Derek Weida
The Next Objective
El Paso, TX USA
"I believe that we’re all great. You’re great! You’re lost? You’re sad? I don’t care: you’re great. Now go be great."
Career Roadmap
Derek's work combines: Sports, Armed Services, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
As a young adult, he loved films like Black Hawk Down and We Were Soldiers.
2.
Joined the Army when he was 17 and immediately loved it; he enjoyed the physical challenges and the camaraderie of being a soldier.
3.
After taking a bullet through the knee, getting his leg amputated, and being medically retired from the military, he felt that he’d lost his dream job.
4.
Went through a period of deep depression until one of his friends invited him to join his “Tough Mudder” team.
5.
He finally felt like he’d found his next purpose, at least for the short term; says that the tough mudder race meant nothing, but at the same time, “saved his life.”
6.
After completing the difficult, muddy course, people started to view him as an inspirational figure.
7.
He took advantage of the traction he was getting on social media and started an apparel company called The Next Objective.
8.
The Next Objective donates proceeds to fund gym memberships and personal training sessions for vets, seeking to motivate them through fitness-based activities.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I battled with alcoholism, depression, suicide attempts. I was in jail and in psych wards.