Motiv8 - The Motivation Podcast and Inspiration Podcast Jocko Willink: Emotional Discipline - When to Feel and When to Fight
Oct 1, 2025
Jocko Willink, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and leadership consultant, dives deep into the concept of emotional discipline. He distinguishes between strong emotions that need expression and those better kept private. Jocko illustrates how emotional restraint can be a strategic advantage in relationships and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of staying calm to de-escalate conflicts and warns against the dangers of bottling up major emotions. With practical insights, he shares how practice can make emotional control a natural response.
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Keep Daily Emotions Private
- Do keep daily emotions private and under control rather than broadcasting them to others.
- Identify small feelings and separate them from behavior before acting on them.
Treat Emotions Like Chess
- Life is like emotional chess where showing feelings reveals your strategy and weakens your position.
- Maintain composure to preserve options and influence outcomes without escalating conflict.
Don't Be Transparent All The Time
- Avoid full transparency of your emotional state when it undermines your ability to lead or influence.
- Stay calm to de-escalate situations and guide teams to better decisions.