Lead Like a Navy SEAL
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win
by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Leadership/Business
TL;DR
Okay, so this book is basically a reality check delivered by two dudes who literally faced death for a living. The main vibe is Extreme Ownership: stop being a crybaby and take responsibility for absolutely everything, even stuff that feels unfair. If your life sucks, it's on you to fix it. They also talk about Prioritize and Execute, which is just fancy talk for "stop trying to do 17 things at once, pick the most important one and actually finish it." Another one is Decentralized Command, which means if you're in charge, tell people the goal and let them figure out the details instead of micromanaging them into oblivion. It's all about discipline, planning, and communication, but like, the kind that actually works in the real world, not just in a textbook. Basically, stop making excuses and get your shit together.
Action Items
Think of one thing that went wrong today where you blamed someone else. Now, figure out what you could've done differently to prevent or fix it.
Look at your overwhelming to-do list. Pick the single most important task and work on only that until it's done. Ignore everything else.
If you're delegating a task to someone (friend, coworker, sibling), tell them the what and why, then step back and let them figure out the how. Resist the urge to hover.
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Key Chapter
Chapter - It's All Your Fault, Dummy (aka Extreme Ownership)
Okay, so this chapter hits you with the core idea: Extreme Ownership. It means you gotta own everything that happens under your watch, even if it feels totally unfair. Like, if your group project fails because one dude didn't pull their weight, it's still your fault for not managing the situation better or picking better teammates. Stop making excuses and blaming others; it's cringe. The point isn't to feel guilty, it's to realize you're the only one who can actually fix your own problems by controlling your reaction and actions. Basically, be the main character in your own mess and take control of the narrative, even when it sucks.
Key Methods and Approaches
It's All Your Fault, Dummy
(AKA: Extreme Ownership)
Description:
You mess up, your team messes up, the universe messes up? It's on you.
Explanation:
Imagine you're playing a video game and your squad gets wiped. Instead of yelling about lag or noobs, you look at what you could've done differently. Did you push too hard? Not communicate? This ain't about feeling guilty, it's about realizing you're the only one who can fix your own situation. Stop pointing fingers, start fixing stuff.
Examples:
Your car breaks down? Your fault for not doing maintenance.
Your relationship is trash? Your fault for not setting boundaries or picking a clown.
You failed a test? Your fault for not studying or asking for help.
Your boss is a jerk? Your fault for not finding a better job or managing up.
Today's Action:
Think of one thing that went wrong today where you blamed someone else. Now, figure out what you could've done differently to prevent or fix it.
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