We have a saying in dog training that you don’t fix one problem without potentially creating a new one. That saying is as true in dog training as it is in life. Many of us struggle to find harmony among both personal and professional matters—the struggle is real. So where is this unicorn we’re after, and what does it look like? I don’t have all the answers for you, and if I did I wouldn’t be able to give them in less than 500 neatly printed words. But here are some thoughts that might help if—like me—you are still searching.

Family. Long story short—make things right. At home, do the damn dishes. Make sure your kids, significant other, family, and closest friends know that you have done your part and that you value your relationship with them. When personal matters are on your mind—air your grievances, find peace, and carry yourself in a way that you want to be remembered some day. Don’t take it to work with you. Yes, it can be hard, but you can’t make excuses. Make it right.

Fitness. You know why people spend so much time and money messing around with guns and gadgets? Because it’s a lot easier than putting in the work. You don’t have to be a professional athlete—but if you want to put your money where your mouth is when it comes to tactics and survival, you DO have to put in the work. Physical fitness has been proven to enhance our resilience and performance under stress, make us less susceptible to injury (i.e., not become a casualty and liability to our team), and improve overall life expectancy. Count those calories, go for a run, swing some kettlebells. Make it a habit. No one is going to do it for you. 

Firearms. Yes, shooting is important. And it’s a perishable skill—frequency and recency matter to stay proficient. Get out to the range often enough to check yourself before you wreck yourself. Push your limits, and then dial it in so that your hits are consistent and predictable. 100-200 rounds every few weeks is better than a $1,000 tactics course you’re going to take once and never follow up on. Yes, you should get professional coaching, but keep it simple and build on fundamentals first. And dry fire more—it’s free. 

Fighting. You are arguably more likely to get in a tussle than a full-fledged gunfight. I understand that self-defense training can be uncomfortable and that our egos are sensitive and precious—but big biceps aren’t going to teach you the technical aspects of a serious struggle, so you have to step outside your comfort zone, set some time and money aside, and get after it. Don’t neglect this!

Balance and harmony—in training, and in life. Keep on keepin’ on.