How Jocko Willink's Extreme Ownership Principle Can Transform Your Life

When I started leading teams at Florida Atlantic University I would spend so much time planning events and sending the information - I thought it was beautiful and clean cut. In hindsight I was probably that person sending out like two and a half page emails that your eyes just glaze over reading -? and time after time again the people I was leading would be confused, they would sorta kinda half get it. everyone going in their own directions not aligned on the target. In fact, with no idea where the target even is. I knew I was working with extremely coherent people I respected, it just didn’t add up. Leading the team responsible for the attitude determination and controls system on FAU's first cube satellite and running the scuba dive club, I'd call my mentor in chaos saying "no body is listening, everyone is going to different dive sites, Susie doesn’t understand why we don’t need 10 trillion reaction wheels on our cube sat, and? I’ve laid out all the information right here- why does not body just get it?" He would say, if everyone on your team is confused by the information you shared, is it really a them problem??

That was the first time I learned about Jocko Willink's "Extreme Ownership" principles—a philosophy that transcends military strategy, proving its relevance in life and leadership. This principle is so important that when I was asked to share at a conference at NASAs Kennedy Space Center, this was one of the main principles I shared.

Jocko Willink, a retired Navy SEAL officer, author, and motivational speaker, is known for his no-nonsense approach to leadership and personal development. His book, "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win," co-authored with Leif Babin, has become a bestseller and a guide for those seeking to improve their lives. Willink's Extreme Ownership principle is based on the idea that taking full responsibility for our actions and outcomes is the key to achieving success in all areas of life.

The core principles of Extreme Ownership

Extreme Ownership is all about accepting complete responsibility for everything that happens in our lives. It means acknowledging that we have control over our actions, decisions, and outcomes, regardless of external circumstances. This principle requires us to look inward and examine our own role in every situation, rather than blaming others or making excuses.

One of the core principles of Extreme Ownership is the belief that leaders must take ownership of not only their own actions but also the actions of their team. This means that leaders should never pass the blame onto others but instead take responsibility for any failures or mistakes. By doing so, leaders create a culture of accountability and empower their team members to take ownership of their own actions as well.

Basically, the principle boils down to, if someone doesn't complete a task on time, it's your fault - you gave them too big of a task. If someone doesn't understand the task or mission - you're not communicating clearly enough. As the leader, every thing is your fault. And whether your leading yourself or others, every one of us is a leader.

This principle to have the discipline and humility to have the attitude and mindset not to blame any other person or any thing except yourself. And I noticed a beautiful thing started to happen when I demonstrated this principle- when everyone on the team started to take ownership of the problems, the problems would get solved.

Tips for incorporating Extreme Ownership into daily life

Incorporating Extreme Ownership into our daily lives requires conscious effort and commitment. Here are some tips to help you embrace this principle:

1. Take responsibility for your actions and outcomes, regardless of the circumstances.
2. Foster a culture of accountability by leading by example.
3. Communicate clearly and assume ownership in misunderstandings or conflicts.

By implementing these tips, you can gradually integrate Extreme Ownership into your daily life and experience its transformative effects.

Resources for further learning about Extreme Ownership

If you want to delve deeper into Extreme Ownership and explore its principles and applications, some resources are "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, and the Jocko Podcast, a podcast hosted by Jocko Willink, where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development.

“Leaders must own everything in their world; there is no one else to blame”.? -Jocko Willink

In conclusion, Jocko Willink's Extreme Ownership principle offers a powerful framework for personal and professional development. By taking complete responsibility for our actions and outcomes, we unlock our full potential and achieve extraordinary results.

Through Extreme Ownership, we develop discipline, resilience, and a growth mindset. We become leaders who inspire and empower others.

So, are you ready to take ownership of your life and transform it for the better? Start embracing Extreme Ownership today and experience the incredible impact it can have on your journey of achievement.

With unwavering support and excitement for your future,

Holly Pascal