Extreme Ownership for Fathers

First time I heard Jocko Willink the co-author of Extreme Ownership, alongside Leif Babin, I was excited about the concepts presented in the book. I was eager to apply them to my own life. After doing so, I began to think about how these principles could also be applied to fatherhood.

As a father, you’re the leader of your household, responsible for guiding and protecting your family. Here’s how you can apply the principles of Extreme Ownership to fatherhood, with examples to illustrate each point.

1. Own Everything in Your World

Principle: Take responsibility for all family matters.

Example: If your child is struggling in school, take the initiative to meet with their teachers, identify the issues, and create a study plan together. By owning the problem, you can find effective solutions.

2. No Excuses, Just Solutions

Principle: Focus on solving problems rather than making excuses.

Example: If there’s constant arguing among your children, rather than blaming them, develop a conflict resolution strategy. Teach them how to communicate their feelings and resolve disputes constructively.

3. Lead by Example

Principle: Model the behavior you want to see in your family.

Example: If you want your children to be punctual, always be on time yourself. Whether it’s getting ready for school or family events, your punctuality will set the standard.

4. Build Trust Through Consistency

Principle: Be consistent in your actions and decisions to build trust.

Example: If you set a rule about screen time, enforce it consistently. By sticking to your decisions, your children will learn to trust and respect your guidelines.

5. Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Principle: Ensure open and clear communication within your family.

Example: Hold regular family meetings where everyone can voice their concerns and plans. This creates a platform for open dialogue and ensures everyone is on the same page.

6. Empower Your Children

Principle: Encourage your children to take responsibility for their actions.

Example: Assign age-appropriate chores and responsibilities. Praise their efforts and guide them when they make mistakes, fostering a sense of accountability and independence.

7. Adapt and Overcome

Principle: Be flexible and resilient in the face of challenges.

Example: If a family vacation gets canceled, quickly pivot to plan a fun staycation with activities at home. Show your children that setbacks can be turned into opportunities for new experiences.

8. Stay Humble and Grateful

Principle: Practice humility and gratitude in your role as a father.

Example: Admit when you’re wrong and apologize to your children. Express gratitude for their efforts and for the moments you share as a family, reinforcing a positive and humble atmosphere.

Take care, and be proud of yourselves and your family.

Resources

Here are two episodes on the topic directly from Jocko Willink and Leif Bein