My military journey began at age 24, shortly after marrying my wife, Kelly. We had a quick honeymoon in Avalon, New Jersey, before I left for officer training school in Knoxville, Tennessee—completely unprepared for what lay ahead.
Arriving over the Fourth of July weekend, I felt the sting of homesickness, remembering my mom’s festive poolside celebrations. Alone in a dorm room, overwhelmed by strict instructions and expectations, I was hit with the reality of military life.
As other officer candidates arrived, nerves and tension filled the air. Fortunately, my roommate came from a military family—his father was a general—which was a comfort, considering my only military exposure came from movies like Top Gun.
That first night, we were jolted awake at 3 a.m. and thrust into intense physical training—yelling, push-ups, marching. The goal was clear: break us down and build us into officers. It was exhausting, mentally and physically.
I soon reached a low point and called my mom, ready to quit. Her words changed everything:
“I understand that you can’t do this, but the character you’re playing—the future officer—can.”
That shift in mindset helped me push through. I started acing tests, improving at drills, and gaining confidence.
Graduation was unforgettable. Surrounded by my wife and family, I felt transformed—not just into an officer, but into a man.
You may ask, how does the above story apply to financial planning. I have my thoughts about this which I will cover in future post.
However, I would rather hear your stories.
– How has a disciplined experience in your life—such as military service, sports, or a demanding job—helped you become more organized and financially responsible?
– Have you ever faced a challenge that felt overwhelming or beyond your ability to handle?
– What strategies, support, or mindset helped you push through that difficult time?
