July 2017: Forms Doberman Emergency Management Group LLC.  What is exhaustion? We talk so much about taking frequent breaks, getting burned out, quiet quitting, needing "me time," etc. But I don't think we talk enough anymore about sucking it up, doing your best, keeping your commitments, putting others first, putting the mission first. Stress is good for the soul. A difficult challenge is even better.  Mental first-aid is important. I have talked about this many times on the Disaster Tough Podcast. Sometimes you need great food, sleep, a good laugh and an awesome vacation. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your own sanity is not take that "much needed" break. I am exhausted but I doubt most people would know. And I'm in the office right now on another late night. But I am happy! I am keeping my commitments and putting the mission first. There is an incredible amount of pride and self-respect that comes with being a finisher.  Why does this small business keep crushing these massive, cookie-cutter, beltway bandit, profit above anything else, junk, posers? I have become accustom to the look of shock and bewilderment from others when they find out what we have accomplished and the resources we've used to get it done.  Most frequent question I get is some variant of, "How do you guys do it?" The reality is that there is no secret sauce. I am simply relentless. I will beat the other guy every time. I love working with others who will not give up, who refuse to put in mediocre work, who care about others more than they care about themselves. So here's to everyone else who grinds.