ben2friedrich
03-28-2008, 11:10 AM
I was just reading some of the topics about preparing for the academy and what to expect. I read topics ranging from preparing physically for the academy's PT program, to knowing what to expect on boxing day. I have decided that one of the best ways to prepare for the journey towards becoming a CHP officer is to push beyond your current boundaries and destroy limiting beliefs about what you can or can't accomplish.
On Monday, I did a 5 mile run with a buddy. That is the longest distance that I have ever run, but we both had fun and it went easy. We talked about it and decided to try something more. So yesterday we got together around 8 am and started running. We planned out 5 minute walking breaks every 45 minutes and slowed down to a fast walk for the uphills. Six hours later, we had run 30 miles! My legs are sore today, but meeting this challenge has improved my confidence in myself greatly, and I am now going to sign up for a marathon.
I donated an old Ford to my friends for rally-driving dirt roads where I live in the country. Now I am going to go out and practice my driving skills to prepare for the academy and to become a better driver.
My friends and I box occasionally and practice brazilian jujitsu. Now I'll get together with them more consistently to improve my skills and to get over fears of being hit.
I do not like to speak in public. Now I am going to look for occasions, from classroom settings, to church events, where I can push myself to take the initiative and speak in front of people.
All these things, and many more, will help me to prepare mentally and physically for the academy. But even more importantly, they will make me a better person and make life fuller. We all have our own comfort zones, and the time to break out of them isn't when we are forced to by an academy or a job. It is up to the individual to decide that they want to constantly challenge and improve them self. I imagine that one major attraction to working as a CHP officer is the challenges that one must face and overcome. I, for one, am ready to be challenged!
On Monday, I did a 5 mile run with a buddy. That is the longest distance that I have ever run, but we both had fun and it went easy. We talked about it and decided to try something more. So yesterday we got together around 8 am and started running. We planned out 5 minute walking breaks every 45 minutes and slowed down to a fast walk for the uphills. Six hours later, we had run 30 miles! My legs are sore today, but meeting this challenge has improved my confidence in myself greatly, and I am now going to sign up for a marathon.
I donated an old Ford to my friends for rally-driving dirt roads where I live in the country. Now I am going to go out and practice my driving skills to prepare for the academy and to become a better driver.
My friends and I box occasionally and practice brazilian jujitsu. Now I'll get together with them more consistently to improve my skills and to get over fears of being hit.
I do not like to speak in public. Now I am going to look for occasions, from classroom settings, to church events, where I can push myself to take the initiative and speak in front of people.
All these things, and many more, will help me to prepare mentally and physically for the academy. But even more importantly, they will make me a better person and make life fuller. We all have our own comfort zones, and the time to break out of them isn't when we are forced to by an academy or a job. It is up to the individual to decide that they want to constantly challenge and improve them self. I imagine that one major attraction to working as a CHP officer is the challenges that one must face and overcome. I, for one, am ready to be challenged!