Swallowing pride can be one of the toughest skills to master, yet it can be the key to unlocking a solution in seemingly insurmountable situations. We start off with a personal story about the journey from reaching out for help as a rookie to helping a business owner tackle a towering $30,000 credit card debt. Through candid discussions, we explore how taking on side gigs and choosing to confront financial challenges head-on can lead to transformative change. It's about acknowledging where you stand, identifying your goals, and having the courage to take those first uncomfortable steps towards bridging the gap.

In this episode, our journey with a determined gym owner navigating financial hurdles reveals the power of financial strategies like debt consolidation and the impact of high versus low-interest rates. By examining the potential of private loans in comparison to high-interest credit card payments, we emphasize the necessity of open conversations with family when seeking financial support. This conversation is a testament to the resilience needed for triumph in both business and personal life, and it's a reminder that with a supportive community and entrepreneurial spirit, seemingly daunting challenges can indeed be overcome. Tune in for actionable advice and a dose of encouragement if you're navigating similar paths.

Imagine discovering an unexpected large sum of money- windfall that changes the course of your financial future. That's precisely what happened to me in 2015, three years after opening my gym and going through the hardest year in our lives, setting the stage for a life-altering journey into financial literacy and strategic planning. In this episode, we explore a series of transformative experiences—from confronting financial crises as a gym owner in 2014 to embracing investment opportunities—that demonstrate the profound impact financial education can have on your life.

Our discussion kicks off with a personal narrative of navigating financial hardship, where tough decisions and creative solutions played pivotal roles. Guided by mentors such as Chris Cooper and insights from friend Connor Teskey, I learned invaluable lessons in long-term financial planning and investment strategies. These insights helped instill a disciplined approach to living below our means and avoiding consumer debt, all while seeking strategic growth opportunities.

We wrap up by emphasizing the importance of early investing and retirement planning, particularly for those who are self-employed. Reflecting on 12 years as a gym owner, I share my journey of creating job opportunities and fostering industry growth, highlighting the need for continuous effort and financial literacy. For those eager to learn more or discuss these topics further, I invite you to connect and continue the conversation with me at the gym, as we strive towards achieving long-term success and fulfillment.

What if the winding road of life led you to a dream you didn’t even know you had? Discover how my journey from aspiring teacher to a corporate job at Syntas, and eventually to gym ownership, unfolded against a backdrop of unexpected career twists and personal revelations. From the hustle of athletics in my youth to the challenges of navigating a changing job market, I share how a simple suggestion about opening a gym from a university friend planted a seed that would grow into a lifelong passion. This episode sheds light on the lessons learned from summer gigs and the resilience needed to follow a path of fitness entrepreneurship.

Hear how a family health crisis became the catalyst for a complete career overhaul, steering me towards something more fulfilling. From the frustration of a corporate environment to the liberating prospect of gym ownership, I recount the pivotal moments that sparked the shift. Through personal stories of building a client base with authenticity and dedication to CrossFit, I reveal how passion can become a profession. Join me as I reflect on finding purpose in helping others reach their fitness goals, overcoming obstacles, and embracing change to create a business rooted in passion and personal growth.

Can your habits truly define who you are? Unravel the secrets of shaping your identity as we explore how the small actions you repeat every day impact both your personal and professional life. In this episode of Train for a Great Life, we promise to guide you through the power of being intentional with your habits, backed by insights from the popular book "Atomic Habits." You'll discover how to form, break, and optimize habits to serve your life better and hear firsthand experiences about the transformative potential of stepping away from the whirlwind of daily routines.

Taking the time to pause and reflect can be a game-changer, especially in a world bombarded with distractions. We emphasize the importance of self-reflection, offering practical advice on how to overcome excuses and make meaningful changes. Whether you're an entrepreneurial go-getter, a nurturing parent, or someone striving for a more intentional life, our conversation will inspire you to focus not on what you plan but on what you repeatedly do. Embrace the power of your actions, and learn how they can craft a fulfilling path, one intentional habit at a time.

Imagine living a life where your identity is not just tied to your job title or the hours you clock in at work. This episode of Train for a Great Life QuickCast takes you on a journey to redefine the balance between who we are and what we do, influenced by a thought-provoking discussion from the Modern Wisdom podcast. Through personal reflections, we uncover the tendency to let our passions, like competing in CrossFit, managing a business, or nurturing relationships, completely consume us, often at the expense of other important aspects of life. Our exploration challenges the notion of constant busyness that society often glorifies, urging a return to a lifestyle where leisure holds its rightful place as a priority.

Drawing from ancient Greek philosophy, we question the modern work ethos that equates success with relentless hustle and long hours. Through personal anecdotes of balancing gym startups, teaching, and family, we offer practical insights on fostering a diverse life identity that encompasses more than just professional achievements. This episode promises to inspire you to stack your life with enriching activities and roles—be it enjoying music, learning new skills, or simply spending quality time with loved ones. Join us for a conversation that advocates for more life and less work, ultimately paving the way for a more fulfilling and balanced existence.

Ever wondered what taking a month-long break from alcohol could reveal about your lifestyle and habits? Join me as I recount my journey through Sober October, where stepping away from alcohol reshaped my social interactions and broadened my perspective on personal responsibility. I was curious about how abstaining would affect my well-being and social life, especially after the COVID years entrenched frequent drinking in my routine. This month-long challenge proved to be an enlightening experience, allowing me to find joy and fulfillment in activities like racing and socializing without alcohol. I also discuss how THC plays a role in calming my overactive mind, offering a nuanced look at my approach to mental health.

As I reflect on entering my 40s, I delve into the motivations behind embracing sobriety. Breaking old patterns and reassessing lifestyle choices have become increasingly important, not just for my health but for the influence it has on my family, especially my young children. The impact of reducing alcohol consumption has been profound, leading to improved health and greater self-awareness. I invite listeners who have contemplated similar changes or have embarked on their own journeys to share their stories and insights, creating a community of support and encouragement centered around intentional living.

Discover how setting firm boundaries can revolutionize your personal and professional life, as we share insights from our work with a couple juggling the demands of a small gym and a full-time job. We explore how the husband tackled the stress of a job that encroached on his personal time, and how by employing a decision-making matrix, he found a path to greater balance and fulfillment. Could redefining your limits be the key to a happier life? Join us to learn practical strategies that can help you manage stress and prioritize what truly matters.

In this episode, we unpack the journey of a couple balancing their gym and demanding careers, spotlighting the importance of setting boundaries at work. Listen as we navigate through scenarios, weighing the best and worst-case outcomes, and uncover how recognizing personal leverage can open doors to a more content and rewarding life. Tune in to hear how you can apply these insights to improve your wellbeing and gain control over your time and energy.

What if fitness could be as essential and routine as brushing your teeth? That's the transformation Carl, a 63-year-old retired air traffic controller and enthusiastic grandfather, experienced when he decided to make workouts the cornerstone of his daily life. We explore Carl's inspiring journey in this episode of Train for a Great Life, discovering how he prioritized his health amidst life's chaos. Carl’s story is not just about staying fit; it’s about making a lifelong commitment to well-being, and in doing so, finding fulfillment and resilience against life's inevitable challenges.

Join us as we unpack how fitness routines can be a stabilizing force during tumultuous times and why platforms like Netflix view sleep as a competitor, highlighting the need to prioritize our health consciously. Whether it’s an energetic gym session or a peaceful walk, maintaining physical activity is crucial for both body and mind. Listen in and be inspired to reimagine your own fitness journey, ensuring it remains a steadfast part of your life, much like Carl's.