If I Could Go Back in Time, This Is What I’d Tell Myself
Fire Academy is no joke. It’s tough, humbling, and life-changing. It pushes you physically, mentally, and emotionally—and that’s by design. But the rewards? They’re monumental. Becoming a firefighter is not just a career; it’s a calling, a brotherhood or sisterhood, and an opportunity to serve and protect in ways few people ever will.
Looking back, if I could have sat down with myself and given five pieces of advice that would have exponentially leveled up my preparation and journey, this is what I would have said. I hope these words inspire and empower anyone stepping into the fire academy—or any life-changing challenge—to rise above and thrive.
1. Be So Fit That You Don’t Have to Worry About It
Fitness isn’t optional—it’s foundational.
The physical demands of the fire academy are no joke. Whether it’s dragging heavy hoses, climbing ladders, or sprinting up stairs carrying gear, your body will constantly be tasked to perform under stress. And let’s not forget the gear—the extra layers of weight from turnouts and SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus). That’s why being fit before the academy starts isn’t just smart; it’s necessary.
Here’s the deal: when you walk into the academy already in top physical shape, you unlock a huge advantage. You won’t have to waste time building strength or endurance from scratch. Instead, you can focus on mastering skills and absorbing knowledge.
Pro tip: Borrow some turnouts or and an SCBA from someone ahead of time (if possible). Wear it, practice moving in it, and get acclimated to the weight and its cumbersome nature. The more prepared you are beforehand, the easier the transition will feel. Fitness prevents injury, boosts performance, and lays the foundation for thriving—not just surviving.
Resource:
FIREFIGHTER FUCNTIONAL FITNESS – KERRIGAN& MOSS
Firefighter Functional Fitness is the essential guide to optimal firefighter performance and longevity. It provides all firefighters with the knowledge, mindset, and tools to: -Maximize their fire ground performance -Reduce their risk of injury and experiencing a line-of-duty death -Live a long, healthy career and retirement Designed for firefighters by firefighters, this book shares The 4 Pillars of Firefighter Functional Fitness: 1 – Physical Fitness 2 – Recovery and Rest 3 – Hydration 4 – Nutrition and Lifestyle.
2. Construct the Strongest “Why” Possible
Your “why” is the reason you keep pushing when everything gets hard.
Why are you choosing this path? Why do you want to serve as a firefighter? What drives you? What fuels your passion? These aren’t abstract questions—they’re critical ones that will shape your ability to persevere when challenges hit. Believe me when I say the academy will test you—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
When you hit that wall, when you’re exhausted and doubting yourself, you’ll need your “why” to pull you through. Make sure it’s strong, personal, and deeply connected to who you are.
Take time before the academy starts to dig deep and define it. Write it down. Memorize it. Reflect on it often. When you stay rooted in your purpose, no obstacle will be strong enough to stop you.
Resource:
Start with WHY – Simon Sinek
Start with WHY is Simon’s first and most popular book, having earned a spot on the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. In this book, Simon shows that the leaders who’ve had the greatest influence in the world all think, act, and communicate the same way—and it’s the opposite of what everyone else does. Simon calls this powerful idea The Golden Circle, and it provides a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be led, and people can be inspired.
And it all starts with WHY.
3. Dedicate Time to Study, But Also Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Balance is key.
The fire academy isn’t just tough on the body—it’s mentally demanding too. You’ll need to learn life-saving procedures, understand fire behavior, memorize protocols, and pass exams. Studying is crucial, but here’s the kicker: it can’t come at the cost of your health.
Sleep and nutrition are more important than most people realize. Without proper sleep, your body and brain can’t recover, and your decision-making suffers. Without proper nutrition, your energy crashes, and your body feels like it’s working against you.
Treat sleep and nutrition with the same discipline you bring to your workouts and your studies. Pack healthy meals, get consistent rest, and focus on recovery. When your mind and body are fueled, you can learn faster, work harder, and stay sharp even under pressure.
Resource:
Why We Sleep – M. Walker
Matthew Walker is a professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley, the Director of its Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab, and a former professor of psychiatry at Harvard University. He has published over 100 scientific studies and has appeared on 60 Minutes, Nova, BBC News, and NPR’s Science Friday. Why We Sleep is his first book.
Firefighter Peak Performance – R. Provoncher
Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining energy levels, enhancing strength and endurance, promoting muscle recovery, and bolstering immune function. This comprehensive guide explores key performance nutrition strategies for firefighters, providing practical tips and insights to help you achieve your fitness and performance goals.
4. The Latest You Should Ever Be Is 30 Minutes Early
Early is on time; on time is late.
This tip might seem simple, but it’s about more than punctuality—it’s about attitude and respect. Showing up early signals that you’re ready, committed, and determined to succeed. Firefighting demands discipline and preparation, and that starts with showing up consistently—even before you’re expected to.
If you’re 30 minutes early, you’re giving yourself time to mentally prepare, physically get warmed up, and avoid unnecessary stress. It shows that you respect the academy, your instructors, and your fellow recruits. This mindset will earn you trust and build leadership qualities vital for the firefighting profession.
Resource:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – S. Covey
he 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for thirty years. Stephen R. Covey’s book continues to be a bestseller for the simple reason that it ignores trends and pop psychology and focuses on timeless principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity. It has transformed the lives of millions of people worldwide and continues to do so with new insights added to the 30th Anniversary Edition.
5. Ask for Help Early and Often
This is a crew based service; you’re never alone.
The fire service is built on camaraderie and collaboration. From the academy to the field, you’ll learn that success isn’t just an individual endeavor—it’s a team effort. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you resourceful.
When you struggle, lean on your instructors, your classmates, and your crew. Asking for help and seeking advice not only accelerates your growth but fosters connection. In firefighting, trust is everything—and asking for help shows that you trust others as well as yourself.
You’re part of something bigger than yourself. When you embrace the power of the team, you’ll learn faster, perform better, and forge relationships that will carry you through the ups and downs of academy life and beyond in to your career.
Resource:
Daring Greatly – B. Brown.
Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. She writes: “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re about to enter the fire academy—or striving for any goal that feels big and daunting—remember this: preparation is key, purpose drives you, and your team will always have your back.
Find your “why,” show up strong, lean into the journey, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. The fire academy is hard, but it can also be one of the most transformative journeys you’ll ever embark on.
You’ve got this. And when the fire academy tests you—and believe me, it will—you’ll rise to the challenge with grit, resilience, and purpose. So go crush it—your future self is already proud.
“Strength, Purpose, Teamwork—That’s What Makes a Firefighter.”
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