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The Code. The Evaluation. The Protocols

The Code. The Evaluation. The Protocols

Striving to Become an Eminently Qualified Human
by Jocko Willink 2020 56 pages
4.39
2k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. The Code: Define Your Ideal and Set Your Path

"Without an ideal, the ideal will never be realized."

Define your code. The Code serves as a guiding framework for personal growth and achievement. It outlines key principles such as taking care of physical health, developing mentally, managing time and money wisely, setting goals, excelling at work, practicing humility, controlling emotions, helping others, and being prepared to protect loved ones.

Customize and strive. While the provided Code is a solid starting point, it's essential to tailor it to your specific life circumstances and values. The aim is not perfection, but continuous improvement. By striving to live up to this code, you'll become stronger, smarter, and more capable in various aspects of life.

2. Unmitigated Daily Discipline: The Key to Staying on The Path

"Unmitigated Daily Discipline in all things. It is the only Way."

Embrace daily discipline. The path to becoming an Eminently Qualified Human requires consistent, unwavering discipline in all aspects of life. This means making hard choices, denying immediate gratification, and pushing back against weakness every single day.

Overcome obstacles. The journey is fraught with challenges, including laziness, ego, and distractions. By implementing unmitigated daily discipline, you can overcome these obstacles and stay committed to your personal growth. Remember that every moment presents a choice, and it's these small, consistent decisions that ultimately shape your life and character.

3. The Evaluation: Measure Progress Towards Becoming an Eminently Qualified Human

"Being eminently qualified isn't a status we achieve, or a conclusion we reach."

Continuous self-assessment. The Evaluation system provides a framework for tracking progress in key areas of life, including health, personal development, professional growth, character, relationships, and preparedness. It requires brutal honesty and humility in self-assessment.

Embrace the journey. Understand that becoming an Eminently Qualified Human is not a destination but a continuous journey of improvement. As you progress, your capacity increases, making further improvement more challenging. The goal is to get better every day, focusing on your own growth rather than comparing yourself to others.

4. Health: The Foundation of Personal Excellence

"You can't reach your potential if you aren't healthy."

Prioritize physical well-being. Health forms the bedrock of personal excellence, encompassing physical fitness, proper sleep, and nutrition. Regular exercise, adequate rest, and a balanced diet are crucial for optimal performance in all areas of life.

Holistic approach. Focus on:

  • Cardiovascular health
  • Strength and flexibility
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Nutritional balance

Remember that health becomes increasingly important as you age, setting the foundation for long-term well-being and productivity.

5. Personal Development: Nurturing Intellectual and Financial Growth

"There is no more valuable resource in life than time and it is limited in quantity."

Cultivate intellectual fitness. Engage in activities that challenge and expand your mind, such as reading, writing, learning new skills, and pursuing creative endeavors. Step out of your comfort zone to promote intellectual growth and creativity.

Master time and money. Efficient management of these limited resources is crucial for personal development.

  • Time management: Minimize waste, maximize productivity
  • Financial management: Track expenses, save, and invest wisely
  • Goal setting: Establish clear, challenging objectives in various life areas

6. Professional Development: Excelling in Your Career

"Being good at your job allows you to provide financially for you and your family, set an example for your children, and achieve your long-term objectives."

Strive for excellence. Continuously improve your job performance, seek feedback, and support your team. Identify and pursue qualifications or certifications that can advance your career.

Find meaning in work. If your current job lacks purpose, develop an exit strategy to transition to a more fulfilling role. Given the significant amount of time spent at work, it's crucial to ensure your professional life aligns with your values and long-term goals.

7. Character and Leadership: Cultivating Humility and Emotional Control

"Ego is the biggest killer in combat, business, and life."

Practice humility. Recognize that humility is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Regularly assess and control your ego to avoid its destructive potential in various aspects of life.

Master emotional control. Develop the ability to identify and manage your emotions, especially in high-stress situations. This skill is crucial for maintaining effectiveness in personal and professional interactions.

  • Identify emotional triggers
  • Practice self-awareness
  • Develop coping strategies

Remember that leadership isn't about position; everyone has the ability and responsibility to lead through their actions and character.

8. Relationships: Building Strong Connections for Success

"Relationships are your most powerful tools for long term success."

Invest in relationships. Recognize that strong connections with family, friends, and colleagues are essential for achieving your full potential. Quality relationships provide support, growth opportunities, and a sense of purpose.

Maximize interaction quality. Given the limited time available for relationships:

  • Strengthen family bonds
  • Build trust and camaraderie with friends and coworkers
  • Ensure every interaction adds value and deepens connections

Remember that successful relationships require consistent effort and genuine care for others' well-being.

9. Preparedness and Safety: Protect Yourself and Others

"The world can be dangerous and bad things happen. Violence is a daily occurrence and can present itself without warning."

Develop essential skills. Equip yourself with the ability to protect yourself and your loved ones. This includes:

  • Martial arts and self-defense training
  • Weapons proficiency (if legally appropriate)
  • Emergency response skills (CPR, first aid)

Create safety plans. Develop and practice emergency procedures with your family. Ensure everyone knows what to do in various crisis scenarios. Extend your preparedness efforts to your community by fostering relationships with local leaders and contributing to neighborhood safety initiatives.

10. Overcoming Setbacks: Protocols for Life's Challenges

"You can control how you react when you fall off. What you do to get yourself back on The Path is up to you."

Face challenges head-on. Life inevitably presents obstacles, from relationship breakups to financial difficulties. The book provides specific protocols for addressing common life challenges, emphasizing the importance of emotional control, honest self-assessment, and decisive action.

Return to The Path. When faced with setbacks:

  1. Detach emotionally to gain perspective
  2. Assess the situation objectively
  3. Take ownership of your role
  4. Implement corrective measures
  5. Seek professional help when needed

Remember that setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning. By following these protocols and maintaining discipline, you can overcome obstacles and continue your journey towards becoming an Eminently Qualified Human.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "The Code. The Evaluation. The Protocols" about?

  • Author's Intent: The book by Jocko Willink, with contributions from Dave Berke and Sarah Armstrong, aims to guide readers in becoming an "Eminently Qualified Human" through discipline and self-improvement.
  • Core Structure: It is divided into three main sections: The Code, The Evaluation, and The Protocols, each focusing on different aspects of personal and professional development.
  • Main Themes: The book emphasizes the importance of setting goals, maintaining discipline, and following a personal code to achieve one's highest potential.
  • Practical Guidance: It provides actionable advice and protocols for dealing with various life challenges, from personal development to handling crises.

Why should I read "The Code. The Evaluation. The Protocols"?

  • Self-Improvement Focus: The book offers a comprehensive framework for personal growth and achieving excellence in all areas of life.
  • Actionable Advice: It provides practical steps and protocols to handle common life challenges, making it a useful guide for real-world application.
  • Discipline Emphasis: Jocko Willink's emphasis on discipline as a path to freedom can inspire readers to adopt a more structured and purposeful approach to life.
  • Universal Relevance: The principles outlined are applicable to anyone seeking to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

What are the key takeaways of "The Code. The Evaluation. The Protocols"?

  • The Code: Establish a personal code to guide your actions and decisions, focusing on health, personal development, and relationships.
  • The Evaluation: Regularly assess your progress in key areas of life, such as health, personal and professional development, and character.
  • The Protocols: Implement specific strategies to overcome challenges like breakups, financial issues, and personal betrayals.
  • Continuous Improvement: Embrace the idea that becoming an "Eminently Qualified Human" is an ongoing journey without a final destination.

What is "The Code" in Jocko Willink's book?

  • Personal Guidelines: "The Code" is a set of principles that guide individuals in maintaining discipline and striving for excellence.
  • Key Components: It includes commitments to physical health, mental development, time management, financial prudence, and humility.
  • Customization: While the code is a starting point, it can be modified to fit individual needs and circumstances.
  • Purpose: Following the code helps individuals set high standards and work towards their ideal selves.

How does "The Evaluation" work in the book?

  • Self-Assessment Tool: "The Evaluation" is a system for grading oneself on adherence to "The Code" and progress in personal development.
  • Key Areas: It covers health, personal and professional development, character, relationships, and preparedness.
  • Honesty Required: The evaluation requires a brutally honest self-assessment to be effective.
  • Continuous Process: It emphasizes that improvement becomes more challenging over time, requiring increased effort and discipline.

What are "The Protocols" in Jocko Willink's book?

  • Crisis Management: "The Protocols" provide strategies for dealing with specific life challenges such as breakups, death, financial issues, and betrayal.
  • Step-by-Step Guidance: Each protocol offers a series of steps to help individuals navigate and overcome these challenges.
  • Emotional Control: Many protocols emphasize the importance of detaching from emotions to make rational decisions.
  • Action-Oriented: The protocols encourage taking immediate action to get back on "The Path" towards becoming an "Eminently Qualified Human."

What is "The Path" according to Jocko Willink?

  • Journey of Growth: "The Path" is the journey one takes to become what they want to be, who they want to be, and what the world needs them to be.
  • Discipline Leads to Freedom: It is described as a path of discipline that ultimately leads to personal freedom and fulfillment.
  • Individual Yet Universal: While "The Path" is unique to each person, many of its elements are common to everyone striving for excellence.
  • Continuous Pursuit: It is a lifelong journey with no endpoint, focused on daily improvement and action.

How can I find "The Path" as described in the book?

  • Self-Reflection: Begin by asking yourself what you care about, who you want to be, and what matters most to you.
  • Goal Setting: Write down what you need to do to achieve your goals and identify the steps required to follow "The Path."
  • Internal Awareness: Recognize that "The Path" is already in your head, waiting for you to follow it.
  • Immediate Action: Start walking down "The Path" without hesitation, focusing on making the right choices daily.

How do I stay on "The Path"?

  • Daily Discipline: Implement unmitigated daily discipline in all aspects of life to stay on "The Path."
  • Overcome Obstacles: Fight against laziness, ego, and distractions that try to pull you off "The Path."
  • Make Right Choices: Focus on making small, consistent choices that align with your goals and values.
  • Resilience: Accept that falling off "The Path" is part of the journey, and take immediate action to get back on track.

What does it mean to be an "Eminently Qualified Human"?

  • Mastery in Life: An "Eminently Qualified Human" is someone who has achieved mastery in every facet of life, reaching their full potential.
  • Living The Code: This person consistently lives by "The Code," striving for excellence in health, personal development, and relationships.
  • Continuous Growth: They understand that the journey never ends and are committed to daily improvement and action.
  • Self-Evaluation: Regularly assess their progress and make necessary adjustments to stay on "The Path."

What are the best quotes from "The Code. The Evaluation. The Protocols" and what do they mean?

  • "Unmitigated Daily Discipline in all things. It is the only Way." This quote emphasizes the importance of consistent discipline as the foundation for achieving personal freedom and success.
  • "Without an objective, the objective will not be reached." Highlights the necessity of setting clear goals to achieve desired outcomes.
  • "The Path is how you become what you want to be, who you want to be, and what the world needs you to be." Describes "The Path" as a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.
  • "Being eminently qualified isn’t a status we achieve, or a conclusion we reach." Reminds readers that personal growth is a continuous process without a final endpoint.

How does Jocko Willink suggest handling setbacks or falling off "The Path"?

  • Self-Assessment: Conduct an honest self-assessment to understand why you fell off "The Path."
  • Immediate Action: Take corrective measures and implement them ruthlessly to get back on track.
  • Professional Help: Seek professional help if the setback involves health or psychological issues.
  • Resilience: Accept that setbacks are part of the journey and focus on regaining momentum quickly.

Review Summary

4.39 out of 5
Average of 2k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The Code. the Evaluation. the Protocols receives mixed reviews. Many praise its practical approach to self-improvement and discipline, finding it a valuable guide for personal growth. Readers appreciate Willink's no-nonsense style and actionable advice. However, some criticize the book for being overly simplistic, repetitive, or lacking depth. The evaluation system and protocols for handling various life situations are highlighted as useful features. While some find the book inspiring and life-changing, others feel it falls short compared to Willink's previous works or offers little new insight.

Your rating:

About the Author

Jocko Willink is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, author, and podcaster. Jocko Willink gained prominence for his leadership during the Iraq War, where he commanded SEAL Team Three's Task Unit Bruiser. After retiring from the military, he co-founded Echelon Front, a leadership consulting firm. Willink is known for his philosophy of "Extreme Ownership" and emphasis on discipline. He has authored several books on leadership and personal development, including "Extreme Ownership" and "Discipline Equals Freedom." Willink also hosts the popular Jocko Podcast, where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal growth. His straightforward approach and military background heavily influence his writing and teaching style.

Other books by Jocko Willink

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