Just finished this motivating book by Jocko Willink, Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual. The book is both motivating and instructional. The book has a rah-rah feel to it – a just do it approach. It book is divided into two parts: thoughts and actions.
I love how underlining theme of self-discipline. You must will yourself to succeed and do. Discipline is a decision – a commitment only we can make. Discipline is cold and relentless, but if we submit to discipline it will make us better and strong.
Another tackled issue is people.
People aren’t going to be what you think they are. p10
People are full of weakness. Learn both the weaknesses and strength. The only person you can control is yourself. You can’t make other people what or who you want them to be. We become the person we want to be: “One. Small. Decision. At. A. Time.”
Willink takes on various forms of thought and challenges the reader to use discipline and will power to conquer fears, weakness, laziness.
The first part ends with a few quotes that I would like to put below.
“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.” Pg 68
“But my glory [my greatness], it doesn’t happen in front of a crowd. It doesn’t happen in a stadium or on a stage. There are no medals handed out. It happens in the darkness of the early morning. In solitude.” Pg 71
“We are taken apart, slowly. … We are defeated one tiny, seemingly insignificant surrender at a time that chips away at who we should really be.” Pg 72
The second part talks about physical training, stress, sleep, naps, and workouts.
Willink suggests training in all sorts of forms so you are ready for anything life and throw at you. He focuses on training in martial arts and defending yourself.
He talks about stress and how it is a part of life. To embrace it and learn through it.
He challenges the reader to go to bed early and get up early to “get after it” while “your enemy is still sleeping.” 5-15 power naps are encouraged if you really need them, but don’t go any longer.
Part two ends with various workout exercises. It think they are really great for the go getter in physical training, but for most people the exercises will be extreme and unattainable – without discipline, that is.
Overall, I enjoyed Part one the best. I appreciated the reminder of personal discipline and not allowing yourself to give in to excuses.
Discipline (self-discipline) will always give you freedom. So, may we all exercise and push ourselves to be relentlessly disciplined to experience the joy of freedom it provides.
