You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your standards.

In the first episode of Born to Be Great, Justin and Nick kick off 2026 by breaking down what actually creates winning. Not motivation, not hype, but standards, preparation, and consistency over time.

Using a powerful coaching clip as the foundation, this episode dives deep into why average is the enemy, how elite performers stack great days, why compartmentalizing wins and losses matters, and what it really takes to win when pressure hits.

From football to business to life, this conversation draws on decades of real-world experience to show why greatness isn’t flashy — it’s built in the boring, disciplined moments most people avoid.

If you’re starting a new year and want to raise your standards instead of just setting new goals, this episode sets the tone.

Key Takeaways

🟦 You don’t always get your goals, you always get your standards

🟦 Average is the enemy of greatness

🟦 Small, disciplined actions compound over time

🟦 Stacking great days creates momentum

🟦 Preparation determines performance under pressure

🟦 Winning the close moments comes from daily discipline

00:00 - Introduction.

01:05 - Curt Cignetti Clip

03:08 - The Importance of High Standards

07:40 - Average is The Enemy

12:07 - Stacking Great Days

16:43 - The Importance of Compartmentalizing

20:50 - Winning the Close Ones

23:50 - The Fun in Winning

27:57 - Raising Your Standards

30:09 - Final Thoughts and Motivation

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes of Born to Be Great — real conversations on discipline, leadership, and becoming who you’re capable of being.

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In this episode, we break down the real lessons 2025 taught - what worked, what didn’t, and what most people are too honest with themselves to admit. Not in theory. In execution. We talk about the mistakes that quietly cost time, energy, and momentum... and how to actually apply those lessons instead of repeating them with a new calendar year.

If you listen to this episode and apply what you learn - your 2026 will be great!

This episode is about the season where winners quietly pull ahead.

While most people slow down, coast, or get comfortable, this is your chance to create real distance. I break down why this window matters, how to take advantage of it, and what separates the people who talk about greatness from the ones who actually build it.

On this episode of Born to Be Great, we dive into the journey of Mac Hereford—from walk-on at Alabama to breakout content creator and entrepreneur. Mac shares the championship principles he learned from Coach Nick Saban, how he applies them to storytelling, and why the best businesses are built the same way great teams are built. Get ready for practical wisdom, behind-the-scenes stories, and a powerful reminder that creating like a champion starts with how you think.

In this inspiring episode of Born to Be Great, we sit down with Chris Malleo, author of The Chair Leader, for a deep and empowering conversation on what it truly means to lead without limits.

Chris shares his journey of transforming adversity into opportunity — and how belief, courage, and silent connection can move people more powerfully than words ever could. Together, we explore how to lead from the heart, find purpose in every challenge, and unlock the greatness that’s already within you.

💡 You’ll discover:

If you’re ready to challenge your limits, strengthen your mindset, and lead with authenticity, this episode will change the way you think about greatness forever.

🔥 Tune in. Get inspired. Remember—you were Born to Be Great.

What if the next conversation you have could change your life?
In this episode of Born to Be Great, we dive deep into intentional networking — not just shaking hands or swapping contacts, but growing into the kind of person who naturally attracts opportunities, because you lead with value, purpose, and heart.

This is about becoming so valuable that when you show up for others, it always comes back — sometimes in ways you never expected.
It’s not luck. It’s not coincidence.
It’s alignment.

Because greatness isn’t something you chase.
It’s something you build, connection by connection.

Tap in. This one might just change how you see yourself — and the people around you.

In this episode of Born to Be Great, ex-NFL tight end Tommy Hudson shares his journey from Arizona State to the NationalFootball League — but this conversation goes way beyond football.

We dive deep into what it means to become your best self through faith, discipline, mindset,and the unseen hours of hard work. Tommy opens up about the challenges, the sacrifices, and the spiritual grounding that shaped his path.

Whether you're chasing a dream, stuck in a rut, or leveling up — this episode will remind youthat your best self isn’t optional... it’s required.

In this episode of Born to Be Great, ex-NFL tight end Tommy Hudson shares his journey from Arizona State to the National Football League — but this conversation goes way beyond football.

We dive deep into what it means to become your best self through faith, discipline, mindset, and the unseen hours of hard work. Tommy opens up about the challenges, the sacrifices, and the spiritual grounding that shaped his path.

Whether you're chasing a dream, stuck in a rut, or leveling up — this episode will remind you that your best self isn’t optional... it’s required.

In this episode of Born to Be Great, we dive deep into “The Outlier Mindset: Playing to Win” with Dr. Julie Gurner — a leading expert in high performance and mindset mastery. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck below your potential or off track from your goals, this conversation is your roadmap back to elite performance.

Dr. Gurner breaks down how outliers think differently, move differently, and win differently. You’ll learn practical strategies to reset your mindset, rebuild your focus, and unlock the relentless drive that separates the best from the rest.

Ready to stop playing small and start playing to win? Tune in and discover how to reclaim your edge, overcome setbacks, and perform at a level you didn’t think possible.

In this powerful episode, NFL veteran Justin Pugh joins the Born to Be Great show to share his raw, unfiltered journey through the highs and lows of professional football. From battling in the trenches every Sunday to overcoming injuries, self-doubt, and public pressure, Justin opens up about what it really takes to not just survive—but succeed—in one of the most demanding sports on the planet.

We dive deep into:

This is more than a conversation about football—it's about resilience, growth, and staying grounded when everything around you is shifting. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing greatness, Justin's story will remind you that every triumph starts in the trenches.