JFDI: The No-Nonsense Approach to Taking Action and Achieving Results
JFDI, or 'Just F*cking Do It,' is a mindset used by leaders like Alexander the Great. It cuts through red tape, drives action, and delivers results faster—because sometimes, hesitation isn't an option.
What Is the JFDI Process?
Alexander the Great used it, and some say Napoleon Bonaparte did too. But is the JFDI approach relevant in today’s workplace?
What Does JFDI Stand For?
JFDI, short for "Just F*cking Do It," is a decision-making technique that has been around for over 2,000 years. Many influential leaders—both past and present—have relied on it to achieve bold results.
However, in modern workplaces, excessive red tape and rigid processes often hinder fast decision-making. One prime example is Change Management, where overcomplicated approvals can delay necessary action. In some cases, a JFDI approach could have prevented unnecessary setbacks and accelerated success.
The truth is, JFDI can yield results faster than waiting for paint to dry—sometimes, action beats hesitation.
Examples of JFDI in Action
Saving Someone from Drowning
Imagine you're qualified in first aid and see someone drowning in a polluted canal. Do you wait for official paperwork before performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation? Of course not! You call an ambulance and take immediate action—because JFDI saves lives.
James Mason
Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos’ Space Missions
Sir Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos both made history by flying into space. If they had focused on the staggering cost—over £105.8 million per 60 seconds in space—they might still be working 9-to-5 jobs, only dreaming about space travel.
Instead, they took action. They didn’t overanalyze. They just f*cking did it—and today, they’re celebrated for it.
The Relentless Productivity of Bees
Bees are the ultimate JFDI creatures. They don’t apply for mortgages or wait for government permits before building their hives. They don’t waste time seeking approval to collect nectar from nearby gardens.
They simply do the work—efficiently and without complaint. If a bee colony is accidentally destroyed, they don’t dwell on setbacks. They rebuild and move forward.
Alexander the Great’s Unconventional Strategy
On the eve of the Battle of Gaugamela, Alexander the Great’s generals were anxious. They were outnumbered—100,000 Persian soldiers against their 47,000 troops.
One of his generals, Parmenion, voiced his concern:
👉 “How will we manage this, Great Leader?”
Alexander, unfazed, responded:
👉 “We’ll just drink through the night and not worry about it.”
And that’s exactly what they did. His generals drank gallon after gallon of wine—so much that by morning, most of them were dead from intoxication.
With a throbbing hangover, Alexander still led his army to victory, proving that JFDI works—even in war.
When Should You Use the JFDI Process?
Knowing when to JFDI requires instinct. If something feels right, take action. Here are some workplace scenarios where JFDI applies:
- If an infrastructure update can resolve a major business outage, do you wait for approvals? No—JFDI.
- If a customer calls at 5:30 p.m., and your shift ends at 5:30, do you stay late? No—JFDI (hang up on time).
- If it’s payday and you want to go out but don’t feel like working tomorrow, do you call in sick? JFDI? (Your call 😆)
- Should you hug your boss this morning? JFDI? (Probably not, unless you want an awkward HR meeting.)
- Thinking about quitting your job with no backup plan? JFDI? (Maybe sleep on this one.)
The JFDI process isn’t about recklessness—it’s about cutting through indecision and making things happen.
Should You JFDI Your Coffee Break?
Making coffee for your colleagues can be stressful. Everyone has their own preferences, and let’s be honest—you’ve happily accepted coffee from others without returning the favor.
One day, you head to the kitchen and find it crowded with chatty consultants and IT folks. You bail and go to the bathroom instead. But when you return—the kitchen is miraculously empty.
👉 Do you grab a coffee for yourself and ignore your coworkers?
👉 Or do you JFDI and make coffee for everyone?
You decide to JFDI. You gather the mugs, find milk, and even grab a fresh pack of chocolate digestives.
Returning to your desk, you sip your coffee with a sense of accomplishment.
You just f*cking did it—and that’s what matters.
Final Thoughts: The Power of JFDI
The JFDI mindset isn’t about breaking rules for the sake of it—it’s about recognizing when action is better than hesitation.
🚀 Leaders use it to break barriers.
🚀 Businesses use it to innovate.
🚀 You can use it to stop overthinking and start achieving.
So, the next time you’re stuck in indecision, ask yourself: Should I JFDI?
👉 What’s one situation where you applied the JFDI mindset? Share your thoughts in the comments!
