HOWE Q. WALLACE BLOG

To-Do List: Non-Negotiable Standards for Work

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Editor’s Note: Originally published on May 2, 2024

Jocko Willink is a Navy SEAL turned author and motivational speaker.

He has a list of non-negotiable standards:

β€œI am going to work hard.”

Is your standard full-out effort every day? I’ve had teammates and competitors who inspired me with their hard work. Hard work always beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

β€œI am going to train hard.”

A portion of his daily work is devoted to building strength, honing his skills, and refining his execution. This training contributes to adding capacity.

β€œI am going to improve myself.”

His training contributes to adding to his capacity. His goal is to get better every day. His training contributes to adding capacity.

β€œI am not going to rest on my laurels.”

He believes that what he’s done in the past is past. He’s constantly in the moment, trying to make a difference.

β€œI am going to own my mistakes and confront them.”

He will be accountable. Confident and humble enough to admit shortcomings. Open enough to learn from mistakes. That kind of accountability inspires trust and confidence.

What are your standards? Are they impacting how you contribute?