Fam, it’s time for me to take a few minutes in the hot seat. I going to open up my heart and show you what’s knocking around inside.

Let me start by expressing how thankful I am that you’ve come this far on the journey with me. I’m convinced we’ve still got some amazing places to go!

The topics we’ve covered and the guests I’ve hosted have equipped our community with a ton of tools that we’ll continue to use for years to come. Having said that, there comes a moment in the trajectory of every institution, every life, and every tribe when it’s time for a pivot.

Sometimes you need to pivot from the negative to the positive and sometimes you need to pivot from good to great. Entering this new season, I want you all to join me as I make the pivot from good to great!

In the year to come, I plan on bringing you more of my personal insights and observations so we can go deeper on this journey together. I’ll still introduce you to some amazing and world-class guests who will expand our perspectives and help us fast track our growth and development.

I want you all to know that I’m stepping up my game. I’ve made an investment in my skill sets and I’m confident that the ROI is going to take our tribe to the next level!

Learn more about where I’m coming from with this new direction and why I’m so hopeful for the future by listening to this episode!

Here are a few takeaways from today’s podcast episode:

• My greatest goal in life, servant leadership.
• Six words that have impacted my life.
• Where are we headed? Ultimate freedom!

Outline of This Episode

• [1:10] An update on the trajectory of Own Your Self.
• [3:25] Invest in your skills, you are worth it!
• [5:10] My greatest goal in life, servant leadership.
• [8:55] Six words that have impacted my life.
• [11:55] Striving for ultimate freedom.
• [13:40] Let’s build this tribe!

When you are alone with your thoughts and you consider the life you are living, what is your trajectory? Where are you headed? What values are important to you?

Without a doubt, my primary goal in life is servant leadership. I believe that the best leaders are the ones that serve at the highest level.

I’m so sick and tired of pompous and arrogant leaders who demand respect and loyalty without putting any skin in the game! Arrogance, bravado, stubbornness are not values that we should aspire to and enshrine in our lives, let alone our society.

When I think of the type of legacy I want to leave, I think of my grandfather. This man lived a life committed to serving others. From answering the call to serve his country in WWII to going around the world as a missionary, my grandfather’s life was filled with saying yes to the opportunity to serve others.

At the end of my days, I want people to gather around in celebration of my life well spent serving others and making this world a better place. What is your end goal? What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Let’s work on it together! We can build this little community, this tribe into a force for good! I can’t do it alone, I need you to buy in and join me on this journey. I need you to engage with the content and help me breathe life into this community so we can change the world!

SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: www.TylersCoffees.com

Use the promo code “Cary20” for 20% off

Connect With Me

• www.CaryHokama.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @CaryHokama
• On Instagram: @CaryDoes
• On LinkedIn

Superheroes are enjoying a massive cultural moment right now and I am HERE for it, fam!

I LOVE all of it, from Wonder Woman kicking ass and taking names to Captain America and the Avengers saving the world on a regular basis. Which superhero do you identify with?

Are you a little nerdy like Bruce Banner? Are you beautiful but lethal like the Black Widow? Are you wrestling with your inner demons like Tony Stark? Do you have a god complex like Thor?

My superhero is Goku from Dragon Ball. 

There is something about the superhero story that captures a part of me that longs for greatness. I want to rise up and be the HERO of my story, don't’ you?

Here’s the thing, you and I don’t have to wait around for a radioactive spider to bite us on the hand to develop superpowers! You and I can begin living a courageous and bold life right now!

Stop settling for the average and the plain, you can do better than that! Let’s kick the mediocre to the side and embrace a life that we can genuinely be proud of.

Here to help you and I get in touch with our inner hero is the mastermind himself, Dr. Chris Zaino!

Dr. Chris is the founder of Abundant Life Chiropractic in Houston, Texas, one of the highest-volume Chiropractic clinics in the world, which serves 2,400+ patients per week.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Chris was awarded the Mr. America bodybuilding title in 1998 and currently participates as an International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) professional.

As a visionary leader and internationally-acclaimed speaker, Dr. Chris has spread the wellness message globally. He dedicates his life to help people transform their lives and maximize their potential.

Take full advantage of this excellent opportunity, Kaizenties! Learn from Dr. Chris’ expert advice and find out what it’ll take to unlock your inner hero!

Here are a few takeaways from today’s podcast episode with DR. CHRIS ZAINO:

• What it takes to embrace the Hero mindset.
• Don’t fake it, be REAL!
• You have something unique to offer the world, go for it.
• Take the Hero Challenge!

Outline of This Episode

• [5:30] Dr. Chris Zaino joins the podcast.
• [7:30] What fires Dr. Chris up?
• [10:50] How do you embrace the Hero mindset?
• [14:00] Dr. Chris opens up about a serious health challenge he faced.
• [19:00] Don’t become a counterfeit version of someone else! Be you!
• [23:30] The brand is YOU.
• [28:15] What is the Hero Challenge?
• [33:50] Fears, Fogs, and Villains.
• [39:00] Point A to Point B isn’t a straight line, it’s a bunch of zigs and zags.
• [45:15] The danger of faking your way through life.
• [50:00] Addressing loneliness and searching for a connection.
• [52:30] How to connect with Dr. Chris’ powerful content.
• [57:15] What is Dr. Chris’ greatest work?
• [58:45] Dr. Chris shares his definition of Own Your Self.

The hero’s journey is never a clear-cut and simple one, that’d be a boring movie to watch!

Imagine Batman figuring out the Joker’s agenda in the first 30 minutes of The Dark Knight!

It’s the unpredictable and tumultuous nature of that movie that makes it so iconic and enjoyable.

We don’t want simplistic and basic stories, we want complexity, nuance, and intrigue!

If some of the best superhero stories out there are like this, why do we often assume that our own journey will be neat and tidy? We need to leave that type of linear thinking behind and embrace that fact that our story will be filled with zigs and zags along the way!

Where are you on your journey? Are just now starting to realize your superpowers or are you in the fight for your life against your greatest foe?

If you are struggling to find your place and identify your superpowers why not try a little experiment? What do you have to lose?

I’d like to invite you to practice Dr. Chris’ Hero Challenge.

Take your message, your passion, your THING and put it out there for the world to see. Write it out, podcast it, or even post it on Facebook Live. The key is to get your unique message out into the world on a consistent basis. It doesn’t have to be a long blog post or video, they can be little snippets here and there.

When you embrace this practice, you’ll get feedback from your community and you’ll see where your message resonates and where it doesn’t. It won’t be all sunshine and roses, you’ll have days where you don’t want to post anything, post something anyway. Do it for 186 days in a row and see where it takes you!

Stop wasting your time, get off of your ass and make something happen!

Are you ready to face your villain?

Perhaps for you, it’s not a time of discovery, it’s a time of battle! Every hero has their villain, Batman had the Joker, Superman had Lex Luthor, who is your villain?

While it may feel like your villain is your boss or your asshole neighbor, the truth is, your villain is most likely the person you see looking back at you in the mirror.

You may actively beat yourself up or it may come in a more passive way through self-sabotage.

Without even noticing it, you and I can fall into the trap of idolizing and even impersonating our mentors and heroes. Or maybe you find yourself projecting an image that isn’t the real you. What kind of life is that?

Let’s face it, fronting is exhausting! Wouldn’t you rather show up as the real you warts and all? Imagine cultivating a social sphere where people accepted you for the real you, not some hyped up and fabricated version.

Life as an imposter won’t lead us to ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction, there has to be a better way!

As amazing as the superhero life is, at the end of the day, they don’t get to put down the mask. Superheros have to keep living a double life to protect their secret, you don’t have to!

To really live your life to the fullest, you need to walk away from the airbrushed and photoshopped images. Let’s do this Kaizenites! Let’s break out of the simple and ordinary life and get in touch with our inner hero!

Connect with DR. CHRIS ZAINO

• Check out THE HERO'S SECRET SAUCE
• Dr. Chris on Facebook
• Dr. Chris on IG
• Follow Dr. Chris on Twitter

Connect With Me

• www.CaryHokama.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @CaryHokama
• On Instagram: @CaryDoes
• On LinkedIn

Superheroes are enjoying a massive cultural moment right now and I am HERE for it, fam! I LOVE all of it, from Wonder Woman kicking ass and taking names to Captain America and the Avengers saving the world on a regular basis. Which superhero do you identify with? Are you a little nerdy like Bruce Banner? Are […]

If you were to look at your life as a movie, who plays the hero and who plays the villain?

I’m quicker to identify the villain in my story than the hero. The villain? That’s easy, insecurity.

Insecurity has kicked my ass in the past and from time to time, he still rears his ugly head. If I’m honest, a skirmish with insecurity can take me out of the game for a few days.

What about you?

Is insecurity the villain of your story too? Maybe for you, the villain is fear or shame or some other limiting belief that lurks in the shadows.

Isn’t it time that we rise up and play the part of the hero and beat back these destructive influences?

I want to be able to look back at a ripe old age and be able to say that I overcame everything that stood in my way.

Let’s face it, life isn't just about what we can defeat, it’s about what we can build too!

When we peel back the layers of insecurity, shame, and all the others, what do we have left?

Here to help us peel back the layers of hurt and begin the work of building a solid framework for success, is fitness and life coach extraordinaire, Kevin Kreider.

Fitness has been a key part of Kevin’s life, helping him achieve personal goals and pursue a career in modeling and acting. Diving into the entertainment and fitness industries has given Kevin a platform to rise above the stereotypes that come along with being an Asian-American man.

Recently, Kevin has gained notoriety through a viral video produced by Huffington Post where he opens up about his negative experiences as an Asian-American man on the dating scene. There is a reason why this video went viral, people! It’s raw and vulnerable, full of painful truths and harsh realities.

Real talk? Kevin and I have faced some significant struggles when it comes to racism and stereotypes about Asian-Americans. If you don’t come from a minority group, I’d like to invite you to open yourself up to what we have to say and consider what life is like in our shoes. I’m confident that the totality of Kevin’s message will resonate with you no matter your background!

Check out that video featuring Kevin, here and get ready for some powerful TRUTH BOMBS in our conversation!

Here are a few takeaways from today’s podcast episode with Kevin Kreider:

• The diminishing returns of exterior success.
• Discovering your catalyst for change.
• Understanding the power of forgiveness.
• Honesty without love is brutality.

Subscribe to OWN YOUR SELF on iTunes, on Android, Email, or RSS

Outline of This Episode

• [6:00] Kevin Kreider joins the podcast.
• [12:40] Kevin talks about what it was like being part of a viral video.
• [15:20] The diminishing returns of weightlifting.
• [22:20] A catalyst for change.
• [31:00] Stop functioning from fear!
• [37:20] The value of community and rejecting the scarcity mindset.
• [41:15] Understanding the power of forgiveness.
• [45:00] If you want to help others, you’ve got to Own Your Self first!
• [51:00] Let your results be your personal brand.
• [54:00] What does it mean to keep it real? Honesty without love is brutality.
• [56:30] Don’t get confused about authentic vulnerability!
• [1:03:30] How to operate at a high level.
• [1:06:30] Health hacks that Kevin and I practice.
• [1:10:00] How to connect with Kevin and learn from his wisdom.

Pulling up the floorboards and stripping the place down.

I’ve got to come clean, I’m a sucker for home renovation shows on HGTV.

There is something about striping a house down, all the way to the support beams and building something completely new that deeply resonates with me.

On these shows, before they can really get to the good stuff, they have to go to work tearing down the existing framework.

From pulling up some nasty shag carpet from the 70’s to scraping a popcorn textured ceiling, before the new vision can become a reality, the old has to go!

In a lot of ways, you and I have to go through the same process. Life has handed you a script, you have to decide if you want to accept it or if you want to put in the work and start rewriting it.

You don’t have to live with shag carpet from the 70’s just like you don't have to live a life weighed down with insecurity, fear, and shame!

If you’ve watched these shows or participated in a DIY home improvement project yourself, you know that it's no walk in the park! While it may look easy from the comfort of your couch, the truth is, if you want results, you've got to get some dirt under your fingernails.

Are you willing to get some dirt under your fingernails? What lengths will you go to pull up the floorboards of fear in your life?

Kaizenites, you can do this! Brick by brick let’s start ripping down the old mindset that functions on fear, insecurity, and all the rest to build a life we can be proud of!

From tearing down to building up.

Have you ever noticed that tearing things down is a lot easier than building something from scratch?

When you focus on tearing things down, you can get sort of drunk off of the power you are wielding. Deconstructing narratives and demolishing harmful thought patterns are kind of a trip!

Sooner or later, you have to put down the sledgehammer and pick up the blueprint and start planning for the next phase, reconstruction.

When you get through all the layers what do you have left? Maybe you find your fist tightening around that sledgehammer because it's comforting or familiar. You aren’t alone!

I know that letting go of your fear can be scary, especially when you’ve used fear as your fuel for years!

I’m speaking from personal experience when I tell you that moving from an unhealthy mindset to a healthy mindset is VERY difficult but worth the effort!

In my experience, the best way to embrace a healthy mindset is by tapping into the power of spirituality. I’m not here to tell you what to believe or how to practice spirituality. You do you!

Without fail, when I speak to a leader who has their shit together, the primary cause they point to is a connection to a higher power or spiritual practice.

It’s no accident that many of the major world religions and spiritual movements focus on concepts like serving others, practicing forgiveness, and meditation.

What are you waiting for? The time to start growing your mindset in a healthy direction is right now! You can do this, I’m rooting for you and your success!

Additional Resources And Links

• Kevin's conversation with Jeremy Lin

SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: www.TylersCoffees.com

Use the promo code “Cary20” for 20% off

Connect with Kevin Kreider

• Check out Kevin’s website
• Follow Kevin on Twitter
• Engage with Kevin on Facebook
• See what Kevin is up to on IG
• Watch Kevin's videos on YouTube
• Add Kevin to your network on LinkedIn

Connect With Me

• www.CaryHokama.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @CaryHokama
• On Instagram: @CaryDoes
• On LinkedIn

Do you ever feel like you are pulled in a thousand different directions? It seems that in order to succeed in today’s social media environment you have to be a jack of all trades and a master of none! From Facebook Live to YouTube channels and IG Stories, there are so many ways to build your online presence, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Kaizenites, you know that at the heart of my message is a desire to continually improve and embrace the very best of who I can be each and every day. I’ll be the first to admit that I can stray from that message from time to time. I get distracted and I need helpful voices in my life that remind me to get back to the basics of what I’m all about.

I’m convinced that this struggle isn’t unique to me! I know many of you often find your personal message and purpose lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Let’s cut through the noise and get back to the basics together!

Here to help us hack through life’s overgrowth with his machete of wisdom and knowledge is Evan Carmichael!

Evan has 1.5M+ subscribers on his YouTube channel which features over 5,000 videos on the greatest influencers and leaders in the world. You may have come across his Top 10 Rules of Success videos that showcase his genius. Evan has also been recognized as one of INC. Magazine’s 100 Great Leadership Speakers and one of Forbes Magazine’s Top 40 Social Marketing Talents.

Evan is THE GUY when it comes to addressing untapped potential. He eats, sleeps, breathes and bleeds entrepreneurship. Evan is obsessed with his mission to help one billion entrepreneurs and change the world. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Evan’s world-class insights!

Here are a few takeaways from today’s podcast episode with EVAN CARMICHAEL:

• You need a unique message!
• There is always room for quality at the top.
• Go where your audience is, don’t expect them to come to you!
• Create an environment that supports your message.

Outline of This Episode

• [6:30] I am joined by the amazing, Evan Carmichael!
• [9:00] Is your messaging unique? Does your purpose come from your pain?
• [13:50] How do you breakthrough and reach your audience?
• [16:30] There is always room for quality at the top!
• [19:00] Why it’s important to be where your audience is.
• [23:00] Get back to the basics!
• [27:30] What’s your main message?
• [28:50] Create your environment that supports your message.
• [32:15] What is Evan’s greatest work?

How do you think guys like Michael Jordan, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and others achieve the level of performance and success that made them household names? Did they bite on every new tactic and flashy new course that came their way? No! They mastered the basics of their craft. Imagine how many hours of practice it took for Jordan to make those shots on the court consistently. How many failed ideas and drawing board designed got scraped before Jobs locked in on the final version of the iPhone?

It may sound so BASIC but sometimes that’s exactly what we need!

In his research, renowned author, Malcolm Gladwell discovered that it takes, on average, 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to become an expert in your field.

In our culture, we are conditioned to believe that we need all the stars to align before we can take the next step and move forward to pursue our purpose. That’s a load of shit! If you wait for the “right circumstances” to succeed, you are a sucker.

Instead of a comforting and nurturing message, sometimes we just need a swift kick in the ass to get us moving in the right direction. Consider this your kick in the ass, I’ll admit, I need one too sometimes!

Let’s reject this notion of a safe, Hollywood crafted version of success and get closer to the gritty reality. The truth is, it’s going to take blood, sweat, and tears to make your dreams come true, you won’t see that in a Disney movie!

What do you need to do to get back to the basics in your zone of genius? Do whatever it takes to lock in on those foundational concepts and master them, I mean REALLY master them!

In this season of life, I’m focusing on honing my speaking skills. I want to take my message to any audience I can and convey it with passion, sincerity, and excitement! I hate the idea of good content wasted on poor execution. What do you need to work on right now? What is your plan of attack?

The old saying rings true here, “What gets managed, get’s done!” If you want to accomplish your goals, you’ve got to start creating an environment you can succeed in! Maybe for you, it’s carving out that hour in your day to work on personal development. Or maybe it’s quitting that job that is sucking the life and creativity out of you. Whatever it is for you, get it done! Stop waiting for the perfect moment to take action - your moment is NOW!

Kaizenites, I’m in this thing for the long haul. It won’t be easy but I know the journey will be worth it! I’m going to invite you in on my process, I’m going to open up and show you what I’m up to every step of the way. It’s my hope that my journey will serve as an encouragement and a beacon of light so high performers like you can find your way and hone your craft.

Additional Resources And Links

• Elon Musk
• Steve Jobs
• Les Brown
• Michael Jordan
• Gary Vaynerchuk

SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: www.TylersCoffees.com

Use the promo code “Cary20” for 20% off

Connect with EVAN CARMICHAEL

• Check out Evan’s website
• Follow Evan on Twitter
• Connect with Evan on Facebook
• See what Evan is up to on IG
• Subscribe to Evan’s channel on YouTube

Connect With Me

• www.CaryHokama.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @CaryHokama
• On Instagram: @CaryDoes
• On LinkedIn

Did you know that we live in a paradox? Want proof? Scroll through your Instagram feed and then listen to what your closest friends are looking for in a romantic partner. The difference is night and day! While Instagram highlights success, fame, and beauty – at the end of the day, everyone wants to end […]

Did you know that we live in a paradox? Want proof? Scroll through your Instagram feed and then listen to what your closest friends are looking for in a romantic partner. The difference is night and day! While Instagram highlights success, fame, and beauty - at the end of the day, everyone wants to end up with someone who is kind, loyal, dependable, and trustworthy.

In reality, true connections (romantic and platonic) are made when we let our guard down and allow others to get close to us. The problem is, our culture has conditioned us to do the opposite!

On one hand, we curate an external image and we celebrate objects of success and on the other hand, deep down we long for a deeper and more genuine existence.

Clearly, there is a disconnect between what we celebrate and what we want!

Kaizenites, I want to find a way to bridge that gap. I long for the day where we can enjoy the glitzy stuff and still live deep and meaningful lives. The two don’t have to be at odds!

Here to help us go beyond the surface bull shit and find a genuine and lasting confidence is the Confidence Coach herself, Nancy Castro!

Nancy is the founder of The Center of Confidence in Dubai. She is also the Director of Empowerment for Sisterhood Connections and serves as a Confidence Coach. As a dedicated Confidence Catalyst, Nancy created the program “Keys to Confidence.”

Nancy is a ROCKSTAR coach and confidence expert! She is ready to deliver the goods and help high performers like you cut through the BS and discover a more fulfilling future!

You don’t have to live life on cruise control! Learn what it takes to enjoy lasting and genuine confidence with Nancy leading the way!

Here are a few takeaways from today’s podcast episode with NANCY CASTRO:

• Why it’s important to stay grounded.
• Using the, “I am…” exercise.
• How to embrace a healthy version of self-affirmation.
• Find your inner peace and live your authentic truth!

Subscribe to OWN YOUR SELF on iTunes, on Android, Email, or RSS

Outline of This Episode

• [4:30] I welcome my guest, Nancy Castro.
• [6:00] Nancy jumps right into our conversation.
• [7:40] I run through a snapshot of Nancy’s background.
• [9:30] Staying grounded.
• [13:00] Nancy talks about entering a bikini competition.
• [18:30] Practicing the “I am…” exercise.
• [22:30] Battling insecurity and valuing yourself.
• [26:30] Embracing a healthy version of self-affirmation.
• [35:30] Find your inner peace and live your authentic truth!
• [39:00] The journey isn’t easy, that’s OK, embrace the process.
• [41:45] What is Nancy’s mission?
• [44:45] Get crystal clear about your mission!
• [47:00] How Nancy helps people who seek her out.
• [48:45] What it means to Own Your Self according to Nancy.

Living in the present moment and staying grounded.

Do you ever get the feeling that you are just floating through life untethered? Do you find yourself constantly stuck in the past, replying decisions or moments like they are a highlight reel or worse yet, a disaster reel? Or maybe for you, it’s all about the future, your head is always stuck in the clouds dreaming about the day when you finally “arrive” and accomplish all of your goals.

Here’s the thing, Kaizenites, while it’s not wrong to think of the past or dream of the future, the truth is, you are right HERE, in the present! Start acting like it!

Don’t waste too much of your time longing for the past or dreaming of the future. You can’t fix the past and you can’t predict the future! What you have power over, right now, is this moment.

Stop going through life untethered to reality. Ground yourself, my friends!

I have found practices like meditation and exercise keep me grounded in the present.

Do I dream of the future? Absolutely! But I’m hard at work doing what I can to make TODAY the best day I can. Find what works for you!

Embracing a healthy version of self-affirmation.

Real talk? I think we may have gone a little overboard as a culture when it comes to all this “Love your body” messaging. Don’t get me wrong, I want everyone to enjoy self-confidence and a healthy view of self-affirmation. The keyword there is a HEALTHY view of self-affirmation.

If your body isn’t healthy, it doesn’t do you any good to call it healthy!

A helpful alternative to blanket positive affirmation is to say, “I’m in the process of…”

If you are overweight and unhealthy, don’t just say your body is perfect, tell yourself that you are, “In the process of achieving your perfect body” or something to that extent.

It is helpful to voice and express where we are AND where we want to be. You can love yourself while you are in the process!

How can you get the results you want when it comes to your physical health, emotional health, and mental health when you buy the line that you are perfect just the way you are?

I know this is a tricky subject and the last thing I want to do is cause harm, Kaizenites. I want you to know that there is a path forward where you can work toward change and transformation.

Let’s leave that bull shit behind and break free!

Get clear on your mission!

Fam, I’m SICK of the same old crap that people pass off as their mission in life. The shiny cars and the huge houses aren’t going to mean anything at the end of your life!

Let’s STOP living that way!

I’m not saying that we can’t enjoy that sweet ass ride or a comfy bank account. I just don’t think it’s healthy for us in the long term to let that be the end goal!

Imagine a life where you can show up filled with true confidence in who you are and where you are going. You’d be unstoppable!

One of the best things you can do to bring alignment between all the surface stuff and the authentic you is to get clear on your mission. Don’t just get a good idea of what your mission is, get CRYSTAL CLEAR!

Take the time you need to center yourself and dig deep! This will allow you to move beyond a superficial mission to connect with what you really want to do and accomplish with your life.

I know that if you take the time and put in the work necessary to get real with where you want to go, you’ll be better for it!

SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: www.TylersCoffees.com

Use the promo code “Cary20” for 20% off

Connect with Nancy Castro

• Check out Nancy’s website
• Grab Nancy’s Ebook
• Connect with Nancy on Facebook
• Follow Nancy on Twitter
• See what Nancy is up to on Instagram

Connect With Me

• www.CaryHokama.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @CaryHokama
• On Instagram: @CaryDoes
• On LinkedIn

What is your vision for your life? Beyond the nice cars, six or seven figures in your bank account, and comfortable home - dig deep! What is that you truly want to accomplish with the time that you have on earth? Is fame your goal? Is fulfillment your goal? Is causing the most good your goal?

Are these just nice ideas that you have floating around in your head or are you actively working toward a full vision of success in your life?

The truth is, your goals won’t accomplish themselves! You actually have to put in the work to see the results, go figure!

One of the best ways that I can help you Kaizenites, reach your goals and create a compelling vision for your life is by introducing you to people like Tim Conners.

Tim is known as a sightless visionary, adventurer, speaker, cancer survivor, a fighter, and a giver. Tim was 15 years old when the doctors told him he had T­-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This disease would eventually go on to take Tim’s sight. From that moment on, Tim has been on a journey filled with challenges, struggles, and victories.

From trekking through the Grand Canyon to summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Tim refuses to let anything stand in the way of his vision for success. Discover the powerful insights and lessons that have helped Tim succeed by listening to this episode!

Here are a few takeaways from today’s podcast episode with TIM CONNERS:

• You’ve got to have someone in your corner!
• Hope + Action = Success
• Don’t underestimate the power of mental strength and positivity!
• Find something worth living for.

Outline of This Episode

• [4:15] I introduce my guest, Tim Conners.
• [5:40] Tim shares his story of fighting cancer.
• [11:05] What was life like for Tim before he got sick?
• [14:15] How Tim’s mom helped him set and reach his goals.
• [17:15] Inspiring others to crush their limiting beliefs.
• [19:15] What is the ALIVE principle?
• [21:15] Using other sense than sight to interact with an audience.
• [24:15] Hope + Action = Success.
• [27:00] Tim talks about his plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
• [37:45] The power of mental strength and positivity.
• [44:45] Tim talks about his future plan to bike across the country.
• [46:45] What Own Your Self means to Tim.
• [48:00] Who should connect with Tim?

Who is in your corner?

When it comes to the business world, we are taught and conditioned that we can’t count on anyone else for our success but ourselves. Is that really how life works? Should we have a lone wolf mentality?

While we idolize guys like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Jeff Bezos - the singular focus on a larger than life personality can blind us to the reality that they are where they are because of the people they have around them.

As it turns out, having someone in your corner cheering you on and helping you along the way can make all the difference!

Think about your journey up to this point. You are where you are now because someone somewhere took the time to encourage you, big or small.

For Tim Conners, that person was his mother. Through all the hospital stays and constant doctor’s visits, Tim’s mother was there in his corner helping him to set goals that would eventually set him on the road to recovery.

Who do you have in your corner? Who can you rely on to help you set goals and hold you accountable to reach them?

The myth of the self-made man is just that, a myth! Reject the idea that you can make it without anyone’s help. Getting support and help along the way doesn't show weakness, it shows true strength!

Hope + Action = Success

What do you hope to accomplish with your life? What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Is there a greater vision behind your short-term goals or are you just plodding along without purpose?

I’ve been there, Kaizenites. Depressed, unsure of my future, wondering what it would take to break out of the funk. Through all of my struggles, I’ve found only one thing that actually matters.

Action.

We can go to all the seminars, masterminds, and workshops ad nauseam and still go home only to find ourselves sinking back into that worn out butt shape on our couch cushion. Wake up, my friends!

Inspiration and hope mean nothing if they aren’t married to action! While the distance between your couch and to your vision for success may seem like the widest chasm imaginable, all it takes is one little step to start the journey.

You don’t have to accomplish all of your goals overnight! Break it down into bite size chunks. Do something to get movement and traction in your life today.

I won’t sugar coat it, getting from where you are to where you want to be won’t be easy but I know from personal experience that it is absolutely worth it!

The power of positivity.

The last thing our world needs is another cynical person who is always sucking the air out of every room they walk into. What are you adding to your surroundings? Are you bringing forth positivity and joy or are you draining it from others?

You have the power to shape your own story! How will you shape it? Will you lead with your limitations?

You don't’ have a nice car. You don’t have your dream job. You don’t have perfect physical health. You don’t have the wealth you’d like to have.

Or will you lead with what you do have? Will you leverage the good in your life to amplify positivity around you?

You can impact those around you with something as simple as a simile. Imagine what your life would look like if you make an effort to radiate positive everywhere you went.

My challenge for you, Kaizenites is to work toward the good in your life. It can be as simple as a smile toward a stranger, buying coffee for someone behind you in line, or taking the time to have a pleasant conversation with your neighbor.

Additional Resources And Links

• Erik Weihenmayer
• Americorp
• No Barriers Summit
• K2 Adventures Foundation

SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: www.TylersCoffees.com

Use the promo code “Cary20” for 20% off

Connect with Tim Conners

• Check out Tim's website
• Connect with Tim on Facebook
• Follow Tim on Twitter
• Tim’s book: It’s Impossible Until You Do It

Connect With Me

• www.CaryHokama.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @CaryHokama
• On Instagram: @CaryDoes
• On LinkedIn

Do you ever find yourself stuck in a feedback loop of negativity in your own head? You might be scared to admit it but the truth is, at some point we all struggle with limiting beliefs that sabotage our chances for success!

The tricky thing is, these limiting beliefs don’t always FEEL negative. Sometimes they show up as worrying about what’s going to happen tomorrow, overplanning to make sure you’ve got complete control over the situation, and nervous energy that causes you to pace back and forth for no discernible reason - just to name a few!

What if there was a way to push those limiting beliefs aside so you could show up and genuinely enjoy each moment of life as the gift that it is?

Kaizenites, I’m convinced that moving past our limiting beliefs to truly show up and embrace life in the present moment is the KEY to unlock our potential!

Here to help us understand our limiting beliefs and discover a better way forward is Melinda Wittstock! Melinda is a visionary entrepreneur, innovator and founder-CEO of four scalable media-tech businesses, a passionate advocate for women in business - and that’s just a snapshot of what she’s all about! Over the course of her career, she's worked alongside influencers and innovators such as Steve Jobs, Anderson Cooper, and Richard Branson just to name a few!

Make the most of this opportunity to learn from Melinda’s astonishing achievements and valuable insights!

Here are a few takeaways from today’s podcast episode with MELINDA WITTSTOCK:

• The power of being in the NOW.
• Don’t let your pain dominate your perspective!
• Change happens on the inside first.
• Reject a scarcity mindset, it makes you do crazy things!

Outline of This Episode

• [5:15] I welcome my guest, Melinda Wittstock.
• [7:15] Why it’s so important to find places to relax.
• [9:15] The power of being in the now.
• [11:45] What should you do with your pain?
• [15:10] Melinda talks about the challenges she faced in her marriage.
• [21:00] Change happens on the inside first.
• [26:00] Melinda opens up about her media career.
• [32:45] Any successful leader will have the right people around them.
• [36:45] Unique challenges women leaders face.
• [40:15] Why it’s important to connect with masterminds and outside influences.
• [43:45] Scarcity drives you to do crazy things out of fear!
• [47:15] Melinda talks about her work creating an innovative marketing software.
• [51:45] What is Verifeed?
• [54:45] Who should connect with Melinda?

Are you a prisoner to your pain?

Not to get all doom and gloom on you right now but I believe it’s important to acknowledge and work through our past baggage and pain before we can move forward with a healthy outlook.

It won’t do you or me any good to recognize our pain and then just sweep it under the rug!

If we have any hope for moving forward, we’ve to recognize and address the past pain that holds us captive.

You can do some of this work on your own by mending that broken relationship with your parents or getting out of that toxic friendship with that person who constantly sucks the life out of you. Then there is some work that you’ll need to call in reinforcements for, that’s where professional counselors and therapists come in.

Whatever you need to do to root out the pain in your life, do it! You are worth more than a cobbled together existence - you deserve to thrive!

LIVE in the moment, it’s worth it!

Once you’ve dealt with your past pain, you can start the work to set up an environment where you can stretch out and grow!

Just think of how freeing it would be to walk into a room and just BE with the people there. Seriously, imagine what that would look like!

No agenda, no anxiety, no need to move past that experience and get on with the day. Doesn’t that life sound so much more meaningful than the way our society has conditioned us to behave?

Let’s break free from the illusions that the social media highlight reel dupes up into. There is a better way forward!

Kaizenites, we can do this! We don’t have to just read the script that life had handed us. Let’s commit right here and right now to put in the effort work through our junk so we can enjoy a more hopeful existence. It won’t be a walk in the park but I’m ready to practice what I preach!

What is ROA?

You’ve heard of ROI, what about ROA?

ROA stands for Return On Authenticity and I’m kind of obsessed with this right now. Melinda coined the term and she’s working hard to help Kaizenites like us understand the value of authenticity both personally and professionally.

As you move from pushing past your pain to living in the moment, a huge part of the journey is coming to terms with the authentic you.

If you are no longer your pain, your past, your hurt, or your anxiety, who are you?

It’s telling that one of the harshest punishments in prison is solitary confinement. I think that says a lot about why we need to be in community with others (even if it’s fellow prisoners!) but I think it also has something to say about how uncomfortable most of us are with the person we see staring back at us in the mirror.

The reason why I force myself to connect with mentors and participate in masterminds is fact that I want to get a clearer idea of who I am and where I’m at so I can improve myself.

I know that when I put in the hard work of personal development I become more comfortable with the authentic me!

Contrast that punishment of solitary confinement with religious orders of various faith backgrounds who have priests or monks who willingly enter into seclusion. Why is one a punishment and the other a formational practice?

I believe that the key is in the objective. While one is a punishment the other is an intentional act become comfortable with the authentic self.

Friends, let’s do the work necessary to see an ROA. Let’s become comfortable with who we are so we can enjoy everything this life has to offer!

Additional Resources And Links

• Anderson Cooper
• Richard Branson
• Sara Blakely
• Lewis Howes
• Steve Jobs
• The Untethered Soul
• Natalie Ledwell

SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: www.TylersCoffees.com

Use the promo code “Cary20” for 20% off

Connect with MELINDA WOODSTOCK

• Verifeed
• Melinda's website
• Wings Summit

Connect With Me

• www.CaryHokama.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @CaryHokama
• On Instagram: @CaryDoes
• On LinkedIn

Subscribe to OWN YOUR SELF on iTunes, on Android, Email, or RSS

Remember when you were a kid and you were afraid of that monster under the bed or in the closet? We’ve outgrown those monsters, right? No! They’ve just evolved!

Instead of a snarling imaginary beast from childhood, today we hide under the covers from the three-headed monster of fear, shame, and envy.

Fear creeps in and makes you want to turn tail and run in the opposite direction.

Shame sneaks in and tells you that you are bad, you are worthless, you have nothing to offer, you don’t deserve to be heard.

Then envy comes along and sinks its claws into your psyche whispering the lie that you don’t have enough, that you need is what’s just outside of your reach.

I’m tired of hiding under the covers from these monsters! I’m ready to fight back! I want a more hopeful and healthy future, are you with me, Kaizenites?

I am pumped to introduce you to my friend, accomplished therapist and professional three-headed monster slayer, Tiffany McLain!

Tiffany has a Master’s of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology. She writes, speaks and consults about the psychology of upward mobility for young professionals. She has been featured in SF Weekly, Psychology Today and the Huffington Post.

Get ready, my friends! This episode with Tiffany has a ton of helpful insights that you can use to slay the emotional beast that has power over your life so you can reach your full potential!

Here are a few takeaways from today’s podcast episode with TIFFANY MCLAIN:

• Understanding the difference between shame and guilt.
• Why it’s unhelpful to look at social media for validation.
• How to get off of your ass and take action!
• Shame is a feeling, not a fact!

Outline of This Episode

• [0:00] I welcome my guest, Tiffany McLain.
• [2:30] I go over some of Tiffany’s background.
• [5:15] Tiffany talks about her professional work.
• [6:30] What led Tiffany to become a psychotherapist?
• [10:30] Understanding a disorganized attachment to success.
• [16:30] Chasing the desire to help others and make money along the way.
• [19:30] The difference between guilt and shame.
• [22:30] Why it’s unhelpful to look at social media for validation.
• [26:00] What keeps people from taking action in their lives?
• [28:00] How do you lean into fear?
• [33:45] What is the source of fear?
• [36:30] Tiffany talks about owning her aggression and finding a breakthrough.
• [43:00] How your community forms your thinking.
• [46:00] Don’t let envy sabotage your journey!
• [50:00] The joy of life as a misfit.
• [52:00] How to find a good therapist.
• [53:30] What does it mean to Own Your Self?

Breaking the power of fear.

In life, we come across good fear and bad fear. The fear that you feel when you are on a rollercoaster zipping through the air at ungodly speeds can feel great! Blood rushing, heart pounding, a healthy fear can make you feel alive!

Then there is that shitty version of fear that can paralyze you and keep you on the couch all day binge watching Netflix instead of going to that networking event or taking a risk to start that business you’ve always dreamed about.

What should we do with the fear that holds us back? Is there a way to break free from its power? Yes, there is!

One of the best ways to get back in the driver's seat is by leaning into your fears. Get curious! Find out what it is that you are so afraid of. Too often we let fear of the unknown hold us back. When you get real and chase down the root of your fears, you start to reclaim that power!

Real talk, there are things in my life that I’m afraid of. I’ve just committed to a major professional and financial investment and it has me on edge. I don’t want fear to dominate and dictate the rest of my life.

I’m willing to put in the time to drill down and face my fears because I know that when I do that I begin to break free! Join me, Kaizenites! Let’s kick fear where it counts!

Getting rid of shame.

Shame is an ugly one, my friends. Fear is more of a known quantity but shame is really toxic and harmful. Shame is that negative and self-sabotaging story we continue to tell ourselves deep down in the pit of our souls.

You aren’t worthy of success.

You don’t have what it takes to succeed.

No one could love you.

You drive everyone away.

These are just a few of the lies that shame tells us. Life can be so much better, free from the power of shame. It is surprisingly powerful and ridiculously toxic. The lies that shame tells us can feel so TRUE, but they aren’t!

The truth is, shame is a feeling, not a fact!

A great way to start fighting back against the power of shame is to start identifying it when it pops up. Say it out loud or write it down! When you see or say that lie, it puts you in the position of power and helps you begin to break free from the spell it had over you.

Kaizenites, we deserve to live shame-free! Hold on to that truth that shame is a feeling, not a fac

Seeing envy for what it really is.

When I think of envy, I think of Christmas. Seriously! I think back to all those commercials on TV and the ads they would send to my house in the mail filled with the latest toys and gadgets.

I couldn’t choose just a few items, I wanted every toy and every gadget!

As an adult, I feel like I’ve outgrown that childish impulse of greed and envy… until I see someone who’s made it. Then I’m that kid at Christmas all over again. I want to run over and grab their success and take it as my own!

Envy has a way of tricking us in a way that feels good and self-righteous. I wouldn’t come right out and say that I want to take something that someone has. I would tell myself that I only want what’s fair. Sure, they worked hard to get what they have, but so have I! I deserve success, I deserve recognition, if the world were fair, I’d have it.

You see where this type of thinking can lead, don’t you? It leads to an unhealthy sense of entitlement. The last thing that our society needs are more people who feel like they are entitled to something that they haven’t earned!

What’s the solution? Step away from the comparison trap! Resist the temptation to compare what you’ve done and where you are in life to the progress that others have made. I get it, friends, I follow some amazing thought leaders and influencers on social media and I get to interact with many successful people in real life but I refuse to compare my story to theirs.

Don’t let envy steer you in the wrong direction! You are better than that. Put your head down and put in the work, the rest will come, trust me!

Additional Resources And Links

• Anthony Bourdain
• Zero To Launch
• Pre-Suasion
• Tim Ferriss
• Gary Vaynerchuk

SPONSOR OF THIS EPISODE: www.TylersCoffees.com

Use the promo code “Cary20” for 20% off

Connect with TIFFANY MCLAIN

• Check out Tiffany's website

Connect With Me

• www.CaryHokama.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @CaryHokama
• On Instagram: @CaryDoes
• On LinkedIn