Envisioning yourself where you want to be, with the life you desire, is a powerful tool. I have been doing this for a long time and learned it from an old Green Beret. He told me the key to success is envisioning myself in the end state. Every time you want to quit, you are tired and frustrated, and place yourself where you desire to be.
As a part of our series about Mental Health Champions helping to promote mental wellness, I had the pleasure to interview Chad Osinga.
Chad Osinga is a return retired Army Sniper and combat instructor. He has trained thousands of men/women in self-defense and combat applications. Chad can relate to almost any scenario from war, special needs children, marital problems, and physical setbacks. After surviving two life-threatening motorcycle wrecks, he now uses his time to speak, write, and as a lifestyle coach. His main initiative is to help empower people by revamping their mindset. He believes the fight for success, failure, mediocrity, or greatness is won or lost within our minds.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
Of course, I grew up in a small town in Virginia. I never knew my father and my mother was addicted to crack cocaine for most of my early years. At fourteen years old, my home was raided by law enforcement. I became furious at the world and began living very recklessly. At the end of my freshman year, I dropped out of school with no real goals or aspirations for the future.
You are currently leading a social impact organization that is helping to promote mental wellness. Can you tell us a bit about what you or your organization are trying to address?
My focus is to help people unleash the greatness within themselves by altering the way they think. I believe every negative or positive thing in this life starts with the mind and how we dissect life experiences. I accomplish this through speaking and mentoring individuals in a rewiring process of their minds. Additionally, I work with at-risk children as I can relate quite well to their situations. I support early intervention as I believe that the sooner we can impact our youth, the better chance they will find success in this world.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
My upbringing caused me to see the world through a jaded lens. I did not believe in myself, nor did I think I deserved much more than I had. Allowing hurt and anger to influence my decisions caused me more pain than I could express. I have struggled with depression, anxiety, and PTSD for most of my life and did not understand how to overcome their attacks. Millions of people are living life in the same manner. We cannot always control what happens to us; we can, however, ensure we respond correctly to what life throws our way. My mission is to help people become the best versions of themselves by mastering their mindsets.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
My last motorcycle accident was the event in my life that pushed me into the entrepreneurial space. I knew the universe had extended another opportunity to me, and I decided not to waste this chance. I also knew there were many people in this world hurting and needing a helping hand. There was no longer a doubt in my mind that I was called to provide that hand. I know what it feels like to struggle physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
I began my business to help others, and the most exciting aspect is how quickly everything came together. I believe it was due to me placing others at the forefront and making their well-being my mission. Additionally, when you have been in someone else’s shoes, walked the same dark paths, and have fought the same demons connecting to people becomes effortless.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
My wife is my biggest cheerleader and one of the biggest reasons I am where I am today. She has always known there was more within me than I ever saw. We met in high school, and she immediately told me if I were to be with her, I needed to change my life. I knew from that moment I had found someone special and would do what it took to keep her in my world.
According to Mental Health America’s report, over 44 million Americans have a mental health condition. Yet there’s still a stigma about mental illness. Can you share a few reasons you think this is so?
The world we live in is full of pressures and expectations, and when we do not fit in the box society has created, we are viewed negatively. I believe much of our mental health issues and the stigma surrounding us are due to the pressure to fit in a mold rather than be ourselves.
In your experience, what should a) individuals b) society, and c) the government do to better support people suffering from mental illness?
The biggest hurdle is the stigma attached to those who seek help. I would like to see more outreach to the youth to fight that stigma and begin to combat mental illness at earlier stages of life. Introducing mentors to our children and making those connections normal would encourage them to seek help actively. I believe that many of the issues start early in life. Therefore, it must be addressed in the child’s life as soon as possible.
What are your 5 strategies you use to promote your own wellbeing and mental wellness? Can you please give a story or example for each?
1.)Journaling has been a big piece of my mental growth and stability. I do this daily and write at least three things I am grateful for experiencing. I also write something I did well and one thing I learned that day.
2.)Working out is a great way to release frustration, produce energy, refocus our minds, and keep positive energy within us.
3.) Envisioning yourself where you want to be, with the life you desire, is a powerful tool. I have been doing this for a long time and learned it from an old Green Beret. He told me the key to success is envisioning myself in the end state. Every time you want to quit, you are tired and frustrated, and place yourself where you desire to be.
4.) Reframing our thoughts is a way of seeing the positive in a situation. It takes some practice but is very powerful in helping us see the opportunity rather than the obstacle.
5.) Surrounding yourself with positive people. Having the right people around us on the journey of life is invaluable. Individuals who motivate, cheer you on, and help your growth will assist in every area of your life, including mentally.
What are your favorite books, podcasts, or resources that inspire you to be a mental health champion?
The Magic Of Thinking Big, written by David Schwartz, is a book I have read four times, and each time I learn something new, my mentality elevates. In my opinion, it is one of the best books for our mindset written. Another powerful read is Tony Robbins, Unleash The Power Within.
If you could tell other people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
I believe that we should leave this world a little better than how we found it. It all starts with us as individuals. There will never be a better time than now to make an impact in the world we live in than right now.
How can our readers follow you online?
Mrtenacity.com
Mrtenacity40@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/chad.osinga/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Mental Health Champions: Why & How Chad Osinga Is Helping To Champion Mental Wellness was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.