Respond with the word ‘good’ to every setback and failure, then focus on the solution and turn the situation into something positive.

Jocko Willink spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy. He is an expert SEAL special operations commander and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. When things don’t go according to plan, he always knows how to respond—‘good’. He says this is empowering and life-changing. Unexpected setbacks, failures, or other disasters? Drop the frustration and reactivity. You have an opportunity to figure out a solution and learn from the situation.

1. When something goes bad or wrong respond with ‘good.’
   Don’t get angry, startled, or frustrated. It isn’t mandatory to get upset.

2. Accept reality but focus on the solution.
   No more dwelling on the problem! Things happen. It may turn out well. Project canceled? Good. We can focus on another one. Didn’t get promoted? Good. More time to gain skills. Got injured? Good. Needed a break from training.

3. Take that issue, setback, or problem and turn it into something good
   Get up, dust off, reload, recalibrate, re-engage, and go out on the attack. Go forward, and if you are part of a team, that attitude will spread throughout.