Posted on Jul 28, 2016
How can I remain motivated after career progression setbacks? I need help staying motivated.
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By no means am I the perfect soldier, but I have always strived to be the best. At my last unit i achieved so many great things... Air Assault and EFMB just to name a few. Now I am stationed at a hospital, the ER to be specific. My immediate COC and the Nuses I work with will say that Im one of the best Medics in the department. I pride myself on that. Now it is time that I move up in the ranks. I earned my promotable status and was given a slot to BLC. The morning of the first day of class, I over slept and lost my slot. HUGE mistake, that set me back 6 months. My 1SG wasnt going to give me another shot for 6 months. During that time I fought for a slot. I submitted a packet every chance I got. Part of that packet was a record APFT, which I took 4 records in the span of 6 months. Being in the ER I do PT on my own, and never had an issues passing. My finally convinced my 1SG that ibdeserved another slot at BLC, and submitted a complete packet to attend. During my BLC counseling I was told that I need to improve my PT, and I agreed, also I was told that there was a possibikity that I would have to retake the PT test because the test that we took for BLC may have been putside the 30 days needed to complete the packet. So rather than wait for further instructions, I started to PT very hard. I was informed the day before that I had to retake the PT test for BLC, and I failed. My form was crap, and I could not perform to standard. I still have not had my official counseling form my 1SG, but my ERB already reflects several flags, and I am sure I am going to lose my P status. I have 5 years in, and want to make the army a career, but this year has been one set back after another. I just would really like some advice on how to stay motivated theough all of this. I love the army and everything that it has done to improve my life. Thank you in advance.
SPC
Motivation
Military Career
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
32
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First of all, I respect that you have self identified the challenges you face, that is a huge step in the right direction. Now, if you really do love being part of this great organization, and want to be a Leader then it is time to get rid of the excuses and start living the Creed of the Non Commissioned Officer.
You will be evaluated (and recommended for continued service) based on your deeds, not words. Ruck up, quit allowing yourself to settle for mediocrity in performance. You know your weaknesses.
You might find it helpful to find someone close to your location to emulate, someone that you can trust and can use as a role model, that would be a Mentor for you. Get a Mentor, and get your shit together.....your time is very limited - if you do not get yourself fixed, you will be one the guys talking about "back when I was a Soldier.....or......here's how I was screwed when I was in the Army".
Aint none of us perfect, I want you to show me how resilient you are and would like an update of when you are getting promoted or getting out.......time to act while you have a vote in the matter.
You will be evaluated (and recommended for continued service) based on your deeds, not words. Ruck up, quit allowing yourself to settle for mediocrity in performance. You know your weaknesses.
You might find it helpful to find someone close to your location to emulate, someone that you can trust and can use as a role model, that would be a Mentor for you. Get a Mentor, and get your shit together.....your time is very limited - if you do not get yourself fixed, you will be one the guys talking about "back when I was a Soldier.....or......here's how I was screwed when I was in the Army".
Aint none of us perfect, I want you to show me how resilient you are and would like an update of when you are getting promoted or getting out.......time to act while you have a vote in the matter.
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SGT (Join to see)
CSM hit it on the head! I've been there done that. Literally. When I stopped making excuses and put on my big girl pants I made it happen. Don't continue to beat yourself up on your mistakes because you'll never be able to move past them! Don't dwell on the past. You have your eye on what you want to accomplish so never lose sight of it. Never let ANYTHING stop you! I don't care how many brick walls you hit ( No's) don't let it stop you. You know what you have to do MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!! Best wishes
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SPC (Join to see)
CSM hit that one right on the head brother, getting in shape and being fit isn't something that just happens brother. Gotta buckle down and stay discipline about it. It's a life style, and a difficult one for some to maintain. Get yourself a workout buddy, someone who loves it and will challenge you to be there. A big one, never lose your faith. Good things come to those who work their asses off. It may be a setback, but, when you get promoted, you'll have advice to give your soldiers as you become a leader.
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LTC David Brown
Great comments. I am reading a book “ Tri Athlete EQ”. It talks about how to deal with things when they don’t work out. Don’t let mistakes or set backs define you. It takes a bunch of “atta boys “ to cover up an “aw sh-t”. Look at past failures by great people, it didn’t define them and it won’t define you. Dwell on mistakes to correct the problem, then move on. Get your head in a good place. Focus on what got you the good stuff. Realize ER means keeping fit off duty. Pain in the rear but I did it for 20 some years. The CSM is absolutely correct. Good luck and keep on being your best,
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"I love the army and everything that it has done to improve my life." That is your motivation right there. Now you just need to figure out how to apply it. Starts with self discipline. There are many definitions of self discipline, the best one being simply forcing yourself to do what you know is right. Oversleeping on day one of an NCOES school is not a mistake, it is a lack of self discipline. At that moment, the most important thing in your life should have been BLC. Coulda, woulda, shoulda, not going to beat you up over that. Its how you move forward now. Think of the most professional NCO you know. He or she didn't get where they are at without self discipline. Emulate that NCO in all you do and you will see it come together.
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A couple of ideas from an Air Force guy who knows almost nothing about the Army:
You said you PT on you own. This may not be working for you as well as it might. Is there a unit on the installation that would allow you to PT with them when your work schedule allows? Your First Sergent may be able to help you with this. It's probably outside of Army tradition, but might work for you.
Are martial arts classes offered through your installation physical fitness or recreation center? Martial arts, when taught properly, teach discipline, physical fitness, and the fighting skills related to that discipline. And it can be fun! Might help your approach to fitness and life.
You said you PT on you own. This may not be working for you as well as it might. Is there a unit on the installation that would allow you to PT with them when your work schedule allows? Your First Sergent may be able to help you with this. It's probably outside of Army tradition, but might work for you.
Are martial arts classes offered through your installation physical fitness or recreation center? Martial arts, when taught properly, teach discipline, physical fitness, and the fighting skills related to that discipline. And it can be fun! Might help your approach to fitness and life.
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