EE 172: Redefining Yourself After 40 with Stephen Hand
Oct 5, 2023
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Navy retiree Stephen Hand shares his remarkable physical transformation and military career. Topics covered include achieving peak fitness, leadership school, sea creature encounters, living in third world countries, changing perspectives, buying a house, physical shape and fitness journey, the joy of learning, the impact of diet, intense workouts, connecting with nature, retirement income options, and living a healthy lifestyle.
The guest discusses his journey and experiences in the Navy, highlighting the sense of control and purpose he gained in the military.
The guest shares insights into his experiences with diving, including night dives, encountering sharks, and exploring unique underwater landscapes.
The guest mentions the role of dolphins, sea lions, and seals in the Navy, their training for various tasks, and the uncertainty of the program's current status.
The podcast touches on the possibility of conflicts with China and the challenges faced in reaching the red zone due to long-range missiles.
The importance of maintaining personal standards, accountability, and prioritizing personal health for effective leadership is emphasized.
The transformation of the guest's physical, mental, and emotional self through jiu-jitsu training and the development of mental resilience and discipline to achieve personal goals are discussed.
Deep dives
Overview of Navy career and decision to stay
The podcast episode features a guest who shares his journey in the Navy. He initially joined without a clear direction, but after experiencing the military life, he found it enjoyable and decided to stay. The first 10 years of his career were fulfilling, and he eventually made the decision to go into the command side. He talks about the sense of control and purpose he gained in the Navy.
Night dives and diving experiences
The guest discusses his experiences with diving, including night dives and diving in different locations such as Guam. He highlights the eerie feeling of diving in caves at night, the possibility of encountering sharks, and the unique underwater landscapes he has explored. His love for diving and the underwater world is evident, although he mentions feeling uneasy at times due to the unpredictable nature of the ocean.
The role of dolphins and sea lions in the Navy
The guest mentions the role of dolphins, sea lions, and seals in the Navy. He explains that they were trained for various tasks such as detecting mines, inspecting underwater areas, and helping with open ocean mine hunting. Although he has not directly worked with them, he details their intelligence and the methods used to transport them for training purposes. However, he believes that this program might have been shut down in recent years.
Potential conflicts with China
The podcast touches on the possibility of conflicts with China. The guest references an interview with a Pacific Fleet Admiral who discussed the potential need for naval assets in a war with China. They described the challenges of reaching the red zone due to China's long-range missiles, emphasizing the importance of battles at sea. However, the guest hopes that such conflicts can be avoided and highlights the uncertainty of the future political climate.
The Importance of Holding the Line
The podcast highlights the significance of maintaining personal standards and accountability. The speaker emphasizes the need to lead by example and not expect others to hold the line if we are not willing to do so ourselves. It is important to take care of oneself and prioritize personal health and well-being in order to be an effective leader.
The Journey of Self-Transformation
The podcast episode discusses the transformation of the speaker's physical, mental, and emotional self through his commitment to training jiu-jitsu and adopting a healthier lifestyle. The speaker shares how he overcame challenges, such as excessive weight and lack of control, to become a better version of himself.
The Power of Mental Fortitude
The podcast highlights the importance of mental resilience and discipline in achieving personal goals. The speaker shares his experience of learning to be calm, think strategically, and make calculated decisions in jiu-jitsu. This transferable skill has also impacted other aspects of his life, such as work and relationships.
The Value of Being Teachable
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of being open to learning and seeking guidance. The speaker discusses how asking for feedback, seeking advice, and learning from experienced practitioners have contributed to his growth and progress in jiu-jitsu, as well as in his personal development overall.
The Importance of Angle Creation and Body Functionality in Jiu-Jitsu
Angle creation is essential in both boxing and jiu-jitsu, allowing for strategic advantages and more options in a fight. Shrimping drills in jiu-jitsu help improve the ability to create angles. Body functionality plays a significant role in jiu-jitsu and daily life, promoting mobility, flexibility, and overall health. Lack of mobility is a common issue among Americans and can impact longevity. Jiu-jitsu helps develop body functionality and contributes to a higher quality of life.
The Benefits of Play and Learning in Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-jitsu offers a unique combination of play and learning, making it a fun and enjoyable activity. While training in jiu-jitsu can be physically demanding, it provides an opportunity to engage in a playful and enjoyable environment. Many adults tend to prioritize work and overlook the importance of play and learning. Embracing playfulness and continuous learning in jiu-jitsu can have a positive impact on overall well-being and personal growth.
Exploring a Simplified and Fulfilling Life Post-Retirement
Retirement offers an opportunity to pursue a simpler and more fulfilling life. Instead of immediately seeking another job or burdening oneself with the same responsibilities, retired individuals can explore adventures, hobbies, and alternative living arrangements. Considerations such as living in low-cost countries or sailing the world can provide opportunities for personal growth, decompression, and detachment from societal norms. Transitioning away from focusing on titles and embracing a life that offers freedom, exploration, and personal fulfillment is a worthy pursuit.
In Episode 172 I sit down with one of my newer jiu jitsu students Stephen Hand. Stephen has recently redefined himself with a new commitment to health, fitness, and an overall disciplined approach to life! He joined the team at 275lbs and in 5 months is already walking around at 230lbs, and he’s just getting started! Stephen is a career Navy guy and coming up on retirement in the next year or so. This episode really goes all over the place from his time in the military, to his massive transformation in which he used jiu jitsu as the catalyst for change, and so many other aspects of Stephen’s life. Stephen believes he’s in the position to excel as a leader and a man from the lessons learned on the mats and that’s a story I wish everyone could hear! I’m extremely proud of Stephen’s accomplishments thus far and am excited to see where he goes next! Please enjoy episode 172 of the Endless Endeavor Podcast.
