Episode 69: The Switchback Approach to Life, with Endurance Athlete and Author, Brock Cannon [PODCAST]

As you might imagine, there are many mindset and life lessons to be learned from the realm of endurance racing, and today’s guest is one of those rare people who not only has the athletic ability to perform at such a high level, but also the insight and ability to write a book at the experience and how its lessons can be applied to life. Brock Cannon’s new book, “The Switchback Approach” is the focal point of the conversation today, and you’re going to love the simple but powerful way he encapsulates the way anyone can move to a better place.

What is the Switchback Approach?

A switchback is the almost 180 degree turn a path or trail takes as it winds its way up a mountainside. Brock Cannon is intimately familiar with switchbacks as a mountain bike racer and has taken the time to consider the importance and necessity of the path taking a winding route instead of a direct one. He’s compiled his thoughts into a modern parable, “The Switchback Approach” and on today’s episode David dives into the story with Brock to discover the very simple, practical steps that lead to greater success in almost any area of life. Sound intriguing? It is. You’ll enjoy this one.

Step one: Figure out what you want in life.

Simply put, if you don’t know where you’re going in life, it’s going to be really hard to get there. Most people don’t invest the time to take this simple first step. Today’s guest, Brock Cannon, says that your journey to a better you or a better life or career begins with you deciding what you want things to be like. If you do that, then, and only then, can you create the steps that will enable you to get there. The simplicity of Brock’s approach is refreshing and filled with common sense. You’re going to like this guy, and his approach to life.

Step two: Stupid small steps.

Could you walk across the continental United States? Your first response may be a resounding “No!” But stop and think about it for a moment. If you are able to walk, what’s stopping you from taking one step at a time, a little bit every day, until you walked all the way across the continent? The point is that anyone can accomplish anything, if they know how to consistently take small steps toward it. Brock Cannon pulls from his experience as an endurance athlete to teach you how to take small steps to accomplish big things, on this episode.

If you’re not having fun, you’re probably on the wrong path.

That’s a statement Brock Cannon believes with all his heart. It’s a testament to the simple way he looks at life. He believes that what you’re meant to do flows out of who you are. So what you enjoy doing is a great indication of the kind of things you’re supposed to be about in life. Listen in as Brock unpacks the 4 simple, but powerful steps of his “Switchback Approach,” and learn how you can get a copy of his new book.

Outline of this great episode

[0:48] David’s introduction to Brock Cannon.

[1:28] The life of an endurance racer.

[2:18] What Brock has learned about the body’s limits.

[3:29] Brock’s view of his future in racing.

[4:00] The relationship between racing well and diet.

[4:44] How Brock got into athletics in the first place.

[5:34] The feeling of having a book ready to publish.

[6:15] What is the “switchback approach?”

[7:31] The takeaways Brock wants readers to get from his book.

[8:50] A look inside Brock’s book.

[14:09] Figuring out what you want in life.

[14:53] Taking stupid small steps.

[15:40] Learning to have fun in the process.

[16:18] Make the small steps into daily habits.

[17:09] How can a person make a shift if the fun is missing?

[18:37] How the switchback approach makes all of life fun.

[20:12] The stupid small steps that Brock has seen apply to business.

[23:59] The impacts that a switchback approach can have.

[25:33] The relationship between a healthy body a...