SEALFIT BLOG: Way of the SEAL Tools…

I am releasing a paperback version of my book The Way of the SEAL on February 2nd. I continue to be humbled and blown away by the response to this book. The “Way” is the path to self-mastery in service to your team, tribe and country and is the externally focused application of my Unbeatable Mind Philosophy (Another way of saying it is about performance in the context of leading and succeeding in the world, as opposed to the more internally focused application of the principles found in my book Unbeatable Mind).

I receive three to four emails a week from folks who have been profoundly impacted by the book AFTER they began to implement the concepts and engage in the training. So if you have not read the book, but have considered it, you will now have a chance to get the cheaper paperback version, and if you wanted to get a number of copies for your team, this will be more affordable now.

At any rate, one principle I discuss in the book is how to “bulletproof” a mission—which focuses on the strategies and techniques to ensure victory once the mission execution phase kicks off.

A key to bulletproofing your mission is to develop radical focus, to reduce clutter and tune out the incessant distractions threatening to derail your efforts and drain your energy. Learning to focus on the right things, for the right reasons and at the right time is one of the skills. Can you say yes to only the challenging, high-value targets, and say no to the easier targets with little or no return on investment?

In the book I offer a target evaluation process that I call “FITS” as in “does the target fit?” This is a simple planning model that ensures resources are being properly allocated for maximum impact and return on investment – given the skills, resources, opportunities and threats you face. The FITS process helps to make better decisions on which goals and targets to shoot for – ensuring you focus on the right things and avoid distraction on your way to mission success. Here is a brief overview of how it works, and I encourage you to get the book for the context and companion tools for bulletproofing your mission.

Step 1: Ask yourself: Does this target fit you (F)? When you set about choosing a high-priority goal, it’s a good time to evaluate if it aligns with your (or your team’s) ethos (your “why”), and also how it sets with your unique combination of talents, skills and directional energy. How often do we go after goals that aren’t suitable for us to begin with?

Step 2: Ask: How important is this target to achieving overall mission success (I)? There are many paths to take when embarking on a mission – and many targets to knock down on the way. Analyzing the value of the proposed target and where it will get you is key. What is the return on investment and how valuable will the goal be with respect to your overall mission? How will it set you up to tackle even larger long-term goals?

Step 3: Evaluate whether the timing is optimal for pursuing the target (T)? This point requires an honest assessment of whether or not it’s too early or too late to make your move on the proposed target, and where you stand against any competition when it comes to claiming the goal.

Step 4: Be clear about your ability to simplify the mission plan (S). Is the objective fuzzy or crystal clear? Is it something you can communicate effectively so the team will rally for massive mobilization? Would failure degrade your reputation, future capacities and team cohesion? Note that this is not an excuse to avoid risk, rather ensure you don’t take uncalculated, stupid risks.

As you begin to execute on your strategic goals for 2016, consider employing this process to help you develop front sight focus and find mission success. It will bulletproof your plan, eliminate drag and accelerate your performance toward 20x outcomes.

Hooyah!

Mark Divine

P.S. The Way of the SEAL is out February 2nd. It is filled with ways for your to reach your highest potential and overcome challenges. Pre-order it here and get two great gifts valued at $99.