After a recent presentation, and during our Q&A, someone in the audience asked me if I was ever scared. He thought, for some reason, that I was able to do all those crazy things because I was "fearless" or something. I explained to him, that I was scared all the time! I was scared on my first night swim in the Pacific Ocean. I was scared on my first scuba dive (which was in a pool). I was scared the first time I jumped out of a plane (honestly... I was scared on all parachute jumps). I was scared on my first combat mission (and got scared more than once before a big one). I was scared when I was 'volun-told' I would be a lead climber... which eventually led to the moment in this photo: climbing El Cap. Truth be told, I was probably more scared on El Cap than ANYTHING else I ever had the opportunity to do! Then, I explained that 'bravery' or 'courage' (both celebrated in our culture), are not the absence of fear. They are the ability to do what you need to do / what needs to be done even when you are afraid. Fear is a requirement. Fear is the weight you lift to strengthen your courage. Fear is an OPPORTUNITY! I once heard that the world reward courage over intellect, and more people simply don't even try than fail. Not sure how to prove that... but it seems like it may be accurate. So, if you are afraid of something... don't let it hold you back. Lean in! Thought about it today because of the recent question... and realized that I had climbed El Cap back in September of 2007. Hard to believe that much time has passed since then. Yes, I was afraid. Yes, I used a rope. Yes, I'm glad I faced my fear and did the climb. No, I will not be doing it again! #Courage #Fear #Bravery #Climbing

Omaha friends... We are just over 1-week out from the 2nd annual Luncheon / Gala benefiting Global Partners in Hope (GPiH). This event will again take place at Creighton University in the Harper Center from roughly 11:30am - 1:00pm.Registration closes soon (9/24/26). So please register (link in comments below) soon if you'd like to attend. Also feel free to share with others in the area who might be interested and available. All of this goes towards supporting the work of Global Partners in Hope, an organization that I am privileged to be a small part of.This will be a fun event, for an awesome cause. Yes, you'll have to take a longer lunch break. But, you don't have to 'get all fancy' and go out at night for a 'fancy gala.' Plus, you won't have to miss Thursday night football! Thanks and HOPE to see you there!

Had the honor last week to speak at the Leadership Ministries Give Back Breakfast in Atlanta, GA. The proceeds from this sold out event were given to Mary Hall Freedom Village. The CEO, Lucy Hall, took the stage before me. Needless to say... she was a tough act to follow! I really enjoyed sharing my story and some hard earned life lessons about Faith, Family, Fellowship, and Leadership. Always humbled when people actually gather around to hear me talk! #faith #family #fellowship #leadership @LeadershipMin

The Standard Is the Standard: Navy SEAL Lessons on Resilience, Leadershi... youtu.be/m-CArXw2HuU?si=chnx… via @YouTube

Mountain climbing is both challenging and rewarding. If you are willing to suffer, you may be rewarded with an experience you can't get from the comforts of home. If you get lucky, you may event summit. But, if you pay attention, you will get something even more valuable: mountains can teach you things that are useful beyond your adventures at altitude. Sometimes, you just 'gotta go do something hard' or uncomfortable to learn (or relearn) the valuable life lessons. Our recent trip of Kilimanjaro did just that. Most of these, I already knew. I just needed to return to the mountains to relearn them. They are valuable to me. So, I share them here. Enjoy! #Mountains #Climbing #Teamwork #Gratitude ericfrohardt.com/blog/lesson…

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20. Twelve years ago today... 8/17/24... Lea and I got baptized together at Mission Hills Church in CO. We were both baptized as infants, but decided to get baptized again as a public declaration of our faith...an outward symbol of an internal change. We 'memorialize it' on the calendar, along with other special days, each year. We "Remember with Thanksgiving" as a reminder for all the amazing gifts God has given to us! #Faith #Blessing #Gratitude #Thankful

Got a new book in the mail from Matt Bissonnette. Just heard him talk about it on a couple of big podcasts. Matt and I met in Bootcamp. We were in BUD/S at the same time (different classes). Then SEAL Team 5 together (different platoons), and eventually Dev Group (different teams). We go back a little ways… interested to read this one.

What 250 Years of American History Teaches Us About Strength strongfirst.com/what-250-yea… via @bestrongfirst

Navy SEAL: "We Could Just Die Right Now" | Official Preview youtu.be/KoewVJOgHQE?si=rB7q… via @YouTube

Spoke at the Ag-Summit and Expo in Council Bluffs, IA this week. Group of 800+ farmers / Ag industry folks. Really enjoy sharing my story... from cornfield to battlefield. #Farming #AgricultureBusiness

“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” - GK Chesterton. Humbled and honored to be invited to the event. @NavySEALfnd #service #sacrifice #USA

"Morning heals you when you are awake to meet it!" Always been a believer in being an early riser. Something rewarding about getting it done before all the chaos of the day hits... #Faith #fitness #health