Few weeks ago, in Never Quit!, I discussed Malcom Gladwell’s 10,000 hours Outlier theory, the concept it takes 5 years of research and diligent effort to master a domain. This pursuit however, mastery of a domain, is never a straight or obvious path regardless whether one possesses natural talent, is highly intelligent and highly motivated or any combination of the three. To … [Read more...]
Small Business Survival: Preparing Before an Emergency
Small businesses are the heart of the American economy, but many small businesses aren’t ready for an emergency or disaster.An article published on smallbusiness.com states that “only 37% of small businesses have a formal disaster preparation plan.” The Institute for Business and Home Safety claims that one in four businesses never reopen after a disaster.Small … [Read more...]
“Otherism:” What Place Does It Have?
“Otherism:” What Place Does It Have? Aaron ParrottLike many fellow Havok Journal readers, I count as part of my military career a certain amount of what I have come to term “otherism”. Otherism is, simply, the conscious and willful separation between groups of people based on a characteristic. Recently, in view of other life experiences and especially in terms of political … [Read more...]
Clinton, Trump, and Our Willingness to Self-Delude and Play the Victim
first published in September 2017.This week has offered some poignantly clear examples of the general public’s ability to view the world with blinders that conveniently shield them from anything that may upset their sensibilities.In the first and most obvious case we have Hillary Clinton herself, who has shamelessly shifted blame of her loss in the presidential … [Read more...]
One Question Every Veteran Wants to Answer
One Question Every Veteran Wants to Answer by Brandon YoungCivilians sincerely want to learn how to better approach veterans today in America, and the solution is far simpler than it appears at face value.Civilians can better understand the challenges and opportunities that veterans and military families face post service, including their experiences overseas, when we … [Read more...]
On The SpecOps Battlefield, And In Business, Don’t “Believe,” Know
Only two types of confidence exist: the artificial and the real. The first is the far more common of the two, arising from either a need to feel accomplished when not or from a need to feel strong when weak. Conditions even those with real confidence feel at times. The difference between those who remain with artificial confidence and those who possess real confidence is … [Read more...]
6 Rules Anyone Can Follow to Rise to the Occasion
“Your life is an occasion. Rise to it.” ― Suzanne Weyn, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Last night was movie night with my nine-year-old daughter. Quite by accident we chose to watch Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. It’s a nice feel-good family movie I of course didn’t pay much attention to having my mind focused on work and … [Read more...]
What It Means To Be An “Educated” Transitioning Veteran
What It Means To Be An “Educated” Transitioning Veteran by Greg DrobnyIn part one of this series, I discussed what it was to be an educated man in today’s America. Part two focused on being an educated warfighter.So how about some tips on the transition between those two—from warfighter into civilian, and all the intricacies therein? Having done that very thing and … [Read more...]
TODAY IS SEPTEMBER 12, 2001: “For the Soldier Dying Young”
TODAY IS SEPTEMBER 12, 2001: "For the Soldier Dying Young" by Mike Kelvington This article was first published on September 12, 2016."Today is September 12, 2001."With September 11, 2001 far behind us, a new school year beginning, and the anniversary of the attacks on 9/11, my thoughts immediately go to those who died in the attacks and those who have paid the … [Read more...]
How To Talk To Your Kids About September 11th
How To Talk To Your Kids About September 11th by Justina BahrainSeptember 11th is a date none of us will forget but that many of our children know little about. That day and its aftermath are important parts of our history that we want to share with our children but may hesitate to do since it is a scary thought for adults let alone the delicate minds of our children. Here … [Read more...]