CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Last week I read an e-mail from a general officer that motivated me to see "storms" from a different perspective. The essence of the e-mail was we are in the middle of another perfect storm for the next three weeks. He gave a big thank you to all our maintainers and support Airmen as well as aircrew, for supporting the warfighter and proceeded to point out, "these are tough times but definitely times worth fighting for."
As the operations tempo continues to rise and the Air Force continues to downsize, we face many storms both professionally and personally. When caught in the midst of a storm, we must be able to properly endure it. Endurance is simply the power to withstand hardship or the ability to sustain prolonged stressful efforts. It's an easy concept to grasp, a tough activity to do. Everyone wants it; the military needs it; and life demands it. So how can we exemplify endurance in both our professional and personal lives?
Proceed wisely. Each day we make choices on how to best reach the goals set before us with the least cost possible. As we look for ways to become more efficient and effective in processes across the Air Force, we must be committed to Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century and Lean initiatives. Commitment to a goal means being open to new methods on how to reach the goal. We have to listen to inputs and ideas, which many times come from our most junior Airmen. If a task is worth doing, it is worth doing right -- the first time. It will be a continual improvement process, taking one step at a time and fixing problems as they arise without losing sight of the original vision.
Positive attitude. Some people naturally have a more positive outlook on life than others, but developing a correct attitude is an essential life skill. It allows us to focus on the big picture rather than our personal discomfort, inconvenience or present difficult situation. Storms are not sunshine and happiness, but they do present challenges and opportunities to build strength and increase confidence. Pretending existing hardships are not there will bring exhaustion, depression, collision, disaster or re-entry of poor habits. In contrast, we must confront our current circumstances without losing hope of achieving the mission.
Two key factors are important in improving one's attitude: 1) to gain support and 2) to ensure rest. Mentors and wingmen are critical to helping us navigate through storms. Find those who will provide you with the most constructive support. Maintain relationships with people who have the traits you desire most to improve in yourself. Next, ensure rest. We must renew our energy levels by striving for a healthy balance in our lifes. If we neglect this balance, we reduce today of its productivity and rob tomorrow of its potential.
Pursue action ... finish strongly. Do you finish well or slack off at the end? Take the initiative to help better the situation, even in the smallest of ways. Never cut corners. Give each effort your best. Overcome obstacles. This is what endurance is all about.
Endurance will equip you with an inward strength to withstand stress and to do your best. It will provide you with satisfaction to know what you have accomplished and how you have grown. Life is not a sprint, it is a marathon ... we need to finish the race strong. Good character is developed when our responses improve during the roughest of storms.
As long as life throws us adversity, the opportunity to endure is available. Endurance enables us to survive and thrive as individuals or organizations. I do not know what obstacles you are facing today in your home or in your workplace, but I do know to proceed wisely, to have a positive attitude and to pursue action and finish strong are the best tools to help you beat the storms of life. As a wise mom once said, "You're not finished until the job is done!"