BITESIZE #30 | Ant Middleton: 100% responsibility and accountability
The High Performance
Episode Details
Published Date
Fri, 20 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Duration
5:49
Explicit
False
Guests
No guests specified
This week’s short, sharp hit of high performance comes from former special forces operator Ant Middleton. In our podcast with Ant, he opened up on his golden rules and unique beliefs for a high performance life. This clip talks about taking 100% responsibility for his actions, even if it meant going to prison.
Go back and listen to one of our most popular episodes: https://pod.fo/e/15f9f
. . . . . . .
Get you hands on signed copies of our new book, High Performance: Lessons from the best on becoming your best, right here: https://bit.ly/3xQwAsL
Pre-order copies here: http://smarturl.it/hv0sdz
Check out a brand new newsletter for our members club THE HIGH PERFORMANCE CIRCLE! On the Circle this month:
* Exclusive Podcast with Chrissie Wellington - 4 x Ironman World Champion and Global Lead for Health & Wellbeing for parkrun.
* Keynote with former England Rugby Sevens captain Ollie Phillips
* High Performance Boosts with British Wheelchair Tennis Champion and Paralympic medal winner Jordanne Whiley MBE, Olympic Gold medal winning rower Ben Hunt-Davis and adventurer Levison Wood.
Go to www.thehighperformancepodcast.com to sign up for FREE!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, former Special Forces operator Ant Middleton emphasizes the significance of taking 100% responsibility for one's actions, regardless of the circumstances. He shares his personal experience of facing imprisonment for his actions while acknowledging that alcohol influenced his decision-making, but it did not excuse his behavior. Middleton highlights the importance of accountability and owning up to one's mistakes, even when it means facing consequences.
**Key Points:**
- **Personal Responsibility:** Middleton believes that individuals should take full responsibility for their actions, even if external factors or circumstances contribute to their decisions. He emphasizes that excuses or justifications do not absolve one from accountability.
- **Avoiding Excuses:** Middleton rejects the notion of using excuses to avoid taking responsibility for one's actions. He asserts that excuses are self-defeating and prevent personal growth and development.
- **PTSD as a Potential Excuse:** Middleton's lawyer suggested that he could claim PTSD to avoid prison time. However, Middleton refused to use this as an excuse, acknowledging that he was responsible for his actions and deserved to face the consequences.
- **Accountability in the Military:** Middleton draws parallels between his experience in the military and the importance of accountability. He emphasizes that in the military, individuals are taught to take responsibility for their actions and to learn from their mistakes.
- **Shifting Mindset:** Middleton highlights the importance of shifting one's mindset to take responsibility. He shares an example from explorer Nims Purja, who reframed the theft of his oxygen as a story of saving someone else's life. This mindset shift allowed Purja to take control of the situation and respond positively.
- **Personal Reactions:** Middleton discusses the responsibility individuals have for their own reactions to external events. He emphasizes that others' actions do not dictate one's feelings or responses. Individuals have the power to choose how they react to situations and should not blame others for their emotional state.
- **Viktor Frankl's Work:** Middleton recommends exploring the work of Dr. Viktor Frankl, a modern-day philosopher who emphasizes the power of control and choice. Frankl's insights highlight the importance of focusing on what one can control rather than dwelling on external factors.
**Conclusion:**
Ant Middleton's perspective on responsibility and accountability emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's actions, regardless of the circumstances. He challenges individuals to avoid excuses, embrace accountability, and learn from their mistakes. Middleton's insights align with the principles of high performance, which require individuals to take responsibility for their choices and actions to achieve their goals.