We all have moments when life feels like a minefield of choices, challenges, and lessons waiting to be learned. While watching Cross, a new show on Amazon Prime, I came across the military term “free chicken.” It struck a chord with me, not just because of its catchy phrasing, but because of its profound meaning: freely given advice or wisdom meant to make your path smoother.
Aldis Hodge stars as Alex Cross in Amazon Prime’s Cross.
As I reflect on my own journey and the TOP CTRL mentality, this concept resonates deeply. Free chicken is a gift, but not everyone is ready to accept it—and that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is how you approach it, both as someone receiving and giving advice, and how it shapes your unique path forward.
What Is Free Chicken?
I discovered that in military culture, free chicken is the kind of advice you don’t have to earn—it’s offered by someone who’s been through the trenches, meant to help you avoid pitfalls or learn faster. Whether it’s a senior officer explaining how to handle a mission more efficiently or a peer sharing tips for staying resilient, free chicken is about passing on knowledge for the sake of improvement.
The beauty of this wisdom is that it’s free—there’s no obligation, no strings attached. The downside? Not everyone is ready to receive it.
Some people soak it up, applying it to their lives immediately. Others dismiss it, either because of ego, timing, or simply being in a different headspace. The same lesson can mean everything to one person and nothing to another.
My Own Stubborn Streak
I’ll admit, I’ve been stubborn many times. There have been moments in my life where I brushed off advice because I thought I knew better. Looking back, I realize how much time I could have saved by being open to perspectives from people who had more experience than me. But as I continue to grow, I’ve learned that accepting wisdom from others isn’t about admitting weakness—it’s about taking ownership of your journey. For me, baseball was more than just a game; it was my calling. It was the one thing that brought out the purest joy in me, a sense of purpose and belonging I couldn’t find anywhere else. I had the talent, the passion, and the drive, but at the time, I lacked the confidence to fully commit to the dream. I wasn’t ready to embrace the sacrifices it required or to accept the challenges—what some would call the ‘free chicken’—that come with pursuing a professional career. My stubbornness held me back, making me doubt whether I was good enough to compete at the highest level. Looking back now, I realize that the biggest battle wasn’t on the field but within myself. If I had trusted the process and leaned into the advice and support of others, I could have chased that dream with the certainty and courage it deserved. While I can’t change the past, I’ve grown to appreciate the lessons it taught me about humility, self-belief, and the importance of listening to those who genuinely want to help you succeed.
One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is that my path is my own. No one can walk it for me, and no one else’s pace or method will work perfectly for me. That doesn’t mean I can’t learn from others. In fact, the more I’ve opened myself to advice and perspectives, the more I’ve realized that it’s not about blindly following someone else’s way—it’s about finding nuggets of wisdom that resonate with my goals and adapting them to my life.
Why People Reject Free Chicken
1. Ego and Pride:
Like me, many people struggle to accept advice because it feels like admitting they’re wrong or need help.
2. Learning the Hard Way:
Some individuals need to experience failure firsthand to truly understand a lesson. Advice alone doesn’t stick for them.
3. Fear of Vulnerability:
Accepting wisdom requires humility, which can feel uncomfortable, especially in a world that often values appearing strong over being open.
4. Personal Pace:
Everyone grows at their own speed. What makes sense to you now might not click for someone else until later—or never at all.
The Connection to TOP CTRL
The TOP CTRL mentality is rooted in taking charge of your actions, decisions, and growth. Part of this is recognizing when someone is offering you free chicken and being wise enough to consider it, even if you don’t agree with it at first.
It’s also about understanding that not everyone is on the same wavelength. You might offer advice to someone who isn’t ready to hear it, and that’s okay. People have their own paths, and while it’s tempting to get frustrated when they reject your guidance, it’s important to respect their journey.
Finding Strength in Your Path
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that your growth is yours alone. Advice, guidance, and wisdom from others are tools, not instructions. They’re there to help you navigate your journey more effectively, but at the end of the day, it’s your decisions and actions that define your success.
This perspective has kept me grounded when I’ve encountered setbacks. It’s also helped me when I’ve shared advice that wasn’t well-received. I’ve realized that the value of free chicken isn’t diminished when it’s ignored—it’s just waiting for the right time or the right person to take it in.
Going at Your Own Pace
It’s important to remember that everyone has their own pace. Some people thrive on advice and guidance, while others need to figure things out for themselves. Neither approach is right or wrong—it’s simply a reflection of different learning styles and mindsets.
For me, the journey has been about balancing humility and determination. Being open to wisdom doesn’t mean I’m not in control of my path. It means I’m taking what works for me and leaving the rest behind, all while staying true to what makes me happy and motivated.
Share the Chicken Anyway
The term “free chicken” might sound lighthearted, but its lesson is profound. Wisdom, when freely given, is a gift—but it’s up to the recipient to accept it. Some will, some won’t, and that’s perfectly okay.
As I reflect on this concept and how it relates to the TOP CTRL mentality, I’m reminded that true strength comes from walking your own path. Whether you’re receiving advice or sharing it, what matters most is staying focused on your goals, remaining open to growth, and respecting the journeys of those around you.
So, share the chicken anyway. Listen when it’s offered to you, give it freely when you can, and trust that both acts—giving and receiving—will lead you closer to the life you want to build. After all, every step forward is yours to take, and that’s what truly matters.
~ Take CTRL or Be CTRLD ~