You want to change the world???

I read a speech last week that Naval Admiral William H. McRaven gave to the graduating class of 2014 from the University of Texas. The speech was based on 10 lessons he learned in the basic SEAL training program. He shared these lessons with the graduating class because the University's slogan is,

"What starts here changes the world."

Admiral McRaven said, "I have to admit, I kinda' like it" So, he offered these 10 lessons with hope they would have value as the students moved forward. It was very compelling. I liked it so much, I read the speech, then listened to him give the speech and even took pictures of the words he spoke. You might say, I loved it!!!

I was tempted to list the 10 lessons here, but I changed my mind. I'll link the speech to this blog and you can decide for yourself what your favorite part will be. I loved the whole thing, but the part that really stuck out in my mind was lesson #7.



I LOVE the image this created in my mind. This is what you have to do to bullies and once you do "punch a shark in the snout" meaning stand up to a bully they really do swim off. The reason is the same now as when I was teaching this lesson to Garrison in the second grade. Bullies are trying to get a reaction out of you and when you stand up to them they fall away as if they're made of ash.

It can be scary, but you must remember, It is going to work out...and if it doesn't, then you need to move on!