In her book, Nine Rules of Engagement: A Military Brat’s Guide to Life and Success, Harris Faulkner shares lessons she learned from growing up in a military family. These principles have shaped her approach to life, success, and leadership. Although rooted in military values, the nine rules Faulkner outlines are universally applicable to anyone seeking personal growth, resilience, and achievement.
One of the most striking lessons Faulkner highlights is the importance of trusting in your own potential. In the military, individuals are trained to push past their limits, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Boot camp is not just about physical endurance; it’s about discovering inner strength. By pushing soldiers to their extremes, the military teaches them how far they can go—and that they can go even further. Faulkner draws a parallel to this mindset in everyday life, where challenges are opportunities to discover and tap into unrecognized strengths.
Faulkner also emphasizes the importance of “recruiting your own special forces,” a metaphor for surrounding yourself with trusted people who have your back. Whether in the military or civilian life, having a support system is crucial for navigating life’s challenges. Your personal “special forces” are the people who offer unconditional support, help you through tough times, and encourage you to push forward when the going gets tough. Faulkner’s message is clear: life’s battles are not meant to be fought alone.
Another core lesson in Faulkner’s book is about overcoming personal demons. Whether it’s bad habits, fears, or emotional baggage, everyone faces obstacles that can hold them back. Faulkner shares her own experience with overcoming tardiness and how it affected her academic and professional life. By tackling these challenges head-on and cultivating good habits, she shows how we can improve ourselves and overcome even the most ingrained obstacles. This self-awareness and commitment to personal growth are essential in achieving long-term success.
Staying ready for action is another key theme in Nine Rules of Engagement. Faulkner believes that readiness is crucial, not just in the military, but in all aspects of life. She encourages staying physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to seize opportunities when they arise. Being prepared ensures that when challenges come—whether expected or not—you are ready to face them head-on.
Finally, Faulkner’s message of leading with integrity and a sense of purpose is inspiring. She advises readers to think like a general, not just for their personal success but for the success of those around them. Leadership, she argues, isn’t about command; it’s about setting an example, being resilient, and helping others rise to their potential.
In conclusion, Faulkner’s Nine Rules of Engagement offers a blueprint for success rooted in military values but applicable to all. Whether it’s trusting your potential, building a supportive team, overcoming personal challenges, staying ready, or leading with purpose, these rules can help anyone navigate life’s ups and downs. The key takeaway? Resilience, teamwork, and integrity will guide you to achieve your goals, no matter the battlefield.
https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/harris-faulkner
https://abcnews.go.com/US/book-excerpt-harris-faulkners-rules-engagement/story?id=56245142