Jocko Willink is a retired Navy Seal. In this book he gives great advice on how to manage yourself in order to accomplish more.
I find this advice very helpful, as I’ve experienced personally in many situations the inner battle that prevented me from deciding on what to do and then doing it.
His approach is very practical, objective, direct and decisive, as you would expect from a soldier.
Here I summarize the main points, as sort of a checklist, in order to remind myself these few but critical core values and habits.
- It takes time and self-discipline (there are no shortcuts to any success).
- Discipline comes from within (not from an external source/person) after knowing your “why” (your driving motivation, which can change over time).
- Motivation is not a spark, it’s a process. Motivation follows naturally from discipline, progress and success.
- Stop making excuses: conquer what you can control and accept what you can’t.
- We, as humans are made to withstand incredible stress. So, no excuses.
- Discipline gives you purpose and clarity.
- You have to attack your day with aggression.
- You become who you are based on your choices only.
- You should strive to win and fear failure and mediocrity (watching your life go by without making an impact on the world).
- You only have one life to live and one shot at making it matter.
- Let regret fuel you to learn from the past, but not live in it.
- Turn your focus on positive action now.
- Success is what you want to achieve long-term, not short-term goals (instant gratification).
- Never hesitate, decide and act immediately (or hesitation will prevent you from acting).
- Don’t let anything (fear, in primis) stop you.
- Always choose to lead (the first to take action).
- Conquer your mornings, get up early (psychologically is your first win of the day).
- Exercise every day. Make the time. Build a simple home gym (no excuses). Track your progress.
- Train a martial art, preferably Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for when you are unable to run away (first option always, as maintaining situational awareness and thinking of contingencies). If you cannot run away, attack first and fast and as soon as you see an opportunity, run.
- Improve the quality of your sleep (exercising regularly helps, as well as reading books before bed – no devices)
- Eat “clean” (not processed and low-carb) food.
- Power nap with your feet up.
So, why does discipline equal freedom? What’s the meaning of this statement?
As I see it, the only way to be free is to be in control of yourself.
If you are controlled by your impulses (mostly negative ones, as laziness, fear, hesitation, gluttony, blame…) you will never achieve your dreams and will live a mediocre life as a result.
So discipline, essentially means “self control“.
How do you become more disciplined?
By realizing you only have one life, by wanting to make the most of it through having a clear long-term purpose and through willpower. You have to make it a habit to stick to some strict rules of conduct, because this will in turn help you achieve your long-term goals.
Some quotes from thee book:
Don’t expect to be motivated every day to get out there and make things happen. You won’t be. Don’t count on motivation. Count on Discipline.
Don’t let your mind control you. Control your mind.