Relax

Relaxing at The Golden Bear in Sacramento 

I have had the pleasure of sitting down with many people this summer who have successfully transitioned from the military to the civilian sector.  Each has given their unique advice and all of it has been great.  One of the most interesting pieces of advice I've received was about vacationing.

When I was cut from the Olympic Team, the last thing on my mind was vacation.  Because of who I am, my first thoughts were, "I need to get on with my life and set my family up for future success."  Thankfully, I came across a former Navy SEAL turned successful business man who gave me great advice, "You need to take off and fit 2 weeks of activities into a 4 week time frame."

I was astounded for a number of reasons.  Here I was, transitioning for a 2nd time and I was receiving advice, not on how to go about succeeding in the business world, but on relaxing and regenerating.  I had also never thought about a vacation the way he had.  Fitting 2 weeks of stuff in 4 weeks, GENIOUS!!!  Also, it turns out his advice was geared towards succeeding.

Catching the Mumford and Sons concert in
Monterey with friends!  

The time Shaunnah and I spent in Slovenia last year was not quite the way things are described above.  We were running around most of the time looking at stuff and I had just come off a disappointing result with the pressure of Olympic selection looming ahead.  Despite the running around and bummed attitude, it was an amazing trip and loved Slovenia.

SOOOO, now to the point. I think Shaunnah and I are finally going to fit x amount of stuff into 2x time.  (who doesn't love algebra?)  Knowing that this may be the last chance for a long time, our excitement is through the roof.

Always remember to take some time and decompress.  It will help you perform better, whether it be at work, home or on the field.  Needless to say, Shaunnah will be ready to kick butt in the classroom and I'll be ready to crush it where I land work-wise.  We're both super stoked about the future and it starts with a little vacation!

- Jimmy