Category: Podcast

Growing up I feel like everyone had an obsession with greatness and legends, or at least I did. Probably because I grew up pretty competitive. I’ve played almost all organized sports, besides hockey, and there was always a pressure to perform and succeed. As I developed role models I started to understand the difference between being good and being great.

For me, it was consistency. Anyone can make a good play or the right call once or twice. But what separates the Lebron’s and Tom Brady’s from the rest of the league, is the ability to do it day in and day out. There’s a saying that goes, “it’s one thing to get to the top, it’s another thing to stay there”. Everyone is focused on the top dog, and everyone brings their best to take them down. Even so, the Greats still find a way to get it done.

Another way I look at it is in relation to action movies and real life. In action movies, the hero always kicks ass and moves seamlessly from one villain to the next. But most people know in real life that would never happen. From training martial arts to watching UFC, I know that fights don’t happen like that. You would need a super “spidey-sense” to anticipate and read every opponents moves and react accordingly. Even then, it would be tough not to be stabbed or shot in the process.

Which brings me to my point. You need to make every moment count. Be the best version of yourself, in all things, at all times. Everyone has a vision of where they want to be and who they to become. Practice being that person everyday. Whether it’s waking up early, working out, or eating healthy. For me, it’s eating right, getting on stage, and saving money. There are so many moments and decisions throughout the day to do the right thing for yourself. What really reinforces that for me is knowing that if I don’t, I’m only cheating myself. For the most part, no one cares about you not reaching your goals besides maybe your spouse or family, for the fact that they might be effected if you don’t.

Here’s The Thing. “Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they worked on it everyday!” Do the small things consistently, and before you know it, you’ll have an empire.

Imagine waking up and not knowing who you are. Luckily you remember your twin brother who helps you put back together the pieces. But what if he left things out to “protect” you. One is trying to remember and the other is trying to forget. How would you feel?

This documentary is so good and how they tell the story, really pulls you in. It helps you connect with the brothers as you understand both their sides of the story. I’m not crazy for docs’, but Tell Me Who I Am is definitely “Relatable”.

Lately I’ve been really trying to get back on top on my fitness. I was working to free up some space on my computer and found an old college video of me, when I was working on my handstands. At the time, Instagram fitness was just blowing up, and I was going to the gym 6 times a week along with drinking protein shakes and taking supplements. I looked impressively ripped….to myself. Like at the time I didn’t think I was that big, and wish someone would have told me lol. But I bring that up, because it has re-motivated me to get back to that shape, then even better.

In all honesty, I choose to stay in shape out of fear. Fear of a lot of things, getting out of shape, fear of being lesser than others, or fear of a stupid death.

The first is the fear of getting out of shape. I realized at a young at that it is much easier to stay in shape than it is to get in shape. It’s such a slippery slope when you start to fall, whether it’s a relationship or an office job or kids. Life comes at you first and will sit you down and get you off your game. Once sedentary becomes a lifestyle, it’s very hard to re-motivate into action. Plus it’s a lot easier to keep a 6 pick when you can see them fade away, as opposed to trying to work off a gut and never having a visual representation of your progress until near the end. I never felt very attractive growing up, so I also stay fit out of fear of feeling unwanted. I don’t want to be ugly and out of shape. Even if you don’t think I’m good looking or cool to hang out with, I damn sure will not be repulsive to look at. Maybe it’s vain, but it helps me 🤷🏾‍♂️.

(Side note- also, who doesn’t want to hook up with an athlete?! Sex is way better with strength, cardio, and coordination.)

The second is a fear of being lesser than others. I think I’ve referenced before that I loved James Bond growing up and wanted to become a jack of all trades just like he was. He could do anything. From chase down a villain, to driving a helicopter, to surviving torture, and picking locks. We only get 1 flesh vessel in this life and I want to experience life to the fullest, and try all things. This requires me to be fit enough for all situations. I want to be able to do American Ninja Warrior if I wanted, or play basketball or run a marathon. I don’t like when people say, “I could never do that” or “now you’re just showing off”. I don’t want to feel lesser than anyone, so I stay fit enough to keep up with everyone.

The last is fear of a stupid death. I feel like if you can’t connect with the other 2, everyone can understand the fear of a stupid death. I work at a gym, and I always ask my clients who say they don’t like to run, “what would you do if there was a shooter at the mall or a terrorist attack?” Maybe it’s just how I think, but I don’t want to die because I couldn’t run a few miles without losing my breath. Or to fall off a cliff, because I can’t do even 1 pull-up to save myself. I want to be able to save myself, whether it’s running from danger or lifting something off of a friend or loved one, or pulling myself out of something. Having the basic physical confidence to know that I can run, jump, lift, or address any situation optimally is a huge motivation for me. Even as far as training in martial arts, and learning to defend myself. Most people say their adrenaline will kick in, but so will someone’s who is trained and fit. Maybe it’s just me, but why not have the advantage instead of hoping for luck. Not to mention maintaining a fit body to stay healthy and avoid self inflicted illness.

Here’s The Thing. I get body positivity and loving yourself. But love yourself enough to be afraid. To be afraid of losing your youthful vigor, to be afraid of being less than your worth, to be afraid of throwing it all away. Find what motivates you, but for me, I stay fit out of fear.