I’ve been hosting the Consequence of Habit Podcast for close to two years now, and one of the reoccurring themes I continually hear from guests is something that Marcus Aurelius described over 2,000 years ago when he wrote “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” 

This week I sat down with US Army Chief Warrant Officer, Nick Lavery. Nick is an active duty member of the United States Special Forces (Green Beret), an author, and amputee who lost his right leg while serving in Afghanistan in 2013. Now ask yourself, how could a self-proclaimed knuckle dragging Green Beret who enjoys kicking in doors, lifting weights and blowing stuff up, evolve into an improved and well-rounded Special Forces operator BECAUSE of his injuries? Because “what stands in the way becomes the way” -Marcus Aurelius.

In our conversation, Nick describes his experience of losing his leg (and potentially his identity) and the physical and mental habits he needed to become the first amputee to return to a Special Forces unit. Nick also discusses how his injury forced him to embrace the aspects of his profession that hadn’t come naturally and how that process has helped him become a more well-rounded Green Beret. 

If you want more from Nick, be sure to order his upcoming book Objective Secure, or check him out on his social media links below.

Instagram: @nick.machine.lavery

LinkedIn: Nick Lavery

Twitter: @nick_lavery_