How UFC Veteran and Army Special Forces Operator Tim Kennedy Will Measure a Life Well-Lived

Tim Kennedy believes true success isn't measured by wealth or fame but by how much he can give back. From supporting the military community to raising his children to be good citizens, Kennedy is committed to leaving a legacy of service and impact.
How UFC Veteran and Army Special Forces Operator Tim Kennedy Will Measure a Life Well-Lived
How UFC Veteran and Army Special Forces Operator Tim Kennedy Will Measure a Life Well-Lived / The Everyday Warrior Nation

For Tim Kennedy, UFC fighter, Army Special Forces operator, and entrepreneur, success in life isn't about money, accolades, or fame. Despite a career filled with high-stakes combat missions and victories in the octagon, Kennedy's definition of a well-lived life centers on how much he can give back. As someone who has faced physical and mental battles, his perspective offers a refreshing look at true success—one rooted in selflessness and contribution to others.

Kennedy reflects on his journey, acknowledging that everything he's achieved stems from the values and skills he learned in the military. "How can I give back to the military community that has given me so many tools to give me success?" he asks. For him, military service was not just a job but a transformative experience that molded him into the person he is today, instilling discipline, resilience, and a commitment to serve a greater cause.

Success for Kennedy isn’t about accumulating wealth or material goods. In fact, he’s firm in his belief that he will "die penniless" because money holds no significance in the grand scheme of things. "I will not take a single cent to the grave with me, and it will do nothing for me in heaven," he explains. Instead, Kennedy seeks to use whatever influence, clout, and resources he has to make a meaningful impact. Whether raising funds for causes that matter or contributing to the military community, he aims to leave a legacy beyond personal achievements.

Social media has been one of Kennedy’s most powerful tools for extending his reach and driving impact. With a substantial following, he leverages his platform to promote and support causes close to his heart, including veteran initiatives and charitable projects. "How can I use a big social media presence to raise funds for things that matter?" he asks, viewing his influence as a responsibility rather than a mere popularity contest.

At the heart of Kennedy's vision of a successful life is the legacy he will leave behind through his children. For him, success means raising his kids to be responsible, contributing members of society. "Watching my children, my legacy, grow to be contributing members of society and good citizens" is the ultimate reward. His work founding the innovative Apogee School for Youth Education and Development and his parenting philosophy mirrors his broader approach to life—instilling the same values of accountability, service, and self-reliance that he's lived by, both as a soldier and a fighter.

Kennedy's worldview aligns with the idea that true success is measured by the difference you make in the lives of others. "What can I do with what I have?" he asks. This question underscores his lifelong mission to give back through mentorship, philanthropy, or simply being a positive example for his family and community.

Ultimately, Tim Kennedy will measure his life by how much he gave, not how much he took. For him, living well means using every opportunity, skill, and resource to make a meaningful impact on the world while preparing the next generation to carry that legacy forward.

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Mike Sarraille
MIKE SARRAILLE

Mike Sarraille is the founder and CEO of Talent War Group, a consulting and executive search firm; and Legacy Expeditions, an extreme adventure company which has set 4 x world records in skydiving. Mike is a 2023 and 2024 Top 30 Global Gurus leadership speaker, 2 x Best-Selling Author of The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent and The Everyday Warrior: A No-Hack, Practical Approach to Life. Mike also participated in the filming and production of two documentaries, Drop Zone Everest and Triple 7: They Said It Couldn’t Be Done. Mike started the Everyday Warrior Initiative on Men’s Journal in 2022 before moving it to Sports Illustrated On SI alongside his co-host John Welbourn. He is a former Recon Marine and Scout-Sniper, and retired US Navy SEAL