 I put this blog off way too long.
Procrastination is funny like that. It’s not just delaying action; it’s replacing it with something far less important. I'm constantly working on curriculum, but sometimes I find myself sidetracked by research like how an organization trained an otter to search for dead bodies. That’s true, by the way. And now you’re curious too, aren’t you? Why do we procrastinate? Because our brains love immediate gratification, and hard things don’t always offer that. At some point, I started claiming that I “work best under pressure.” I even believed it. But let’s be honest—what I really meant was, “I refuse to start until the fear of missing a deadline outweighs my desire to scroll endlessly on something else.” That’s not a productivity hack; it’s survival mode. And survival mode rarely produces our best work. Procrastination isn’t laziness, though. It’s often fear. Fear of doing something imperfectly. Fear of the effort required. Fear of facing something uncomfortable. And the problem with waiting until the last minute? It robs you of the luxury of revision, depth, and the chance to do something thoughtfully instead of just done. The solution? Some will say to break the task into small steps, set deadlines, and hold yourself accountable. Maybe that works for some people. But for me, the answer is much simpler: Just start. Even if it’s messy, even if it’s imperfect—just start. Momentum builds. And action beats anxiety every time. I put this off way too long. But hey, at least I wrote it, and I hope you enjoy it! Now, about that PowerPoint… - Brian Townsend, Eagle 6 Training  As someone who spent decades working in law enforcement, transitioning from a role within the DEA to becoming a national advocate for fentanyl awareness felt like navigating uncharted territory. While I have extensive experience in criminal justice and public safety, my reach was limited to law enforcement circles. That changed when I partnered with Gaffney Austin. This is how their strategic public relations expertise transformed my mission, helping me achieve a level of visibility and impact I never imagined.
When I started advocating for fentanyl awareness, I was primarily reaching an audience within my network of law enforcement professionals. Despite decades of experience, I faced three key challenges:
From the beginning, it was clear that Gaffney Austin had a vision for how to amplify my voice. They redefined my professional identity, positioning me as a fresh voice in criminal justice and public safety. By emphasizing my unique perspective as a retired DEA agent and non-profit leader, they created a brand that resonated with both niche and mainstream audiences. They also provided invaluable media training, equipping me with the tools to craft concise, impactful messages. Whether I was on live TV or speaking to a podcast audience, their preparation ensured my words connected. Gaffney Austin's media outreach was equally transformative. They identified key journalists and outlets that covered law enforcement, public health, and drug policy. By tying my expertise to timely news trends, they positioned me as a go-to expert on fentanyl and public safety issues. The team also helped me craft op-eds and press releases, highlighting my work in ways that inspired action. These materials not only showcased my expertise but also established me as a credible and relatable voice for solutions to the fentanyl crisis. Through their efforts, I secured interviews and quotes in major outlets like CNN, FOX, and Forbes. Gaffney Austin's persistence paid off – I became a sought-after speaker, presenting at over 50 venues across the country and sharing my expertise on over 20 podcasts in 2024 alone. Their work didn't just amplify my voice; it amplified my mission. As I look back on 2024, I'm grateful for the expertise and dedication they brought to this partnership. Together, we've made strides in addressing the fentanyl crisis, one conversation at a time. Before partnering with Gaffney Austin, I never imagined the level of reach and influence I could achieve. Their work underscores the value of strategic public relations in turning a message into a movement. To anyone considering working with Gaffney Austin: If you have expertise that needs to reach a wider audience, they have the strategic vision to make it happen. For more information on my work and ongoing efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis, visit www.only2mg.com. And to learn how Gaffney Austin can help elevate your voice, visit www.gaffneyaustin.com. - Brian Townsend, Eagle 6 Training & Only 2mg Have you ever sent an email that seemed to disappear into the void? I’m not talking about a cold email to a potential client, but a message to someone you know – who might have been expecting your email. When you hear nothing back, it’s frustrating, right?
Email has become our go-to for professional communication in today’s fast-paced digital world. We’re all inundated with messages daily, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the volume. But here's the thing: acknowledging emails isn’t just good manners; it reflects your professionalism and respect for others. And that speaks volumes. When you acknowledge an email, you’re saying, “I see you. I respect the time you took to reach out.” A simple, quick reply can offer clarity and peace of mind, keeping communication lines open and avoiding potential misunderstandings. Now, I get it – some emails require more thought, more time. But that doesn’t mean you should leave someone hanging. If a message lands in your inbox that’s going to take some time to address, a quick, “Thank you for your email, I’ll get back to you soon” can make all the difference. Aim for a response within 24-48 hours and keep it friendly and professional. Even the briefest replies can leave a positive impression and strengthen your relationships. In the end, acknowledging emails is more than just a task. It’s an act of respect that fosters effective communication and enhances your professional credibility. By making it a habit, you’ll find your connections growing stronger, your communications more transparent, and your reputation consistently reinforced. - Brian Townsend, Eagle 6 Training  Recently, I found myself once again dealing with the familiar character that many of you might recognize: the "Good Idea Fairy." This experience took me back to my days at the DEA training academy in Quantico, where this mythical creature wasn't an official part of the training staff, but it seemed to have its hands in everything. We routinely dealt with people who always had “good ideas” they wanted us to implement — ideas ranging from minor tweaks to the training schedule to grand plans for revamping entire programs.
It reminded me that while it’s easy to talk about change, to throw out suggestions as if innovation were as simple as flicking a switch, the truth is, ideas are as valuable as the effort and dedication behind them. At the Academy, the number of "good ideas" could fill volumes, but the number of people with these ideas ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work? That was a much shorter list. This lesson on the value of initiative has stayed with me, and it’s one that continues to be relevant in my current work. Interestingly, the Good Idea Fairy isn’t confined to any one place or time. In my current adventures, I still see the Good Idea Fairy making appearances. The DEA Academy was just one example, but the lessons I learned there are universally applicable. The challenge of distinguishing between a good idea and one worth pursuing remains constant, no matter the setting. If you find yourself constantly being visited by the Good Idea Fairy, it might be time to ask: are you willing to put in the work to see this idea through? Or are you simply adding to someone else’s workload? Taking initiative means stepping up, taking responsibility, and pushing beyond the easy part — talking. So, the next time you find yourself with a brilliant idea, ask yourself: Am I ready to roll up my sleeves and make it happen? As a manager, recognizing this and protecting your people is crucial. Don’t blindly take these “good ideas” and delegate them without considering the impact. Before green-lighting any initiative, ask yourself: Is there a clear plan, and do we have the commitment needed to see it through? Protect your team by only supporting ideas that have the backing of real commitment and a clear plan for execution. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with many good bosses who understood this balance. We would often joke about all the Good Idea Fairies fluttering around, but those leaders knew when to dismiss them and when to allow one to take root. In both leadership and life, the balance between creativity and practicality is key. While we should never stifle innovation, we must also remember that great ideas are as valuable as the effort and dedication behind them. This balance isn’t just key to personal success; it’s essential for the growth and sustainability of any organization or community. The next time you’re struck by a brilliant thought, consider what it would take to turn that idea into reality. If you’re not prepared to do the work, maybe it’s best to let the Good Idea Fairy fly on by. - Brian Townsend, Eagle 6 Training  “Why did you go to college in Missouri?”
I can count on this being the first question asked when someone discovers I grew up and attended high school in Virginia but went to college in Missouri. 1,110 miles. The distance was not just a number, it symbolized a significant change in my life. Leaving behind the familiar faces of family and friends was not easy. I was not running from them; I was on a journey of self-confrontation and reinvention. Initially, I thought these feelings were unique to me, but I soon learned it's a universal aspect of the human experience. Life is a continuous evolution. At certain crossroads, we are compelled to redefine ourselves. Reinvention isn't just about adapting; it's about courageously transforming into the person we aspire to be. For me, the fresh start at a college 1,110 miles away was what I needed. Reinvention runs deeper than surface-level changes. It demands a profound internal shift. It involves recognizing our growth and embracing the necessity for personal evolution. It's about shedding old habits, beliefs, and perspectives that no longer serve us, and embracing new opportunities with open arms. My journey allowed me to unlock doors I'd been too afraid to open. I was holding myself back from own goals and dreams, and it was impacting my confidence. The path to reinvention begins with self-reflection. When I teach leadership classes, I encourage the attendees to reflect on themselves. We must take the time to understand our strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspirations. What aspects of your life feel out of alignment? What dreams have you shelved? Introspection lays the foundation for meaningful change. Look in the mirror and tell yourself not what you see, but what you want to see. Next, set clear intentions. Define your purpose and intentions for reinventing yourself. Maybe you want to pursue a new career path, improve relationships, or just enhance your personal well-being. Whatever it may be, having clear objectives will guide your transformation. “Embrace the suck.” Change can be uncomfortable, but it's also a catalyst for growth. Embrace the discomfort that comes with change, as it signifies that you're stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself to become better. Never stop learning and develop a growth mindset. Lifelong learning will open the doors to new opportunities. You must believe in your ability to learn and adapt and learn some more. View failure or challenges as learning experiences. Success stems from trying, failing, adapting, and trying again. The cycle never ends. Look to the experiences and perspective of others. Their stories offer guidance, motivation, and a roadmap for your own journey. For me, my self-confidence grew. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was watching myself grow into the person I wanted to be and the person I wanted to see in the mirror. I had a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose and was opening doors to all sorts of opportunities. Reinvention doesn’t require physical distance. It also doesn’t need to be a one-time event. Embrace change, challenge the status quo, and step into the realm of possibility. By daring to reinvent yourself, you craft a life that mirrors your true potential and aspirations. - Brian Townsend, Eagle 6 Training |
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