Lego Lessons For Spies

The biggest challenge in spying isn’t the danger, lies, or technology... Greetings Everyday Spy, The biggest challenge in spying isn’t the danger, lies, or technology - it’s the fact that your job is destructive by nature. Construction workers get to build buildings. Doctors build healthy people. Accountants build financial records, teachers build students, corporate executives build massive businesses. But spies don’t build - we destroy, disrupt, and deny. CIA invests a lot of time and money training officers to understand the difference between ‘productive’ efforts and ‘destructive’ efforts. And of course there is a strong focus on ‘producing’ solid, reliable intelligence that can be used at the highest levels of government. But the cost of collecting intel is often more damaging than the value of the intel itself. There is a CIA saying that, “You're in better health the first day of an operation than you ever are on the last day.” The work takes a toll on your body, your mental health, your relationships, and your personal values. And unlike other career fields, you never get recognition or praise when things go right. But you always get called out when things go wrong. I’ve told you how common it is for operators to turn to alcohol, adultery, or drugs as coping mechanisms in the field. But there are also ‘productive’ outlets we use to cope with stress that might surprise you. Writing is a common method spies use to process feelings, experiences, and memories. I lean heavily on this Spy Journal to you for processing through my CIA history and my ongoing work in private intelligence. Other officers turn to writing memoirs, spy fiction, poetry and even TV/Film scripts. Painting, exercise, volunteer work and even ham radio are other popular coping methods field professionals use to keep themselves from depression, anxiety, and insomnia. We use these hobbies to build, share, and improve the world in a ‘productive’ way… rather than only engage in the destructive work of espionage. My family and I often celebrate my birthday in Legoland because Legos have long been a ‘productive’ outlet for me (and many CIA peers!). There is a sense of comfort and security anytime you build something for yourself - whether it's your education, your fitness, your backyard shed… Or a Lego creation that makes you smile. There are awesome mental benefits that come from visualizing, innovating, and experimenting with old blocks in new ways. And there is an instant sense of human connection anytime you hear another adult talk about their lasting love of Legos. Not because of the brand or the toy itself, but because you understand the chaos that lives in their mind and the peace they find building something with simple plastic blocks. Seeing them lean into something ‘productive’ to quiet the chaos, instead of turning to something that could destroy them. Godspeed, #EverydaySpy P.S. - [If you want to go deep into how spies protect themselves and stop bad guys, don’t miss Shadow Lessons, the only digital platform where you can learn first-hand from elite intel operators from around the world!]( Follow @EverydaySpy on Social Media! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [Instagram]( Andrew Bustamante, Founder of EverydaySpy.com, is a former covert CIA Intelligence officer, decorated US Air Force Combat Veteran, and respected Fortune 500 senior advisor. Learn more from Andrew on his Podcast (The Everyday Espionage Podcast) and by following @EverydaySpy on your favorite social media platform. This email was sent to {EMAIL}. Don't want to receive these emails anymore? [Unsubscribe]( EverydaySpy, 411 Walnut St. #20309, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043