Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual by Jocko Willink

Praised for his “incredibly practical” approach to developing discipline and dedication, retired United States Navy Seal commander Jocko Willink delivers an ambitious yet easily digestible “Field Manual” in his new book, Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual. The combination of Willink’s personal experience and powerful no-nonsense story-telling makes Discipline Equals Freedom a must-read guide to self-improvement, personal responsibility, and conquering the inner and outer challenges of life.

Willink begins Discipline Equals Freedom by introducing readers to his unique and highly effective “commando mindset”: the idea that one’s command level serves as the gateway to their understanding of self-discipline. He explains this concept further with real-life examples, including moments from his own time as a Navy SEAL commander and subsequently as the founder of an independent leadership company. Throughout the book, Willink encourages readers to act as the “commander” of their lives, instilling a sense of ownership that leads to discipline and motivation.

The core of Discipline Equals Freedom is its five pillars that Willink implements to improve readers’ capacity for self-discipline. These are “making decisions,” “embracing discipline and accountability,” “refocusing your energy,” “unleashing productivity,” and “leading in the face of fear.” With each pillar, Willink offers readers practical yet wholly applicable advice on how to overcome the challenges they face on a daily basis.

In addition to offering readers valuable advice on how to succeed in all areas of their lives, Willink also delves into the all-important topic of health and fitness. He encourages readers to prioritize exercise and nutrition in order to reach an optimal level of physical and mental preparedness, noting that being in the best physical and mental shape is the ultimate preparation for success. He acknowledges that the optimal level of health and fitness varies from person to person and encourages readers to find their own comfort level in health and fitness.

Perhaps the best aspect of Discipline Equals Freedom is the way Willink clearly and precisely communicates his points. His writing style is succinct yet highly effective, and many of his stories are drawn from his own experiences as a Navy SEAL commander. He also makes use of technology to bring his concepts to life, for instance by embedding tools like iPhone reminders to help readers stay on track. All of this lends to the overall effect of the book, which is that readers not only understand the basics of Willink’s concepts, but also that they can put them into practice immediately.

Overall, Discipline Equals Freedom is an incredibly powerful guide to developing self-discipline, personal responsibility, and conquering inner and outer challenges. Willink’s no-nonsense, straightforward approach is not only highly applicable to any situation readers may find themselves in, but it is also inspiring and highly motivating. Not only does Willink make the case for the importance of discipline in achieving success, but he also provides practical guidance to make this a reality. Discipline Equals Freedom is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their mindset and increase their capacity for self-discipline.