Martial Arts World Champion: The Real Reason You're Playing Life on Hard Mode! How Overcoming Bullying, Bankruptcy, & Self-Doubt Unlocks Confidence, Purpose & Happiness - Gordon Burcham | EP243
Episode Notes
In this episode, I sit down with world champion martial artist, entrepreneur, and coach Gordon Burcham to explore his powerful journey from being bullied at school to becoming a champion in sport and in life. We discuss how self-love, resilience, and mindset transformation fueled his personal and business success—even turning the pain of losing his childhood home into the drive to build his dream house and legacy. Hear actionable tips on overcoming internal battles, reframing life’s challenges, and the lifelong importance of personal development and self-belief.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/
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Video Chapters
00:00 - Introduction 00:10 - Gordon’s early years and bullying 02:09 - Coping with fear, feeling like an outsider 04:52 - Discovering martial arts and the power of persistence 08:37 - The influence of Gordon’s mother and the “get back up” mindset 09:53 - Struggling with self-doubt despite early wins 10:46 - Becoming British Champion and the disbelief that followed 11:52 - Preparing for the world championships and visualisation 13:56 - The turning point: self-belief and becoming World Champion 16:39 - Creating world titles, businesses, and a personal brand 17:22 - Advice to his younger self and importance of self-love 18:25 - External vs internal validation in today’s world 19:56 - Embracing imperfections and authentic self-acceptance 21:25 - Impact of self-belief on Gordon’s future 22:27 - Viewing challenges as gifts and reframing adversity 23:07 - Gordon’s martial arts business growth journey 26:43 - Investing in coaching and the “If you must, you will” mindset 28:57 - The empowering belief: “It’s not that you can’t, it’s that you haven’t learned to yet” 29:35 - Role and importance of coaching and self-coaching 31:35 - Moving from victim to victor mindset 33:20 - Personal development’s place in schools and life 34:38 - Taking responsibility and ending the blame game 35:45 - How internal energy and confidence impact bullying 36:58 - Business success, franchising, and industry leadership 37:49 - Losing his home, rebuilding, and finally building his dream house 39:00 - Tragedy of losing his father and writing “Live Life Happy” 44:42 - The mantra to live life without regret 45:45 - Building his dream home and creating personal rituals 47:45 - Developing routines, discipline, and daily cold showers 49:47 - The power of embracing discomfort and personal challenge 53:14 - Social media, vulnerability, and authenticity 54:16 - Life-changing ayahuasca retreat and lessons in surrender 57:26 - Moving from needing to be needed to giving and serving 1:03:20 - The continuous evolution of personal growth 1:09:01 - Surrender as a power move and living in alignment 1:11:53 - Where to connect with Gordon and upcoming projects 1:13:42 - What Gordon wishes people asked him more 1:15:27 - Closing thoughts and call to action
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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations
Website - https://www.willpolston.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston
Check out Gordon's website by clicking here.
About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let’s embark on this journey together!
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By Will Polston | Business Strategist & Performance Coach
5
22 ratings
Martial Arts World Champion: The Real Reason You're Playing Life on Hard Mode! How Overcoming Bullying, Bankruptcy, & Self-Doubt Unlocks Confidence, Purpose & Happiness - Gordon Burcham | EP243
Episode Notes
In this episode, I sit down with world champion martial artist, entrepreneur, and coach Gordon Burcham to explore his powerful journey from being bullied at school to becoming a champion in sport and in life. We discuss how self-love, resilience, and mindset transformation fueled his personal and business success—even turning the pain of losing his childhood home into the drive to build his dream house and legacy. Hear actionable tips on overcoming internal battles, reframing life’s challenges, and the lifelong importance of personal development and self-belief.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/
\ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ /
Video Chapters
00:00 - Introduction 00:10 - Gordon’s early years and bullying 02:09 - Coping with fear, feeling like an outsider 04:52 - Discovering martial arts and the power of persistence 08:37 - The influence of Gordon’s mother and the “get back up” mindset 09:53 - Struggling with self-doubt despite early wins 10:46 - Becoming British Champion and the disbelief that followed 11:52 - Preparing for the world championships and visualisation 13:56 - The turning point: self-belief and becoming World Champion 16:39 - Creating world titles, businesses, and a personal brand 17:22 - Advice to his younger self and importance of self-love 18:25 - External vs internal validation in today’s world 19:56 - Embracing imperfections and authentic self-acceptance 21:25 - Impact of self-belief on Gordon’s future 22:27 - Viewing challenges as gifts and reframing adversity 23:07 - Gordon’s martial arts business growth journey 26:43 - Investing in coaching and the “If you must, you will” mindset 28:57 - The empowering belief: “It’s not that you can’t, it’s that you haven’t learned to yet” 29:35 - Role and importance of coaching and self-coaching 31:35 - Moving from victim to victor mindset 33:20 - Personal development’s place in schools and life 34:38 - Taking responsibility and ending the blame game 35:45 - How internal energy and confidence impact bullying 36:58 - Business success, franchising, and industry leadership 37:49 - Losing his home, rebuilding, and finally building his dream house 39:00 - Tragedy of losing his father and writing “Live Life Happy” 44:42 - The mantra to live life without regret 45:45 - Building his dream home and creating personal rituals 47:45 - Developing routines, discipline, and daily cold showers 49:47 - The power of embracing discomfort and personal challenge 53:14 - Social media, vulnerability, and authenticity 54:16 - Life-changing ayahuasca retreat and lessons in surrender 57:26 - Moving from needing to be needed to giving and serving 1:03:20 - The continuous evolution of personal growth 1:09:01 - Surrender as a power move and living in alignment 1:11:53 - Where to connect with Gordon and upcoming projects 1:13:42 - What Gordon wishes people asked him more 1:15:27 - Closing thoughts and call to action
\ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ / / / \ \ \ /
Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations
Website - https://www.willpolston.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston
Check out Gordon's website by clicking here.
About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let’s embark on this journey together!
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