Grounding self-worth in internal validation means valuing yourself based on personal strengths, virtues, and growth rather than external praise or material success. This mindset promotes a deeper sense of self-awareness and resilience, enabling individuals to navigate life's ups and downs with greater stability and confidence. Embracing this approach fosters genuine self-acceptance and a more fulfilling sense of worthiness. 
Bart Kwan shares his story of overcoming a difficult childhood through the military and higher education and shares lessons on deriving motivation from within, maintaining momentum in the face of obstacles, and balancing efficiency with quality in one's work. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!
Quotes:

 “If you can pay the bills, wake up with a smile, go to sleep with a smile, feel like you're living a life that you're meant to live and feel proud of yourself, I think you're successful.” – Bart Kwan
 “Violence of action is good. It's good for literally almost any athletic activity that you do.” – Bart Kwan
 “If you have your back against the wall, but you're still searching, there's got to be a way out." – Bart Kwan

Takeaways:

 Identify what truly motivates you and brings you joy. Consider pursuing opportunities that align with your passions, even if they differ from expectations.
  Develop resilience through challenging yourself physically and mentally. When faced with adversity, continue striving for progress rather than accepting defeat.
  Balance speed and efficiency with quality in your work. Execute ideas quickly while continuously improving your process and end results.
  Examine how pride and insecurity influence your perspectives and decisions. Strive to ground your self-worth in internal validation rather than external factors.

Conclusion:
Bart’s discussion highlighted personal growth, discipline from martial arts, and ethical business practices. His journey emphasizes resilience and reflection, offering listeners valuable lessons on passion, overcoming challenges, and serving others.

The Power of Internal Validation: Building Self-Worth with Bart Kwan

Essential 11's online mentorship program was created to provide you with the ideals young men need to become strong, successful leaders among leaders. The name Apogee comes from an astronomical term meaning "summit," a homage to the life we envision for each of our participants. A life where they have the tools they need to reach the greatest heights of their potential.

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Maintaining equilibrium among work, self-improvement, and family commitments is crucial for a fulfilling life. Balancing professional development, personal well-being, and quality time with loved ones nurtures a sense of harmony and contentment. Embracing this harmony fosters resilience and strengthens relationships, enriching both personal and professional spheres. 
Kyle Kingsbury shares his experiences transitioning from football to mixed martial arts and dealing with addiction and depression. Through fighting, he learned about performance, longevity, and mental well-being. But after starting a family, he realized he needed a more stable career that allowed him to be present. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!
Quotes:	

 “I found peace now; I didn't have to get in the cage. I actually felt amazing by myself in my own skin.” – Kyle Kingsbury
 “Consistency is key when it comes to any kind of change you want.” – Kyle Kingsbury
  “Better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” – Kyle Kingsbury

Takeaways:

  Assess your priorities. Are you spending enough quality time with family and pursuing self-growth, or are you too focused on financial success?
  Find out what truly inspires you and how can you incorporate that into your career or daily activities.
  Look for opportunities to involve kids in responsibilities that teach valuable skills and lessons.
  Practice mindfulness daily. Whether through meditation, nature connection, martial arts or other means, make mindfulness a regular habit.

Conclusion:
Prioritizing family, personal growth, and meaningful connections fosters long-term fulfillment and well-being. Aligning career choices with values and purpose, involving children in meaningful activities, and practicing daily mindfulness contribute to a balanced and satisfying life. Breaking goals into small, consistent steps ensures steady progress and sustainability over time.



Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose: A Journey of Self-Discovery, Leadership, and Creating Balance in Life with Kyle Kingsbury

Building a solid foundation requires consistent discipline rather than relying on fleeting bursts of motivation. By prioritizing daily habits and routines, individuals can achieve sustainable progress towards their goals. Embracing discipline cultivates resilience, perseverance, and long-term success, ensuring that aspirations are not derailed by temporary fluctuations in motivation. 
Joseph McCormick discusses the importance of laying a strong foundation through discipline over short-lived motivation. How to prioritize tasks each day and achieve balance across relationships, career and finances. And why developing confidence through physical challenges can help you stand up for others without proving yourself through aggression. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!
Quotes:	

 “True men don't always have to show how dangerous they are.” – Joseph McCormick
 “Everything in life is more about discipline than motivation. Because if you're disciplined, you're going to do it regardless of whether you're motivated or not.” – Joseph McCormick
  “The more you do in the business world, the more people try to eat up your time. Everybody wants your time.” – Joseph McCormick
  “Everything takes watering, planting, and patience. If you try to take a shortcut, you're going to kill whatever you're trying to build.” – Joseph McCormick

Takeaways:

  Write down your top 3 priorities each day for relationships, career, and finances and ensure you accomplish these before any other tasks.
  Assess where you are spending the majority of your time and energy. Are you balanced across important life areas or over-invested in one?
  Identify a physical challenge you can take on to build confidence from the process, whether it's strength training, martial arts, or another discipline.
  Remember that success is built through small, consistent actions over long periods of time. Have the discipline to plant seeds daily through your priorities without expecting overnight results.

Conclusion:
Achieving success and making a meaningful impact requires a commitment to discipline, persistence, and maintaining focus on long-term goals. Confidence, derived from overcoming challenges and inner growth, plays a pivotal role in this. Additionally, prioritizing tasks, maintaining balance across various life domains, and seeking mentorship are essential for productivity and personal well-being. By overcoming obstacles with hard work and then sharing those experiences to uplift others, individuals can continue to grow personally and make a positive impact in their communities.



Sustainable Success Through Daily Discipline: Prioritizing Tasks, Overcoming Obstacles, and Building Strong Foundations for Long-Term Impact with Joseph McCormick

Moving from being a pro athlete to an everyday life can be a big change. People often see the fame of sports, but not the hard parts of retirement. When an athlete's career ends, they have to figure out who they are without sports. They lose a routine, the thrill of competing, and sometimes friends. They have to find new goals, set up different daily habits, and deal with not being famous anymore. 
Brian Urlacher shares his experiences with retirement and maintaining an active lifestyle. He talks about the importance of family, education, and staying connected through sports, and his transition from professional football to civilian life. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more!
Quotes:

 "If you're not getting any better, somebody else can be better than you." - Brian Urlacher 
 "Every day you do segments, and you compare yourself to other people who did those segments, and I want to be first in every segment." – Brian Urlacher
  "I was just happy to be a part of it because they're college kids who want to have a fun spring break, and I got to be a part of it. As I always say, anytime you get a chance to spend time with them, take advantage of it, especially as they get older." – Brian Urlacher

Takeaways:

  Enjoy your time post-retirement by diving into your hobbies and interests, and always keep a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
  Encourage your children to discover their own journeys, guiding them gently without harsh judgment, and show them the way by constantly learning and growing yourself.
  Remember to put your wellness first, discover effective ways to prevent injuries, and take a breather to prevent work or game emotions from affecting family time.
  Build a strong network of support and friendships, find new passions to navigate major life changes, and treasure every moment spent with family and friends. 

Conclusion:
The transition from professional sports to everyday life presents significant challenges for athletes, such as redefining personal identity, finding new purposes, adjusting to a different routine, and managing the psychological impact of leaving the limelight; find new careers, manage finances without a steady sports income, and maintain physical health outside of a sports regimen. Mental health cannot be overlooked as they often experience a sense of loss, missing the comradeship and clear objectives that sports provided. It’s important to have a strong support network, staying grounded, discovering new passions, and embracing new experiences.

Retiring Athlete’s Journey: Navigating Life and Finding Purpose Beyond Sports with Brian Urlacher

Strengthening character and integrity is a journey shaped by community involvement, personal trials, and compassionate support for others. By actively engaging in community initiatives, facing personal challenges head-on, and offering a helping hand to those in need, individuals cultivate resilience and empathy. This commitment to growth and service not only shapes one's character but also fosters a deeper sense of connection and purpose in life. 
Cam Hall discusses the challenges of developing identity without the crutch of sports, overcoming health issues and difficult family circumstances, and finding purpose through mentorship. He also shares lessons learned from his experiences in education and parenting, emphasizing the importance of being intentional in relationships. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!
Quotes:	

 “What I am worried about the draw of always being connected online, always doing something over a screen.” – Cam Hall
 “Those three things again: your character, your reputation, and your actions. What people see from you is your character, who you believe you are.” – Cam Hall
  “When I can see your eyes, I know if you're listening to me, I can tell how you feel, and I can feel that you're with me right now. So I'm going to do my best to look at you in the eye when I'm talking to you.” – Cam Hall

Takeaways:

  Identify your unique strengths and biggest opportunities for growth, and work to continuously improve in your areas of growth.
  Consider how you can be more present and intentional in your relationships, through active listening, making eye contact, and giving your full attention to others.
  Reflect on how your character, reputation, and actions are aligned, and look for opportunities to improve the integrity between the three.

Conclusion:
Building integrity means consistently aligning your actions with your values, despite imperfections. To prioritize personal growth and connections over digital distractions, set boundaries on screen time, make time for loved ones regularly, and practice mindfulness to stay present. It's about recognizing the importance of both personal development and nurturing relationships in fostering a balanced and fulfilling life.

Find Purpose and Navigate Life’s Challenges: Building Character, Integrity, and Identity Through Action and Service with Cam Hall

Are you struggling to find purpose and fulfillment in your work and personal life? Young teenagers and adults are going through this phase—they are constantly on a journey to discover their identity and purpose. To overcome this challenge, people must pursue the passion in their hearts and find fulfillment in using their honed unique skills to help others. Let go of your fears and transform for the betterment of you, your family, and the world!
Sean Donohue, a parenting coach and author, shares powerful insights on overcoming these universal struggles from his own journey of discovering his calling to insights gained from decades of coaching families. Join us as we tackle issues like defining masculinity, building intimacy with teens, and healing adversity through empathy. Tune in as men ask questions about life, personal growth, leadership, parenting, and more!
Quotes:

 “Men, we need to step up and be better fathers, grandfathers, uncles, godparents. We need to      step up to take the lead in healthy ways that everyone wants us to lead.” – Sean Donohue
  “You have so much to offer, and you must unleash your true power, masculinity, and health. You have so much to offer the world; it will be so good for you, for your family, for your own mental health."– Sean Donohue
  “You're freaking smart. You should take your skills to do great things. Go and help others. You don't have to look far to find hurting, needy, and disenchanted people. They're everywhere we look through. – Sean Donohue

Takeaways:

  Pursue your passions and define success beyond financial terms to find purpose and fulfillment. Look for ways to serve others through your skills and gifts.
  Build trust and intimacy in relationships through quality time, active listening, speaking life-affirming identities, and demonstrating patience through challenges.
  To foster healthy development, love and discipline must be balanced through consistency, boundaries, and mentoring the whole child rather than just behaviors.

Conclusion:
By following what we love and helping others, nurturing our connections, and facing obstacles with care, we discover a meaningful direction for ourselves and those around us. Even when things are unclear, we progress with resilience. Nobody's flawless, yet our real strength shines when we're open, understanding, and always eager to grow.



The Power of Internal Validation: Building Self-Worth with Bart Kwan

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