Foxhole Friday: Vol. 4

Welcome to Hook & Barrel Magazine’s “Foxhole Friday.” This email is brought to you by our CEO, John Radzwilla, delivered to your inbox on the first Friday of each month. It’s motivation. It’s inspiration. It’s damn solid advice. All wrapped up in one email from John and those in his foxhole.

The purpose? To equip our H&B tribe to be the best versions of “you” you can be. You may feel like you’re on an island by yourself or don’t have a mentor, let H&B fill that gap. Know someone who would benefit from this email? Share it now - scroll ALL the way to the bottom to refer a friend.

Conquer ANY Obstacle Like a Titan

Life doesn’t hand you victories—it throws curveballs, roadblocks, and straight-up chaos. But guess what? An alpha doesn’t flinch. Whether it’s a soul-crushing setback at work, a personal crisis, or that nagging voice of doubt, here’s how to smash through any obstacle:

1. Own the Chaos: Stop whining. Embrace the challenge as a test of your strength. Alphas don’t dodge storms—they become the storm.

2. Reframe the Fight: That obstacle? It’s not a wall; it’s a GYM. Every struggle builds your mental muscle. Ask yourself: “How is this making me stronger?”

3. Act NOW: Momentum is your weapon. Take one bold step today—make the call, hit the gym, start the project. Action slays hesitation.

Pro Tip: Write down your biggest obstacle right now. Then write, “I AM BIGGER THAN THIS” next to it. Tape it to your mirror. Look at it daily. You’re not just overcoming—you’re CONQUERING.

The Wrong Fear
from Talon Smith
Chief Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman, Owner L3 HYROX

A recent conversation with an athlete got me reflecting on something important. How often do we approach a challenge—whether it's a workout, a race, or any task—and fear that the outcome won't meet our expectations? I've certainly been there before, cautious and fearful that my training or abilities wouldn't be enough, leading to failure.

What I've come to realize is that this is the wrong fear. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a race, a business venture, or a personal challenge—you should never fear not achieving your goal. The real fear is not trying to reach your true potential.

To be clear, I’m not suggesting we throw caution to the wind. However, if you're constantly worried about falling short, you'll never discover what you're truly capable of. And to me, that’s far more terrifying than not hitting a specific target.

As the famous quote goes, “It is not the failure that counts, but the courage to try.” Don't fear the possibility of falling short; fear never knowing your true potential because you held back. Sometimes, taking a risk and giving it your all is the only way to uncover your limits—and, more often than not, you might surprise yourself.

You've already put in the work. Now it's time to push those boundaries and test your limits. And if you fall short? You learn, you regroup, and you keep moving forward.