8 Inspirational Quotes from 8 US Veterans
Every Veterans Day we recognize those who fought and served in the military. This year I decided to highlight a few that I interviewed this past year on the Going North Podcast. It was an honor to learn from every single one of them. If you enjoy what you read, check out their full interview and their websites to learn more.
1. “Put your mind on a reading diet.” — Luke Wright (US Marine Veteran)
One of the greatest things you can do for yourself is put it on a reading diet. I try to read at least 4 books a month (or 1 book a week). Books are an inexpensive way to escape reality (by reading a good novel) or picking up a quick tip to make yourself more productive.
Luke’s Episode: https://www.dombrightmon.com/podcast/episode/1a80157b/28-the-wright-thought-with-luke-wright-lukemotivates
Luke’s Website: http://lukemotivates.com/
2. “Being fearful is not going to stop what’s happening in your body.” — Loronda Giddens (US Army Veteran)
Loronda is a breast cancer survivor and this advice is important to your well-being. It pays to stay on top of your health to get the most out of life. Especially when there are more options than ever before to live to your fullest.
Loronda’s Website: https://www.lorondacgiddens.com/
Loronda’s Episode: https://www.dombrightmon.com/podcast/episode/19e1e57d/43-peeling-back-the-layers-of-your-life-with-loronda-giddens-inspired2peel
3. “Look outside of yourself and be a person who encourages others.” — Chris Jordan (US Air Force Veteran)
This quote reminds me of Gandhi's words about losing yourself in the service of others. One simple way to serve others is by encouraging them. You never know who may need your kind word to make it through the rest of the day. Try to encourage 3 people today through a kind word, email, text or letter. Especially if they are a veteran.
Chris’s Episode: https://www.dombrightmon.com/podcast/episode/e8511ff6/super-special-awesome-leadership-episode-with-chris-jordan-cjjordan76
Chris’s Website: https://www.teamcne.com/
4. “What looks happy may not always be happy.” — Phoenix J Ma’ri (US Army Veteran)
Everyone is fighting an invisible battle that you may never know about. That person may be going through cancer, depression, or taking care of a sick loved one. Kindness pays and encouragement can help. If you have the time, ask a random person to share their story with you. You may learn something new.
Phoenix’s Episode: http://goingnorth.libsyn.com/70-from-grief-to-grind-with-phoenix-j-mari
5. “My kids should not have to beg for a job.” — Antonio T. Smith Jr. (US Army Veteran)
Seeking to build an economic legacy is a powerful thing because it can do wonders for your family. Especially if they are taught effective money principles that help to not only manage money but also multiply it.
Antonio’s Episode: http://goingnorth.libsyn.com/1-year-anniversary-episode-2-building-an-economic-legacy-with-antonio-t-smith-jr-theatsjr
Antonio’s Website: https://www.theatsjr.com/?fbclid=IwAR1nMR3j3qi99ZLjClz4guNzPt5Xl669aXlZGzTluGOhQGhWWVIzS8hfaJU
6. “Turn your L’s into lessons.” — Myesha Monique Collins (US Navy Veteran)
No one on the earth is undefeated. If you have a growth mindset, then every loss has the gift of a lesson. Some of my bigger victories in life came after learning from going against a stronger competitor. Enhanced learning experiences can only come taking an L (or a loss) and examining the camouflaged gift.
Myesha’s Episode: http://goingnorth.libsyn.com/63-blue-girls-turned-gold-with-myesha-monique-collins-blueturnedgold
Myesha’s Website: https://bluegirlsturnedgold.org/?fbclid=IwAR2gmYrobLuYE3HxetLlFrbHtSqBzOeImjWS0u_KSrmHNxYSbAjvR494FRM
7. “If you really want it to happen, you’ll figure out a way to make it happen.” — Marc Hunter (US Army Veteran)
Everyone has something they want to do in life. Once you decide to do something, declare it in front of others and take the acton to make it happen. Being open with your dreams and goals around the right people can allow the added gift of accountability to your life.
Marc’s Episode: https://www.dombrightmon.com/podcast/episode/d2f33e87/10-the-greatness-manifesto-marc-greatness-hunter-thegr80ne
Marc’s Website: http://www.iamgreatness.net/
8. “Leadership and innovation are inseparable.” — Dr. Jeff Standridge (US Army Veteran)
This quote is very true. Leaders always stay at the forefront of their own self-development and stay aware of growth opportunities for their team. One of my bosses said a powerful question in a meeting that stuck with me and it was, “How can I remain relevant?” Keep yourself relevant in this era of constant innovation and evolution by always adding value to yourself and your team.
Dr. Jeff’s Episode: https://www.dombrightmon.com/podcast/episode/d58bbc81/84-innovation-and-leadership-with-dr-jeff-standridge
Dr. Jeff’s Website: https://jeffstandridge.com/
Bonus Quotes:
- “If you want something, go work for it. If you’re not going to be disciplined enough to put the effort in, then you don’t get to b*tch when you don’t get the result.” — Chris Aitken (US Air Force Veteran)
Chris’s Episode: https://www.dombrightmon.com/podcast/episode/944fa0ab/20-you-probably-wont-die-with-chris-aitken-cfcatonsville
Chris’ Website: http://www.crossfitcatonsville.com/team/chris-aitken/
- “Solidify what you think you know.” — Darnnell Reese (US Army Veteran)
Darnnell’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0uQqTGnAQs
Darnnell’s Book Page: https://www.amazon.com/Darnnell-D-Reese/e/B076BVDYXZ
- “Setbacks teach you how to regroup, how to re-strategize and how to go get it.” — Dr. Duane Mangum (US Air Force Veteran)
Dr. Duane’s Episode: https://www.dombrightmon.com/podcast/episode/1e229468/45-from-the-incubator-to-the-kingdom-with-dr-duane-mangum-i_blend1
Dr. Duane’s Website: https://drduanemangum.com/
- “Writers are fighters.” — Daniel Blanchard (US Air Force & Army Veteran)
Daniel’s Episode: https://www.dombrightmon.com/podcast/episode/2a5558e9/72-a-sprint-to-the-top-with-daniel-blanchard-dan007blanchard
Daniel’s Website: http://granddaddyssecrets.com/
