“Each one of these books has motivated me in the pursuit of personal development and growth. Progress doesn’t always come easy, but good reads like these continually inspire me to become a better warfighter and leader. Over the years, I have learned it truly pays to dig deep and maintain a good reading habit to grow as both an Airman and a leader. I challenge you to dig deep, and put inspiration into action.” — Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian, Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa; Commander, Allied Air Command, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and Director, Joint Air Power Competence Centre, Kalkar, Germany. |
As we welcome a New Year with high hopes and expectations for a brighter future; I would like to share my thoughts regarding what it means to “Dig Deeper”. We know our minds are a powerful thing; this can be bad when we dwell on the negative, and good when our mind pushes us to achieve. We are capable of a lot more than we believe if we choose to continue to develop our ability to look inside and identify our true potential. We need to make an effort to improve and grow our minds every day. Whatever you choose, I recommend reading a little bit every other day. There are many genres out there to explore:
Remember to compare yourself to you, you are your biggest competition and the goal is always to work towards becoming a better version of yourself. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “ If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving” So remember to keep moving, and work to improve yourselves day in and day out. —MG Christopher O. Mohan, Commander, 21st Theater Sustainment Command |
Brig. Gen. Joshua M. Olson is the Commander, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. |
“Dig deeper…when you think you have nothing left, dig deeper because you have more left in you than you may realize. Pause, take a moment to gather your thoughts. In the time that you think you are done, you will find that you are not! I read to enhance my learning and fill my virtual tool box with the tools I need to help me dig deeper. Use the pickaxe of positive thinking to dig your way through the big rocks and move barriers out of the way. This will let you dig a little deeper to find your internal strength of mind, body and soul to continue to drive on and make a difference for you, your family and those around you. Dig deeper…it’s in you!” — Brigadier General Ronald E. Jolly SR., USAFE-AFAFRICA/A4, Director of Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection |
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To me, dig deeper means to ‘stretch’ past the limitations we place on ourselves – in regard to what we believe we are capable of accomplishing. I view it kind of akin to physical stretching – if I keep trying, keep breathing, keep working on other stretches that get me closer to my desired aspiration…eventually, I’ll not only get to the stretch I’m after, I often find I can reach further than I ever believed possible! However, I have to remember that when I’m feeling exhausted, stretched thin, uncertain of success, I may talk myself out of striving toward or accomplishing my desires. As such, I don’t try to rely simply on will – I constantly have to remind myself to remain agile and positive in my thoughts. I know there is a lot of power in what I allow myself to believe; I can be my biggest advocate or most convincing adversary. Digging deeper means I work hard to stop telling myself that there are limits in what I can do, and [instead] I keep working to convince myself that if anyone could do “it”, why not me?" — Chief Master Sgt. Hope L. Skibitsky, Command Chief, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. |
"Whether it’s 5 minutes a day, or an hour...reading, listening, and learning will broaden your sight picture, and ultimately help you to be an authentically better version of you. As we build the culture we need, let’s be deliberate about developing ourselves and our fellow Airmen. Encourage each other to read more and expand our horizons." — Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass |
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