Ep. 71 - Putting Yourself First with Eric Ballester

Eric Ballester is a transitioning U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Combat Controller who has spent 20 years working with some of the bravest Americans. During his last 12 years, he supported the national mission at the Joint Special Operations Command, where he built high-performance teams, solved complex problems, provided teaching and mentoring, handled logistics, and delivered superior operating results. He has excellent communication skills and is highly adept in fast-paced, rapidly changing environments. Eric's military experience, critical thinking, and positive attitude are his strengths, and he has an exceptional ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. His drive to constantly improve propelled him past his peers, making him the #1 Special Operator of the year. He recently earned his MBA at the University of Arizona Eller School of Management. Eric is also a founding member of a non-profit organization that treats veterans and first responders suffering from visible and non-visible injuries. To learn more about the incredible efforts helping service members and first responders, check out Shields & Stripes!

In this episode, Eric delves into the importance of self-care for veterans, first responders, and active-duty members. Eric shares his work at Shields & Stripes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those who suffer from occupational traumas. He discusses his journey since retiring from the military and how he has been working to impact society. Eric emphasizes why it is crucial to prioritize oneself and seek help when needed. He explains his four pillars of care: psychological counseling, occupational therapy, physical activity, nutrition, and spiritual connection. These pillars create an immersive environment that helps veterans heal from physical and emotional injuries sustained during service. Eric also highlights the importance of friends being available for each other in need. He suggests taking responsibility for one's actions while making a difference by being present and offering support.

[00:00 - 12:21] Making an Impact on Veterans and First Responders

·       Eric Ballester is introduced to the show.

·       Eric transitioned from the military two years ago to serve the veteran and first responder population suffering from occupational stresses.

·       He is a founder member of Shields and Stripes, a nonprofit that helps veterans, first responders, and other veterans.

[12:21 - 38:58] Helping Service Members Heal

·       People who have gone through a lot and feel like they can no longer stand life represent the opposite spectrum of what is usually focused on.

·       Data reflects the reality of the biggest reasons why people are struggling after leaving the military.

·       To help younger generational veterans with mental health disorders, we need to address the psychological issues that cause an identity crisis after being removed from service.

·       People need to prioritize their own care before caring for others.

·       Self-care is not selfish, and individuals deserve to prioritize themselves.

·       It is necessary to break the stigma around prioritizing self-care.

·       Building a community with shared experiences can be helpful for supporting each other.

[38:58 - 46:11] Seeking Help is Not Weak

·       Ashton shares the story of how he lost a friend and the process that he had to endure

·       People know when something is wrong with their friend, family member or partner, and sometimes they just need someone to ask how they are doing and if they want to talk about it.

·       Being present and genuinely available can help someone who is going through a tough time to feel more comfortable in sharing their feelings.

·       While you cannot change someone's decision, making yourself genuinely available and present might be the thing that helps them make the decision to not take their own life.

• The power of being there for someone and genuinely caring can have a profound impact on someone's life.

[46:11 – 56:33] Closing Segment

·       What do you do for your health right now? What is your focus on health?

o   Eric focuses on spirituality as a priority for his overall health, and he tries to maintain balance among different aspects of health, such as mental, physical, spiritual, and social. He follows a routine for healing that includes socializing, prioritizing physical and mental healing for a year each, and currently prioritizing spiritual healing.

·       How do you know whether you're winning or not?

o   According to Eric, you're winning if you're going first, regardless of failure. Being the first to take action in something new for your demographic is what matters.

·       What brings you the most joy in life right now?

o   Serving in the active service and changing people's lives by giving them their divine power back brings Eric the most joy in life.

Connect with Eric!

Website: Shields and Stripes

LinkedIn: Eric Ballester

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Key Quotes

“You need to prioritize your own care. You got to put your oxygen mask on before you're going to treat anybody else." – Eric Ballester