The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst Navy SEAL Secrets to Dominate Fear, Pressure & Discomfort | Brent Gleason
Dec 1, 2025
Brent Gleeson, a Navy SEAL combat veteran turned entrepreneur, shares profound insights on overcoming addiction and achieving identity transformation. He reveals how SEAL training's pressure is easier than battling addiction while discussing the importance of discipline over fleeting motivation. Brent emphasizes converting discomfort into growth and the significance of cultivating mental toughness through emotional intelligence. He also highlights the shift in veteran culture towards sobriety and faith, encouraging listeners to redefine their identities and focus on meaningful pursuits.
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From Finance To SEALs
- Brent left a finance job after college to train with a friend and ultimately join the Navy, driven by fascination with Naval Special Warfare history and culture.
- He trained intensely in Colorado, enlisted, and credits that journey with building mental fortitude used later in life.
Dual Focus Builds Resilience
- Successful trainees maintain long-term emotional connection to the mission while leaning into pain as necessary growth.
- Reframing suffering as an essential part of the journey reduces anxiety and builds resilience for future challenges.
Take Action To Shrink Fear
- Stop ruminating on improbable worst-case scenarios and take calculated action to test fears quickly.
- Break goals into bite-sized steps and expand your comfort zone through repeated exposure to discomfort.
