Warrior Mindset

In this episode, we dig into the book "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown, exploring its principles and how they can help individuals struggling with burnout or feeling overwhelmed.

We discuss the importance of focusing on “doing less but better” and giving full attention to what truly matters in both our professional and personal lives. By examining the framework of essence, explore, eliminate, and execute, we consider how to shift our priorities and create a more fulfilling and balanced experience. We also discuss the pervasive issue of burnout and the importance of identifying what is truly essential in our lives to combat it.

Additionally, we delve into the importance of routines and the idea of starting small to generate big results, emphasizing that continuous improvement is more valuable than attempting to achieve perfection. Throughout the episode, we touch on tools and approaches to better understand and apply the concepts of essentialism, highlighting the importance of context when forming and building better habits.

We also emphasize the importance of discipline in implementing these concepts and maintaining progress over time. Join us as we unpack the principles of essentialism and share insights on how to create a more focused, fulfilling, and efficient life.

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Never give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.

In this episode, Gene goes on a solo debrief and talks about some thoughts that have been on his mind. He discusses the reasons why people of like mind tend to use the word "extreme" and talks about his personal experience with personal training adventures. He also reflects on the negative comments people leave on videos of individuals engaging in extreme physical activities, and how these comments reflect where we are as a society. He shares his belief that physical, mental, and spiritual growth should not be separated, and how he finds it important to push his personal limits to raise his own personal standards. Gene also talks about the importance of service and how it ties into your personal growth.

Physical, mental and spiritual growth should not be separated

In this episode, Gene goes on a solo debrief where he shares his personal thoughts and experiences on several topics. He initially explores why individuals who share similar beliefs tend to use the term "extreme" and reflects on his personal experiences with physical training. Gene advocates that physical, mental, and spiritual growth should not be separated and explains why these three elements should be intertwined. He emphasizes that pushing oneself beyond their limits is crucial to raising personal standards and growth.

Gene also addresses the issue of negative comments that people post on videos of individuals undertaking physically demanding activities. He suggests that these comments reflect our societal status quo and how it's important to break this cycle by pushing ourselves and embracing new experiences.

Moreover, Gene emphasizes the significance of service to others and how it can aid in personal growth. He believes that helping others is vital to our personal development, and it's important to strive for self-improvement in all aspects of life.

This podcast episode offers valuable insights into how individuals can challenge themselves and grow, both personally and spiritually. Gene's musings and experiences can inspire listeners to push beyond their limits and pursue personal growth in all areas of their lives.

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Never give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.

10-ish Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Own Success Without Realizing It

Have you ever felt like you’re your own worst enemy? Do you find yourself constantly struggling to achieve personal growth and success, despite your best efforts? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, many of us sabotage ourselves without even realizing it. In this episode, we’ll explore 10 common ways people sabotage their own success and offer tips and strategies for avoiding these pitfalls.

Unmanaged Expectations: One of the most common ways we sabotage ourselves is by having unmanaged expectations. We expect others to know what we want, without actually communicating it. We assume they will act a certain way or meet our needs, without ever expressing what those needs are. To avoid this, we need to learn how to effectively communicate our expectations in relationships, so others know what we want and need.

Ego: Our ego can also get in the way of our success. We may be waiting for a life-changing event or idea to motivate us to take action, instead of starting small and building from there. We need to learn to appreciate the details of our lives, and start something without fear of failure or worrying about what others think of us.

Taking Things for Granted: Do you have certain expectations for how things should be in your life? Do you just assume that each day will be the same as the last? Instead, try to be grateful for what you have in life. Show gratitude to those who show interest in you and go out of their way to support you.

Your Own Worst Critic: We are often so hard on ourselves that it gets in the way of our own progression. Learn to employ positive thoughts and supporting actions that put you in the best position for success. Talking to yourself like you’re a jerk isn’t a great start for anything.

Over-Analysis: Are you stuck in the past or too worried about the future? Let it go. If you spend too much time focused on what was, you will take things happening around you in the present for granted. On the other side, if you are worried about what could happen or what could go wrong in the future, you will lose the ability to learn from your past and respect the things happening around you right now.

Choosing the Easy Way Over the Right Way: We’re all lazy at some level. There is always something we don’t want to do. Taking the path of least resistance can be a smart move some of the time, but don’t put your own comfort ahead of actual accomplishment.

Valuing Other People’s Opinions Too Much: When you prioritize the opinions of others over your own thoughts and feelings, you may find that you are constantly seeking validation and approval from others. This can lead to a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, as you may feel that your own opinions and beliefs are not good enough.

Setting Unrealistic Demands or Expectations of Yourself: When you set unrealistic expectations, you may find that you are constantly feeling disappointed and frustrated, as you are unable to meet the expectations that you have set for yourself. This can lead to a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, as you may feel that you are not good enough.

Waiting for Inspiration: Waiting on inspiration to start your next important project in

Check out the full Medium article on this same topic here: https://genecrawford.medium.com/10-ways-youre-sabotaging-your-own-success-without-realizing-it-avoid-these-common-pitfalls-for-a-dc8529227677

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Never give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.

The four agreements are:

1. Be impeccable with your word.

1. This means that we should speak with integrity and say only what we mean. We should avoid using our words to hurt or manipulate others, and instead use them to express our truth and build positive relationships.

2. Don’t take anything personally.

1. This agreement reminds us that other people’s words and actions are not a reflection of us, but rather a reflection of their own beliefs and experiences. By not taking things personally, we can avoid unnecessary suffering and conflict.

3. Don’t make assumptions.

1. Making assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Instead of assuming we know what others are thinking or feeling, we should ask questions and seek clarification. By doing so, we can communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships.

4. Always do your best.

1. This agreement encourages us to do our best in all aspects of our lives, without judgment or self-criticism. We should strive to improve ourselves and our relationships with others, but also accept that our best may vary from day to day.

The Four Agreements offers a practical and insightful framework for personal growth and transformation. By following these principles, we can create more fulfilling and harmonious relationships with ourselves and others. 

• The power of our words: The way we speak to ourselves and others can have a profound impact on our lives. By speaking with integrity and avoiding harmful language, we can cultivate positive relationships and improve our own well-being.

• The importance of self-awareness: The Four Agreements encourages us to be aware of our own thoughts and beliefs, and to question them when they are not serving us. By doing so, we can break free from limiting beliefs and habits and create a more fulfilling life.

• The value of non-judgment: Don’t take anything personally and don’t make assumptions are both rooted in the idea that we should avoid judging ourselves and others. By embracing non-judgment and seeking understanding, we can build more compassionate and empathetic relationships.

• The power of acceptance: Always do your best encourages us to accept ourselves and our circumstances as they are, without judgment or criticism. By doing so, we can cultivate self-compassion and build resilience in the face of challenges.

Overall, The Four Agreements offers a simple yet powerful guide for personal growth and transformation. By embodying these principles, we can create a more fulfilling and harmonious life for ourselves and those around us.

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Never give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.

Gene and Dan catch up on their lives since their last meeting in this podcast episode. Dan talks about his various occupations, including being a teacher at Kennesaw State, part-time lifeguard, and coach for CrossFit athletes. They touch on the topic of success and failure, with Dan explaining how failure can often lead to eventual success.

The conversation shifts to Dan's involvement in the Grid League, specifically the Florida Grid League, where he coaches the Gainesville Wild. They discuss whether the CrossFit and Grid meets the definition of sport, with Dan noting that swimming is not always considered a sport because it's not a contact sport. Gene mentions that he always thought of swimming as the ultimate way to get in shape, but Dan disagrees and says that swimmers are often soft. They talk about the mental toughness aspect of Swimming, CrossFit, Grid an Martial Arts, with Dan explaining that many people need a community to do it. They also discuss how swimmers hit a wall in terms of pushing through the pain threshold.

They move on to discuss coaching higher-level athletes and the mental toughness aspect, noting that self-motivation, inspiration, and mental toughness are not things that need to be coached for high-level athletes. The conversation ends with a discussion on how to approach coaching for different individuals and the importance of recognizing when psychological harm may occur. Dan talks about working with high-level athletes and how it can be intimidating but also exciting.

Gene asks about Dan's experiences with therapeutic treatments involving psychedelics, and Dan expresses support for their use in mental health treatment, citing research from the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies.

Dan shares his experience with microdosing psychedelics, describing how he feels happy and anxiety-free when he does it. He also mentions feeling confident and fearless, which led him to do some risky activities like swimming in the Gulf of Mexico during a dolphin feeding frenzy. Dan believes that microdosing shifts his perception, allowing him to see problems and fix synaptic errors in his brain. He gives an example of using this ability to go back in time and understand arguments with his wife, which helped him improve their relationship. They discuss how he plans to use his experience with psychedelics in the professional realm, particularly in the field of psychology, to help others cope with mental health issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dan shares a personal experience about their daughter's struggle with mental health and how his family is working to support her. They also briefly discuss the recent government funding for psilocybin-assisted therapy for veterans and recommend resources for those interested in learning more about psychedelics.

The future of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy | Rick Doblin
https://youtu.be/Q9XD8yRPxc8

Psychedelics: effects on the human brain and physiology | Simeon Keremedchiev
https://youtu.be/FyAgx_tzh80

Carl Jung - The Power of Knowing Your Dark Side (Written by Eternalised)
https://youtu.be/rgLQWutNxKc

Carl Jung - How to Find Your Soul (written by Eternalised)
https://youtu.be/Q5J9i97Cyc8

Alan Watts - Perception
https://youtu.be/-ZE6nSLwOw8

Michael Pollan - Psychedelics and How to Change Your Mind | Bioneers
https://youtu.be/5DrM90dg5t4

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Never give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.

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Learn with us at warriorfitnessma.com More at warriormindset.us

Never give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.

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Never give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.

In 2016, Jen was faced with a life-changing event when she discovered a brain tumor. Determined to beat the odds, she underwent a craniotomy and took a break from her business for six months to recover. During this time, she wrote a book about her experience, "I Believe in Everything", which took her six years to complete. However, despite her efforts, the book faced rejection and Jen took a pause for her mental health. She is now considering starting her own independent press.

Jen's journey is not just about overcoming a health challenge but also about finding purpose and leaving a lasting impact. Her journey also includes the transition from being a head of employee development at a creative firm to starting her own coaching business. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right audience for your business and working to mitigate risks before launching. She reflects on how she has worked on reinvented herself multiple times, some in small ways but some in bigger roles, starting multiple businesses and now moving onto a new chapter in her life.

Jen recognizes the significance of connections in business and shares her insights on the questions that need to be asked in a mentorship relationship. Despite her success, she acknowledges her biggest fear in life is something happening to her children. She believes in reading the energy of what is ready to happen and not forcing herself through something that is not meant to be.

Jen's story is a testament to the importance of finding purpose and leaving a lasting impact. Her journey is a reminder that life can be quick, sandy, and sometimes inspiring and terrifying at the same time. However, with determination and a positive mindset, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Questions at the end of the show:

What is your biggest fear and how do you plan to face it?

What are your beliefs about success and how do they affect your daily choices?

What is one experience you have had that you would like to relive and why?

Jen Dary is a highly sought-after leadership coach and the founder of Plucky, a leadership coaching and consulting firm. She is also the survivor of a meningioma brain tumor, which was removed via brain surgery in 2016, a challenging experience that earned Jen a refreshed perspective and new goals for Plucky. A people person through and through, Jen’s joy comes from connecting with people in every way.

As a leadership coach, Jen works with individuals and companies to create healthy dynamics at work. To date, Jen has empowered professionals at over 200 companies, including Google, Facebook, The New York Times, Slack, Code for America and many digital agencies in tech and tech-adjacent industries. As a coach, Jen empowers her clients to move confidently along their individual career paths as leaders and creatives. Jen has taught over twenty cohorts of new managers in her “So Now You’re A Manager” program and built a thriving community of leaders who support each other through the Plucky network. She is also the creator of specialized tools and resources for leadership (found here) which have been purchased and implemented by companies around the world.

Jen lives in Arlington, VA with her husband and young sons. She finished writing her first book (about the brain tumor) which will be released in the coming year.

More at beplucky.com

@jenniferdary @beplucky on socials

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6 Best Mental Health Advices

If it still bothers you after 24 hours, speak up within 48 hours.

Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for taking care of.

A bad day doesn’t mean a bad life.

The critical judge in your head does not tell the truth, and it does not have your best interest at heart.

Your brain can’t be grateful and anxious at the same time. When anxiety takes hold, look for gratitude.

Stop apologizing for expressing your feelings. You’re convincing yourself that you are not worth the space you take up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmvdG9IsGXc/

Meditation can happen anywhere/anyway

Coach Divine’s insight into how and when you CAN do it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnVVvncrnN7/

Atomic Habits

The habit loop

It refers to the three-step process that makes up a habit, which includes the cue, the routine, and the reward. The cue triggers the brain to initiate the routine, and the reward reinforces the behavior, making it more likely to be repeated in the future. Understanding and manipulating the habit loop is a key aspect of developing new, positive habits and breaking old, negative ones.

Build identity-based habits

The idea is that habits become an extension of one's identity and thus, they are more likely to stick if they are tied to one's beliefs, values, and self-image. Rather than simply trying to adopt new behaviors as isolated actions, the focus is on making the new habits align with one's sense of self and purpose. By doing so, the individual is more motivated to maintain the habits even in the face of challenges or temptations. The author suggests using phrases like "I am the type of person who..." to link the habit to one's identity.

The Goldilocks Rule

The rule states that humans are most likely to stick with a habit when it is neither too easy nor too hard, but just right, meaning that the habit is challenging enough to be engaging, but not so hard that it's discouraging. According to the author, the Goldilocks Rule provides a framework for finding the ideal level of difficulty for a habit, so that the habit can be performed consistently and with minimal resistance. The idea is to start small and gradually increase the difficulty of the habit over time, finding the balance between boredom and frustration.

Habit Stacking

It refers to the process of attaching a new habit to an existing habit, thus making it easier to build a new behavior into one's routine. The idea is to stack the new habit on top of a current habit, using the established routine as a cue to trigger the new behavior. For example, if the current habit is to brush one's teeth every morning, the new habit could be to do 10 pushups after brushing teeth. By linking the new habit to an existing habit, the individual is able to build a new behavior into their daily routine with minimal effort and increase the chances of success.

How to break bad habits and create good ones

Identify the cue: Identify the trigger that starts the bad habit and then try to replace it with a new cue that triggers the desired behavior.

Make it unattractive: Reduce the rewards associated with the bad habit and increase the costs.

Make it difficult: Increase the friction or effort required to perform the bad habit.

Create a substitute: Create a new routine that satisfies the same craving or need that the bad habit was satisfying.

Make it a habit: Build the new behavior into a daily routine by stacking it on top of an existing habit.

Reframe your identity: Make the new habit an extension of your identity and view yourself as someone who engages in this behavior.

Celebrate small wins: Celebrate every small win along the way to reinforce the behavior and build confidence.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmb-yBXuq75/

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Never give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.

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Never give up. Never quit. Kaizen. Get after it.