Jon Fischer shares his journey to running ultra marathons and highlights the role of ultra running in his personal development and the accountability required for growth. Jon also talks about being a SERE specialist in the Air Force and discusses the challenges he faced during training, the importance of resilience, and how he learned to embrace discomfort. The conversation delves into the significance of mindset, self-compassion, and the balance between helping others and taking care of oneself. Jon also shares a personal story that led him to choose life over suicidal thoughts and how embracing discomfort through running transformed his perspective on resilience and community. Jon emphasizes the importance of accepting help from others and the lessons learned from ultra running, including the value of companionship and the strength found in vulnerability. He also highlights his commitment to supporting veterans through his upcoming ultra marathons, showcasing the power of using personal experiences to inspire and uplift others. Takeaways: - John's initial desire to help people led him to the military. - Building resilience requires volunteering for discomfort. - Mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges and adversity. - Self-compassion is essential for personal growth and wellness. - Accountability is necessary for recognizing personal flaws. - Awareness of one's own needs is vital for effective service to others. - Ultra running served as a survival strategy and a path to self-discovery. - Embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth and resilience. - Vulnerability allows for deeper connections and acceptance of help. - Life is a marathon, not a sprint; progress is about consistency, not speed. - The lessons learned in ultra running can be applied to everyday life. - Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. - Movement is medicine; physical activity can aid mental health. - Choosing to be strong in adversity leads to greater resilience.