3 Actionable Lessons From Teddy Roosevelt
On physical exercise, using adventure to combat grief and developing loyalty
In the week leading up to Ironman Florida, I read The River Of Doubt by Candace Millard.
It’s the story of Teddy Roosevelt's life-threatening journey down an unexplored river in South America.
It’s a fun and easy read that provides a summary of Roosevelt’s life, with complete detail on the adventure that ended up killing him.
In this write up, I’ll share the 3 most valuable lessons I took from it.
Lessons and excerpts are in plain text. My takeaways are in italics.
Without a fit body, the mind will not reach it’s potential
Roosevelt had life-threatening asthma as a child that was set to hold him back his entire life.
His father encouraged him to use physical exercise to conquer his weakness. Here's the quote that changed history:
"Theodore, you have the mind but you have not the body.
And without the help of the body the mind cannot go as far as it should.
You must make your body.
It is hard drudgery to make one’s body, but I know you will do it.”
- Theodore Roosevelt Sr.
I resonate heavily with this. Back when I was overweight and out of shape, my mind was dominated by impulse.
I chased quick dopamine via sweets, alcohol, drugs, porn, gambling and more.
When I got fit, I gained control over those urges and set my mind up to conquer much bigger obstacles - in my career, relationships and personal goal setting.
Physical hardship and danger are weapons against depression and despair
Roosevelt suffered tragic loss in life.
His father died when he was a sophomore at Harvard.
His mother & wife died 11 hours apart when he was 25. (His wife had just given birth to their daughter)
When tragedy struck, he found strength in new challenge and lonely adventure.
After his father's death, Roosevelt wrote in his diary: “If I had very much time to think, I believe I should go crazy”
He retreated to Oyster Bay, Maine to swim, hike, hunt and ride his horse.
After his mother and wife's deaths, his diary read: “The light has gone out in my life.”
He retreated to the Dakota Badlands in search of hard existence and unfamiliar danger.
When he returned, "he was filled with vigor and perspective.”
When he lost the election of 1912, he ventured down the River of Doubt.
Extreme physical exertion (in the wilderness) became his means of overcoming setbacks and sorrow.
I resonate with this on a smaller scale: managing daily stress.
When I am beaten down by life, a good workout and/or time in the mountains brings me right back.
The #1 most significant habit change in my life has been reaching for my running shoes when I’m stressed, rather than reaching for a drink.
People become loyal to you when you express sincere interest in them
Roosevelt expressed sincere interest in the lives of everyone on the trip during their initial boat ride from New York to South America.
Most men had only known him as a former President, but his “friendly interest in each member of the party and his almost boyish enthusiasm for the project in hand won our confidence and loyalty at the outset.”
He spent most of the day-to-day of the voyage reading, but still made time for pillow fights, tug-of-war and dancing with the crew.
Roosevelt’s ability to have fun with the team and excitement for the mission increased morale amongst everyone.
This is something I’ve subconsciously realized in the ~18 months I’ve been coaching. I’m glad this book brought it to the forefront of my mind.
Sometimes the most impactful part of my conversation with an athlete is checking in on life outside of training.
What’s going on at home lately? What’s new with their kids? What’s their wife up to?
Care is a core component of coaching. And it’s the secret ingredient to building a strong team and community.
Summary:
Without a fit body, the mind will not reach it’s potential
Physical hardship and danger are weapons against depression and despair
People become loyal to you when you express sincere interest in them
amazing article. Will pick up this book right away ! Would love to see a book list from you ! Keep up the good work !