154. Prepare to Win with Andrew Sullivan (17-year Navy SEAL / DEVGRU) ⚔️

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” — H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Today, we’re joined by one of the most well-trained individuals on the planet, Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator, Andrew Sullivan.

After watching the events of 11th September 2001 unfold, Andrew enlisted in the Navy, completed BUD/S training, and became a Navy SEAL. After six years at SEAL Team Two, he was selected to screen for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), also known as “DEVGRU,” where he spent the remainder of his time in service.

In an 11-year stint at NSWDG, Andrew served as Team Leader for a 24-man counter-terrorism unit that conducted numerous missions pursuing high-value targets and conducting hostage rescue operations worldwide. He medically retired from the US military in 2020 after nearly two decades of service in the Special Operations community.

Andrew has been awarded the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals with combat valor, the Purple Heart Medal, and numerous other joint and individual commendations.

In 2021, Andrew founded the Community First Project, a nonprofit organization designed to improve community safety by providing much-needed, no-cost training to police officers. The Community First Project delivers comprehensive, up-to-date tactical and operational training that allows officers to serve, protect, and survive – and keep our communities safe.

In this episode:

» Andrew’s career as a Special Forces operator and the work he’s doing today

» The importance of the right training – and the right team – in every mission you’re on

» What mindset you need to perform under pressure; and

» How to build resilience when you’re faced with pain and loss.

Let’s WIN THE DAY with Andrew Sullivan!

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🎬 HD video version: https://youtu.be/OOtyqCHcU8I

📖 Blog version: https://jameswhitt.com/prepare-to-win-andrew-sullivan-navy-seal

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Show links:

⚡ Support the Community First Project

📷 Community First Project Instagram

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Timemarkers:

2:07 Interview starts

3:02 Growing up wanting to be a Navy SEAL

5:58 Attending Navy SEAL training (BUD/S)

7:55 What happens to people who fail Navy SEAL training

11:02 Who is first to quit Navy SEAL training (BUD/S)

13:29 First deployment and combat mission

15:05 Keeping in touch with loved ones while on deployment

16:13 Finding joy in war zones

17:17 Only complain if you’re ready to solve the problem

19:28 How to prepare your body, mind, and spirit for violence

22:12 Expose yourself to war before you go to war

23:28 The value of teamwork in the Navy SEALs

26:45 Why are Navy SEALs so good

27:47 Difference between SEAL teams and Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)

29:47 Change before you fail (DEVGRU mentality)

31:18 Anxiety and fear

33:42 Do things that make you uncomfortable

36:39 Best phase of skill development

43:03 Transition to civilian life

45:31 Why Andrew Sullivan is training law enforcement

49:03 Create the stress of war in training

51:44 What to do in an active shooter situation

55:38 Boston marathon bombing

57:44 Suicide in the military and law enforcement

1:00:09 How to help a loved one with mental health

1:02:19 The benefits of proper law enforcement training

1:05:49 The danger of comfort in repetition

1:10:24 Work with Community First Project and Boston Police Department

1:12:24 The gift of vulnerability

1:14:34 How to support the Community First Project

1:15:15 Rocket Round

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Onward and upward always...

#WinTheDay

PS — In case you missed it: Soaring into Success with Norman Kent: Ep 152