finding the silver lining in every challenge
Life rarely goes according to plan. We face failures, roadblocks, and crises that can leave us frustrated, angry, or hopeless. But former Navy SEAL commander Jocko Willink offers a deceptively simple way to reframe adversity: when things go wrong, he says one word—“Good.”
This is not blind optimism or toxic positivity. Jocko’s “good” is a mental reset button. It does not deny the pain of the situation but redirects energy toward action. If a plan fails—good, now you can make a better one. If you are passed over for a promotion—good, you have time to improve your skills. If you are injured—good, now you can focus on other areas of growth, like building mental toughness.
Consider how this works in everyday life.
- At work: Suppose you lose an important client. Instead of dwelling on the loss, you can say “good”—this is a chance to analyze what went wrong, refine your strategy, and improve customer service for future clients.
- In relationships: A friendship ends unexpectedly. “Good”—now you have space to reflect on what you value in a friend, set healthier boundaries, and deepen the relationships that truly matter.
- With health: You miss a major fitness goal. “Good”—you can reassess your training plan, focus on consistency, and develop patience rather than rushing results.
- Financially: An unexpected expense hits your budget. “Good”—this is an opportunity to re-examine your spending habits, create a stronger emergency fund, and become more financially disciplined.
This mindset is strikingly similar to Stoic philosophy. The Stoics taught that we cannot control what happens to us, only how we interpret it. By saying “good,” we choose to look for lessons, opportunities, and hidden benefits even in misfortune.
The power of Jocko’s “good” lies in its simplicity. It trains us to see adversity not as an ending but as a beginning—an invitation to grow stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
3 Steps to Practice the “Good” Mindset
- Pause and Say It: When something goes wrong, stop your emotional spiral and say “Good” out loud. This interrupts negative thinking and resets your focus.
- Find the Lesson or Opportunity: Ask yourself, What can I learn? How can I get better? Look for the silver lining, however small.
- Take Immediate Action: Do one constructive thing, no matter how small, to turn the situation around—rewrite the plan, make the call, start the workout, have the conversation.
With consistent practice, “good” becomes more than a word—it becomes a way of life. It transforms every setback into a stepping stone, making you calmer, more disciplined, and unstoppable in the face of adversity.
