Becoming Bulletproof: Life Lessons from a Secret Service Agent

by Evy Poumpouras

No matter the reason, it’s important to remember one thing: The respect you seek must start with you.

I achieved what I wanted to in the way that I wanted to do it, and then I let the results speak for themselves.

The measure of your success should be your resolve to carry out your particular purpose or mission in a way that brings you pride and satisfaction. At the end of the day, the person whose opinion matters the most is your own.

By asking too many closed-ended questions at the beginning, you’ll wear yourself out by attempting to obtain individual facts rather than allowing the person to offer their information openly and freely.

Research shows that when we try to match the accent of the person we’re talking to, it comes across as disingenuous and ruins whatever rapport was previously built.

In a study that looked at how physical temperature affects people’s perception of others, researchers found that when someone experiences the feeling of warmth, such as holding a warm cup of coffee, they will subconsciously judge the originator of that warmth as more trustworthy, friendly, and likable.

We’ve all been taught that mistakes are terrible, a source of shame that will tarnish us forever. Frankly, that’s true only if you don’t take accountability for them.

Mike Tyson was asked if he was worried about his opponent who was preparing for the fight against him. Tyson’s response to this question was: “Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the face.”

Give when you can so you don’t have to give when you don’t want to.

Everyone around you can be your mentor in some form or fashion as long as you’re willing to observe and absorb their lessons.

teaching points in life don’t need to come only from those you consider admirable. You can learn just as much from an asshole as you can from a role model.

To become comfortable with being uncomfortable so that I can continue the never-ending quest of building

I know that with time and practice, I will get better. I know I will learn more and grow more confident. And eventually I will move up in rank, if I choose to. I don’t go hoping to get the approval of others, or even that of my husband, as much as I love him. When I go, I compete with no one but myself.

Research shows that certain kinds of “power postures” can make us feel stronger. If you want to give this a go, try the Superman or Wonder Woman pose: Feet apart, firmly planted on the floor. Hands on hips. Chin up.

Over the course of my career, I have never seen anyone take as much mistreatment as Mrs. Clinton endured in the public eye.

Try Rahul Gandhi of India

There are times when we find ourselves mocked, embarrassed, or even publicly humiliated. Though our first and strongest inclination may be to “hit back,” that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for our character. Defending our honor is not the same as defending our ego.

while fear can be the cause of so much hatred and hardship in the world, it doesn’t have to be an isolating or limiting influence.

Heroism is quiet. It isn’t about bravado or being the biggest or the strongest. It isn’t about firing guns or being awarded medals. It’s about what’s in your heart and mind and spirit.