We’re excited to share a project that we’ve been working on to support first responders and military personnel. We’ve been deep in the weeds adapting our online mindset training program (Finding Your Best) to meet the needs of those who operate in environments of high consequence. This has led to an entirely new program called Warrior’s Edge.
The foundation of our original mindset training program is anchored in the applied science of high-performance psychology. My co-founder, Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, and I wanted to share best practices on how world-class athletes and organizations shape their lives, train their minds, and develop dynamic relationships built on purpose, meaning, and excellence. We pulled back the curtain on how to train the foundational mental skills required to thrive within high-stress and high-pressured environments, including confidence, emotional regulation, grit, deep-focus, mindfulness, and self-trust.
While optimizing psychological skills is at the center of our DNA, so, too, is our commitment to helping others flourish outside of work-related pressures. As it turns out, the same psychological skills that help to foster elite execution in razor-thin environments, are the very same skills that support overall mental wellness.
Given the extreme amount of pressure that first responders and military personnel face daily, it is not hard to understand that these high-stress operators also are at an increased risk of adverse mental health challenges such as substance abuse, PTSD, and even suicidality:
- As of 2014, the rate of PTSD in military veterans was 15 times that of civilians.
- Approximately 20 veterans die by suicide every day.
- 25% returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans show signs of substance abuse disorder.
- 1 in every 3 first responders develop behavioral health issues such as depression or anxiety.
- Over 90% of medical professionals have reported experiencing mental burnout.
As we began to re-imagine how to adapt our program for elite war-fighters, first responders, and military personnel — whose split-second decisions can save or cost lives — we wanted to partner with someone who has worked in those environments and has a deep understanding of the science of psychology. We couldn’t be more excited to introduce Dr. Jannell MacAulay to the team.
Dr. MacAulay, Lt Col, US Air Force retired, is a combat veteran who served 20 years as a pilot, commander, special operations consultant, and professionalism instructor. With her innovative leadership style, she was the first leader to introduce mindfulness as a proactive performance strategy within the US military. Her experience has led to some incredible insight into human performance.
“Only a carefully-developed mindset can incite the increased awareness and self-regulation necessary for managing intense split-second decisions. In our overstimulated society, many of today’s front-line professionals struggle to connect with their true inner warrior — the one who is both calculated and contemplative, rather than being overwhelmed by the stressors of both combat and life. The Warrior’s Edge program was designed to advance the next generation of war-fighters and public servants who serve others in stressful and rugged environments.”
After years of research and development, we’re so excited to introduce Warrior’s Edge, a course designed to help military service members and first responders fundamentally upgrade their psychological performance and mental wellness on duty and at home.
Warrior’s Edge is a science-based training that has been tested in high pressured athletic and business environments. Our commitment is to close the vital psychological skills gap in our culture and ensure that those charged with the safety, security, and well-being of others, have the tools to excel both personally and professionally.
Connect with Jannell to bring this training to your team.
Honored,
Michael Gervais, PhD
High-Performance Psychologist
Co-Founder, Compete To Create