Jocko Podcast 369: YOUR LIFE IS A GAME. Will You Win? Or Will You Lose?

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Life is a game. And then there are games within the game. How are you playing?
Join the conversation on Twitter/Instagram: @jockowillink @echocharles

[@jamescampbell2411]

Gents, I'm an Army Chaplain. This podcast is exceptional. I regularly stopped to take notes and couldn't wait to assess my personal pillars. The " life is a game" analogy works for me and most likely, the Servicemembers I will encounter. Time to go on offense. Thanks again.

[@DougJK]

Treating college like a game really helped me kill it. I remember an old clip of Jocko talking about college and a quote came up from Echo and was repeated by Jocko, it was “I’m here to win” and I repeat that to myself often when I feel like putting off my work.

[@rktsnail]

“If I have a question in class, guess what I raise my hand. People don’t raise their hands because they have an EGO and are afraid to look STUPID. Me? I stick my hand in the air, you know why? I don’t care what you think IM HERE TO WIN” something like that. Video is called “how to crush college” That video also got me through college. Had a 3.4 my freshman year at a top 80 college, graduated with a 3.8 GPA, Found Jocko and gained that new perspective, understood the value of college, and more importantly now saw that it was a game and another opportunity to kick everyone else’s ass in the classroom and I was going to win. Once I got that down you could see how pathetic it was when kids would complain about minimal amounts of work. Like damn you’re just cool sitting in the back losing while I’m up here dominating this course and proving this professor wrong for thinking I’m an idiot because I’m a social good looking male that works out a lot. They judge you for that shit and think you’re a stupid Jocko until you flip the competitiveness back then it’s straight up over with. Knowledge is power and it feels fucking great to win both INSIDE and OUTSIDE the classroom

[@fionnmaccurtain8896]

@@rktsnail love to see stuff like this💪

[@BostonsF1nest]

Bro I had a .8 gpa when I graduated high school. Starting from the bottom was the best thing for me because I had nothing to lose. This was way before Jocko- 2009. I started as a community college and worked my way up to finally getting an MBA. Even tho I’m not completely sold on the benefits of college nowadays, I’m happy I did it, because it was an investment in myself more than anything. I didn’t even go to my graduations either. I didn’t wanna feel like I had arrived somewhere because the journey is not over.

[@JavierMardones]

Good.

[@shellylinnn]

@@rktsnail I'm all for you too! You're going at it for the good! Go dude! More power to you!

[@alezanee]

It’s the right timing for this. Got out of track. Thank you Joko for you being there helping us.

[@AkilesJose]

You noticed how this episode feels like a summary of a lot of things discussed in previous episodes? I loved this one, straight to my favorite ones. Not to mention how accessible it is, you can show this to a 6 year old and he/she will get it.

[@douglastalkington]

Mr. Willink is a master of awareness

[@Not_Invisible_117]

I wish he were my neighbour!

[@kylehamburg244]

Awareness = preparedness

[@markusstewart9298]

Owns things in an extreme way ✊

[@markusstewart9298]

@@Not_Invisible_117 the Tactical Wilson 🤣👌

[@kylehamburg244]

@@markusstewart9298 I remember when I was working at a large new construction facility. It was a all company wide weekly safety meeting. The big boss running safety meeting said. OWN THE ZONE!

[@josh_wags]

0:00 THIS IS WATER / DAVID FOSTER WALLACE 2:00 DO YOU KNOW WE ARE IN A GAME? 3:14 THE GAME 5:20 WHAT GAMES ARE YOU PLAYING? 5:44 ECOSYSTEMS / DR. ANDREW HUBERMAN 6:39 EXAMPLES OF ECOSYSTEMS / GAMES 7:23 THE SUPREME GAME (OF LIFE) 7:35 DIMINISHING TONE 9:15 COMPETITION, RULES / SCORING POINTS / EARNING VALUE 9:30 COMBAT: THE MOST SERIOUS OF GAMES / LIFE HAS RULES 9:55 WE CAN HAVE DIFFERENT RULES 10:42 COMPETING WITH OTHERS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS 11:35 VICTORY IS ALSO DEFINED BY RULES 12:00 KNOW THE RULES / WHAT DOES VICTORY LOOK LIKE TO YOU? 12:25 WE ARE IN A GAME. NOW WHAT? 13:44 A TOOL FOR DETACHMENT (WRITE THINGS DOWN) 14:00 ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS 15:48 RULES OF THE GAME 17:02 WORK IS A GAME 17:52 IF I WIN, WHAT DO I GET? 18:11 YOUNG ECHO: THE BOUNCER 20:50 WAKE-UP CALLS 21:40 HEALTH IS A GAME (WE ARE ALL IN) 22:30 ACHIEVING GOALS 22:45 RELATIONSHIPS ARE A (POSITIVE) GAME 23:30 ECHO’S PILLARS 25:15 TACTIC: WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS (CLARIFY YOUR GAME) 26:15 WHAT GAMES ARE YOU IN? 27:30 BUILDING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS 29:30 IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT TO BE DOING? 31:00 DOES THE GAME SCORE THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO? 33:28 HEALTH 34:05 RELATIONSHIPS: TRUST LISTEN RESPECT & INFLUENCE 35:32 YOUR FRIENDS SHOULD LOVE IT WHEN YOU WIN 36:55 JOCKO’S (OPTIMAL) HOUSE 38:00 SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS = WINNING THE GAME 38:14 SIGNIFICANT OTHER: TRUST LISTEN RESPECT & INFLUENCE 39:00 KIDS: WHAT INFLUENCES ARE YOU HAVING? 39:40 HOW TO GET YOUR KID(S) TO LISTEN AND RESPECT YOU 41:00 WHAT’S YOUR END GOAL? 42:30 MENTAL HEALTH & TAKING OWNERSHIP 46:44 OFFENSE VS. DEFENSE 47:10 WHAT IS IN YOUR CONTROL (AND WHAT ISN’T) 50:31 INJURIES 53:20 TRACKING MENTAL HEALTH 54:10 THE SUPREME GAME 55:30 LONG-TERM VS. SHORT-TERM 56:27 DAVE BURKE / OODA LOOPS 57:10 EXPLAINING THIS TO MY DAUGHTER 58:10 GETTING WRAPPED UP IN SUB-GAMES 1:00:00 DISTRACTIONS 1:02:00 FUEL + WORKING OUT 1:05:25 DR. PETER ATTIA / KICK 😯SS AT 80 1:07:30 OUTRO: THANK YOUS 🤘

[@Mariam-id2xo]

thankssss

[@lynnsalee8645]

Thank you great human being😊😊

[@mikeholland5997]

Out of all the jocko podcast this one may have slapped me in the face the hardest! Gold

[@josephg.3255]

Absolute work of art here and I am a patron of the arts. Thanks for the poetic leadership.

[@TylerBaham]

I can tell this is where I'm supposed to be today. I listened to y'all talk to your brothers momma the other day. You got love from here guys.

[@Tacit_Tern]

*Jocko Willink is the Reluctant Leader we need.* .....We know you've done enough, but your Nation needs you. 🇺🇸 *2024* 🦅

[@Tacit_Tern]

I know I post this on every episode. ....but I mean it whole heartedly, every time.

[@raphmahrez1271]

For me being aware that you are in the water also means to enjoys this game while you can. We take life for granted and we forget how much beauty there is in life. Just the fact of breathing it’s so natural that we forget that one day we won’t breathe anymore. So take everything that this beautiful game of life has to offer. It can be joy or pain. There’s is beauty in the struggle,it make us alive. Memento mori.

[@Sleigh]

Winning! Cuz I got that Tiger Blood.

[@BlaQsheeeP]

Really enjoyed this episodes on my morning run today. Thanks !!

[@B-money96]

Jocko, I have had what we call a bad day. Letting all the mental get to you and bad habits creeping back. You brought me back to the game with this podcast. Let's get after it !

[@mparamo73]

Jocko’s next book: THE SUPREME GAME- HOW TO GET IN THE GAME OF LIFE, LEAD, AND WIN

[@bradlyolson]

My thoughts exactly as I was listening. There is a book here for sure.

[@BrassCatcher365]

Jocko, and Echo Charles! For lack of better words, thank you. That phrase pales in comparison to my gratitude for the content you both provide me and others like me.

[@Squadup2]

This episode was premium ⛽️ Salutations kings

[@Tfwd1891]

Chess isn’t a game. It’s a state of consciousness.

[@connorparson7791]

Thank you Jocko and Echo. Awesome podcast!!

[@andyd834]

I wish this podcast was around back when I was 18 instead of now when I'm in my 30s.

[@JavierMardones]

Same here.

[@rktsnail]

I was lucky to find it at 19. I’m 23 now and by following 80% Jocko and 20% my doctors and therapist, I went from 2 months inpatient drug rehab to graduating with a 3.8 from a top 80 college about to go to law school. The knowledge here is extremely powerful.

[@colelanier2769]

You’re still young Andy tear it up.

[@andyd834]

@COLE LANIER lol I plan on it. But I can definitely say that since I've been listening to this podcast I have done nothing but become better at navigating around tricky people. My communication skills have gone through the roof. And recently I got some news and I practiced extreme ownership on how I responded and I can already see ways on how that is improving me.

[@colelanier2769]

@@andyd834 Hell yea. Same here man this pod cast is kick ass.

[@hipolitoarrieta873]

Love this episode. I needed this. For me, I have always been on fight or flight mode, so long term goals never came to me. Until recently, I had a perspective change thinking about how much I have gone through. Thanks !

[@doughboybellmore2347]

Turning 65 this June, I might not have won but stayed ahead of the game so far.

[@mikemerlin4020]

What did you win?

[@doughboybellmore2347]

@@mikemerlin4020 No hablas englas, said "I might not have won"

[@thundergrace]

Jocko my self talk is bad these days...where am I at? 😂🤣😂🤣 I just want my family. And to do something useful. My spirituka life is important.. Love you guys. Blessings. I'm gonna win.

[@GrassRoots-fp4ty]

Thank you gentlemen! Amazing, and amazingly relevant as always. Deeply appreciated!

[@fionnmaccurtain8896]

Genuinely found this powerful,going to try and implement this moving forward.

[@olkid]

This mentality and framework of life is powerful. Thank you for the insight.

[@TikiOperator]

Absolutely incredible.

[@Irish_all_day]

Thank you! I needed this!!

[@jake51515]

Damn jocko! Needed this badly! 30 years old and i only felt my purpose recently as i decided to go back into the Army. I need to drop 20lbs and its def a struggle, but the more i hear jocko, the easier it gets!

[@Doodlefisher]

Great stuff in this podcast! Perspective is the key! Thank you!

[@1str1attck]

Thanks for a great podcast guys. I havent checked in for a while because it seemed for a while the podcast was taking a direction of too many guests for my taste. I love the old style of a book review with Jocko filling out the lines with Echo inbetween.

[@santediagon9961]

This, I love Jocko and Echos only podcasts

[@RoosterRaw]

Spot on jocko and echo words of wisdom as usual thanks to both for your input and time well received. Stay safe all.

[@OsbaldoSegura]

Treating my art and my passion for what I do with this much intensity. Very few people understand and I came to terms with that a long time ago. Thank you for this video gentleman. 💯

[@hankhill3417]

36:00 be careful to whom you tell your good news. Your victories in life!

[@PanosKapa-]

Thank you for that amazing analysis!!!

[@G8BLDR]

Good stuff you two. Much appreciated

[@realcarbon973]

It’s funny how hypocritical we are in our language with “game” being negative connotation but “game face” is encouraging. Roughly quoting JBP “words matter and what they mean matters a lot when you say things”

[@_vofy]

This is some good stuff, thanks.

[@markbaker8089]

I feel like I now know how to have these conversations with my kids about life. Thank you.

[@aryyahuwilliams]

I like this, the idea that life is a game. Definitely food for thought, which I can add with what I'm trying to build in my life.

[@Not_Invisible_117]

maybe start with a stool. (No sarcasm intended.)

[@labisikazeem418]

Amazing episode👏👏 like always!!

[@simonjbrand]

One word... context. This defines whether something is a game. Life is more than a game

[@jameskinahan2052]

I think the sports analogy works on so many levels. Applying the approach that’s applied to sports, in life is key. Do I like this game? Am I cut out for this game? Would I be better at something else? Is a career here a realistic option? What does it take? What am I missing? How do I get there. Clarity Discipline Determination. Great stuff, thank you

[@shellybozarth3929]

Unreal! The second you finished “The Water “ story it hit me that I have been in a game for YEARS and haven’t realized it. In the last year some things have been exposed in my marriage that have been devastating. Sure, the clues surfaced from time to time, but the game was being so well played I ignored them. I am where your friend was. How do I win without hurting my children, myself and my family unit? I have been journaling but am still very confused. Frankly, I have been in denial. I have been focusing on keeping the family unit intact at all cost. That was my “end zone”. My #1 priority. But at what cost? I have a huge decision to make and I don’t know where to turn. The struggle is paralyzing. The consequences are serious either way. I totally understand where your friend was. Thank you for validating my dilemma and sharing his story and your insight! This is exactly what I needed. You are THE BEST JOCKO! Love you too, Echo! ❤

[@gabriellaskey6798]

Solid stuff Thanks guys

[@DogStarAstrology]

I didn’t realize it until a couple years ago. I was embarrassed for myself when I finally figured it out. I was 44 years old 🤦‍♀️

[@mauricelangley5033]

That's alright. It's not too late. Prioritize & execute.

[@DogStarAstrology]

@@mauricelangley5033 I appreciate that advice. Thank you 🤙🏼

[@jeannieneuser5316]

Hey. I'm 43, and he blew my head wide open... Cuz he's right. "When you know better, you do better." We know better now. That is all. No biggie. Let's get after it. 👍

[@staytrue5770]

New subscriber always loved this podcast.

[@chris-sc9cv]

Best advice my brother enlightened me with. If you build a very nice dog house. You won't mind sleeping in it! Believe me, I'm all for happy wife ,happy life, but sometimes you can't win. Have a nice dog house for those days.

[@nicholasbarrett3018]

David Foster Wallace is my favorite author of all time. Would love Jocko's opinion on some of DFW's short stories and articles.

[@beckyziller6064]

This would be a great book for this Florence Scovel Shinn The Game of Life and How to Play It (Prosperity Classic)

[@kayfish7621]

"Stuart Little", Jocko-style. Conducted a brief life review in an attempt to determine whether I enjoy anything as much as Jocko enjoys playing the game. I got nada. I actually loathe the fact that I have to play several games in order to live my life with moderate success. Also, when it comes to building relationships, do keep in mind Jocko's financial success is a direct result of ascertaining other people's skills/discipline/mindsets, and utilizing them to their best advantage.

[@scallywhiskey]

Just my opinion, the single greatest podcast episode of all time, #2 is 370. For me this came at the perfect time. Hope we get some more on this subject. I could see a book…Just sayin…Thanks Guys

[@anaMoc1038]

Of all the martial artists, the shadow boxer defeats his opponent while sustaining the least damage. The shadow boxer punch is 1 nanosecond ahead of his shadows counter punch at a distance of 1 meter. The nature of shadow boxing is to defeat darkness, to decrease load, and grow time, by engaging the stars in a battle of natural selection. -DW master of shadow boxing

[@117Industries]

You understand ❤😊

[@mtman2025]

I used to hate work. Not my actual work, but my workplace - the fact that I was employed by someone else to do something for a wage. Working for a wage is a boring game. Now I do the same work, but it's my workplace. I negotiate the contracts, I live or die by the quality of my work. The game of work is now multi-dimensional, with outsize rewards for success, and stiff punishments for mistakes. And it feels much more like a game. More like MY game. I'm not just an NPC in someone else's game any more.

[@michaelpetrus19]

good stuff..........thanks.

[@danielledehart8023]

I love this philosophy about life being a game. It makes so much sense

[@batjackjohnson252]

Thanks gentlemen

[@martinezjames83]

Love when he mentions his guy STONER! Wish we coulda got to know that guy. He left a great impression on Mr. JOCKO!!💪

[@motorbreath22]

It's all a game, it's just the buy in and stakes that change

[@darkdork1012]

I've come to similar realizations. Good to know I might be on the right track.

[@nzallblacks7144]

in jocko we trust

[@carolspencer6915]

Hello to both of you Been trying to keep a grip on the offensive for a wee while, I think! Just need new, way different opportunities to get a good grip of. Control is gained and felt within many things, many situations and many peoples. However simplicity works, for me. Where possible. Need to build a new game on top of the old game. Me thinks!😀 Thankyou again for your shared work. 💜

[@theanti-corporation]

EXCEPTIONAL I GIVE MUCH THANKS TO YOU BOTH, AND MAY THE MOST HIGH GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND GUIDE YOUR STEPS!!!💚💯👊🏽🙏🏽

[@Dondlo46]

7:43 lmao I was literally playing tic-tac-toe while listening to him

[@lucasgonzalez7534]

Mindopening one🤘

[@tuturlututu1]

Those who wins are those who STAY ON THE PATH

[@inmyownworld754]

Goals for 2023!!!

[@anxen]

Strategy is necessary in any game. Absence of a plan is still a strategy.

[@Daniel-sm7er]

Funnily enough over here in the UK we have a boad game called *"The Game Of Life."* 🤔

[@finalcountdown3210]

Game's been around for over 100 years, lol

[@LukeC908]

Imagine Jocko as a therapist: Patient: Doc, I feel like it’s my fault my dad left our family. Jocko: It WAS your fault. Patient: It has ruined my life. Jocko: GOOD.

[@thundergrace]

😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@jimfloisand6817]

Hilarious

[@WrestlingVirality]

Hes right

[@tinytim71301]

Brilliant.

[@scallywhiskey]

After this podcast, I find myself randomly saying “THE GAME” in Jocko’s voice several times throughout the day. Anybody else?

[@jkrofling9524]

"Ecosystem" might be the next word redefined by Merriam-Webster. It will depend on how well it pays.

[@thedon367]

24:15 Echo is pouring his heart out, Jocko "so its gay? hehehe"

[@TunableFall662]

I'm willing to accept that life is a game as you said and I'll be fully honest here I'm straight up losing lol

[@rktsnail]

All good brother you’ve identified your weak points, that’s the first step, let’s go baby go get after it

[@jeannieneuser5316]

Awareness is the first step. Jocko delineates the way. What is winning? What are the steps you take to win? Then, don't put off your work. You aren't winning... YET. Get after it, Ricky. You have work to do. So do the rest of us.

[@JohnDoe-yu2xw]

Keep in mind you can think you are winning in all the games, like a person thinking all his life that gaining material wealth is everything only to realise on his deathbed that none of that really mattered at all. Or a more relatable example for some.. thinking all your life is about being a good soldier only to realise that your soldiering was a part of someone elses game and that game was not to you or anyone elses benefitt except maybe a select few not very nice people.. For echo who like to watch movies, in apocalypse now colonel kurtz game was war and he had it all figured out.. how to win the war he was in, but even though he found a way in his own mind to win the game of war his final words kinda gave you an idea that he was on the losing end of another game he was not aware of.. Quote "The horror,The horror" .. Apocalypse now a movie based on a book that could fit well into this podcast imo "heart of darkness". Great book , its fictional , but based on many realities. Come to think of it one of the main characters in that book (also named kurtz ) was also playing a game, a game he was sure he was winning...Until the game was up.. What is spirituality ?- - If you need to ask that question you are either on the wrong field or you aint even playing..

[@kokomanation]

We all lose in the end we will all die.Those who win are probably the people who create something useful or valuable for humanity but these are rare cases I think.

[@DS-sf3fk]

Good stuff

[@poopiepantsmcgee456]

You had me at multiple games.

[@arthurcitron9774]

Spot on👊🏻🇺🇸👊🏻

[@pierarobson962]

As I sit here with a "noodle arm" (or t-Rex arm or chicken wing) with a torn bicep-- I appreciated the reminder to do everything else.... and stay in the game.

[@dma288]

Homie out here spitting bars and facts

[@Exalted-]

Just what I needed. A couple mins ago I clicked off mindless content, knowing it wasn't gonna help me.

[@croissants1280]

You'll be back at the mindless content in a few minutes, don't worry.

[@Exalted-]

@@croissants1280 wow aren't you a miserable soul lol

[@hexapusink]

"Don't remember where I was I realized life was a game"

[@ChipCums]

My father told me from a young age like 6 or 7 life is nothing but a game. You gotta play the game know when to follow the rules and when to break them.

[@alexandermiller6583]

You’re on the verge of describing a way of thinking called Systems Thinking. There are some great books about this, the best I’ve read is Systems Thinking by Donella Meadows. Instead of calling it a game, she calls it a system, which has rules, inflows, outflows, stocks, equilibrium, etc. it really lays out the boundaries of all of life’s games and shows how they are all connected Also some great YT channels on this topic

[@st0n3bridg39]

First podcast with Jacko. Definitely not the last.

[@charlesloddo4367]

Jocko and Echo eating caprese 😂

[@muscleman369]

What a number.

[@anirudhupadhyay695]

One of the best ✌️

[@jworld__1630]

If life is a game, you can do side quests and level up to lvl 99 like an RPG. Gotta fight bosses on the way(obstacles) and find items to supplement your success

[@pavelborisov515]

One day I beat the boss, then I got fired

[@jov6372]

My God is my power an strength....

[@gregmosier16]

“Losing a game you didn’t know you were playing.” That describes the first decade of my marriage.

[@shanemcinally7092]

I recently had one of those "oh this is going to change my life moments." I started a math class for adult at local high school. I bought everything I needed, measuring instruments and notebooks. Than I just went ham and started studying all day. I didn't follow the class too closely, I was mainly taking notes on questions that I made up myself. One night I stayed up an extra hour to continue chipping away at a problem, and I just had this feeling like "oh, this is good, I can devote my whole life to what this is." I'm thirty-one and I suck at compromising, setting boundaries, and being independent from my parents, I also suck with girls. But at least in this case I won the supreme game of life...

[@nickstocking9691]

I like the message but I just can't get past thinking of Jocko playing candyland 😂

[@shellybozarth3929]

What steps do you take to mentally detach? Is is truly healthy to remain completely detached? Can you have a loving relationship if you are completely detached? I'm not sure this creates a healthy homelife... Do you have a podcast on that?

[@dee-ix3iq]

I love! Jocko but the wars are definitely not fights for freedom unfortunately

[@MeuFilho-EL]

I'd recomend dr orion taraban, psyhacks....because: ◇ game is about rules and objective ◇ relationships are how value is transactioned. ◇ value governs people, value is power, agency over the world... ◇ power is the ability to give or retain what people want and what people do not want. ◇ denfense allows not to lose the game, attack allows to win the game. Godspeed

[@friedmac7146]

This should be relevant since Jocko Willink will be at it in about 4 Hour's Pacific Time. It's 2:43A.M. Central here in Nebraska. 🇺🇸🦅⚓😎🛡️✨🌽

[@FTW1374]

Sometimes the best way to win in a particular ecosystem is not to play their game.