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When the structure of sport or service ends, many leaders struggle. The accountability, discipline, and routine that once made you great suddenly disappear. But what if the very thing that made you successful — adversity — is also the thing that will keep you moving forward?
Lesson 1: Discipline Must Outlive the Jersey
Quincy learned early that structure creates freedom. Boarding school demanded 5:30 a.m. workouts, six-day academic weeks, and study halls with Wi-Fi cut off. That discipline later powered his MBA and his career at Ernst & Young. The takeaway? When the external accountability ends, you must carry that structure forward yourself.
Lesson 2: intentional Adversity Builds Resilience
From paragliding in Switzerland to narrowly escaping baboons in Namibia, Quincy deliberately puts himself in challenging situations. He sees these experiences as practice: if you can endure the chosen challenge, you’ll be ready for life’s imposed challenges. Intentional adversity is a rehearsal for resilience.
Lesson 3: Identity Beyond Achievement Matters
Too many athletes and veterans lose themselves when the scoreboard or rank disappears. Quincy refused to let his identity end with hockey. Solo travel, curiosity about culture, and even a blind-menu dining experiment taught him to love himself and expand his world. If your identity is tied only to titles and status, you’ll lose yourself when they fade.
So What’s the Point?
True leadership isn’t about never failing — it’s about pushing your limits, loving yourself, and showing up prepared when life tests you.
Your Next EASIEST Step:
Take inventory of where adversity is missing in your life. Choose one challenge this week — whether it’s a tough workout, a hard conversation, or a solo adventure — and step into it. Each chosen challenge builds the muscle for when life throws the unexpected your way.
Join the Alignment Village
Ready to live in alignment with your highest self? Join us inside the Alignment Village, where you’ll get free resources, coaching, and a community of leaders committed to integrity, courage, and ownership. Start today at nextlevelvillage.com.
