Welcome back to another episode of Speaking to Stacy, the podcast where I share practical advice for an action-driven lifestyle. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with David Lindsay, a former rugby league player turned personal trainer and keynote speaker, about his unique life experience and the lessons he learned in sports.

David's diverse sporting journey includes playing rugby league, stepping inside the boxing ring and the cage for fights, and even dabbling in arm wrestling. He's a true example of someone who has pushed their limits and achieved success through hard work, discipline, and resilience.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is that hard work often outdoes talent. David explains why this is true based on his own experience as an athlete and personal trainer. He shares that while talent is a great starting point, it's the hard work you put in that truly sets you apart.

Another important topic we discuss is the power of ritual and organizational culture in sports, business, and family life. David provides practical tips on how to implement these concepts and explains how they can help you achieve your goals and build a strong foundation for success.

We also dive into the issue of burnout, which is a common challenge for anyone striving for high-performance. David shares his insights on how to avoid physical and mental exhaustion and maintain a healthy balance in life.

Finally, David talks about self-sabotage and slipping back into bad habits. He shares valuable advice on how to recognize and overcome negative patterns of behavior.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to improve their performance in sports, business, or life in general. If you enjoyed our conversation, please share it with one other person who might find it helpful.

Thank you for tuning in to the final episode of Speaking to Stacy!

How to contact David:

Email:

[email protected]

LinkedIn:

David Lindsay

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Email: [email protected]

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Email: [email protected]

Get in touch

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Email: [email protected]

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Overview:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a form of psychotherapy that has become increasingly popular over the years for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health disorders. CBT is an umbrella term used to understand a number of therapies. The two main forms are cognitive therapies - which examine how cognitions interplay with situations or triggers and emotions and lead to behaviors, and behavioral therapies - which focus on changing behavior patterns. In this conversation, we will delve deeper into CBT and how it can help with weight loss and anger management.

 3 Key Benefits for the Listeners:

1.     How CBT can assist in weight loss.

2.     You will learn how effective paced breathing can be as a relaxation technique.

3.     You will understand the connection between your environment, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. 

Please stick around until the end of the show if you want to hear why Dr Fuller thinks most people could benefit from a meditation practice.

 Understanding CBT:

CBT helps individuals understand the role of their environment, thinking, and feelings. These three factors drive our behaviours and by understanding them we can get a better handle of our behaviours. By identifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, individuals can develop techniques and tools to behave better over a long period of time. CBT provides individuals with the tools they need to be independent and to change their way of life for the better.

One of the greatest benefits of CBT is its focus on lifestyle change, which is the only way to achieve a sustainable transformation. By helping individuals understand their values and set goals in alignment with those values, CBT enables them to make decisions day to day that will help them achieve their long-term goals.

 Weight loss and CBT

Weight loss isn’t the hardest part. Getting people to lose weight and then keep it off is difficult. Making healthy choices is easy when individuals are at home and in control, but it becomes more challenging when they go out for dinner with friends after a stressful day, or during Thanksgiving or Christmas with family.

This is where CBT thrives. By teaching individuals how to make good decisions and behave in ways that will help them achieve their long-term goals, CBT helps them understand the role of their environment, thinking, and feelings in driving behaviors. With CBT, individuals learn to use techniques and tools to behave better over a long period of time, thus achieving sustainable weight loss.

Anger management and CBT

Anger is a common emotion that can cause problems in relationships, in the workplace, and in every aspect of life. CBT views all feelings as valid, including anger. Ryan, a CBT practitioner, believes that in CBT, there are times where individuals should embrace the feeling and other times where they should step in and change or modulate their feelings.

CBT can help individuals deal with anger by clarifying their morals, principles, and values. By ascertaining how thoughts and behaviors interplay with the anger they experience, individuals can determine whether their behaviors align with their values and morals.

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Ryan Botha, a retired footballer who played for many teams all over the world such as SuperSport United, Myllykosken Pallo -47 (formerly known as MyPa) and Denizlispor, is now the owner of a gym and a football coach. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on the changes in modern football, his career, and his experiences training non-athletes in the gym.

According to Ryan, modern football has undergone significant changes since his retirement. The game has become faster, more technical, and all outfield players are expected to put in a big shift. With the introduction of technology and data tracking, players can no longer hide what they are doing on the pitch, and cameras can pick up most, if not all, off-the-ball action. As a result, it's become increasingly difficult to compare players across generations because sports science and technology have advanced so much over the years.

Ryan's football career began at an early age, and he even had the opportunity to go on trial at Manchester United at just 17 years old. However, he was unable to obtain a work permit in England and subsequently signed with SuperSport United at 18. Unfortunately, his career was marred by a major knee injury while playing in Turkey, which almost forced him into early retirement at the young age of 23. This experience taught him the importance of having a plan for life after sport, and he has since transitioned to coaching both men's and women's football.

In his coaching, Ryan emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline to young players. He believes that the South African soccer system doesn't support young players who can't cut it at the highest level and that this is a problem that needs to be addressed internally. He also believes that coaching non-athletes in the gym requires resetting expectations and emphasizing the importance of buying into his approach in order to achieve their desired results.

Overall, Ryan's experiences as a footballer, gym owner, and coach have taught him the importance of hard work, discipline, and having a plan for the future. As modern football continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how coaches and players adapt to new technologies and expectations.

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Personal trainer Jason Jeffcote is proof that life is full of unexpected twists and turns. After a promising sports career was cut short due to an accident, Jason found himself searching for a new path. It was through his work at a big chain gym that he discovered his true passion for fitness and helping others achieve their health goals.

Individualized Training Programs

One of the keys to Jason's success is his approach to individualizing training programs. He believes that each person is unique, with their own set of needs and abilities. This is especially true for one of his most inspiring clients, who lost an incredible 40kg with Jason's guidance. Through his tailored approach, Jason helped her overcome her initial struggles and achieve sustainable lifestyle changes.

The Power of Social Media and Technology

In a post-COVID-19 world, Jason believes that using social media and technology is crucial for growing your business. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and respect with clients through positive feedback loops. This not only helps clients stay motivated but also builds a loyal following that can help expand your business.

The Wisdom of Experience

As an experienced personal trainer, Jason has some valuable advice for new trainers just starting out. He stresses the importance of being in shape as a personal trainer, as it is a part of your business brand. He also advises new trainers to specialize in a niche and become known for it. And in a competitive industry, he reminds them to be industrious in order to get clients.

The Importance of Innovation

Starting a personal training career just before the COVID-19 lockdowns was a challenge that Jason had to overcome. But he was able to adapt and innovate, finding new ways to reach clients and keep them motivated. This experience taught him valuable lessons about the importance of being flexible and open to new ideas.

The Benefits of Sobriety

In addition to his professional achievements, Jason has also made some significant changes in his personal life. After a traumatic incident on a night out, Jason made the decision to reduce his alcohol intake. Over time, he was able to quit alcohol completely. This decision has had miraculous benefits for both his personal and professional life, giving him more energy, focus, and clarity.

Jason's journey from tragedy to triumph shows the transformative power of fitness and the importance of finding your passion. Through his individualized approach, innovative use of technology, and personal commitment to sobriety, he is helping people achieve their health goals and live their best lives. 

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Overview:

On Speaking to Stacy this week, I interviewed Michael Poppmeier, a former rugby player who played for Western Province and Eastern Province and captained the German national side. Michael shared valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the sport.

Michael emphasized that developing hand-eye coordination through other sports was key to his success. This demonstrates the importance of a well-rounded approach to athleticism. However, becoming a professional rugby player requires more than just raw talent.

1) Even if you get a late start in sports you can achieve great things:

Michael, who started playing rugby at the age of 19, is a true testament to the power of hard work and dedication.

2) Why a great team culture matters:

Michael highlighted that having a great team culture is essential for getting everyone involved and committed. When everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal, maintaining the required level of commitment becomes much easier. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of older players guiding newcomers to the team. Such mentorship and support systems can make all the difference, especially for younger players who may not yet comprehend the compounding effect of training hard every day.

3) Have a plan for your life after sport, and plan early:

Not only was Michael focused on the present, but he also had a plan for what comes after his career. Michael stressed the importance of starting to plan early since one never knows if their career will end early due to unforeseen circumstances. This lesson applies to any field, not just sports. Having a backup plan and thinking about one’s next steps is always a good idea.

Conclusion:

All in all, Michael’s story is an inspiring one. It just goes to show that with enough hard work, dedication, and support, anything is possible. Whether you’re an athlete or not, there are valuable lessons to be learned from his experience. So keep pushing yourself, stay focused on your goals, and never give up on your dreams. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

If you enjoyed this episode I recommend you listen to the conversations I had with several other rugby players. Two that come to mind are Nic Groom and Kyle Brown.

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

Overview:

The transition from being an elite athlete to a regular life can be tough for young people. Moving from intense training and structured routines to a more relaxed lifestyle can overwhelm them. But Lauren Ammon, founder of Performance Reimagined, is making a difference. In this episode of Speaking to Stacy, we explore Lauren’s background and approach to helping athletes deal with overthinking, pressure, and anxiety during this transition.

My Guest: Lauren Ammon, Founder of Performance Reimagined

Lauren Ammon is a former D1 swimmer. She faced challenges after her athletic career ended and struggled to adjust to life without sports’ structure and routine. Her experiences inspired her to start Performance Reimagined, which helps young athletes make a smooth transition from sports to life.

Lauren and I also discussed the growing concern of mental health issues in sports and the benefits of meditation for athletes. Athletes often face pressure to perform, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Lauren believes that meditation can improve performance and reduce mental health issues by giving athletes a calm and focused mindset.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Performance Reimagined is helping athletes transition smoothly from sports to life.
2. Developing self-awareness, improved communication, and a positive mindset can help athletes manage overthinking, pressure, and anxiety.
3. Meditation can improve performance and reduce mental health issues by promoting a calm and focused mindset.

In conclusion, Performance Reimagined is making a real impact on athletes’ lives. By supporting their transition, promoting a positive mindset, and providing tools to manage overthinking, pressure, and anxiety, Lauren Ammon is helping athletes reach their full potential. If you’re an athlete looking to transition or improve your mental game, check out Performance Reimagined.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider listening to my conversation with Natalie du Toit. We talk about life after sports and the challenges she faced after losing a leg in a scooter accident at age 17.

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]

This week on Speaking to Stacy, I have a special guest, Ryan Pike. He is better known as Choppy, and he is gearing up for a challenging endurance event, the Tankwa Crossing. This 207 km (130 miles) run is scheduled for 16 February 2023 and Choppy is on a mission to raise enough funds to help Mdzananda Animal Clinic purchase an inverter. In this episode, we discuss the importance of cultivating your friendship group, being intentional about your self-development, and understanding the benefits of doing difficult things.

 Something that intrigued me is that Choppy isn't a seasoned endurance athlete and yet he is about to embark on a journey that will test his limits. The Tankwa Crossing is a gruelling run through the South African wilderness and Choppy is participating in this event to challenge himself and to raise funds for a great cause.

Mdzananda Animal Clinic, located in Cape Town, is currently experiencing power blackouts due to failures from the power provider, Eskom. An inverter would greatly assist the clinic in operating during these outages.  To donate to Ryan's cause please visit the BackaBuddy page he has set up for the event: Distance4Dogs. 

Key Takeaways:

The three things that stood out most for me were:

1) Why you need to cultivate your friendship group as you get older;

2) How to be intentional about your self-development;

3) Understanding the benefit of doing hard things.

Choppy shares his experiences and the impact that his friendship group has had on his personal growth. He also highlights the importance of being intentional about your self-development and how to overcome the hedonic treadmill.

Lastly, we discuss the benefits of doing difficult things. Choppy shares how participating in challenging events has helped him grow as a person and why it's important to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. He also talks about the impact that participating in these events has had on his mental and physical health.

Join us as we explore these topics and learn from Choppy's journey to the Tankwa Crossing. 

Share this episode with someone you care about and help spread the word about Choppy's mission to support Mdzananda Animal Clinic.

To find out more about the Tankwa Crossing please visit the website: Tankwa Crossing

If you enjoyed this episode, I encourage you to listen to the podcast I did with endurance event veteran, Billy Richard

Get in touch

Website: https://stacyliddell.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speaking2stacy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Speaking2Stacy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRgs6JHBkJtTiW_YYr-AZUg

Email: [email protected]