The best life advice I ever got was from SFC Oliver, my senior field leader drill sergeant at Ft. Jackson, S.C.
In order to get through basic training with little trouble, he simply advised: “Be where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there. Do what you’re supposed to do when you’re supposed to do it.”
It’s not as easy to follow as it might sound. But if you follow it, life tends to go rather smoothly.
Today, I’m supposed to vote. I will, shortly after posting this.
For those of you haven’t voted yet, what are you waiting for?
Drill Sergeant Oliver would be most displeased if you fail to be where you’re supposed to be today – at a polling booth before 7 p.m. – and fail to do what you’re supposed to do – vote.
And you never wanted to displease SFC Oliver. Not because he was a borderline sadist in the way he punished you with pushups and squat thrusts, but because of the look of disgust and disappointment he gave you just before he dropped you. That was the wound that hurt the most because you knew he knew you could do better.
Do better. Go vote.