I wanted to become a Navy SEAL to be pushed outside my comfort zone every day, believing it was the best platform for personal growth.

After going through tough times, I stopped caring about what others thought of me, which allowed me to engage more openly with the community.

My military career was stellar, but I wanted to do more than just be a Navy SEAL; I sought out additional challenges like Army Ranger School.

I had to learn so much in six months to prepare for the Navy SEALs, which really developed my work ethic.

In high-pressure environments like Navy SEAL training, individuals who succeed often tap into a process of self-reward and internal motivation rather than relying solely on external validation.

The perception that everyone else is successfully raising funds creates a warped reality, making founders feel isolated in their struggles.

The journey is more important than the destination. After leaving the military, I co-founded a company not for profit, but to create a team and a sense of camaraderie, which I realized was what mattered most to me.

After experiencing loss, I realized that sharing my personal story publicly helped alleviate my sense of isolation and encouraged others to connect with me.

I didn't trust my editorial voice at the beginning of my career, which made it hard for others to understand what I wanted from them.