I received a free galley proof (ebook) of Andy Stump’s “Drownproof’ from NetGalley. I borrowed the book primarily because of the title but not due to the author's SEAL credentials. I expected the usual book by a former SEAL with two or three chapters on BUD/S training and 'Hell Week'. What I found in 'Drownproof' was closer to Stanley McChrystal's "On Character' or William McRaven's 'Conquering Crisis'.

Andy Stumpf has written a book full of wisdom using personal experiences and his reflection on them during his years in special operations and beyond that time as a civilian. One statement that echoes throughout the book, "Being a SEAL is what I did, it was and will never be who I am." His first chapter provides an example of a young SEAL drinking, making bad decisions, but when confronted admitting that the actions were wrong and taking accountability for them. The result for the young SEAL was humiliating but character building and ultimately rewarding.

He talks about being medically retired but not letting that become who he was. He identifies special operations personnel as”problem solvers versus looking for problems to solve.” His wisdom comes out in every chapter whether discussing self-employment as 'golden handcuffs' that you design and put on yourself to being humble enough to know when to take a step away from bad situations. He focuses on analyzing both success and failure with an emphasis on objectively critiquing failures. I highly recommend Andy Strumpf’s “Drownproof’ to all different types of readers - military, business, young, old, etc.

Must reading for today's youth and adults! Acknowledgement that discipline is your key to success and wellbeing is a powerful realization!!!