In the 1980’s and 90’s I used different forms of external motivation. In particularly books like Tony Robbins Unlimited Power and Awaken the Giant Within. These books and audio tapes like them helped fuel my already pedal to the medal internal motivation. You are always looking for another edge. I was on the bandwagon. Even went to some seminars. Seminars where at one point you could have seen me screaming at the top of my lungs that my goal was to “Run my own business!!!”. I was a 9 to 5er then.
Well it’s the year 2020 now and I’m 20 years running a Personal Training business. And yes, it takes a lot of internal drive and motivation, but I do think that continually fueling yourself with information that continually stokes the fire in your belly helps keep you in DRIVE mode.
Internal Drive and Motivation
And this is why I highly recommend Jocko Willink’s, Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual. Jocko is the real deal. Jocko retired from the Navy after 20 years of service as a Lieutenant Commander. During those 20 years he served in the Navy Seals. His time in the Seals saw him commanding Seal Team 3 at the Battle of Ramadi. And was involved with other battles in the Mid-East. I could go on and on. Know that he is very accessible on social media including posting pics of his watch at anywhere between 420 and 430am as he gets ready for his daily workout. Youtube him, he’s a kick to listen to.
Basic No BS Approach
So, the book. It’s a pretty quick read. The concept is basic no BS approach. You want something go get it. You want to complete a certain task. START. Go through the process. Basic. But along with that he throws in sections like the one titled GOOD. Which basically shows you that even when life isn’t going as planned you can always pull something positive out of it. “Got beat at something. Good. You learn what you did wrong. Unexpected problems. Good. Now you have the opportunity to figure out a solution…..get up, dust off, reload, recalibrate, re-engage-and go out on the attack.”
Jocko also reminds me of David Goggins’ approach. It’s all about building mental toughness. Goggins calls it creating calluses on your brain, so it becomes tougher. It’s true. Isn’t whether you do something or not a head game?
Going Through the Process
So, is this the modern day motivators that are not telling you to “just do it” but instead telling you that yes you need to build mental toughness to get through some of life’s challenge? Life is a process. If you don’t go through the process, then don’t expect to reach what you’re trying to attain. End of story.
If you are looking for a little nudge to get yourself back on the edge. Buy this book!!!