520: You Don't Get One More Minute. Time To Reset.
In this episode of Jocko Podcast, Willink explores the concept of time as a non-renewable resource, drawing from a personal story about his daughter's jiu-jitsu match at the UFC Apex arena. He examines how time, once spent, can never be recovered, and discusses the common human desire for "one more minute" when facing challenges or defeat.
The episode delves into practical approaches for making the most of available time, including Willink's "Def Reset" system of eight key disciplines for daily habits. He covers strategies for effective time management, from prioritizing long-term projects to maintaining consistent exercise routines, and explains why documenting experiences through journaling can be valuable for both time auditing and personal growth.
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The Importance Of Making Every Minute Count
In this episode, Jocko Willink explores the critical nature of time as a non-renewable resource. He emphasizes that time, once lost, can never be recovered - regardless of one's status or position in life. Willink shares a personal story about his daughter wanting "one more minute" after a jiu-jitsu match, using this as a launching point to discuss the universal desire for more time.
Maximizing Time and Avoiding Waste
Willink warns against letting time slip away through impulsive, ego-driven decisions that prioritize immediate gratification over long-term success. He introduces the concept of the "power curve" from aviation, explaining that staying ahead of tasks is crucial because falling behind can become insurmountable. He advocates for proactive time management and regular self-auditing of how time is spent.
Strategies and Habits For Success
Willink presents his "Def Reset" concept, a comprehensive approach to developing disciplined daily habits. The system encompasses eight key disciplines, including early rising, exercise, task prioritization, and proper hydration. He particularly emphasizes tackling long-term, strategic projects before immediate tasks, and offers creative solutions for maintaining exercise routines in various environments.
The importance of journaling emerges as a crucial component of time management and personal growth. Willink shares his regret about not journaling during his military service, highlighting the value of written documentation for both time auditing and memory preservation.
Personal Experiences and Lessons
Willink shares a recent experience of watching his daughter Rana compete in a high-level jiu-jitsu competition at the UFC Apex arena. He describes the match against Bella Mir, noting both competitors' strengths and approaches. This personal story illustrates his broader messages about time management and growth, as he discusses giving his daughter space to process the loss and learn from the experience.
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Counterarguments
- While time is indeed non-renewable, the perception of its value can vary greatly among individuals, and some may argue that not every minute needs to be maximized for productivity; leisure and rest are also important for a balanced life.
- The concept of desiring more time is universal, but the ways in which people choose to spend or save time can be culturally relative and subjective.
- Impulsive decisions are not always negative; sometimes they can lead to creativity, innovation, or necessary relaxation.
- The "power curve" analogy may not apply to all tasks or situations; some tasks may actually benefit from a more flexible approach rather than a strict adherence to staying ahead.
- Proactive time management and self-auditing can be beneficial, but they can also lead to over-scheduling and stress if not balanced with flexibility and downtime.
- The "Def Reset" system, while potentially effective, may not be suitable for everyone; individual differences in lifestyle, priorities, and responsibilities must be considered.
- Early rising is often touted as a key to success, but some research suggests that different people have different circadian rhythms, and what works for one person may not work for another.
- Prioritizing long-term projects over immediate tasks can be beneficial, but sometimes immediate tasks are urgent and cannot be postponed without consequences.
- The importance of journaling is subjective; while it can be helpful for some, others may find different methods of reflection and memory preservation more effective.
- Personal experiences are valuable for illustrating points, but they are anecdotal and may not be generalizable to everyone's experiences with time management and growth.
- The idea of giving space to process losses is important, but the approach to learning from experiences can vary greatly among individuals, and some may benefit from more immediate feedback or discussion.
Actionables
- You can create a "time investment portfolio" to allocate your hours like financial assets, ensuring a balance between short-term tasks and long-term projects. Just as investors review their financial portfolios, schedule a weekly review of your time allocations to adjust as necessary, ensuring you're investing in activities that align with your long-term goals.
- Develop a "time reaction protocol" to handle impulsive decisions by setting a mandatory reflection period before committing to new tasks or activities. For example, whenever a new opportunity arises, give yourself a 24-hour period to consider if it aligns with your priorities and long-term success before deciding.
- Start a "growth reflection ritual" where you spend a few minutes at the end of each day writing down what you learned from the day's successes and setbacks. This practice can help you process experiences and extract valuable lessons, much like reviewing game footage helps athletes improve their performance.
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The Importance Of Making Every Minute Count
Jocko Willink reflects on the irrevocable nature of time and emphasizes the urgency of valuing and maximizing every minute.
Time: A Precious, Non-renewable Resource
Time's Critical Nature: Once Gone, Never Recovered
Jocko Willink focuses on the critical nature of time, stressing that it is a precious commodity that cannot be reclaimed once it passes. He talks about how at the end of the year, one may wish for a bit more time to accomplish unfinished goals, but that time has passed and will not return. Willink points out that no one, whether president, pope, or king, can retrieve lost time. Every breath signifies another second gone, and time's finitude makes it invaluable.
Wishing For More Time After Jiu-jitsu Match
Jocko recounts an instance when his daughter, following a jiu-jitsu match, expressed a desire for "one more minute," triggering his contemplation on the universal wish for more time. He uses this moment as an anchor to discuss the importance of cherishing every minute.
Jocko Emphasizes Maximizing Every Minute, as Time Is Finite for All
Willink illuminates the importance of making every minute count due to the finite nature of time available to every individual. He cautions against letting life pass by without achieving one's goals and highlights the tragedy of spending years not doing something one is supposed to do.
Avoiding the Temptation to Waste or Squander Time
Jocko Warns Against Impulsive, Ego-driven Decisions for Immediate Gratification Leading To Wasted Time
Jocko warns about the dangers of squandering time on impulsive decisions driven by ego that seek immediate gratification but fail to contribute to long-term fulfillment or success.
Proactively Manage Time, Don't Let It "Waste" Us
Willink suggests ...
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The Importance Of Making Every Minute Count
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Counterarguments
- While time is indeed non-renewable, the perception of its value can be subjective and vary greatly between individuals and cultures, suggesting that the urgency to maximize every minute might not be universally shared.
- The concept of "wasted time" is subjective; what one person considers a waste, another might find restorative or valuable for their mental health.
- The pressure to make every minute count can lead to burnout and stress, as constant productivity is not sustainable for most people.
- Some goals and aspirations require periods of waiting, reflection, or downtime, which might appear as "wasted" time but are in fact necessary parts of the process.
- The idea of staying ahead of the "power curve" may not account for life's unpredictable events that can disrupt even the best-laid plans, suggesting that flexibility and resilience are also important.
- The emphasis on auditing time and always being proactive might undervalue the importance o ...
Actionables
- You can create a "time investment portfolio" to allocate your daily hours like financial assets, ensuring a balanced approach to personal and professional goals. Think of your day as a set of investments where you allocate specific hours to different activities, much like a financial portfolio. For example, dedicate a fixed percentage of your day to self-improvement, a portion to work, and a portion to relaxation and relationships, adjusting as necessary to reflect your priorities and long-term objectives.
- Develop a habit of asking yourself "Is this a time-worthy activity?" before committing to new tasks or continuing with current ones. This simple question can serve as a checkpoint to evaluate whether an activity aligns with your long-term goals and makes the best use of your finite time. For instance, before binge-watching a TV series, consider if that time could be better spent on a hobby that contributes to your personal growth or well-being.
- Implement a "future letter" practice where you write a letter t ...
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Strategies and Habits For Maximizing Productivity and Fulfillment
In his discussions about productivity and personal development, Jocko Willink emphasizes the importance of disciplined daily habits through a concept he calls the "Def Reset," which helps individuals audit their time and develop consistent routines for success.
"Def Reset" for Developing Disciplined Daily Habits
Willink talks about the discipline equals freedom reset, where individuals conduct an overall time audit of their lives at the beginning of the new year. The reset is about deciding to become disciplined, implying the development of daily habits that contribute to personal awesomeness.
8 Key Disciplines: Early Rising, Exercise, Task Prioritization, Hydration, Avoiding Sugar, Reading/Writing, Reflection
Jocko Willink discusses the importance of writing down daily habits and tasks, and how checking them off can give a sense of accomplishment and motivation through a [restricted term] boost. Echo Charles advocates for a disciplined approach to daily schedules, allocating specific time slots for activities like working out.
Willink emphasizes key disciplines such as rising early, which he connects to Sun Tzu's philosophy of gaining an advantage by arriving first to the battlefield. He also promotes engaging in physical activity first thing in the morning, noting the positive feelings achieved from doing so. This extends to maintaining a nutrition discipline, succinctly put as "Def reset no sugar-coated lies period end of story."
Jocko Stresses Tackling Long-Term Goals Before Immediate Tasks
Willink advises focusing on strategic, long-term projects before short-term, pressing ones. He supports starting the day with a portion of a long-term project, citing that otherwise, strategic tasks may never be completed if immediate problems always take precedence.
Tips For Overcoming Barriers to Exercise
To overcome barriers to exercise, Jocko Willink gets creative, suggesting using urban structures such as scaffolding, public parks, and even mini rings that can be hung anywhere for pull-up workouts. He also suggests using tools like towels or even hotel gym equipment to maintain fitness routines across various environments.
The Value Of Journaling and Documenting One's Experiences
Joc ...
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Strategies and Habits For Maximizing Productivity and Fulfillment
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Counterarguments
- While disciplined daily habits can be beneficial, they may not be suitable for everyone, as some individuals thrive in less structured environments or require flexibility due to varying life circumstances.
- Conducting a time audit at the beginning of the year is a good practice, but it may be more effective for some people to conduct regular audits throughout the year to adapt to changing priorities and circumstances.
- The [restricted term] boost from checking off tasks can be motivating, but this approach may not work for everyone, and some may find it leads to focusing on quantity over quality of tasks completed.
- The key daily disciplines listed are generally positive, but they may not be universally applicable or beneficial. For example, not everyone is suited to early rising due to different circadian rhythms, and some may require a different nutritional approach than avoiding sugar entirely.
- Prioritizing long-term goals over immediate tasks is strategic, but sometimes immediate tasks are urgent and cannot be postponed without negative consequences.
- Creativity in overcoming barriers to exercise is valuable, but not all urban structures or makeshift equipment are safe or appropriate for everyone to use for exercise.
- Journaling and documenting experiences are helpful for many, but some people ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your morning routine by creating a 'wake-up playlist' with songs that progressively increase in tempo to gently transition you from sleep to full alertness, aligning with the concept of rising early and energizing your start.
- Start with slow, soothing tracks and gradually move to more upbeat music over the course of 20-30 minutes. This can help you wake up more naturally and feel more alert without the abruptness of an alarm.
- Develop a 'hydration tracker' using a simple water bottle and a set of rubber bands to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day, supporting the idea of maintaining nutrition discipline.
- Place a rubber band around your water bottle for each glass of water you aim to drink that day. Each time you refill the bottle, remove one band. This visual cue can keep you on track with your hydration goals.
- Create a 'gratitude jar' where you wr ...
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Jocko's Personal Experiences and the Lessons He's Learned
Jocko's Pride in His Daughter's Top-level Jiu-jitsu Competition
Jocko Willink shares his pride in his daughter Rana's invitation to compete in a top-level jiu-jitsu competition at the UFC Apex arena, which was live-streamed on YouTube. The event offered significant perks, reflecting the growing prestige of the sport.
A Father Describes a Match Between His Daughter and a Skilled Opponent, Recognizing Both
Jocko speaks about the match where Rana, who focused more on jiu-jitsu after her high school wrestling career, faced Bella Mir. Bella comes from a strong wrestling background and has experience in MMA, making her a formidable opponent.
Jocko on the Bittersweet Emotions of His Daughter Processing Loss and the Importance Of Giving Space For Growth
Despite the tough match, where Bella displayed remarkable wrestling skills and positional control, and Rana showed resilience and attempted submissions, Bella won the victory. Jocko recounts the match as competitive and respectful. Addressing his daughter's competitive spirit, Jocko understands and respects the emotional process of handling the aftermath of competition. He gave her the space to grow from the experience when Rana expressed her feelings, saying she wanted "one more minute" in the match.
Jocko's Emphasis on Strategic Thinking and Prioritization
Jocko speaks about the importance of prioritizing long-term tasks and focuses on building habits like planning the next day the night before and setting specific times for morning workouts.
Prioritizing Long-Term Tasks Before Immediate Concerns
By prioritizing workouts and other critical activities, Jocko emphasizes the importance of rou ...
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Jocko's Personal Experiences and the Lessons He's Learned
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Clarifications
- The UFC Apex is a state-of-the-art facility owned by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in Las Vegas. It hosts high-profile MMA and grappling events, giving competitions held there greater visibility and credibility. Jiu-jitsu tournaments at the Apex benefit from professional production and live streaming, attracting top athletes and fans worldwide. This elevates the sport's status and provides competitors with valuable exposure.
- A top-level jiu-jitsu competition features highly skilled athletes competing at an elite standard, often with rigorous qualification criteria. These events attract significant attention from the martial arts community and can impact an athlete's ranking and career opportunities. Competing at such a level demonstrates advanced technique, physical conditioning, and mental toughness. The prestige of the venue, like the UFC Apex, adds to the event's importance.
- Wrestling is a combat sport focused on grappling and controlling an opponent using holds and takedowns. Jiu-jitsu, especially Brazilian jiu-jitsu, emphasizes ground fighting and submission techniques like joint locks and chokes. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) combines techniques from wrestling, jiu-jitsu, striking, and other martial arts into a full-contact sport. Each discipline has unique rules and strategies but often overlaps in training and competition.
- In jiu-jitsu, "positional control" means maintaining a dominant body position over an opponent to limit their movement and set up attacks. "Submissions" are techniques that force an opponent to give up by applying joint locks or chokeholds. These moves aim to end the match by making the opponent tap out or signal defeat. Mastery of both is crucial for success in jiu-jitsu competitions.
- A "def reset" refers to a deliberate practice of resetting one's physical and mental state to improve focus and productivity. It often involves hydration, nutrition, and mental clarity techniques to prepare for tasks. This reset helps reinforce positive habits by creating a consistent routine that supports ...
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