Photo of Jocko Willink
Standing in a bookshop in Cape Town International Airport was the first time I came across the name Jocko Willink and his book, ’Discipline Equals Freedom.’
I remember thinking to myself ‘Ok I get that discipline is sacrifice, but how does this equate to freedom?’
As I read the first page of this little matt black book with the white type, it grabbed me by the throat as I started internalising the true meaning of the concept and the wisdom behind Jocko’s quote.
If you don’t know who Jocko Willink is, best you look him up. A former Navy SEAL commander turned best-selling author, podcast host, and leadership consultant. He advocates taking ownership of everything that happens in your life and building personal discipline.
This little book has had such an impact in my life is as it applies to almost everything I do, everyday.
Discipline equals freedom has become my mantra.
Everything that I do today affects everything I can do for the rest of my life. If I cultivate self discipline today, I can reap the rewards later.
If I am disciplined with getting my training done today, tomorrow and the next day, I will be proud of what I see looking back at me in the mirror and this will give me the freedom of walking around with confidence in myself. The freedom that comes from accepting and loving yourself.
If I am disciplined with eating the right foods, day after day, I will have the freedom to go out and have some fun with my friends, eating and drinking whatever I want – guilt free – looking and feeling my best.
And it’s not just with your training and eating. Discipline equals freedom applies to every aspect of life.
If I am financially disciplined now I’ll have more savings later. This gives me the freedom to travel, see the world and meet new people.
If I am disciplined with my time, saying ‘no’ to things that take it away like Instagram and Netflix. Or saying ‘no’ to spending time with negative people that do nothing but moan. Having the discipline to do these things will give me the freedom to go for more walks with Über (my dog) along the beach, or grow my business, things I want to do.
The examples are countless but the theme is pretty simple… If I make small sacrifices today I open up the possibilities for tomorrow.
When I think about, the person I am today, is a result of all those tiny decisions made. The discipline in those small moments have given me something that I would never have had without.
The real challenge is to practice the discipline right now that you need to create for your freedom tomorrow.
Here are a few of Jocko’s quotes from the book..
THERE IS NO EASY WAY. There is only hard work, late nights, early mornings, practice, rehearsal, repetition, study, sweat, blood, toil, frustration, and discipline. DISCIPLINE.”
“If you don’t think you are disciplined: It is because you haven’t decided to be disciplined. YET.”
“The only person you can control is you. So focus on making yourself who you want to be: Faster. Stronger. Smarter. More humble. Less ego.”
“Don’t really want to workout? I work out. Don’t really want to hammer on the project? I hammer on the project. Don’t really want to get up and get out of bed? I GET UP AND GET OUT OF BED.”
And my favourite, which is the conclusion to the book..
“Don’t just read this book. Don’t just listen to the podcast. Don’t just watch videos online. Don’t just take notes. Don’t just study them. Don’t just share them with your friends. Don’t just plan. Don’t just mark your calendar. Don’t just “get motivated.” Don’t just talk. Don’t just think. Don’t just dream.
No. None of that matters.
The only thing that matters is that you actually do.
SO. DO”
Thanks Gary… a little difficult here in Middelburg but thanks Gary