Setting a goal is great, it is something we have always encouraged people to do, and it is one of our pillars at Building Ambition. Alan and I not only want to hold ourselves accountable as we pursue our own goals and passions, but also help to create a desire for success within all of our listeners and viewers. Lately its been an uphill battle for us....more specifically me. I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out why it has been so hard for me to stay focused on my nutrition and weight loss, and this week I think Alan and I really start dig in and find the root of the problems I have when setting a goal and staying focused. Which brings us to our topic- Test Yourself.... Alan and I unpack this phrase and what it means to us when it comes to setting a goal. Is it important to test ourselves or is setting a goal and working towards that goal good enough? How can we incorporate this idea into goal setting in order to set S.M.A.R.T goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely). We had a great conversation and Alan really challenged some of my beliefs with some of his thoughts on the subject. All of this plus Alan's weekly check in and I announce my personal plans for the future on this weeks episode of The Building Ambition Podcast, Real People, Real Results! Music For this episode provided by: Artist- Ryan Little Track- Iced Veins

This week we had the privilege to speak with Andrea Wildenthal Hanson on the show. Andrea is a speaker and the best selling author of Live Your Life, Not Your Diagnosis and Stop Carrying The Weight of Your M.S. Andrea was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000 and since then she has taken her life and her health into her own hands. Refusing to be identified by her diagnosis Andrea has transitioned from a career in finance to life coaching. We had a great conversation, and Andrea gave us some practical tips we can do everyday to help strengthen our mindset and move us closer to reaching our goals. It was a real treat for me, and I would like to thank Andrea again personally for letting me open up about struggles I face everyday with things like fear of failure, self worth, and other opinions. Andrea taught us that any obstacle life throws at you is just another brick in your backpack, but we have to understand we are strong enough to carry the load! Stick around for the entire interview as Andrea also has a special offer for our listeners, and to learn more about her services and practices check out her coaching site below and be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Writing the description for the show is the hardest part of this job for me. I strive to carefully construct my words into sentences so you, the listener, will feel excited and curious enough to listen along for a hour or so. Above all I do not want to sell my guest short, but I struggle to put into words his or her accomplishments and the adversity they have faced along the way. Nicole DeMatteis plays down the depth of her story, but with her help I think I can sum this episode up in two words. Proudly afraid. What does this mean? For me, it means setting goals big enough to scare you. Goals so big, when you tell someone else your plans they may laugh at you or question the chances of victory, and thats ok. It's ok to be afraid, and be proud of that. Meet Nicole DeMatteis. Nicole is a trainer who has lost 100 pounds, and this week she was gracious enough to sit down with me and talk about her journey. While her fitness accomplishments are amazing enough for one episode, we also discuss her battles with addiction and sobriety. Nicole is pushing closer to her first physique competition (tentatively) and focused on burning off the last 20 pounds to reach her next goal.Music for the episode provided by: Artist- Broke For Free Track- Our Ego (featuring Different Visitor) Album- Slam Funk

We made it to 20 episodes, and I think we are finally figuring out what we are doing! This week Alan and I sit down and reflect on past interviews and subjects we have covered. We also discuss his recent yearly checkup with his Doctor and learn about some issues that have arose over the past few weeks. While this episode was a change for us as compared to previous episodes, it was fun to reflect on the conversations we have had with people like Trevor Stoos, Bri Williams, and Dr. Kelly Baez. All of this plus Alan's update as he continues to move closer to losing 160 pounds this week on The Building Ambition Podcast! Please follow us on Facebook and YouTube to stay updated as we will now be live streaming all future episodes as well as impromptu chats and updates! Music For This Episode Provided By: Artist- Broke For Free Track- Things To Come Album- Gold Can Stay

This is one of my favorites..... We originally spoke to Trevor Stoos on Episode 7, but because of hosting issues his episode was pulled from our playlist. I knew we had to get his interview posted again, and now with his powerlifting meet approaching, this was the perfect time. Trevor opens up to us about his career ending football injury that eventually turned to depression and addiction. His story doesn't end there, as he was able to pull himself out of the pit and lose 120 pounds, while conquering his demons. Trevor now competes as a powerlifter, and that injury that ended his football career isn't slowing him down. He continues to work towards his own goals while inspiring and helping others achieve there own health and fitness aspirations. Follow along with Trevor on Facebook and Instagram, and he will show you want it means to want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe! www.buildingambition.com This episodes music was provided by: Artist- Audiobinger Track- New Hope Album- Skid Row EP Artist- Broke For Free Track- The Collector Album- Layers

We have all heard the stories, maybe from a close friend or maybe a co-worker. Someone young, and on the outside they appear to be in good health. All of a sudden they experience symptoms like insomnia, bloating, or maybe loss of their sex drive. They call their family Doctor, but they leave with more questions than answers. Their doctor can't find anything wrong, so the diagnosis is rest more and reduce stress....easier said than done right? The fatigue just gets worse, and now he or she is completely unmotivated to do anything. Life seems hopeless, but maybe you're looking for answers and asking the wrong questions! Meet Rich Jacobs... A former collegiate strength coach turned Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, and Rich fell victim to those symptoms I mentioned above. However, he was able to take control of his health through Functional Nutrition rather than traditional medicine, and now he is joining us on The Building Ambition Podcast to share how he did so, and what he can do to help you! Check out the show notes at www.buildingambition.com to find links to all of Rich's information and learn more about what he can do for you.

It's a all to common story....We desire change, we have big goals and dreams. It's time to transform, but inevitably, we fall back into to old habits that sabotage our success. That old way of thinking that leads no where. If you want a change in your life, it is time to create new systems, and a new way of thinking. This week our special guest, Alison Kero can help you do just that. Alison is the CEO of ACK Organizing and a decluttering expert for the past 10 years. Alison and I break down her 5 steps to decluttering your life, and let me tell you if you struggle with creating systems or time management this episode is for you. We also take her methods a step further as Alan and I relate her methods to our everyday lives and how we can set priorities in order to create time to focus on our transformations and passions. Be sure to check us out at www.buildingambition.com for links to all of Alison's information and social media.

This week we are joined by Ben Semenak, a personal trainer and transformation coach from Wisconsin. Ben talks the talk, but he also walks the walk! As a college football player Ben would suffer a career ending back injury. It was at this point in is life Ben decided to take his health into his own hands, eventually losing over 50 pounds and becoming a NSCA Certified Personal Trainer. Ben and I sit down and discuss his story, and what lead to the changes he made that resulted in his incredible transformation. We also discuss the methods he uses now when working with his own clients, and why we feel it is important for men and women to enlist the services of personal trainers when they start a new training regimen. I would also like to thank Ben once again for joining us this week, and look forward to speaking to him again on The Building Ambition Podcast!

Many times throughout our lives we find ourselves at the proverbial "crossroads". Things are not going as planned, maybe we are not following through with our goals, or worse yet we haven't even started pursuing the changes we desire. Often when this happens we take a step back and say "Well, at least I know it isn't going to get any worse than it already is." But, what happens when things go from bad to worse? What do we do when we step on the scale and the number staring back at us keeps creeping higher and higher, even after we told ourself it wouldn't? Then what? Time for the moment of truth....meet Brianna Williams. Bri has faced a few of those moments in her life, and when those moments happened she found herself face down on her bed crying, until finally enough was enough, and now one year later she is over 100 pounds lighter, not to mention happier and healthier. Bri and I sit down for a discussion on what lead to her transformation, and what a treat it was. While there is no shortage of motivation and inspiration be sure to stick around to learn about Bri's news lifestyle as she adopted a Vegan diet/lifestyle just 6 months ago. Please head over to Instagram to follow along with Bri's journey, and if you have more questions like I did regarding the Vegan lifestyle or some of the topics we cover in this episode like.... -The Myth Of Complimentary Protein -Five Protein Myths/ The Physicians Committee -How Not To Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven To Prevent and Reverse Disease As always head over to www.buildingambition.com to check out the show notes and links to more information regarding Bri and articles related to the Vegan lifestyle. Music for this episode provided by: Artist- Broke_For_Free Album- Gold For Free Track- Things To Come

"If weight loss is the puzzle, mindset is your missing piece!" This week we had the privilege of speaking to Dr. Kelly Morrow-Baez on The Building Ambition Podcast, and what a treat it was. Dr. Kelly Baez is a licensed professional counselor with a PhD in psychology and the founder of Fit Shrink. She is the mother of two and wife to a professional Polo player. On two separate occasions she has lost 75 pounds and her weightless story has been featured in Dr. Oz's Good Life Magazine. Her credentials include PhD In Psychology, licensed professional counselor, National certified counselor, distance certified counselor, over 10 years in practice, and the founder of Fit Shrink. Through FitShrink Dr. Kelly works one on one with her clients through personal coaching and offers step by step action plans in order to move her clients closer and closer to their health and wellness goals. This week Dr. Kelly further explains how her clients are succeeding through FitShrink, and also covers topics like: -What the biggest mistake is she sees people making when trying to lose weight -Her top advice for eating healthier -How to stay focused and motivated throughout the process To learn more about Dr.Kelly be sure to head over to FitShrink and follow her on Facebook. As a special treat to the Building Ambition listeners Dr. Kelly is offering a free Mindset Masters Class, so be sure to click on the link to learn more about who she is and her approach to health, wellness, and weight loss. Please take the time to head over to iTunes and subscribe to the show! The rest of the month we will be joined by extraordinary guests that are sure to help move you closer to your goals. Intro music provided by: Artist-Broke_For_Free Track-Night Owl Album- Directionless Closing Music provided by: Artist- Broke_For_Free Track- Our Ego (featuring Different Visitor) Album- Slamfunk