In a world where discipline often seems like an elusive trait, there emerges a figure whose name has become synonymous with unwavering commitment, unyielding self-control, and unparalleled leadership.
His name is Jocko Willink. A former Navy SEAL officer, author, and renowned speaker, he has risen to prominence as the worldwide leading authority on discipline.
His remarkable journey from the battlefield to the boardroom has not only inspired countless individuals but has also earned him a reputation as a beacon of discipline in a chaotic world.
Jocko’s expertise in discipline is grounded in his exceptional military career, where he faced some of the most grueling and high-stakes situations imaginable. His experiences in the SEAL Teams, including combat deployments in Iraq, forged the unbreakable mental fortitude that he now imparts to others.
***Also see: 8 Navy SEALs on Joe Rogan’s Podcast: Jocko, Goggins
1. “Discipline will seem like it’s your worst enemy but the reality is, discipline is your best friend.” – Jocko Willink
Discipline will take care of you like nobody else can. It will put you on a path of health, wealth, intelligence, happiness, strength, and the most important thing, it will put you on the path to freedom.
Discipline is your best friend because it will empower you to navigate life’s challenges, achieve goals, and live with both purpose and freedom.
2. “Discipline equals freedom.” – Jocko Willink
“Discipline equals freedom” emphasizes the concept that if you achieve self-control, then personal liberation is the byproduct.
Discipline provides the structure and focus needed to pursue long-term goals and resist short-term temptations, empowering us to break free from procrastination and distractions. It ultimately grants us the freedom to live a purposeful life and choose our destiny.
3. “Discipline means taking the hard road, the uphill road, to do what’s right for yourself and for other people.” – Jocko Willink
Strong discipline can be used as a moral compass and a force for positive change. It signifies the willingness to make challenging choices and embrace difficulties in the pursuit of what is beneficial not only for oneself but also for the broader community.
Discipline, in this context, becomes a symbol of integrity, resilience, and a commitment to upholding ethical principles, even when faced with temptations or shortcuts that may offer temporary ease. It reflects an understanding that the path of discipline, though demanding, ultimately leads to personal growth, societal betterment, and a legacy of honorable actions.
4. “The reason discipline is hard to maintain is because it’s hard to maintain. That’s what makes discipline hard. It’s hard.” – Jocko Willink
Maintaining discipline can be tough for even for someone like Jocko and his unrelenting pursuit of excellence. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain discipline consistently over time, yet doing it consistently is the most important part.
Jocko doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that discipline is hard. If it was easy everybody would be doing it. Try not to let high standards and a rigid commitment lead to stress and inflexibility, and if you do, the outcome will be freedom.
5. “Yes, discipline really does start with waking up early. But that is just the beginning.” – Jocko Willink
Jocko is known for his early morning wake up time of 4:30am. When we rise early, we gain crucial, uninterrupted hours in the morning that set the entire tone for our day. It is a great time to engage in mindful practices like meditation or exercise, and plan our tasks strategically.
This initial act of discipline at the beginning of the day has a trickle effect on the rest of the day and not only enhances our productivity but also cultivates a sense of self-mastery, empowering us to tackle challenges proactively.
***Also see: Former SEAL Jocko Willink: Why He Wakes Up So Early
6. “Holding the line in those critical minutes will put you in an infinitely better place physically and mentally if you maintain the discipline.” – Jocko Willink
The importance of using discipline to persist and not give up just before reaching the finish line cannot be overstated. By holding the line in those critical moments when exhaustion and self-doubt often peak, discipline becomes the anchor that keeps us on course and pushes us through.
It reminds us of the effort we’ve already invested and the potential rewards waiting just beyond our current struggles. By summoning the strength and discipline to persevere, we not only reach our goals but also develop resilience and fortitude that serve us well in future challenges.
7. “And he wants it (discipline). And he’s looking for where he can find it (discipline). And where he can find it is in the mirror. That’s where it is.” – Jocko Willink
Jocko states that discipline is an internal quality that resides solely within oneself and can best be found by looking in the mirror. Unlike external influences that may come and go, discipline needs to be a constant, self-generated force that relies on our own determination and resolve.
In essence, discipline is a deeply personal attribute that can only be nurtured and harnessed from within, serving as the driving force behind our actions and the key to unlocking our full potential.
8. “What makes you a disciplined person is choosing to be a disciplined person.” – Jocko Willink
This quote by Jocko underscores the fundamental truth that discipline is not an inherent trait but a conscious decision. You don’t inherit discipline from your parents, siblings, and friends, although they can rub off on you in the wrong way if you let it.
By making discipline a decision that you and you only can make, it puts the ownership back in your possession. It places the power of discipline squarely in your hands, emphasizing that it’s not something we are born with, but rather a quality we cultivate through our choices and actions.
***Also see: Will David Goggins and Jocko Willink Ever Do Podcast Together?
9. “The discipline to execute on the tasks that you know will bring value, is the road to success. Doing the thing whether you feel like doing it or not…Doing the things that suck is what separates the average from the great. ” – Nick Lavery on Jocko Podcast
Discipline is essential for accomplishing tasks, whether enjoyable or not, as it provides the structure and determination needed to push through obstacles and achieve long-term goals.
Jocko maintains that he doesn’t always like to get up early and, as a human, there are times when he feels like being lazy. But, the importance of executing on the tasks that which make him successful outweigh the desire for procrastination.
10. “No one wants to hear this answer. One of the first steps you can take to impose discipline in your life is to wake up early in the morning.” – Jocko Willink
Jocko refers to the snooze button as the “dream killer.” And he acknowledges that it is difficult to leave a warm, soft bed while at the same time excuses are floating in your head.
Hitting the snooze button is a detriment to your goals as it delays your commitment to taking productive actions and undermines the discipline needed to achieve them.
11. “If you tell yourself the truth you won’t have to find discipline, discipline will find you.” – Jocko Willink
When you’re honest with yourself about your potential for improvement and acknowledge that you can achieve more, discipline becomes a crucial ally in turning those aspirations into reality.
Lying to oneself may offer temporary comfort, but it avoids the necessity of discipline, which is the key to unlocking your true potential and accomplishing greater feats.
12. “Discipline is infinitely more important. (than motivation)” – Jocko Willink
Motivation is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes, but it should not be relied upon as the primary driver of action.
Discipline, on the other hand, is the unwavering commitment to fulfill your responsibilities and pursue your goals regardless of how you feel in the moment. It’s the recognition that consistency in action, even in the absence of motivation, is what ultimately leads to success.
13. “No. Actually discipline does not fail me. I fail discipline.” – Jocko Willink
Jocko was asked on his podcast if discipline ever fails him. “It isn’t disciplines fault. It’s my fault. I’m the one that is being weak. I am the one that is not holding line. I am the one that is deciding to take the short-term gratification instead of the long-term domination.”
Discipline doesn’t fail a person. However, individuals can fail at discipline when they lack the commitment, self-control, or consistency needed to adhere to their goals and responsibilities. Its effectiveness depends on one’s dedication and effort in applying it to their life.
14. “When i make that error, when I let discipline down, there is only one thing to do. And thats get back on the path. Get back on it.” – Jocko Willink
After a slip-up with discipline, getting back up is crucial because it demonstrates resilience and a commitment to personal growth. Setbacks are part of the journey and they provide an opportunity to learn and strengthen your discipline for future challenges.
Jocko says to go harder, push more, and pay the toll for your transgressions. Cleanse yourself in the fire and the suffering of the discipline and get back on the hard unrelenting path.
***Also see: 10 Joe Rogan Principles for Success, Self-Improvement, and Growth
15. “It’s about facing your fears, it takes discipline to face your fears so you can conquer them. And that’s what discipline is.” – Jocko Willink
Facing your fears necessitates discipline because it involves a deliberate and consistent effort to confront discomfort and uncertainty.
Discipline helps you stay focused on your goal of overcoming fear, allowing you to take gradual steps forward, manage anxiety, and build the confidence needed to conquer what you once found intimidating.
About Jocko:
Through Jocko’s bestselling books, such as “Extreme Ownership” and “Discipline Equals Freedom,” and his influential podcast, “The Jocko Podcast,” he has not only shared his own lessons but has also dissected the principles of discipline, accountability, and leadership in a way that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
Available on Amazon:
Extreme OwnershipSources:
- What Discipline Really Means – Jocko Willink – (YouTube)
- Discipline Failure – Slipping off THE PATH: Jocko Willink (Enhanced) – (YouTube)
- Strategic Discipline Is the Path to Success – Jocko Willink & Nick Lavery – (YouTube)
- How to Get The Desire to Have Discipline – Jocko Willink – (YouTube)
- Discipline Eats Motivation For Breakfast – Jocko Willink – (YouTube short)