-By Stephen Pate
I’ve made a commitment to try and read one book every two months. So far, I have only read two books this year. I haven’t kept my commitment like I should, but I have had a busy schedule, and have been away from home for nearly three months. My line of reasoning for not reading is just an excuse. In reality, it is not my job’s fault; it is not my schedule’s fault–It is no one’s fault but my own.
It is not a popular choice to take the blame. In fact, for self-preservation, we typically default to blaming others for our misfortune or failure to get results. Once I took ownership of my failure to read, I picked up a book and started reading. The book is called Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win. The book is written by two Veteran Navy Seals Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. I highly recommend you buy and read this book. If you plan on reading this book, there might be a spoiler ahead.
The concept of Extreme Ownership is foreign to many of us. Why would you take the blame for something when you could easily cast it upon someone else? Further, why would you want to face the consequences of failure when you can pawn it off elsewhere? The greatest leaders and successful businessmen and women of our time have often paid the price for failure and missed opportunities. Stephen King, for example, had issues getting his first novel, Carrie, published. He did not blame his editors or the publishers for a lack of vision. He took ownership and made revisions. Accepting rejection and learning from the process enabled King to become one of the most successful authors of our time.
Unfortunately, many do not take ownership therefore they are not able to grow from mistakes. Taking ownership demands honor, courage, and tenacity. Taking ownership also inspires results! Think about it: If your problems are all someone else fault, what can you do about it? Nothing! If your problems are all your fault, guess what? You can fix it! This is the very reason why you hear the phrase, “I don’t want to hear any excuses, get it done!” An excuse implies that you failed at something due to the fault of someone or something else. Taking extreme ownership means no more excuses; even if they are good ones! Take responsibility and strive to improve—that’s it!
Where will extreme ownership take you? If we are totally honest, you will probably take a few hard hits by taking on blame for the first time. However, you will gain respect from your peers and those who outrank you. Others will take notice of your extreme ownership and you will in return take notice of your personal improvements. Next, you’ll start hitting and surpassing your goals. After that, you will also learn that an excuse, no matter how valid, only pushes you further and further from your goals.
I challenge you to take extreme ownership this week. I challenge you to take it to the next level by getting rid of excuses and focus on solution-based ideals. If we don’t live up to our full potential, whose fault is that?
10-5-17
Strength:
Deadlift, while resting complete sets of auxiliary work
MetCon:
KB Swings x 25
DU x 50 OR Singles x 200
AMRAP 12 minutes