Jamy Bechler

Providing Insights on Leadership and Success. Coach Bechler is a John Maxwell Leadership Team Member.

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Sep 25 2022

A Soldier’s Determination

“There’s only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything.” (Vince Lombardi)

After 12 hours of peeling potatoes for KP duty, an Army private returned to his barracks bone-tired and exhausted.

Please click here to listen to the 1-minute audio version of this article from the Success is a Choice podcast network.

As he collapsed on his bed, he noticed a letter from his girlfriend on his pillow.

He quickly opened it and read, “Dear John: If I could feel your strong arms embracing me one more time, if I could gaze into those big blue eyes of yours one more time, I know I could continue to be true and loyal to you, BUT …”

John didn’t bother to read anymore. He jumped from the bed and took off. He forgot how fatigued he was, this was a man on a mission.

John was running off the military post—doing his best impersonation of Usain Bolt in the 100yard dash.

He quickly approached the guardhouse. 

“Halt or I’ll shoot,” the guard shouted as he aimed his M14 straight at John.

John never broke stride, leaving the guard no options.

The very last words John uttered were “My mother is in heaven, my father is in hell, my girl is in Chicago, and I’m going to see one of them tonight.”

That’s what I call a determined attitude!

 

 
Jamy Bechler is the author of five books including The Captain and The Bus Trip, host of the Success is a Choice Podcast, professional speaker, and trains organizations on creating championship cultures. He previously spent 20 years as a college basketball coach and administrator.  The Leadership Playbook is Bechler’s online program that helps athletes become better teammates and more positive leaders while strengthening a team’s culture. As a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, Bechler has worked with businesses and teams, including the NBA. Follow him on Twitter at @CoachBechler. To connect with him via email or find out about his services, please contact speaking@CoachBechler.com. You can also subscribe to his insights on success and leadership by clicking here.

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Written by Jamy Bechler · Categorized: Leadership, Personal Growth · Tagged: Army, Determination, Funny, Giving All, Lou Holtz, Military, Motivation, Motivational Minute, Usain Bolt, Vince Lombardi

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