Extreme Ownership Needs a Secret Ingredient
I’ve always been a fan of extreme ownership. The book by Jocko Willink put some tangible concepts around things that I’ve always held intrinsically true - mind you he pushed me to extend that to be more extreme than what I already owned.
I’m now far more conscious of when I say, “…but that’s because of…” - I know I need to pause and rethink.
What role did I have to play here? What is in my circle of influence? What did I not do that I could have?
My understanding in the application of extreme ownership is not to find out how everything is on you and you should beat yourself up about how your circumstances are your fault. Rather, let’s flip it.
You cant grow without the acountability being on you.
You can’t find out how to get better without ownership.
You won’t have the same opportunities for development if you choose to defect.
Don’t let your mind play tricks on you
Taking accountability allows you to grow.
It can get heavy and confronting though. Which is why, building the habit of taking accountability requires a secret ingredient. An ingredient that will allow you to nurture your own growth with that accountability. An ingredient that will allow you to actually build extreme ownership is a habit and a way of life without just hating on yourself and become overly self critical.
The secret ingredient is… LOVE.
And in particular, self-love.
Knowing that you are absolutely doing your best and you are always learning and growing.
Repeating to yourself that although you have chosen to take 100% accountability for something, that everything and everyone is still ok.
Having faith that by taking accountability and learning from the experience means that you will be able to approach the same situation with the wisdom granted from your mindset the first time around.
That no matter what, it can be 100% on you, and that you are still absolutely worthy.
Don’t lose out on the goodness of taking 100% accountability for your circumstances. Just do it with love. And make that a habit.
