Attack Life Not Others

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking.” — Steve Jobs

Following up on last week's discussion from "Reviving the Tribe" — Tim and Steve dive deeper into the concept of "tribe" and its relevance in today's fast-paced world. They talk about how technological advancements, meant to create more time, contribute to feelings of disconnection. You’ll hear:

1. The cyclical nature of life

   • "Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times"

2. Parallels drawn between this life cycle and current societal issues

   • Self-indulgence, materialism, and vulnerability

3. Importance of finding a supportive community

   • Through spiritual organizations or shared interests

4. Emphasis on maintaining hope for a better future amidst life's ebb and flow

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney In other words: Enough talking — get up and make it happen. Now!

Tim and Steve delve into the concept of "tribe," exploring what it means to be part of a community united by shared values and goals. They reflect on their journey since launching the podcast, discussing the challenges they faced and the doubts from others about their credibility. Over the course of nearly 7 years and 500 episodes, they emphasize the significance of building a supportive tribe, drawing on their experiences in martial arts and personal growth.

Tim shares his journey of teaching and the evolution of his martial arts community, highlighting the blessings and lessons learned along the way. He also addresses the potential downfall of a tribe when leadership falters and self-interest takes over. Drawing a parallel to the current state of our country, he highlights how self-centeredness and a lack of sacrifice have led to a weakened collective spirit.

The episode concludes with a powerful message: the change must start with us. Only by rekindling the values of sacrifice and collective well-being can we hope to transform our leadership and society.

“When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. You should give a good thought to happiness that you can give out.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Pride is pervasive in modern society. It manifests in various forms, from the bravado displayed on social media to the egos that often dominate corporate leadership. This unchecked pride leads to a false sense of superiority and entitlement, allowing individuals to justify their actions, regardless of their moral implications. Tim and Steve believe this mindset creates a dangerous environment where individuals feel empowered to act without accountability, ultimately leading to failure.

One of this episode's central themes is the fine line between confidence and cockiness. Confidence is a healthy acknowledgment of one's abilities and accomplishments, while cockiness — rooted in pride — can foster arrogance and a disregard for others. This distinction is crucial; confidence encourages growth, learning, and collaboration, while pride breeds isolation, conflict, and stagnation.

When you allow pride to dictate your actions, you risk slipping into a cycle of self-importance that can cloud your judgment.

“Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.” — Unknown

Tim and Steve have a lighthearted, yet meaningful discussion of personal growth and lifestyle changes. Tim shares his recent decision to get chickens for organic eggs, highlighting the humor in transitioning from conversations about children to caring for backyard animals. He reflects on the idea of pursuing passions at any stage in life, emphasizing that he's not retiring but rather adding new experiences to his routine.

Just as bees can react defensively when approached aggressively, people can also become defensive or hostile when confronted in a confrontational manner. By taking a step back and approaching situations with caution, we can create a more conducive environment for dialogue and resolution. This means being aware of our surroundings, understanding the emotions involved, and recognizing the potential for conflict before diving in headfirst.

The idea of approaching from different angles is crucial. In conflicts, there are often multiple perspectives to consider. By examining a situation from various viewpoints, we can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying issues and motivations at play. This not only helps in formulating a more effective response but also fosters empathy and connection with others involved.

Tim emphasizes the importance of taking things slow in both beekeeping and conflict resolution. Rushing into a situation can lead to misunderstandings and heightened tensions. By allowing ourselves time to think through our responses, choose our words carefully, and avoid unnecessary escalation, we can foster more thoughtful interactions that lead to positive outcomes.

Just like bees, we have natural instincts that can guide us in conflicts. Instead of succumbing to fear or aggression, we can tap into our ability to respond thoughtfully and assertively. The lesson here is to recognize our power in situations and to use it wisely, much like how bees defend their hive when necessary.

"It is only when we take chances, that our lives improve. The initial and the most difficult risk that we need to take is to become honest." — Walter Anderson

This podcast episode delves into the themes of sacrifice, suffering, and consistency on the path to success. Tim reflects on the enduring relationships cultivated through “The Push” — as he calls it. In his case, it’s martial arts training, but we all need that “push” in whatever it is you hope to succeed at. With anecdotes from their own experiences, Steve and Tim emphasize the value of perseverance and dedication in achieving long-term goals.