A Step-by-Step Introduction to the “PCS-Proof Method”

Baseball is back! One of my favorite times of the year. I’ve been able to watch several games since Opening Day, and I’ve even been able to make it out onto the field to play some softball, as the weather has started to cooperate. And since it’s very much on my mind as I sit down to write this, I can't help but draw parallels between the routines we establish in our lives and those of baseball or softball players.

If you've ever watched a game, or maybe you played, you've likely noticed the meticulous rituals most players engage in; whether it's adjusting their gloves between pitches or adhering to quirky superstitions for luck, like not washing their socks in the midst of a hitting streak. These routines aren't just quirks; they're rituals, ingrained in their game, offering a sense of stability and confidence in their play. Additionally, by having these rituals, it frees their mind up to focus on those parts of the game that are constantly changing because their body is so ingrained to react out of habit. We do the same things in day-to-day life. We have certain deeply ingrained habits that help us get through the day smoothly & that provide feelings of stability & confidence that things are taken care of, freeing up our mind to focus on other things.

But what happens when life throws us a curveball? When a deployment, or a PCS, or even a temporary schedule change, uproots our carefully crafted routines? Suddenly, the habits we relied on become obsolete, and we're left scrambling to regain our footing. It can feel like the stable Earth that we’ve been accustomed to standing on has suddenly started to crumble beneath our feet. And when things start to stabilize, we're having to start completely over from square one.

That's where the concept of being "PCS-Proof" comes into play. “PCS-Proofing” is about proactively cultivating flexibility and adaptability so that no matter how many times military life shakes things up, we can stay grounded in what truly matters to us. It's about being able to pivot or flex without losing sight of our goals and priorities.

In this guide, I want to share three actionable steps to kickstart your journey to a PCS-proof future. While my expertise lies in health and fitness, these principles are applicable to any aspect of your life you wish to fortify against the uncertainties of military life.

So whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast looking to maintain your wellness routine through deployments, or a military spouse striving to balance career aspirations with frequent relocations, this guide is for you. Together, let's build resilience, embrace change, and thrive in the face of uncertainty.

Are you ready to take the first step towards a PCS-proof future? Let's dive in.

Get crystal clear on your priorities (and hierarchy of impact)

In the first step towards preparing for a PCS-proof future, it's crucial to crystalize your priorities. As a health and fitness coach, I often remind my clients that if everything is a priority, then nothing truly is. We're all juggling multiple responsibilities and aspirations, but it's essential to discern what deserves our immediate focus and what can wait. Being honest and realistic with ourselves is key; not every goal needs to take center stage simultaneously. I recall a poignant story from one of my business mentors about a client facing a cancer diagnosis. Despite her initial concern about weight loss, her coach wisely advised her to prioritize her health and well-being above all else. It's a sobering reminder that life demands tough decisions about where to direct our energy and attention. So, let's take charge of our priorities, consciously deciding what merits our focus now and what can be deferred for later.

Focus on the PRINCIPLES, not the tools (aka “Stuff”)

In the second step towards creating a PCS-proof future, let's talk about fostering flexibility around our goals and priorities. It's all about setting ourselves up for success rather than setting ourselves up for potential failure. Instead of fixating solely on the tools (the “stuff”) we think we need to achieve our goals, let's focus on the timeless PRINCIPLES underlying those goals. Whether it's improving fitness, eating healthier, or achieving any other objective, the principles remain constant. For instance, the principle of exercise doesn't require a fancy gym or equipment; a great workout can be accomplished at home with just our body weight. Similarly, eating healthier doesn't necessitate a perfect meal plan; it's about adhering to fundamental principles like incorporating more vegetables or ensuring a protein source with every meal, regardless of our surroundings. By prioritizing principles over tools, we create opportunities for strategic adaptability. We acknowledge that circumstances may change, rendering our initial tools ineffective. So, let's remain intentional, understanding the distinction between principles and tools (“stuff”), and have contingency plans in place for when our primary strategies become obsolete. Flexibility & prior preparation are key to sustaining progress amidst life's inevitable fluctuations.

Embrace the concept of “Seasons” in Military Life

In the third and final step towards crafting a PCS-Proof future, let's embrace the concept of “Seasons” in military life. Just as the natural world experiences periods of growth and renewal followed by times of rest and recuperation, our lives as military spouses also ebb and flow through different seasons. It's vital to recognize and honor these seasons rather than constantly striving for peak performance year-round. Success isn't solely measured by continuous progress; consistency is equally impactful. Consistency, often undervalued, lays the foundation for long-term success. We shouldn’t overlook the importance of pacing ourselves and allowing for periods of rest and reflection. Like Olympic athletes, we need both “on” and “off” seasons to thrive. These moments of reset afforded by PCS moves or deployments offer us a chance to reevaluate our priorities and realign our lives with our true desires. Embracing these transitions as opportunities for growth and renewal can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful journey in military life. Let's seize these moments to reflect, reset, and emerge stronger than ever before.

How this method has impacted my own story…

In reflecting on my own experiences, particularly the challenges and opportunities presented by a PCS, I've come to appreciate the significance of pausing to reassess and realign. Following a particularly brutal PCS, I found myself thrust into a period of forced stillness, due to Pandemic-related travel restrictions & requirements. This unexpected pause, though initially daunting, proved transformative. It granted me the invaluable gift of reflection, allowing me to envision the life I wanted to create. I recognized the need for flexibility and adaptability, especially in maintaining my fitness regimen amidst constantly changing environments. Faced with the absence of traditional gym facilities and the constraints of travel, I seized the opportunity to innovate. By applying the principles outlined in the preceding steps, I crafted a fitness program tailored to my circumstances, one that seamlessly transitioned between various settings and equipment availability. This adaptive approach not only sustained my personal fitness journey but also served as the foundation for what would later evolve into my signature fitness program, aptly named “PCS-Proof Fitness”! Through this journey, I witnessed firsthand the power of embracing change, prioritizing flexibility, and remaining steadfast in pursuit of my goals, even in the face of adversity. It's a testament to the transformative potential inherent in navigating life's seasons with intentionality and resilience.

This is the “PCS-Proof Method”.

Next steps for you…

As we wrap up, I urge you to reflect on what it could look like to be “PCS-Proof” in your own life. How would it feel to be able to weather any change, and continue to prioritize the things that mean the most to you, without having to give it up or start over from scratch every time that military life throws you a Curveball?

Consider your top priorities and assess their hierarchy of impact on your current life. What goals must you safeguard against the upheavals of military life? Rank them accordingly, acknowledging what needs immediate attention and what can wait for the right season.

Delve deeper into the underlying principles driving these goals and identify the flexible strategies, or "plan B and plan C," that can adapt to changing circumstances. What is the “Stuff” that you’ve maybe been putting too much reliance on?

While we've only scratched the surface of navigating the “seasons of military life”, I promise to explore this topic further in upcoming episodes. In the meantime, take some time for self-reflection. Assess whether your current lifestyle aligns with your aspirations. Sometimes, simply acknowledging your desires can set unexpected forces in motion.

Until next time, take care and stay resilient on your PCS-Proof journey!

To stay connected, make sure to tune in weekly and follow "The PCS-Proof Podcast."
Your input matters, so don't hesitate to engage with me! Drop a comment below with your questions or suggest topics you'd like me to explore in future posts. Let's keep this conversation going!
And to learn more about my signature fitness program, “PCS-Proof Fitness”  click here now!

fitness motivation military spouse life military lifestyle self care entrepreneurship