10 Military Habits and Hacks That Will Change Your Life

Summary

In this video, 10 military habits and life hacks are shared to help boost productivity, discipline, and personal growth. The tips include waking up early to gain a head start on the day, making your bed to build momentum, taking cold showers for focus, maintaining good hygiene for confidence, and running in the morning for a healthy boost. Other strategies include doing uncomfortable tasks to build mental toughness, creating checklists and protocols to stay organized, pre-planning and reverse planning to maximize efficiency, and the importance of never giving up. These habits can lead to a more disciplined and productive life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wake up early to gain a head start on the day. Jocko Willink, a retired Navy SEAL, suggests waking up at 4:30 AM for maximum productivity.
• 😀 Start the day by accomplishing small tasks, such as making your bed. Admiral William McRaven believes it sets a productive tone for the day and builds momentum.
• 😀 Cold showers improve mental clarity, alertness, and physical recovery. Clint Emerson, a former Navy SEAL, recommends them for boosting focus.
• 😀 Good personal hygiene is crucial for both health and confidence. The military emphasizes cleanliness to prevent disease and maintain morale.
• 😀 Running in the morning boosts cardiovascular health and releases endorphins, which promote happiness and energy. It’s a great way to start the day.
• 😀 Embrace discomfort to build mental toughness. David Goggins advises doing things you hate daily, like running, to become mentally stronger.
• 😀 Use checklists and protocols to streamline tasks and decisions. The military's use of detailed lists helps maintain organization and efficiency.
• 😀 Pre-plan your day to stay organized and prepared for challenges. The British SAS uses detailed planning to ensure success in their missions.
• 😀 Reverse planning helps you achieve big goals by working backward. Start with the end in mind, then outline the steps to reach that goal.
• 😀 Never give up, no matter how tough it gets. Military training instills the mindset of perseverance, and adopting this attitude will help you overcome challenges.

Q & A

Why is waking up early considered an important habit in military training?

Waking up early, like at 5:00 AM, provides an advantage to get a head start on the day and accomplish more than others who are still asleep. It also helps practice self-discipline, which, according to Jocko Willink, is the key to achieving freedom in life.

What is the psychological benefit of making your bed every morning?

Making your bed gives a sense of accomplishment right from the start of the day, creating positive momentum. It also reinforces the idea that small tasks matter, setting the tone for tackling bigger tasks with attention to detail.

How do cold showers contribute to physical performance and mental alertness?

Cold showers improve alertness and focus by stimulating the body and mind. The cold water causes vasoconstriction, which pushes lactic acid out of muscles, helping with recovery. This practice is also known to reduce inflammation and improve joint and muscle health.

Why is maintaining good hygiene crucial in the military?

Good hygiene prevents the spread of infection and disease, especially in environments where water may not be available. It is also associated with discipline and orderliness, boosting confidence in both personal and social situations.

What are the benefits of going for a morning run as practiced in military training?

Morning runs improve cardiovascular health and boost energy levels by supplying the body with oxygen. They also trigger the release of endorphins, which improve mood, reduce pain perception, and create a sense of euphoria, making it easier to face the day.

How does the philosophy of 'doing what sucks' help in developing mental toughness?

'Doing what sucks' is about pushing yourself to do uncomfortable tasks every day, which builds mental resilience. By facing challenges willingly, like David Goggins' approach, you learn to embrace discomfort and strengthen your resolve to overcome difficult situations.

What role do checklists and protocols play in military and personal productivity?

Checklists and protocols streamline repetitive tasks, allowing for efficiency without having to make decisions every time. In emergencies or complex situations, protocols save time and reduce mistakes, making execution more reliable and effective.

How can pre-planning your days improve productivity?

Pre-planning helps you strategize and organize tasks in advance, ensuring you’re prepared for any obstacles. By visualizing your day ahead, you can anticipate challenges and optimize your time, increasing overall effectiveness and reducing stress.

What is reverse planning and how does it help achieve goals?

Reverse planning starts with the desired end result and works backward to identify the necessary steps to achieve it. This method helps ensure you don’t miss crucial steps and provides a clearer path to reaching your goals by focusing on the end point first.

What is the significance of the military's 'never give up' mentality?

The 'never give up' mentality is a core principle in the military, emphasizing mental resilience. It trains individuals to push through extreme physical and mental challenges, ensuring they remain focused and motivated even when the situation becomes difficult. This mindset is crucial for achieving any long-term goal.