Ordinary People With Extraordinary Abilities

“We first must break them [the recruits] down [and all of their strongholds] and then build them back up for success [both mentally and physically stronger than ever]. Their success is a testament to our ability to develop their greatness. When they succeed we all succeed, individually and collectively.” These were the words of a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. Speaking of excellence! The Marine Corps boot camp program is simply first class for developing EXCELLENCE.

My family and I recently visited a Marine Corps Recruit Depot, otherwise known as boot camp, in Parris Island, SC. All east coast enlistees, both men and women, complete their initial training here. This training has a physical and academic component; each equally grueling physically and mentally.

We witnessed a group of recruits in their 5th week, of the 12-weeklong boot camp training, in action. It blew

The day I internalized a higher way of excellence....

my mind! I struggled to grasp what my eyes were witnessing. In five short weeks these recruits were marching with such precision, in one accord. Every move so coordinated, every foot lifting and landing at the same time; their stance and formation so straight, confident, and strong. Their Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms, better known as the camouflage uniform, were impeccably worn – crisp and polished.

You may say okay, so what. Why is this so surprising to you? We are talking about the military here. Well, let’s take a deeper look at what my mind was processing through these live, visual scenes.

These recruits were enlistees, which mean they came in straight from high school. Their average age was 19 years old. They were young, in training for just over a month and already they were transformed! Without much experience at all, they quickly learn the meaning and value of excellence and respect… even in their speech.

There is a level of respect for rank [leaders] regardless of how they personally feel about them. Their performance and strive for excellence did not drop because they did not like who was leading them. They perform their work to a high standard; understanding that their assigned tasks are their responsibility and they are fully accountable for the output and quality of it. Nothing is taken personally.

My Freak Factor Experience

BY NELLIE FELIPE

I just finished the eBook “The Freak Factor” by David Rendall. As I was reading so many memories from the past came like a flood. My passions so often mistaken for impatience; my need for facts mistaken for being Ms. Know-It-All; my quiet confidence as arrogance.

One incident in particular, midway through my career, stands out. This experience tested my very

Fear of Failure? Even So Do It!

By Nellie Felipe

Why are we so afraid to fail?  Fear of failure is one fear that cripples a person’s potential and their contribution to mankind.  We all have a purpose to fulfill in life. Most people will withdraw at the first sight or smell of failure.  Fear of failure is most linked to fear of rejection and criticism. We care so much about what others will say or think of us.  To some extent, we should. 

The most successful people, despite the field they are in, have failed many times before success was ever associated with them.  The people we fear the most criticism from may surprise us with words of wisdom and even share their lessons learned.

Any successful individual will tell us not to view them with envy.  There is a price to pay to live out our dreams which include long laborious hours, exhaustion, pain, sometimes even loneliness, and lots of missteps… hence failure.  We can never taste success without a good dose of failures.  Here is the key – We will reap what we sow.  The failures help us to streamline, perfect, and deliver a better product and/or service.   Not to mention this is how we gain wisdom.

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Nellie Felipe

Nellie Felipe is the founder of ARIZE Coaching and Consulting. She is a respected coach and consultant. As a coach, she inspires people to take courage, exude excellence, and take on their purpose in life. No matter what you are attempting to achieve, she will evoke the leader in you. She will come along side you as an accountability partner, a seasoned professional, a caring friend. In addition to offering coaching services for individuals, Nellie also coaches small business owners on launching, growing, branding and defining themselves.

As a consultant, Nellie will equip you with repeatable processes, systems and organization. The consulting services offerings consists of process improvement, project management and change management utilizing proven Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and PMI PM methodologies.

Nellie is an excellent facilitator, coach, team builder, instructor, listener and observer. She has substantial experience helping leaders seeking to achieve greater goals. Attend one of Nellie’s online workshops, take her on as a coach, bring her in as a consultant to help you with your business, or ask her to speak at one of your events. Check out her services. Subscribe to the free newsletters and follow her on Twitter!