“Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.”

– Jocko Willink

So here is a wildly profound concept that has changed my perspective on a lot of life decisions I’ve made in the last couple of years and I beg you to read on and see how this could be impacting your life as well.

I have been reading the book “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, two Navy Seals who have faced extreme situations and overcome them, whilst facing death almost daily and learning what it takes to survive, not only on the battlefield, but in life as well.

The overall concept that I have so far taken from this book, have helped me realise where “Ownership” could be impacting my everyday life.

How many of you have faced extenuating circumstances in the last few years, or throughout your life in general, and held on to that “excuse” for way too long? Reasons why you aren’t “where you should be” or why you simply can’t get ahead.

Now before you get defensive and begin justifying your feelings and the reason behind your adversity, let me level with you and say that I have definitely passed blame to others for my misfortune in the past, and there is no doubt that I have never taken ownership for these mishaps, because quite frankly, I believe that they were unjust and undeserving.

BUT, what if ??? 

What if I’m wrong? What if everything that has happened to me is a direct result of my own doing?

I mean, it makes sense right. I have a choice, everyday, to decide what I do and where I go, and if I don’t choose… well that’s also my choice.

These Navy Seals explain in their book, that when times get tough in battle, and things aren’t going right, you need to improvise, adapt and overcome, no matter the circumstances. So every second that they waste trying to point fingers and blame the situation on someone else, will simply be a wasted second on what could be a step towards safety and ultimately, freedom.

Therefore, “Extreme Ownership” is believing that you have within you, the power to choose how you can impact your own future, by taking control of the present. If there’s a problem, fix it. If you’re lost, then find a way. Don’t wait for someone else to fix your problems, because, quite frankly, you might be waiting a loooooong time.

During the COVID pandemic, a lot of people were dealt some pretty shitty cards, and to be honest, some of the most life defining moments were brought about in the last few years, but if we let this be the story that we continue to tell people when they ask where it all went wrong, then we’ll only prolong our own pain. 

We want to succeed DESPITE the obstacles in our path. We want to face the storm, because running away from it will only keep the clouds over head for longer. Take ownership of where you are right now, and overcome the need to pin your shortfalls on anything that has happened in the past. Only then can you truly move forward and redesign your vision.

Commit to taking extreme ownership of everything in your life. Don’t wait for others to tell you how, what, why and when. Just live life on your terms and don’t spend it living in the past. 

You may be dealing with something that no one could possibly begin to understand, and that’s okay, but If you don’t take control of your life and let others do it for you, then don’t expect life to turn out the way that YOU want.

Read this again and give it some thought.

If you’d like to look into the concept further and hear from these Navy Seals themselves, then get your own copy of “Extreme Ownership” and it may just change your life.

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