In a recent episode of the Code Breakers podcast, I had the pleasure to sit down with a good friend of mine Mark Devine, a retired Navy SEAL Commander, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. Mark is the founder of SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind, platforms that deal with a wide variety of subjects, from philosophical, emotional, and meta-physical to self-defense, fitness, and elite physical performance.
Mark’s journey is one of transformation and self-discovery. He started his career in a prestigious accounting firm after graduating from Colgate University. However, after a few years, he decided to leave his comfortable office job to pursue a more challenging path – becoming a Navy SEAL.
In the podcast, Mark shares his story and the thought process behind his decision to leave his cushy job and step into a challenging environment. He discusses his upbringing in a small town in upstate New York, where his family had a legacy business, and the expectations that came with it. Mark’s story is a testament to the power of breaking away from societal expectations and following one’s calling.
This decision, which likely shocked his family and colleagues, was driven by his desire for a more challenging life.
Initally he landed the cushy job as an accountant but it wasn’t what he really wanted to do. It had basically been decided he would follow the family business route. Thinking that he would try and get some life experience and get a job somewhere else, which was interesting that he even landed the position, seeing that studies had not exactly been his priority.
The recruitment process for the company he was eventually hired at was looking for poeple who had more of a business background than accountanting. The company sent them along to study accounting, in their minds creating more well rounded employees.
But Mark really didn’t enjoy the job – especially not accounting, or the attitudes of a lot of the people he had to work with.
Working in that business and accounting environment your worth as a human being was directly tied up to how much you made and he felt his whole self esteem was being challenged.
Being the warrior and athlete was so much of who he was that he kept up with his training in between all the “work”. To fill a block of time he found a martial arts class which then grew into finding meditation. Being in this small team helped him to gain perspective and also helped him to stick it out, because he didn’t want to let them down.
He knew what was not inspiring him and what was not aligned with his truth – but what was?
A poster advertising the navy helped solidify the idea of being a warrior and leader.
Transformation is not comfortable.
Challenging our background of obviousness.
Once you make a decision, everything shifts.
Despite the drastic career change, Mark excelled in his new role. After his time as a Navy SEAL, he went on to become a successful entrepreneur, starting several businesses, including restaurants and SEALFIT. He is also a best-selling author, having written books such as “The Way of the SEAL,” “Staring Down the Wolf,” and “Unbeatable Mind.”
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Challenges: Mark’s decision to leave a comfortable job to become a Navy SEAL shows his willingness to embrace challenges and step out of his comfort zone.
- Break Away from Expectations: Mark’s story highlights the importance of breaking away from societal and familial expectations to follow one’s passion and calling.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: Mark’s journey from a Navy SEAL to a successful entrepreneur and author demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
Call to Action:
For more insights and to hear Mark’s remarkable journey in his own words, watch the full interview on the Tom McCarthy YouTube channel. Here is the link to the video: The Breakthrough Code | Episode 8 | Mark Devine – Being a Navy SEAL & Finding Your Calling