“Listen, kids are resilient, we all know that, but what happened to us when we grew up? We’re a trainwreck and we’re a dumpster fire by the time we become adults. You know we all intrinsically have resilience, but we lose it along the way somewhere.” – Andrew Wittman
Parenting can be extremely difficult, and today’s amazing Finding Brave guest reveals the tools required to master resilience in parenting. Not only does it take mental toughness, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, but an incredible amount of inner work and true acceptance of oneself is needed in order for someone to be the best parent he or she can be.
Dr. Andrew Wittman is a United States Marine Corps infantry combat veteran, a former Police Officer, and Federal Agent. As a Special Agent for the U.S. Capitol Police, he led the security detail for Nancy Pelosi and has personally protected Hillary Clinton, Tom Delay, Trent Lott, King Abdullah of Jordan, Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, Sir Elton John, as well as Fortune 20 CEOs. As a security contractor for the State Department, he taught high-threat diplomatic security to former Navy SEALS, Marines, Rangers, and Special Forces.
Andrew is founder of the Mental Toughness Training Center, a leadership consultancy specializing in peak performance, team dynamics, resolving conflict in the workplace, and is the author of the books, Ground Zero Leadership: CEO of You (2016) and Seven Secrets of Resilience for Parents” (2018). He holds a Ph.D. in Theological Studies, is a guest lecturer at Clemson University, and co-hosts the radio call-in show “Get Warrior Tough.”
Andrew is an embodiment of mental resilience and strength, but there’s also a vulnerability and accessibility in him that I believe isn’t seen often in other leaders of his stature working in the area that he specializes in. His message is timely and one that is needed today though, because if you can find a way to love and accept yourself, thoroughly, no matter what, you will become a better parent and a better leader and make a positive difference in the world.
Highlights from this Episode:
- What Andrew says has taught him the most about life from his amazing career and experiences [4:05]
- Why he wrote his latest book and the key message it holds for parents [7:36]
- How Andrew created the framework he writes and teaches others about [9:30]
- What he sees parents doing that could be causing negative, lasting effects in their children [11:33]
- How to avoid always seeking the need for approval from others [18:10]
- What it means to be the “CEO of You” and Andrew’s 4-Step “C.R.A.P.” framework that will help you do it [27:23]
- His advice for always accepting your children for who they are [38:58]
- The difference between “liking” and “loving” yourself, and why this matters so much [41:57]
- Whether or not Andrew thinks leadership and parenting are similar [44:55]
For More Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/andrew-wittman-phd/
https://www.facebook.com/WarriorToughPhD/
https://twitter.com/WarriorToughPhD
https://www.instagram.com/warriortoughphd/
Resources Mentioned:
His Books, Ground Zero Leadership: CEO of You (2016) & Seven Secrets of Resilience for Parents” (2018)
Inner Armor Perpetual Resilience Training App
Kathy’s Forbes Blog with Andrew, How Social Media Over-Sharing About Your Child Can Cause Irrevocable Harm
Kathy’s Forbes Bog, Guy Kawasaki Shares His Most Important Career Lessons And Regrets (And His Take On Women In Tech)
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
QUOTES:
“Getting your body under control is the first level of mental toughness, but getting your emotions under control is something completely different.” [4:40]
“The worst part about social media is that we’re all running a reality television show. We’re playing a role and we’re not playing ourselves.” [20:28]
“For me, my identity statement is ‘I’m a man of excellence who always keeps his word.’ So no matter what, whether I’m a dad, the CEO of my company, I’m coaching little league, or I’m a parent on the sidelines watching my kids play, I’m a man of excellence who always keeps his word. That’s what I am, and it will never run out until I get to my grave.” [32:25]
“Mental or emotional work, or I’ll call it spiritual work, is harder than physical work. So every day, I’m going to reaffirm my acceptance of myself.” [39:22]
“I would defy anybody to say that parenting is not skill in influence, direction, course of action, attitudes, and opinions.” [45:44]
Sponsor Highlight!
I’m thrilled to share that Audible.com is a sponsor of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offer of one FREE book of your choice with a 30-day FREE membership trial! And feel free to keep the book even if you cancel the membership. Click here to sign up for your free book! http://www.audibletrial.com/FindingBrave
Watch the video of this episode!
Now you can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my Youtube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!
0 Comments