Several times a week I get asked: “How do you guys do it?”
• 6 kids (1-13yrs)
• Happy marriage
• Both work out daily
• PhD & now CEO of a company
The answer is, there’s no secret. But here's my attempt to give a fuller picture in the hope that it helps other parents.
But first up, the reason I’ve struggled to write about this is that any attempt to ‘reveal’ how we do it, will be incomplete and how things work for us, will not work for you in the same way.
I’m not trying to be prescriptive, as I don’t know your situation. But if any of my/our experience can be of help, this piece has served a purpose.
So life with 6 kids (and no paid help) is most of the time some sort of chaos.
I've listened to 1,000+ hours of his podcasts, read his books and spoken with him.
Here are 12 principles you can apply to become unbeatable:
Who is Jocko Willink?
• Married with 4 kids
• Leadership consultant
• Navy Seal (20-year career)
• Co-owner of Jiu Jitsu academy & gym
• Podcast host and NYT bestselling author
• Co-owner of Origin USA (clothing & supplements)
Now to the principles:
▪️Simple
Jocko was asked how he keeps on track of all his projects. His answer: Excel spreadsheets.
Don’t fall for complicated workflows and fancy software. Simple is best.
10 things I know after 6 kids I wish I’d known before we had our first:
1/ Your kids are motivators, not excuses
It’s your duty as a parent to become your best self. Don’t settle for the excuses of less time, energy and motivation. Instead become physically strong, mentally tough, emotionally balanced and intuitionally aware.
2/ What mothers give
As fathers, we can never fully understand the physical, mental and emotional sacrifices of a mother. They give so much more than us. It’s our job as fathers to support the mother of our children with everything we got.
10 habits that help me level up my productivity, health and happiness
(to serve my wife, 6 kids and colleagues better):
1. Early morning workouts
Working out first thing does wonders for your physical and mental health. You build momentum for the rest of the day and avoid having an argument with yourself about exercising later. Plus you jumpstart your metabolism.
2. Clean the kitchen no matter the time
A household of 8 with 3 meals per day creates a lot of dishes. Most nights work doesn't finish until after 9pm. But I have an iron rule to clean the kitchen before going to bed. Invest the time to start the day in a clean environment.