003 Jocko Manual: You Must Accept it. And.. Don't Accept it.

The philosophical debate between accepting reality as it is and defying negative situations to change outcomes is a timeless one, as presented by Jocko Willink through the lens of historical figures like Musashi and Ernest Shackleton.

Musashi's Advice to Accept Everything Can Be Beneficial

Accepting Reality Enables Productive Progress

Jocko Willink references the words of the legendary swordfighter Musashi, who said, "accept everything just the way it is" and "Truth is not what you want it to be; it is what it is, and you must bend to its power or live a lie." Willink endorses this notion, asserting that embracing reality as it is allows individuals to accurately assess their true circumstances, adapt more swiftly to changing situations, and respond proactively rather than merely reacting. Echo joins the conversation by giving a practical example: if one loses money today, it's a fact to be accepted rather than denied.

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Shackleton's Example: Defying Defeat in Adversity Leads To Remarkable Outcomes

However, Jocko also illustrates the other side of the coin with the story of Ernest Shackleton whose ship, the Endurance, was crushed by ice, leaving him and his crew stranded. Shackleton did not give in; instead, he managed to save his entire crew by sailing 800 miles in a lifeboat and navigating uncharted terrain on South Georgia to reach a whaling s ...

Willink explores the starkly different outcomes that can result from acceptance versus rejection through the stories of two individuals, while Jocko provides an interesting insight into the concept of aging and how our approach can make a significant difference.

Examples of Severely Wounded Veterans: Jim Sears Lee and Lewis Puller Jr

Jim Sears Lee Accepted Change; Lewis Puller Jr. Struggled and Took His Own Life

In a discussion about severely wounded veterans, Willink compares the stories of Jim Sears Lee and Lewis Puller Jr. Jim Sears Lee, who lost his limbs, chose to accept his changed reality, adapt, and thrive despite the circumstances. On the other hand, Lewis Puller Jr. faced tremendous hardship adjusting to life post-war and his injuries, culminating in his tragic suicide. These two veterans embody the extreme consequences that can follow from acceptance and rejection of change.

Jocko Recounts a Jiu-jitsu Session Of Accepting Hits Without Reaction

Jocko reflects on a different kind of acceptance during a jiu-jitsu session, emphasizing the principle of absorbing impacts without immediately reacting, thereby maintaining composure and control.

Jocko Rejects the "Over ...

Jocko Willink and Echo discuss the complexities of determining when to confront obstacles head-on and when to adapt to circumstances.

Choosing to Accept or Refuse Requires Conscious Thought

Reflect, Evaluate, Adapt or Resist

Jocko underscores the necessity of taking a moment to step back and detach in order to reassess situations and reevaluate the available resources and options. This approach helps in deciding whether to accept certain challenges as immovable and adapt accordingly, or to reject them and either impose one's will to overcome or seek alternative solutions.

Echo also highlights the importance of not yielding to negative future outcomes. By consciously choosing not to accept these potential realities, one can alter the course of events and ensure they do not come to fruition.

Challenging Process: Instincts Push Automatic Acceptance or Rejection

Enter Conscious Mode for Optimal Decision-Making

Willink posits that in times of difficulty, people are often wedged between their instincts to either hold on or let go, particularly when they believe the situation is unchangeable. This innate response prompts a challenge between spontaneous acceptance or rejection.

Willink further explains that it is essential to break free from procedural memory mode, which includes unconscious habits and behavioral inertia. By moving into a "manual mode," individuals can assess situations based on past experiences and tangible evidence to ma ...

Willink and Echo Charles discuss the balance between accepting reality to reduce negative emotions and the necessity of sometimes rejecting the status quo to foster progress and improvement.

Accepting Reality Reduces Frustration and Anxiety, Enabling Adaptation and Positivity Over Resistance

Acceptance Can Uncover Opportunities in Adversity

Willink highlights the benefits of acceptance by explaining that it reduces frustration and anxiety, since you stop fighting against unchangeable factors. This mindset allows individuals to more quickly adapt to new situations. He points out that acceptance can help find the good in negative situations—such as running out of money or a business failure—by allowing the opportunity to make adjustments and improvements. By saying "good" in the face of adversity, one can find opportunities to improve and see the positive possibilities that come from harsh circumstances.

Refusal to Accept Drives Change and Improvement

Accepting Limits Stagnates; Rejecting Status Quo Fosters Progress

While discussing the value of acceptance, Willink also underscores that there are situations where one should not accept and must seek alternative solutions, suggesting the need to reject certain realities in order to drive change and encourage improvement. Willink's stance on continuing the fight rather than merely accepting an unfavorable situation can be read as an argument for how refusal to accept can drive progress and lead to improvement. Essentially, he suggests that e ...