djrxp (2025)

22/12/2024

Lessons in Leadership (No. 2)

“Keep It Simple, Stupid”

As humans, we tend to overcomplicate things. And as a pretty simple bloke, I’ve found that’s never ideal for me

I get a lot of messages (like, really a lot) about what makes a good Officer. From what I’ve seen, the best ones have the ability to deliver simple solutions to complex problems

I’ve watched highly intelligent individuals present plans where no one in the room has any idea what’s going on

The art isn’t just in the plan; it’s in the delivery

So, if you’ve got AOSB coming up and you’re stressing about the planex, my best advice is to calm down and think about the simplest way to solve the problem

Not only is a simple solution more effective, but it’s also easier to explain. When you stand up to deliver your plan, trust me, it’s far easier if everyone understands it the first time

And if you’ve got any questions, let me know below 👇

21/12/2024

Breathing. Cadence. Control.

Long run for the week at a steady pace. One of those sessions where you could just plod on for ages

When I start working with people on their training, they usually ask how long until they reach their goals or at least begin to see some real progress

And it’s pretty straightforward. If you’re consistent for 4 weeks you’ll see improvement. But I recommend that 12 weeks is the minimum amount of time you’re willing to invest in a programme

So if you’re reading this and you’re thinking about applying for the military next year, and you know you’ve got some work to do on your personal fitness, then get 12 weeks of training under your belt before doing anything else

And if you want some help, comment or DM me ‘START’ so we can get training from Monday 06 Jan 💪

15/12/2024

Lessons in Leadership

Being a Platoon Commander was the best job I ever had, and it’s a pretty unique experience

At a relatively young age you’re put through intense training and handed responsibility for leading a group of soldiers

I now work with a lot of aspiring Officers and thought I’d share some lessons I learned pretty fu***ng quickly

1️⃣ This will likely be your first proper leadership gig - but you are not their first leader

You’ll make mistakes (a lot of them). Learn fast and utilise the experience within the group. The more experience I got under my belt, the more comfortable I became with not having to know everything. Many of your team will have been there and seen it before. Use their knowledge

2️⃣ Small things make big differences

It really is the small things that people see most often. Timeliness, appearance, efficiency - leading by example. You won’t always get this right, but soldiers really don’t want their boss to be in s**t shate

3️⃣ Knowing your team

Now this is something I think the Army gets right a lot of the time. Since leaving and having experience in civvie street, a load of people are garbage at this. Take the time to know who the people under your command are, what they want to achieve. Strong leaders develop others

And to people getting ready for AOSB & Sandhurst - this stuff starts now. The better you prepare, the better you start, the better you finish.

Anything else to add? 👇

14/12/2024

Friday night miles 🏃‍♂️

10km done with progressive paces.
I.e starting slow and finishing fast
Should’ve worn the running gloves 🥶
Then a Korean BBQ feastttt 🥩

Run Details:

2km @ warm up pace (~06:00/km)
3km @ easy- moderate pace (~05:10/km)
3km @ moderate pace (~04:45/km)
2km @ fast pace (~04:20/km)

First full week back in training and my body is feeling it 😂

Onwards and upwards 💪

10/12/2024

I need routine. I need structure. And I need a goal.

Probably something that was really drilled into me in the Army. It didn’t matter where we were - in camp or in the arse end of nowhere - establishing a routine was really important

If you get this right, then no matter what your goal is, you’ll see results. Here’s a few pointers that may help

1️⃣ Plan the night before

A Sandhurst lesson that I learned the hard way. Pack your kit, know what you need / where you’re going, basically make it as easy as possible for yourself to do whatever it is that needs to be done

2️⃣ Priorise what’s important

If it’s important to you, find time for it. If you need to get a workout done, schedule it in to your day instead of trying to cram it in as an after thought

3️⃣ Be flexible

Life gets in the way. No plan is perfect. Adapt if needed and don’t just write that day of training off.

If you’re struggling to get into the flow of things now it’s cold, wet and miserable, then hopefully this helps

📸 me in rag

02/12/2024

So today is a pretty cool day…

My first official day of being completely self employed

When I left the Army I moved back to London with the ambition to start my own business. Now London is pretty expensive so I also got a role at a tech startup

2 and a half years later, I decided it was time to pursue my passion with 100% focus

My time in the Army taught me so many skills, and developed my character in a way I can’t really put into words. And I love being able to help people achieve their goal of going down that similar route

Even though I’ve been working with lots of people on this since I left the Army, I’m super excited to now define my own success and do what I really enjoy doing

And if you are planning to join in 2025, then feel free to reach out

Let’s fu***ng go 💪

30/11/2024

‘Performance Condition: -6’

Don’t care Garmin. First run after the ol hand surgery and my god it’s nice to be back out.

After 2 weeks of virtually zero training, the easy pace ain’t feeling so easy!

Looking forward to get back to it 🏃‍♂️

26/11/2024

Fitness has shaped who I am over the last 15 years. From bodybuilding to military training, to endurance runs & strength training. I’ve learned what works—and more importantly, what doesn’t.

The key thing I’ve noticed is that fitness gives me clarity & purpose. I’m happiest when in a good routine and working towards my next challenge (and I’m pretty miserable when I’m not)

I also know that getting started can be daunting, especially with the pressures of fitness tests or career milestones.

So if you’re in that position where you’re motivated to get going but needing some guidance, then this is for you ⬇️

Key Training Focus:

• Strength & Conditioning
• Endurance & Stamina
• Military Specific Preparation (AOSB / soldier)

🔹 Next training cycle starts on Monday 02 December🔹

Apply direct in my bio or DM me with “START” to get going 💪

24/11/2024

🚨 Distractions Will Break You. Focus Will Make You.

I remember being told this on day 1 at Sandhurst. And I said this to my soldiers on their first day too.

Basic Training is designed to push you to your limits. When you’re tired, tested, and your confidence gets hit, self doubt creeps in.

I’ve seen people retreat into their shells, calling home constantly, second guessing themselves, and letting these distractions take hold.

Here’s my advice on staying locked in:

1️⃣ Remember why you started

You signed up for a reason. You trained to pass the tests. You wanted to be challenged. This is just part of the process.

2️⃣ Limit external contact

A call home once a week is plenty. Training requires focus and needs to be your priority. Think of the job at hand.

3️⃣ Control your mindset

Self doubt is normal. Feeling out of your comfort zone is normal. You’re not the only one going through that. Tell yourself you can rather than cannot.

Finally, take each task and each day as it comes. Many people (myself included) look back at the hardest times with the fondest memories. Everything will come to an end, and most of it sooner than you think.

Am I missing anything?

21/11/2024

Fully in that weather now 🥶

I’ve always preferred running in the morning. The main reason is probably because it’s then done with and isn’t on my mind for the rest of the day.

I also find I function a lot better afterwards (got those endorphins buzzing through me) and am a whole lot more productive.

So if the thought of getting out there and getting it done weighs on your mind as the day goes by, I fully recommend switching your runs to the morning.

P.s hand still fu**ed so my morning run is very much a morning stroll right now. And a bloody cold one at that

18/11/2024

Start Preparing Now ⬇️

I speak with a lot of people at all stages of their journey when it comes to fitness and the military, and I’ve never heard someone say “I started my preparation too early”.

Yet I get a lot of messages asking how to get ready for basic in just a few weeks. Now I’m all up for some panic phys, but come on…

The sooner you start the sooner you’ll realise the areas that you need to improve, and the more time you’ll have to do just that.

But I’m keen to know: how much time do you think is needed to get ready for military training?

17/11/2024

Thanks for all the messages. I won’t be replying as this has taken me long enough to type out 😂

Had a little cyst removed from my hand. Nurse said I was the bravest patient she’s come across. Her words. Honest.

A couple weeks off training and then hopefully I’ll be back at it. In the meantime I’ll be milking this for all it’s worth.

14/11/2024

I get a load of questions about the Army Officer Selection Board and how best to prepare for it. Putting the physical elements to one side, I thought I’d summarise some of what I think the key points are:

1️⃣ Do your research.

But like, actual research. No one really cares if you’ve remembered specific battle honours and key dates. What they do care about is if you actually know what you want to do in the Army, what’s currently happening in the world, and have an idea about what you may face after training.

2️⃣ Know WHY you want to go down the Officer route.

More money ain’t gonna cut it. And tbh, if you want more money then head to the city. Leadership isn’t easy and it can sometimes be quite a lonely place. Why do you want to do it and why do you think you’d be good at it.

3️⃣ Have an opinion on current affairs.

Obviously the first part is knowing what’s going on. The second is being informed enough to have an opinion on it. They want to see that you can think for yourself and not be easily swayed by any old argument.

And finally, but perhaps more importantly, don’t be a dick. The ability to work within a cohesive team is what you’ll need to demonstrate. And if you’re a prick then people won’t want to work with you or do what you say.

See… not just sick beret shaping skills.

27/10/2024

Ready to join the ranks but not sure if you’re fully prepared?

The path to serving in the military demands more than strength - it’s about pushing limits, building resilience, and having the mental grit to thrive in the toughest conditions.

I’m working with people from all walks of life, and at all stages of their journey, to get them ready for fitness tests, the Army Officer Selection Board, Sandhurst, and beyond.

DM me with the word ‘START’ or head to my bio and click apply now to get cracking.

Next training cycle starts soon - Monday 04 November 👊

14/10/2024

Unreal 🌴

A few days in Lombok coming up. First sunset did not disappoint.

13/10/2024

Having a nightmare of a time

03/10/2024

What you need from your training programme 🏃‍♂️💪

Before I started training for the Army, my workouts lacked direction. I was consistent, but beyond “getting fitter,” I didn’t have a clear plan.

If you’re preparing for the Army or a fitness test, this one’s for you. Here’s why structure matters:

1️⃣ Laser-Focused Goals

Know exactly what you’re training for. Identify your weak points (like endurance or strength) and tailor your sessions around them. Every workout should have a clear objective.

2️⃣ Consistency is Key

It’s all about showing up and putting in the work. Once you’ve got your plan, stick to it. Your dedication will pay off, but only if you make training a priority.

3️⃣ Steady Progress

Your fitness should evolve. As you get stronger and faster, your plan needs to challenge you. Step up the intensity, increase your distances—keep pushing the boundaries so you’re always improving.

What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in your training right now? Drop it in the comments ⬇️

25/09/2024

Morning miles 🏃‍♂️

20 minutes - warm up / easy (6:00/km)
30 minutes - moderate (4:50/km)
5 minutes - cool down / easy

Using this one as a longer run for this week (even if it’s not too long) as will have a spicy track session in a few days

I very rarely run on consecutive days, mainly because I know my knees & IT band aren’t my biggest fans

So at the moment I’m on 3 running sessions each week which involves: 1 easy, 1 longer, & 1 hard run

Keeping it simple 👊

djrxp