you out of a depressive state. Being average is easy and comfortable, but we must make the decision to be uncommon, to be epic.The whole purpose of life is to take the lessons we've learned and make the world a better place. That's what this podcast is about - taking lessons I've learned and sharing them so we can all improve our lives and the lives of others.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

I learned to accept failure early in my Navy SEAL training. I knew I would fail at least once in combat swimmer training, so I wanted to fail early to learn from it. Failure teaches more lessons than success. Even the most physically gifted SEAL candidates quit because they couldn't handle failure and being told they weren't good enough. The hardships of SEAL training pale in comparison to combat.We all face failure and struggles. Do what's expected but still fail. That's okay. Get back up and learn. Use failure as a foundation for success. Failure is a ladder rung to climb over obstacles. Accept failure and use it to your advantage to become unstoppable.The path to success winds up and down. Create small victories and accept failure along the way. Learn from failure and use it to keep moving forward. Never quit.My version of the SEAL mindset is "get NAKED":N - Never quitA - Accept failureK - Kill mediocrityE - Expose your fearsD - Do the work every day--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

I started this podcast to share lessons I learned as a Navy SEAL with you. The Navy SEAL mindset is about getting naked - taking off your ego and armor to find healing. Naked is an acronym: Never quit, Accept failure, Kill mediocrity, Expose your fears, Do the work.In SEAL training, we learned to create small victories, like evading capture or finding food, to build momentum. In Hell Week, the constant misery was punctuated by four meals a day. Making it to the next meal was a victory.On a recent Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim hike, the last 9 miles up nearly broke me. I felt overwhelmed seeing headlamps miles ahead. I put my head down, focused on each step, and caught 6 of the 10 guys ahead of me. Small victories - one more step, one more switchback - got me out.The goal is impacting lives. I've impacted more people as a civilian than as a SEAL. I hope you use these lessons to impact others and make the world better.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome to the Navy Seal Mindset podcast with your host, William Branham. In this episode, William shares his journey from active duty Navy Seal to building a CBD company and becoming a leadership coach. William talks about the challenges of transitioning from military service, losing his sense of purpose and team, and struggling with anxiety and stress. He discovered CBD helped him cope and decided to start his own company, Naked Warrior Recovery, to help other veterans. William also started coaching friends and found he was good at helping others become better leaders. He now offers leadership coaching to help people build strong teams and businesses. William mentions other well-known former Seals like Jocko Willink and Rob O'Neill and says while their messages focus on grit and resilience, the Navy Seal Mindset is about more than that. Tune in to hear William's story and learn how you can start to think like a Navy Seal. --------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/

Welcome to the Navy SEAL Mindset. I'm your host, William Branham, retired Navy SEAL with 26 years of service. My new mission now that I'm retired is to share my experiences from the SEAL teams with you so that you can apply them to your business and your life so that you can start to have the Navy SEAL Mindset and start to think like a Navy SEAL.Hope you guys are ready to dive in. Let's get ready to roll.--------------WANT TO THINK LIKE A NAVY SEAL AND UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL? Discover the 5 SEAL Secrets to Success A short read with powerful tactical lessons to change your life https://www.5sealsecrets.com/