The actions of people with broken arms have been awarded the medal of valor. You're never out of the fight.

You can always find the exception. In most cases you're dealing with a mental prison, a human operating system performing poorly usually assigned to you. Mental prisons can be walked out of. There's no lock at all. You can rewrite your human operating system replacing it with a more useful one.

A human operating system is a framing of how to see the world. Generally a story for yourself that guides behavior. A framing does not have to be true to be useful. A motto, creed, or affirmation for organizations usually use a storytelling structure because they're imprinting an operating system for behavior.

Consider the operating system used by Navy Seals to imprint the operating system of behavior. How would you behave if every day you woke up and read this outloud? You can sit down and think through what behaviors you prioritize. Write your own storytelling exercise to reinforce the traits of the person you would respect and admire. Maybe it's the simplest possible action. I went outside today and got a haircut. Tomorrow I talked to a person. The next, I applied for a job. Start with the smallest possible action. Then build up. Every day I take a bad habit, and roll it into a slightly better habit. That takes on a compounding return on investment of its own that carries you far.

Social media has allowed for faulty operating systems to spread easily. This is why it feels like we're surrounded by more people doing worse than ever. Humans are designed for scarcity. We're learning to develop the language to describe the ailments from too much information abundance. Learning about the nature of human operating systems is one of the levels up you can see clearly now.

> United States Navy SEAL

> In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed.

> Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life.

> I am that man.

> My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

> My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

> I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men.

> Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

> We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

> I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

> We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me – my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

> We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

> Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.