Stew Smith and Jack McFarland (retired DEA) discuss Jack's journey as he prepared for a career in the DEA, including his DEA training, missions, and the process of becoming a DEA agent. 

Check out https://www.JackMcFarlandDEA.com for more information on contacting Jack McFarland - Supervisory Special Agent at U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Retired, Keynote Motivational Speaker, Consultant to Law Enforcement.

Check out other videos of combat swimmer stroke, workouts, and other spec ops related training.  See http://www.stewsmithfitness.com for more information about military, law enforcement, special ops, fire fighting training programs.

Jim Edwards is a highly successful entrepreneur with an internet marketing business for over 30 years. His resilience was born out of childhood illness and gritty choices throughout his life. From being bankrupt, living in a trailer park to a multi-millionaire marketer, Jim Edwards has a story for all of those who are struggling with that side gig, working a job they do not like. 

For more about Jim Edwards and how he can help you with your business, check out his revolutionary systems at https://www.copyandcontent.ai 

Check out other books, coaching, and videos of Stew Smith Fitness training at http://www.stewsmithfitness.com for more information about military, law enforcement, special ops, fire fighting training programs.

Today, Nutritionist (Army Ranger), PhD Nick Barringer helps me understand creatine, especially as I age, and the benefits that are undeniable. Check out Nick Barringer at https://drnickbarringer.com/ and his very educational Instagram page -  @nickbarringer.phd.rdn 

Creatine monohydrate is among the most popular and widely researched dietary supplements globally. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts, among others, use it to enhance physical performance and muscle growth.

Its reputation is built on decades of scientific research and practical results, making it a common addition to sports nutrition routines and even daily health regimens for older adults. I have seen mixed results when athletes undergoing rigorous special operations-level training take creatine. These athletes are typically still competing in high school or collegiate sports programs but attend a Special Warfare exposure weekend or screening, such as the one the U.S. Naval Academy holds each semester.

In military training like Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S), all supplements are banned for those enrolled. This is largely a result of dosing and hydration needs not being fully understood and cases of misuse in the 1990s and early 2000s.

I saw many special ops recruits who were collegiate athletes struggle with severe cramps and digestive issues. This was my first exposure to the supplement, and the performance of users was not impressive. Shortly afterward, the military banned all supplements from special ops selection programs. Science says, maybe my assumptions were incorrect!

In recent years, creatine has made a comeback with science-backed studies showing benefits over a wide range of ages. While it remains banned from high-intensity military training programs -- and should continue to be, in my opinion -- the benefits of regular training doses have shown remarkable results for high-performing athletes and the aging population, outside of just adding bulk.

These results include:

Improved short-term memory.
Enhanced mental and cognitive function.
Longer attention spans.

Science has opened my eyes to the use of creatine for many different reasons, not just larger biceps. Here’s what you need to know.

Check out other videos of combat swimmer stroke, workouts, and other spec ops related training.  See http://www.stewsmithfitness.com for more information about military, law enforcement, special ops, fire fighting training programs.

How to Handle Missed Tasks and Keep Moving Forward - see full article - https://www.stewsmithfitness.com/blogs/news/missed-workout-to-do-list-bumping-your-schedule-to-the-right-navigating-life-s-disruptions

Life is unpredictable. Even the most meticulously planned schedules can be upended by unexpected events, last-minute changes, or simply the need for a break. Whether you’re aiming to fit in a workout, attend an appointment, or check off items on your daily to-do list, sometimes life just gets in the way. When this happens, it’s essential to know how to respond so you can stay productive without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

Understanding Your Options When You Miss a Task
When you’re unable to complete a planned activity, you generally have three main options:
1. Skip It Altogether: Letting go of a missed task can sometimes be the best choice, especially if it’s not critical or if you’re feeling burnt out. This approach prioritizes mental health and acknowledges that perfection isn’t always possible.
2. Bump It to the Right: This means rescheduling the missed task to the following day or a later date. It’s a powerful strategy for maintaining your commitment to goals without piling on unnecessary guilt. By ‘bumping to the right,’ you give yourself permission to adapt rather than abandon your plans.
3. Do It Later in the Day: If your schedule allows, you might be able to fit the missed task into a different time slot on the same day. This option requires flexibility and a realistic assessment of your remaining energy and priorities.
4. Replace with an Easier Option: Sometimes, the best way to keep momentum is by doing a simplified version of your original plan. For example, if you miss a 60-minute workout, doing a 20-minute walk or a short stretching session can help you maintain your habit, even if it’s not perfect.

The “Bump to the Right” Strategy Explained
Rescheduling a missed task for the following day—or ‘bumping it to the right’—is a practical way to honor your intentions without punishing yourself for life’s interruptions. This approach keeps your goals alive and prevents the discouragement that can come from repeatedly skipping tasks. It’s especially useful for recurring activities, like workouts or daily planning, where consistency matters more than perfection.

Stew Smith and Jeff Nichols discuss coaching those who are untrained, aging past the age waiver, and preparing to serve in some fashion.  Check out this knowledge drop from two former Navy SEAL Tactical Fitness Coaches. 

Check out other videos of combat swimmer stroke, workouts, and other spec ops related training.  See http://www.stewsmithfitness.com for more information about military, law enforcement, special ops, fire fighting training programs.

As discussed in the Never Quit Mindset book and video course, https://www.stewsmithfitness.com/products/the-never-quit-mindset-book - the ability to fail and learn and improve is what makes success a Never Quit Mindset Journey.  This week we are sharing the story of Colonel Harland Sanders. Yes THE Colonel Sanders known as a figure of perseverance, founding Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) late in his life after enduring countless rejections. His story is often cited as proof that it's never too late to achieve your dreams if you refuse to give up. 

Let’s cut to it—you're tired of the cycle of self-doubt undermining your progress. The solution? A mindset transformation rooted in mental and physical resilience. This action plan isn’t just a pamphlet—it's your gateway to living a life where quitting ceases to be an option. 

Our Never Quit Mindset action plan delivers the tools necessary to conquer doubt, manage stress, and ultimately thrive under pressure. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you'll build resilience, harness an unstoppable mindset, and inch closer to living a life where “never quit” is your mantra.  

Building a Never Quit Mindset is Possible… See more info at https://www.stewsmithfitness.com

Building a Never Quit Mindset is Possible… https://www.stewsmithfitness.com/products/the-never-quit-mindset-book

With this action plan, you'll learn to understand the growth process required for physical and mental toughness. You'll enjoy the liberation from the fear of failure and the freedom to move forward and through obstacles, setting you on a path whereby your growth knows no limits. 

Defeat Self-Doubt and Embrace Never-Ending Progress 

- Step-by-Step Growth Process: Transformations don’t happen in a day, but with the right blueprint, you can ignite the spark within and foster continuous success.

- Expert Tactics for Resilience: Take a methodologically proven path to becoming unfazed by challenges—straight from a former Navy SEAL and Tactical Fitness Coach helping operators prepare for decades.

- Comfort Zone Expansion: Effectively step beyond limitations and explore new territories of potential.

- Stress Coping Mechanisms: Equip yourself with tailored strategies that make stress, failure, and doubt manageable—not debilitating.

- Mindset Mastery: Leverage mental practices that redefine self-belief, focused on winning and competing and never even thinking about quitting. 

Master Your Mindset with Stew Smith, Tactical Fitness Pioneer / Spec Ops Coach 

A Stoic approach is something that concisely concludes each chapter of the book. Here is one of the great teachers of Stoicism Epictetus: From Slavery to Stoic Wisdom

How Ancient Teachings Inspire Motivate and Build the Never Quit Mindset
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
True freedom is internal and comes from controlling one’s own will and judgement not from external factors like power or wealth. Even a friend of Caesar is a slave if their happiness depends on the ruler’s favor.


Epictetus was born around 50 AD in Hierapolis, present-day Turkey. He spent his early years as a slave in Rome. Despite this challenging start, he gained his freedom and devoted his life to philosophy, becoming one of the most influential voices in Stoicism. Epictetus's journey from slavery to respected teacher highlights the transformative power of focusing on what we can control.

The Core of Stoicism: Control Over Response, Not Circumstances
Stoic philosophy teaches that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. Epictetus emphasized that our true power lies in our thoughts, beliefs, and actions—not in external events. This idea forms the heart of Stoicism and serves as a foundation for personal resilience.
TWO Categories: What Is Up to Us vs. What Is Not
• Up to Us: Our opinions, choices, desires, thoughts, and actions.
• Not Up to Us: Other people’s actions, external events, weather, and other’s opinions.
Epictetus encouraged asking, “Is this within my control?” This simple question helps us focus energy on what we can influence, reducing anxiety and frustration.

Exploring the Relentless Spirit Behind Human Flight and Space Exploration
The "Never Quit Mindset with Human Innovation Since Wright Brothers" podcast takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through the history and future of human flight. We quickly discuss the pivotal moments that have shaped our ability to soar, from the Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk to the age of supersonic jets, the dawn of rocketry, and humanity’s bold steps onto the lunar surface.

Hosted by the creator of the Never Quit Mindset, Stew Smith, the show celebrates the innovators, engineers, and dreamers who refused to accept limits and never quit trying and innovating. 

Whether you’re fascinated by early aviation, the race to break the sound barrier, the marvels of modern jet aircraft, the excitement of the Space Race, or the ongoing quest to explore Mars and beyond, this podcast brings you the human stories and technological breakthroughs that define our relentless pursuit of innovation.

Tune in for a mix of history, inspiration, and a look at what lies ahead in the world of human innovation. Perfect for anyone who believes that no dream is too big—and that quitting is never an option.

Thomas Edison's "Never Quit" story is a legendary example of perseverance and turning failure into success. Throughout his career, Edison faced numerous challenges, particularly in his pursuit of inventing the practical incandescent light bulb. He famously conducted thousands of experiments, each failure bringing him closer to his goal. 

When asked about his repeated failures, Edison is quoted as saying, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” For Edison, negative results were just as valuable as positive ones, because they guided him toward the solution.

Imagine facing each day with unshakable confidence that quitting is no longer a consideration. This is the Never Quit Mindset Action Plan!  

Let’s cut to it—you're tired of the cycle of self-doubt undermining your progress. The solution? A mindset transformation rooted in mental and physical resilience. This action plan isn’t just a pamphlet—it's your gateway to living a life where quitting ceases to be an option. 

Our Never Quit Mindset action plan delivers the tools necessary to conquer doubt, manage stress, and ultimately thrive under pressure. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you'll build resilience, harness an unstoppable mindset, and inch closer to living a life where “never quit” is your mantra.  

Building a Never Quit Mindset is Possible… https://www.stewsmithfitness.com/products/the-never-quit-mindset-book

Time to finish strong with the last month of summer. Can you progress into higher mileage, higher reps, faster times (run, ruck, swim)? That is our plan for the last month of summer - THEN once we peak, we will do a week of mobility days. It is going to be awesome!

Summer peak - https://www.stewsmithfitness.com/blogs/news/summer-training-plans-by-stew-smith-stfp-system

Mobility day - https://www.stewsmithfitness.com/blogs/news/dont-skip-moblity-day

See more at https://www.stewsmithfitness.com