Living with a SEAL

1. Embrace Unconventional Challenges for Growth

Every day do something that makes you uncomfortable.

Breaking Routine. The author, Jesse Itzler, sought to disrupt his comfortable routine by hiring a Navy SEAL to live with him and push him to his physical and mental limits. This decision stemmed from a desire to shake things up and step outside his comfort zone, believing that growth lies beyond the familiar.

Life Résumé. Itzler emphasizes the importance of creating a "life résumé" filled with diverse experiences and memories, rather than a traditional professional résumé. This approach involves embracing the unexpected and doing things that are out of the ordinary, leading to unforeseen opportunities and personal development.

Unorthodox Approach. Itzler's life is marked by unconventional choices, from being a rapper on MTV to owning a private jet company. He believes that the best ideas often come from spontaneous decisions and a willingness to be uncomfortable, leading to unexpected successes and personal growth.

2. Mindset Shapes Reality

The temperature is what you think it is, bro, not what your computer thinks it is.

Control Your Mind. The SEAL emphasizes the power of mindset in overcoming physical challenges. He believes that the perception of temperature and discomfort is largely determined by one's mental state, suggesting that individuals can control their experience by altering their thoughts.

Elements are in Your Mind. The SEAL dismisses the importance of external factors like temperature, arguing that the elements are primarily a mental construct. He encourages Itzler to ignore the computer's reading and instead focus on controlling his mind to create a more positive experience.

Medieval Mindset. In extreme heat, the SEAL advises embracing the suffering and finding enjoyment in the pain. This involves thinking about how others are suffering and using that as motivation to grind through the challenge, highlighting the importance of mental fortitude in difficult situations.

3. Discomfort is a Catalyst for Improvement

Most of my successes in life have come from learning how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Growth Through Adversity. Itzler believes that personal growth and success stem from embracing discomfort. He actively seeks out challenges that push him beyond his limits, viewing discomfort as a necessary ingredient for improvement.

No Novocain. Itzler's childhood experiences, such as enduring dental procedures without anesthesia, instilled in him a tolerance for pain and discomfort. These experiences shaped his willingness to embrace challenges and push through difficult situations.

If it Doesn't Suck. The SEAL's training philosophy revolves around the idea that if a workout isn't challenging and uncomfortable, it's not effective. This mindset encourages Itzler to push himself to his limits and embrace the pain as a sign of progress.

4. Honor and Commitment are Non-Negotiable

You do everything I say.

The One Condition. The SEAL agreed to train Itzler under one condition: absolute obedience. This commitment to following instructions, no matter how extreme, became the foundation of their training regimen and a test of Itzler's resolve.

Honor Code. When the SEAL had to leave for a few days, he entrusted Itzler to continue the training program on his own, relying on the "honor code." This demonstrated the importance of integrity and commitment to the process, even in the absence of direct supervision.

The Look. During a particularly grueling workout, the SEAL gave Itzler "the Look," a silent challenge to push through the pain and uphold his commitment. This moment highlighted the importance of mental fortitude and honoring one's word, even when faced with extreme discomfort.

5. Training Transcends Physicality

When you think you’re done, you’re only at forty percent of what your body is capable of doing.

Beyond Physical Limits. The SEAL's training philosophy extends beyond physical fitness, encompassing mental and spiritual development. He aims to train Itzler's mind and spirit, not just his body, pushing him to overcome self-imposed limitations and tap into his full potential.

The Burpee Test. The SEAL's impromptu burpee test in Itzler's office, conducted in his boxers, was not just a physical challenge but a test of his willingness to embrace discomfort and push through unexpected obstacles, even in a professional setting.

The Finger. The SEAL's unconventional methods, such as tapping Itzler awake with a finger in the middle of the night, were designed to disrupt his routine and force him to adapt to unexpected challenges, highlighting the importance of mental agility and resilience.

6. Simplicity and Focus Yield Clarity

It’s really not that complicated.

Simple is Effective. The SEAL's approach to training and life emphasizes simplicity and focus. He dismisses complicated routines and unnecessary distractions, advocating for a streamlined approach that prioritizes the basics and eliminates clutter.

No Expressions. The SEAL operates in actions, not expressions, emphasizing the importance of directness and clarity in communication. He avoids ambiguity and encourages Itzler to do the same, fostering a more efficient and effective training environment.

Idle and Full Out. The SEAL has two gears: idle and full out. But his idle isn’t like normal idle at all; it’s more like the moment between ignition and blastoff. This highlights his constant readiness and focus, even in moments of apparent inactivity.

7. Be Prepared for Anything, Anytime

Train for the unexpected.

Escape Vehicle. The SEAL's purchase of an inflatable raft and oars, intended as an "escape vehicle" from Manhattan in case of emergency, exemplifies his commitment to preparedness and his ability to think outside the box.

Security Assessment. The SEAL's meticulous security assessment of Itzler's lake house, complete with recommendations for bulletproof glass and infrared cameras, highlights his constant vigilance and his belief that everyone is a potential threat.

Night Training. The SEAL's insistence on training at unconventional hours, such as 2:00 a.m. in blizzard conditions, is designed to prepare Itzler for anything, anytime, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of the unexpected.

8. Protect Your Primary at All Costs

Know what’s important to you and protect it at all costs.

The Million-Dollar Question. The SEAL asks Itzler what he would do if there was an intruder in the house, emphasizing the importance of identifying and protecting one's "primary" – the people and things that matter most.

The White Van. The SEAL's paranoia about a "white van" driving by Itzler's house highlights his constant vigilance and his commitment to protecting his primary at all costs, even if it means taking extreme measures.

The Waiter. The SEAL's suspicion of a waiter at a restaurant, whom he deemed a potential threat, underscores his belief that everyone is capable of something and that it's crucial to be aware of one's surroundings and potential dangers.

9. Push Your Limits, Then Push Further

You can always keep going.

The 40% Rule. The SEAL believes that when you think you're done, you're only at 40% of what your body is capable of doing. This mindset encourages Itzler to push beyond his perceived limits and tap into his full potential.

Broken Feet. Even with broken metatarsals in both feet, the SEAL finished a 75-mile race, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to pushing through pain and discomfort. This serves as an example for Itzler to overcome his own physical limitations.

The Steam Room. The SEAL's insistence on pushing Itzler to his limits in the steam room, even to the point of near-fainting, highlights his belief that true growth comes from pushing beyond one's comfort zone and embracing extreme challenges.

10. Find Purpose in the Pain

I like to sit back and enjoy the pain. I earned it.

Enjoy the Pain. The SEAL embraces pain as a sign of progress and a reward for hard work. He encourages Itzler to do the same, viewing discomfort as a necessary ingredient for growth and a source of satisfaction.

Suck-Shit Pill. The SEAL advises Itzler to "take a suck-shit pill" when faced with pain or discomfort, encouraging him to embrace the challenge and push through it, rather than dwelling on the negative aspects.

Ranger School, Bro. The SEAL's constant references to his training and experiences, such as Ranger School, serve as a reminder that he has endured far greater challenges and that Itzler is capable of overcoming his own limitations.

Last updated: April 29, 2025