We can't always trust feelings to be our guide. Our feelings can let us down or steer us down a path of short-term instant gratification.

Sometimes what doesn't feel so good at the moment is likely great long term and something that feels good in the immediate may leave you hurt after a while.

If you want what's best, you have to say no, not just to things that are wrong, but even to second-best—the things that merely good instead of truly great.

On this episode of Flash Friday...Jose speaks from the subject of "Grit" -  a mindset that allows you to go all-in even when it seems impossible to achieve your goals or dreams. Deciding to keep going even though you've been rejected. Staying strong even though you're afraid of an outcome.

Thank you for checking out this episode of The Fitness Servant podcast.

Today, I was fortunate enough to spend some time connecting with an old friend and former colleague from back in my coaching days down in South Florida, Chris Espinal.

As a coach Chris has spent time working with while learning from some of the most elite CrossFit athletes; including Annie Thorisdottir (2x CrossFit Games Champ), Mat Fraser (4x CrossFit Games Champ), Noah Ohlsen (2nd at the 2019 CrossFit Games) and others… He also spent some time helping open and run affiliates like CrossFit Union Square and Reebok CrossFit Fifth Avenue both in New York City...all before deciding to take his talents on the road with Kelly Starrett, founder and CEO of The Ready State and author of the Supple Leopard. He then transitions to working with Carl Paoli of the Freestyle Connection. 

Chris has always been someone that I admired for having such grace with movement and maximizing efficiency. In this episode, we talk about fitness and nutrition (Chris has experimented with different diets and is currently on the carnivore diet) we also share thoughts on mental health, faith, and lifestyle. I truly enjoyed our conversation And I hope you enjoy it too.

@chrisjespinal

@thereadystate

@carlpaoli

@nohlsen

@mathewfras

@anniethorisdottir

https://shiftstate.io - Intuitive breathing exercises to shift your state in record time.

Jose describes the mindset of Michael Jordan in the new docuseries, The Last Dance. He makes parallels to how you can use a similar mindset in your daily life. 

In this episode, I caught up with JP Arencibia -  former Professional Baseball Catcher. JP played Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and Tampa Bay Rays from 2010 through 2015.  

JP is currently a studio analyst for Fox Sports Florida.

We speak about achieving the pinnacle of his professional baseball career when he got the call up to the big leagues with the Jays and JP also shares the value he's placed on fitness and the overall effects fitness has on his mental state and keeping him motivated and energized. 

JP and I have known each other for many years, having both played at baseball powerhouse, Westminster Christian High School in Miami, FL. 

Follow JP on Instagram: @jparencibia44

Healthy sleep habits can make a big difference in your quality of life, your recovery, and performance. Developing healthy sleep habits is often overlooked when prioritizing general health.

Here are some helpful tips on developing consistent sleep practices.

What does it take to qualify for the CrossFit Games while running a successful CrossFit affiliate and also working for CrossFit HQ on Seminar staff? Pete Shaw shares a sneak peek into his training, the type of mindset he has on the competition floor and coping with having to train at home.

Pete also shares his take on what's really important during these challenging times we all are facing.

Staying positive In the midst of stressful times requires a certain level of discipline. It's important to shift the focus to the things we can control.

If we are able to keep a positive outlook and we keep our minds away from the things we have no control over, we have a better chance of seeing things from a different perspective and are more likely to make decisions that will continue to support our purpose in life.

Dylan Weller is a good friend and someone that is passionate about fitness. He is a four times CrossFit Games Regional competitor. In this conversation, we dive into what it takes to remain fit despite everything life throws your way and how he has had to shift the way he trains and his expectations in order to accommodate his career.

Dylan is a husband (wife: Becky Weller @bec_weller) a father and a Search and Rescue Technician… Or what I like to call a professional superhero. We talked a little bit about what his roles and responsibilities are in the workplace and how he has taken a systematic approach to stay consistent with his fitness and how he has been able to easily maintain his nutrition. Dylan is also passionate about spreading the word about the importance of wearing life jackets. 

Dylan Weller can be found on Instagram @timewellerspent