It is 2015 and I thought I would start off the year with a serious post (ok there may be some humor mixed in).

These are the top ten things to stop giving a shit about in 2015 to better yourself as a firefighter.

10. Stop worrying about what others think about you

It is about time you stop worrying about what others think about you and focus on what you think of you. Seriously, get over that shit and move on and worry about what really matters. Our line of work is full of egos…you are never going to impress everyone.

9. Stop worrying about what the bootlickers are doing

The best ass-kissers will carry that legacy throughout their careers. Giving respect to senior ranks is respectable…kissing their ass at every chance to get ahead is just unbecoming.

8. Stop eating dessert and drinking soda

If you are looking for a simple way to decrease the amount of bad foods you shove in that pie hole, simply cut out desserts and soda. Of course, if you want…go on a diet that creates an appetite inspiring lifestyle change. Oh, and exercise regularly!

7. Stop worrying about what you see others do in videos on Youtube

Instead, focus on what you would do in similar situations with YOUR knowledge and YOUR departments operational ability

6. Stop worrying about whether you should hit the fire before you enter or not

If you don’t know when to do it and when not to, keep studying. Learn from the UL/NIST studies. Eventually, you will realize the times when knocking down fire from the outside prior to going inside is beneficial and when it is not.

5. Stop Hating EMS

If EMS is in your job description, deal with it. If it is not, congratulations. The truth for those of us who do Fire & EMS is that we do BOTH. Get over it. If you pride yourself so well on being a great firefighter….do the same for EMS.

4. Stop dwelling on how you would have done something differently

Instead, realize why you would do something differently and do it that way the next time around. That my friends is called experience.

3. Stop being “Negative Nancy”

Bitching about everything is not beneficial to anyone. Nor is it constructive towards a solution if indeed you are bitching about something that matters.

2. Stop neglecting to empower your Brother/Sister Firefighter

Build them up…boast their strengths. Pat them on the back. Tell them good job. Give them a “Good Game” (ok, same sex only on this one). We are all part of a team, we all have strengths and weaknesses. Build as a team!

1. Stop being complacent

Take the time to learn your craft…every day. Learn something new. If you are the “old fart”, teach something to someone. Keep your eyes wide open for new techniques, new technology, new advancements.

Check out ole Von Appen’s Fully Involved Big 4…

Do your job – Treat people right – Give all out effort – Have an all in attitude