140: "If", by Rudyard Kipling: Analyzed. Not Liking to Fight. Personal Intelligence. Giving Tactful Feedback.

Written in 1896 and first published in 1910, 'If—' is a poem that advises on how to rise above adversity and live a life of integrity. The speaker, addressing his son, outlines various scenarios and virtues necessary to 'be a Man,' including the ability to keep one's head in chaos, trust oneself despite doubt, and treat triumph and disaster equally. The poem is structured as a series of conditional 'if' clauses leading to a final 'then' clause, emphasizing a quintessentially British brand of stoicism and the importance of maintaining a strong will and moral character.

This book by Dan Jones provides a thorough and engaging biography of Henry V, delving into his early life, his apprenticeship in warfare and politics, and his subsequent reign. Jones challenges the traditional dichotomy between the young 'Hal' and the mature King Henry, portraying them as a single, consistent individual. The book details Henry's military campaigns, including the Battle of Agincourt, his diplomatic achievements, and the complexities of his legacy. Written in the present tense, the narrative offers an immediate and intimate look at the life of this historical titan, highlighting both his brilliant leadership and the mistakes he made.

In 'Way of the Warrior Kid', Marc, who had a terrible fifth-grade year, is helped by his uncle Jake, a retired Navy SEAL. Uncle Jake devises a plan to turn Marc into a warrior by focusing on physical fitness, healthy eating, and academic improvement. The book emphasizes the importance of physical activity, mental sharpness, and hard work, all illustrated with comic-style art by Jon Bozak. It is the first installment in a series aimed at inspiring young readers to overcome their challenges.

This book by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin focuses on the principle of 'Extreme Ownership,' where leaders take full responsibility for their actions and decisions. The authors use their experiences in the U.S. Navy SEALs to illustrate how this mindset can lead to success in any organization. The book covers various principles such as believing in the mission, checking ego, and leading by example. It emphasizes that leaders must own all failures, develop plans to overcome them, and ensure their teams are well-conditioned and aligned with the mission. The authors also stress the importance of humility, discipline, and effective communication in leadership.

In 'Marc's Mission', Marc uses the skills he learned from his Navy SEAL uncle Jake to help another kid who needs a boost. The book emphasizes the importance of hard work, discipline, and empathy in becoming a leader. Marc faces challenges such as earning money to fix his bike, dealing with a bully, and competing in a jiu-jitsu tournament, all while learning to control his emotions and make better decisions.

In 'Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual', Jocko Willink outlines the importance of discipline in achieving success and freedom in all aspects of life. Born from his experiences in the Navy SEALs, the book provides strategies and tactics for overcoming weakness, procrastination, and fear. It includes specific physical training workouts for different levels of athletes, as well as recommendations for optimal sleep habits and food intake. The book emphasizes the internal force of discipline, starting with simple actions like waking up early and extending to controlling emotions, making good decisions, and facing fears. Willink argues that discipline is the core principle that leads to strength, health, intelligence, and ultimately, freedom.