Attacking the Network
We all have to walk point on our own patrol, but it’s easier when you have a tribe behind you. Thanks for being a part of our tribe! -JAD
In my book Tough Rugged Bastards, I tell the story of when Detachment One arrived in Iraq. We were operating in an area that had not been covered before and so very little was known about it. The intelligence picture consisted of the image above.
To sum it up, there were a lot of bad guys doing a lot of bad things. The two leaders were known only by code names X & Z.
In order to be successful we needed to develop the intelligence picture and start to put names to the shadowy images that lived on our targeting board.
In our case, we just had to shake a few trees until some bad apples fell out, and then start developing the intelligence picture.
This same technique can help us identify the insurgents that are standing in the way of achieving our goals.
Spend a few minutes with a piece of paper identifying the insurgent network. The people, places, and things that are interfering with you achieving the things you want.
If you are being honest, you will discover that the insurgent cell leader, the person ultimately responsible for your past failures is the person you see in the mirror while brushing your teeth.
But below that, list all of the individuals, events, and excuses that stand in your way.
Then examine each one and you will begin to understand that enemy is not those people, places, or things, but our reaction/response to them.
The bag of chocolate chip cookies isn’t the enemy. Your inability to avoid eating the whole bag is.
The alarm clock that doesn’t go off on time isn’t an insurgent. Your failure to double check it is.
The friend that cajoles you into staying out too late isn’t a cell leader. It’s your refusal to stick with your plan.
When you begin to clearly identify the insurgents on your target board you can begin to eliminate them.
Next week we’ll start dismantling the insurgent network.
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See you next Thursday!
This is an awesome exercise. Like most of us, my picture will be in most of the slots haha. I'm currently in the process of transforming my health for the long term and I'm amazed by how much change I've experience by making small, daily choices. I used to sprint toward my goal but the results never lasted. I think giving yourself a longer time horizon is critical to defeating your daily insurgents. Great stuff, John.