Podcasts > Jocko Podcast > 478: Be The Comprehensive Human The Moment Demands. Jason Wilson Pt.2

478: Be The Comprehensive Human The Moment Demands. Jason Wilson Pt.2

By Jocko DEFCOR Network

In this episode of the Jocko Podcast, Jason Wilson advocates for a new masculine ideal - the "comprehensive man" - who embraces traditionally nurturing traits alongside strength and discipline. Wilson shares personal stories illustrating emotional openness and the importance of empathy, trust, and healthy emotional mastery.

The conversation explores how comprehensive men foster strong family bonds through patience, understanding, and modeling order and self-care. Wilson and host Jocko Willink discuss nurturing well-rounded development in youth, emphasizing consistent training across disciplines and proper nutrition. The episode presents a holistic vision of masculinity centered on caring character, self-awareness, and mental fortitude.

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478: Be The Comprehensive Human The Moment Demands. Jason Wilson Pt.2

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478: Be The Comprehensive Human The Moment Demands. Jason Wilson Pt.2

1-Page Summary

The Comprehensive Man: A New Masculine Ideal

Jason Wilson advocates for men to embrace a wide range of traits, including nurturing behaviors traditionally seen as "unmasculine," to develop a well-rounded, caring character.

Embracing Emotions and Empathy

The comprehensive man expresses emotions and fears openly, as Willink discusses sharing nervousness before combat. Wilson relates personal anecdotes on managing his mother's Alzheimer's to showcase nurturing depth. A key trait is respecting women beyond just romantic interests.

Mastering Emotions, Not Being Enslaved By Them

While emotionally expressive, the comprehensive man exercises emotional mastery and restraint. Wilson emphasizes controlling one's ego, using examples like avoiding escalating confrontations when possible.

Fostering Trust in Family Relationships

Fathering With Trust and Patience

Willink and Wilson stress building trusting father-child bonds through patient guidance over enforcing blind obedience. Wilson models emotional openness to forge deeper connections.

Resolving Marital Conflicts With Understanding

Wilson notes addressing marital conflicts through composure, empathy, and recognizing childhood experiences shaping behavior.

Modeling Order, Discipline and Self-Care

Ensuring Disciplined Environments

Wilson and Willink believe in maintaining functional order and cleanliness in home/work spaces as an example for youth.

Teaching Practical Skills by Example

Wilson runs summer camps on etiquette, finances, and grooming to empower youth, stressing learning through direct demonstration.

Prioritizing Wellbeing Over Praise

The comprehensive man prioritizes self-care like Wilson considering his wife's emotional capacity before discussing work. Setting boundaries promotes mental health over external validation.

Valuing Fitness for Overall Health

Consistently Training Across Disciplines

Willink and Wilson emphasize consistent martial arts, weightlifting, endurance training like runs and force-on-force drills for overall fitness.

Fueling With Proper Nutrition

Willink promotes nutritious fueling like his Jocko Fuel supplements. Both cite physical training improving mental health and composure.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The concept of a "comprehensive man" may inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes by implying that certain traits are inherently masculine or feminine.
  • Emotional openness is not universally seen as beneficial in all cultures or contexts, and some may argue that stoicism has its own merits.
  • Emotional mastery and restraint could be misinterpreted as suppressing emotions rather than healthily managing them.
  • The idea of respecting women beyond romantic interests should be a basic human principle rather than a trait associated with a new masculine ideal.
  • The approach to fathering with trust and patience may not address the complexities of different parenting situations and the diverse needs of children.
  • Resolving marital conflicts with understanding is important, but the text does not acknowledge that some conflicts may require professional intervention or may not be resolvable through empathy alone.
  • The emphasis on maintaining functional order and cleanliness might not consider individual differences in lifestyle and the potential for a rigid environment to stifle creativity.
  • Teaching practical skills by example is valuable, but it may not account for different learning styles and the need for formal education in certain areas.
  • Prioritizing self-care over external validation is important, but the text does not address the balance between self-care and the responsibilities one might have towards others.
  • The focus on fitness and consistent training may not take into account physical limitations or the fact that not everyone has the same access to training facilities or resources.
  • The promotion of proper nutrition, including supplements, may not consider the complexities of dietary needs, potential medical conditions, or the socio-economic factors affecting access to nutritious food.

Actionables

  • You can foster emotional openness by starting a feelings journal where you record your emotions daily and reflect on them. This practice helps you become more aware of your emotions, understand their triggers, and communicate them more effectively to others. For example, if you feel frustrated after a meeting, write down what specifically caused that feeling and think about how you can express this constructively to your colleagues or family.
  • Develop empathy by volunteering for a cause that exposes you to different life experiences. Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds can broaden your perspective and enhance your ability to relate to others' emotions. For instance, spending time at a local shelter can provide insights into the challenges faced by the homeless, fostering a deeper sense of empathy.
  • Create a balanced fitness routine by integrating different types of workouts that you can do at home with minimal equipment. This could include strength training with bodyweight exercises, flexibility routines like yoga, and cardiovascular workouts such as jumping rope or dancing. By varying your exercise, you not only work on different aspects of fitness but also keep the routine engaging and sustainable.

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478: Be The Comprehensive Human The Moment Demands. Jason Wilson Pt.2

The Comprehensive Man: Characteristics, Mindset, and Development

The concept of the "comprehensive man" challenges traditional views of masculinity by incorporating both typically masculine and so-called "unmasculine" traits.

The Comprehensive Man Embodies Masculine and "Unmasculine" Traits

Jason Wilson advocates for men to embrace a wide array of behaviors, including those traditionally labeled as nurturing and thus "unmasculine." He stresses the importance of actions like combing his mother’s hair or painting her fingernails as facets that build a more understanding and caring character.

The Comprehensive Man Openly Expresses Emotions and Fears, Not Hiding Behind a Facade of Strength

Emotionally, the comprehensive man is someone who doesn't shy away from his emotions or his fears. Wilson discusses being emotionally present for his wife and addressing her emotional wounds through empathetic actions. Similarly, Jocko Willink touches on the valor of discussing fear or nervousness openly, like before going into combat. Furthermore, Wilson addresses the importance of verbal processing, expressing true emotions thoughtfully and openly, irrespective of the societal expectation to maintain an aggressive, stoic front.

Wilson relates the comprehensive man's emotional expression to personal anecdotes, such as managing the emotional weight of his mother’s Alzheimer's disease, showcasing that depth of feeling and nurturing does not detract from one's masculinity. Wilson exemplifies this comprehensive quality by not only participating in his mother's care but being emotionally involved and sacrificial in his care-taking role.

Respectful Men Value Women, Not as Subservient or Sex Objects

A key aspect of the comprehensive man's behavior is his respect for women, valuing their qualities beyond seeing them as subservient beings or sex objects. Wilson emphasizes the importance of being present and responsive in a relationship, rather than subscribing to an ego-driven portrayal of masculinity that prioritizes sexual prowess. Healthy and balanced emotional expressions are crucial, including the wisdom to know when to suppress one’s emotions and when to confront issues directly.

Master Emotions to Prevent Toxicity, Avoid Being a Slave to Thoughts and Feelings

The concept extends to mastery over emotions, which involves understanding the right time for confrontation and when it's more prudent to exercise control. Wilson uses the tale of two men in a road rage incident as a lesson in ego management—avoiding unnecessary confron ...

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The Comprehensive Man: Characteristics, Mindset, and Development

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The concept of the "comprehensive man" may inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes by labeling certain traits as masculine or unmasculine, even as it seeks to challenge these categories.
  • Some may argue that the idea of a "comprehensive man" still centers on a binary understanding of gender and may not fully encompass the experiences of non-binary or gender-nonconforming individuals.
  • The emphasis on openly expressing emotions could be criticized for not acknowledging cultural or individual differences in emotional expression and the validity of reserved emotional expression in certain contexts.
  • The notion of valuing women beyond traditional roles could be seen as a basic expectation of decency rather than a characteristic of a specific type of man, potentially minimizing the importance of this behavior as a universal standard.
  • The idea of mastering emotions to prevent tox ...

Actionables

  • You can start a personal journal to explore and express your emotions without judgment. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you become more comfortable with them, leading to better emotional mastery. For example, if you're feeling anxious about a work presentation, write about what's causing the anxiety and how it feels in your body, then brainstorm ways to address these feelings constructively.
  • Create a "failure resume" to reflect on and learn from your past mistakes. Instead of a traditional resume highlighting successes, this document will list failures, what you learned from each, and how you've grown since. This could include anything from a botched job interview to a failed relationship, with insights on how these experiences have contributed to your personal development.
  • Volunteer f ...

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478: Be The Comprehensive Human The Moment Demands. Jason Wilson Pt.2

Fatherhood and Family Relationships

In discussions about the nuances of parenting, Jocko Willink and Jason Wilson highlight the roles of fathers in fostering trust, safety, and understanding, which are pivotal in building deep family bonds.

Father Fosters Trust and a Safe Learning Space, Not Blind Obedience

Both Willink and Wilson focus on the necessity of building strong relationships with children that are characterized by trust, respect, listening, and care. These relationships allow for a learning space where children can make mistakes and learn from them with their fathers' patient and understanding guidance.

Father Lets Children Err, Then Guides Patiently and Understandingly

Willink and Wilson detail practical approaches to fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to have their space and freedom. They stress not responding to their children’s errors with blind obedience, but with understanding and patience. Wilson shares how he offers guidance through challenges and pressures, prioritizing nurturing over enforcing obedience. Willink also trusts his children to make good decisions on their own, citing his approach to curfews and party-going as examples.

Father Fosters Stronger Bonds With Children By Modeling Emotional Openness and Vulnerability Over Stoicism

Wilson talks about sitting with his child to uncover underlying issues which may explain behaviors like frequent messiness or understand reactions to difficult situations such as bullying. Willink and Wilson both reflect on their experiences to demonstrate how expressing emotions like fear, doubt, or hurt can form a stronger connection between parent and child than a stoic demeanor might.

Husband Emulates Christ By Prioritizing Wife's Wellbeing Over Viewing Her As Subservient

Discussing marital relationships, Wilson and Willink touch upon the dynamics of respect and understanding that should ...

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Fatherhood and Family Relationships

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While fostering trust and understanding is important, some argue that setting clear boundaries and sometimes enforcing obedience is necessary for children's development and safety.
  • Trust and respect are two-way streets; children also need to learn to trust and respect their parents' decisions, even when they involve obedience.
  • Emotional openness and vulnerability are valuable, but some believe that maintaining a certain level of stoicism can also provide children with a sense of stability and strength.
  • The idea of prioritizing the wife's well-being could be seen as potentially patronizing if it implies that the wife is unable to prioritize her own well-being or that the husband's well-being is secondary.
  • Conflict resolution strategies like maintaining eye contact might not be effective or comfortable for all individuals, as cultural differences and pe ...

Actionables

  • Create a "Family Trust Jar" where each family member can drop notes about things they're grateful for or apologies when they've made a mistake. This encourages open communication and allows children to see that making mistakes is a natural part of learning, without fear of harsh judgment.
  • Start a weekly "Feelings Roundtable" where each family member shares something they felt strongly about during the week, without interruption or judgment. This practice models emotional openness and helps everyone in the family learn to express and handle their emotions constructively.
  • Develop a "Partner Appreciation Ritual" where ...

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478: Be The Comprehensive Human The Moment Demands. Jason Wilson Pt.2

Practical Life Skills and Discipline

The conversation between the hosts reveals a profound understanding that a comprehensive man instills order and discipline not through commands and punishments, but by setting an example in his environments and for the youth.

The Comprehensive Man Ensures Order and Discipline in His Environments

Leaders like Jason Wilson highlight the importance of using things for their intended purpose, such as wearing durags at home and using the dishwasher for cleaning dishes, not storage. Wilson cleans his home and maintains order as a principle, believing in modeling discipline for his children to follow. In personal and professional environments, Jocko Willink emphasizes functional cleanliness, where a space must be usable and not cluttered. He also references the high cleanliness standards for Navy buildings, particularly the quarterdeck. Both Echo Charles and Willink touch on setting cleanliness standards without being overly strict, unless conditions become unsanitary, indicating a balanced approach to discipline.

Man Teaches Practical Skills Like Budgeting, Home Maintenance, and Etiquette to Empower Youth

Jason Wilson has piloted a summer camp that includes core curriculum, etiquette training, financial literacy, and grooming etiquette to empower the youth. He stresses the importance of dining etiquette and shares how it helped him in securing jobs and has enabled young people he has taught to earn scholarships. Wilson emphasizes teaching these skills from a "combat perspective," which makes the learning process engaging.

He also stresses the importance of presentation in work, how professional attire and a clean vehicle instill discipline. To teach practical life skills, Wilson suggests teaching by example, like showing the correct use of a durag or how to neatly make a bed. It's about laying a proper foundation in life, a metaphor for building a solid character.

The Comprehensive Man Prioritizes Self-Care and Wellbeing Over Neglecting His Needs

Leaders show discipline through example, as Wilson exemplifies by showing consideration for his wife's emotional capacity b ...

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Practical Life Skills and Discipline

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The quarterdeck is a ceremonial area on a naval ship where official greetings and departures take place. It is traditionally kept meticulously clean and orderly as it represents the ship's official reception area. Maintaining high cleanliness standards on the quarterdeck is a longstanding naval tradition that reflects discipline, respect, and attention to detail within the military environment. This practice reinforces the importance of discipline and professionalism among naval personnel.
  • Teaching practical life skills from a "combat perspective" involves using the principles of discipline, focus, and strategy commonly found in military training to approach everyday tasks and challenges. This approach emphasizes the importance of precision, attention to detail, and adaptability in teaching essential life skills to empower individuals to navigate various situations effectively. By framing life skills education in a "combat perspective," instructors aim to instill a sense of urgency, resilience, and preparedness in learners, drawing parallels between the structured nature of military training and the demands of real-world scenarios. This method encourages individuals to approach personal development and skill-building with a mindset that values readiness, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles with determination and resourcefulness.
  • Building a solid character through laying a proper foundation in life is a metaphor that emphasizes the importance of establishing strong values, principles, and habits early on to develop a resilient and ethical personality. Just like a building needs a sturdy foundation to stand tall and withstand challenges, individuals need a solid base of integrity, discipline, and self-awareness to navigate life's complexities with strength and purpose. This metaphor underscores the idea that investing time and effort in cultivating positive traits and behaviors from the beginning can lead to a more stable and fulfilling life journey.
  • Equating self-love with self-maintenance means viewing taking care of oneself, physically and emotionally, as an act of love towards oneself. It involves recognizing that looking after your well-being, setting boundaries, and ...

Counterarguments

  • While setting an example is important, some individuals may require more direct guidance or instruction to learn discipline and order.
  • There are situations where using items outside their intended purpose can lead to innovation and creative problem-solving.
  • Functional cleanliness, while generally beneficial, might not account for personal preferences and individual expressions of comfort and organization.
  • Strict cleanliness standards might be necessary in certain environments, such as medical facilities, to ensure safety and hygiene.
  • Practical skills are valuable, but emphasizing them might overlook the importance of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence in youth.
  • Teaching by example is effective, but it should be complemented with open communication to ensure understanding and personal growth.
  • While presentation can instill discipline, it's important to recognize that professionalism is not solely determined by outward appearance or material poss ...

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478: Be The Comprehensive Human The Moment Demands. Jason Wilson Pt.2

Physical Health and Fitness

Public figures Jocko Willink and Jason Wilson highlight the critical role of physical fitness in overall wellbeing, emphasizing the benefits of martial arts, weightlifting, and endurance training.

The Comprehensive Man Values Physical Fitness For Wellbeing

Man Consistently Trains In Martial Arts, Weightlifting, and Endurance

Jocko Willink and Jason Wilson articulate the importance of consistent training in various physical disciplines for maintaining health and fitness. They discuss the camaraderie and mental discipline gained from martial arts training, such as jiu-jitsu, which Willink actively practices. Willink's son's experience at a wrestling camp further exemplifies the value placed on discipline and fitness, as illustrated by completing a 12-mile run with a bad ankle.

Further revealing the rigorous nature of physical readiness, Willink describes the demanding physical requirements during SEAL training, such as four-mile timed runs in full gear. He also mentions high-intensity scenarios like force-on-force training with realistic simulations to push both physical and psychological endurance. Willink asserts that proficiency in specific physical activities like running, swimming, and rope climbs, as well as the strength required for push-ups and squats, is critical and must be consistently developed through training.

Drown-proofing, an intense exercise where one's feet and hands are tied, tests endurance and strength in the water, revealing the comprehensive nature of physical training embraced by proficient individuals. Similarly, Wilson's "fortitude test" in martial arts training, which includes full-contact drills and boxing, demonstrates the emphasis on physical challenges for wellbeing. Both West and Willink express the importance of staying active and continuing to train throughout life.

The Comprehensive Man Fuels His Body With Nutritious Foods and Supplements

Alongside rigorous training, the comprehensive man prioritizes proper nutrition and supplementation to support physical performance. Jocko Willink acknowledges the importance of fueling the body with the right nutrients, recommending products from his brand, Jocko Fuel, including protein, energy drinks, hydration, joint warfare, super krill oil, and creatine.

Both Willink and W ...

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Physical Health and Fitness

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • SEAL training, referring to the rigorous program for Navy SEAL candidates, includes demanding physical tests like four-mile timed runs in full gear and high-intensity scenarios such as force-on-force training with realistic simulations. Proficiency in activities like running, swimming, rope climbs, push-ups, and squats is crucial and requires consistent training. Exercises like drown-proofing, where hands and feet are tied, test endurance and strength in water, showcasing the comprehensive nature of physical readiness embraced by SEAL candidates. The training emphasizes physical and psychological endurance through challenging tasks to prepare individuals for the demanding roles of Navy SEALs.
  • Drown-proofing is an intense water exercise where a person's hands and feet are tied, challenging their endurance and strength in the water. This exercise is commonly used in military and special operations training to enhance water confidence and survival skills. Participants must demonstrate their ability to remain calm and float while their limbs are restricted, showcasing their physical and mental resilience in aquatic environments. Drown-proofing is designed to simulate challenging situations and test individuals' capacity to stay afloat and maintain composure under duress.
  • Jocko Willink's brand, Jocko Fuel, offers a range of products including protein supplements, energy drinks, hydration formulas, joint support supplements, super krill oil, and creatine. These products are designed to support physical performance and overall health for individuals engaged in rigorous training and fitness activities. Jocko Fuel emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and s ...

Counterarguments

  • While physical fitness is important, it is not the only aspect of overall wellbeing; mental health, social connections, and other factors also play critical roles.
  • Not everyone may be physically capable of engaging in intense training like martial arts, weightlifting, or endurance due to various health conditions or disabilities.
  • The emphasis on rigorous physical training and proficiency in demanding physical activities may not be suitable or safe for all individuals, particularly those who are new to exercise or have pre-existing health issues.
  • The narrative may inadvertently contribute to a culture of overtraining and not adequately stress the importance of rest and recovery in a fitness regimen.
  • The recommendation of specific branded products like Jocko Fuel may not be necessary for everyone, as a balanced diet can often provide the necessary nutrients without the need for supplements.
  • The focus on high-intensity and combat-oriented training may not appeal to or be practical for everyone, and there are many other forms of physical activity that can contribute to fitness and wellbeing.
  • The benefits of martial arts and physical fitness on mental and emotional wellbeing, while significant, ...

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