What You're Supposed to Do

On the Lex Fridman podcast, retired Navy Seal Jocko Willink was asked what discipline is. "It's doing what you're supposed to do," was Jocko's answer. "What are you supposed to do?" Lex replied. Jocko said, "I think you know what you're supposed to do."

In a big world with many people, different jobs, and unique places, the options in front of us are endless. Psychologist Jordan B. Peterson does a thought experiment with students by asking them if they want to play a game. Once they agree, he says, "Okay, go," and that's it. He says all students are dumbfounded because they don't know what to do. Peterson uses this as an example of needing to know the rules and guidelines to do anything.

So let's play a game:  Deal with COVID-19. Lower grocery bills. End racism. Ready, set, go!

The news cycle and headlines go on and on about what's wrong globally, and journalists rarely give us an objective solution.

So what do we do in a world where gas prices are up and the dollar's value is down?

Ray Dalio, a billionaire hedge fund investor, writes extensively about the changing world order (where the United States is in decline) and what to do about it. He summarizes his book in this video. So how do we improve the U.S.? Dalio suggests it starts with each individual by 1.) Being kind and 2.) Spending less than you make. That's it.

My 9-year old nephew understands what we need to do to improve. But there's a difference between knowing and doing. Discipline is when you know what to do and actually do it.

How many dishes are in your sink? Who was the last person you helped? When was the last time you didn't one-click buy because you didn't actually need it? We're not perfect. We are potential. And the potential to be kind and resourceful starts with our own actions right here, right now.