The Gen Zers

If there is one thing I wish everyone to take away from life existences, it's this paragraph. No matter your dreams, financial situation, work ethic, talent, or luck, there will always be moments in time where you are knocked off your feet by someone, or something.

And its in these instances, that men wiser than me talk about extreme ownership, and the ability to take everything that happened to you and take responsibility for it.

Growing up I used to have a slogan. And my girlfriend at the time, now fiancé went as far as placing it on a cup.

It read: 'Born and raised to fail'

And at the time I didn't know it, but I had already discovered the idea of extreme ownership, a term used by Jocko Willink, which summarizes the must needed mentality in order to survive the generation Z climate.

So what does it mean, 'born and raised to fail, or Jocko willinks term: extreme ownership.

In short, it doesn't matter of a hurricane came and destroyed your business, or if you got layed off—or if someone totaled your vehicle and now you are forced to walk to work everyday while still making car payments.

These are cases where it's obviously, without a doubt, not your fault.

But it's for damn sure still your responsibility.

In extreme ownership you take control of these situations. Instead of focusing on the fact you got laid off and now you're looking for a job—now is the time to dig deep. Now is the time when you feel life isn't fair, and yet, you're gonna come up with a plan and figure it out.

You're gonna solve it because it's your responsibility. Because you have big goals. Because you have big aspirations. Because you need to eat or help your family pay the bills.

And you're going to do all this, even though it isn't your fault.

But it's for damn sure still your responsibility.

That is the mentality you're going to need to survive this generation. Because let me tell you, we all know someone who refuses responsibility. We all know someone who let that singular moment in time define their existence.

And those people are not at the top of the hierarchy.

Those people, are not the ones you aspire to be—why? Because your inherent competitiveness and enthusiasm for success knows that life gives everyone a bad hand—everyone.

And in the pursuit of generating wealth, and eventually freedom, you will be hit with problem after problem, that you will be forced to navigate through correctly.

So take a breath, step back, and think subjectively.

Do not. I repeat. DO NOT be the individual that allows this situation, no matter the size—swallow you whole. Because the world is a terrible place out there, and self-pity doesn't generate wealth—nor does it account to brownie points with bankers or investors or employers, either.

And remember, giving up responsibility is giving up control. There is no other way to sugar coat it. And once you have given up control, then you've also given up your ability to force change. It's a dangerous cycle to be a part of and is applicable at all levels of society. From individual to group, to government, always maintain responsibility, even if it hurts.

Accountability and Responsibility are character traits that are fundamentals to build success, and I believe extreme ownership and the willingness to fight through failure is one thing that is lacking in our current generation of peers.

I don't like to rant, as focusing on the negative over the positive will always result in a negative outcome. The same way if I seek injustice, I shall find it.

Take extreme ownership. Welcome failure. And while all problems may not be your fault, it will always be your responsibility to solve it.

To explore more of these thoughts.

Read Jocko Willink's book at : https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Strategy-Tactics-Field-Manual/dp/1250226848

Photo Cred : https://pixabay.com/photos/fantasy-landscape-monumental-statue-3342338/