Throughout my career as a bodybuilder, strongman, wrestler, and entrepreneur, one constant has always been present: obstacles. These challenges, whether in my professional pursuits or personal life, have sometimes come one by one, and at other times, like a swarm. What I’ve learned, and what I’m excited to share with you, is that overcoming these obstacles is fundamental to achieving success. Here’s how I adapted and how you can too.
Embrace Discomfort
The first turning point for me was embracing discomfort. An obstacle represents a form of discomfort, and to succeed, you must become willing to push into it rather than retreat. By running towards discomfort, you run towards the obstacle, tackling it head-on. This shift in mindset allows you to overcome challenges and avoid the overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by unresolved issues.
I learned that discomfort fueled my growth. Tackling difficulties not only improved my skill set but also developed a new layer of mental toughness. For instance, in wrestling and bodybuilding, I faced various personal and physical challenges that required me to step outside my comfort zone continually. Embracing this discomfort helped me grow and level up in both my life and career.
Control the Controllables
For someone who tried to control everything like I did, realizing that not all problems are within your control was a game-changer. I used to stress about things unnecessarily, giving myself anxiety over hypothetical situations. I developed a technique: taking a piece of paper, drawing a line down the middle, and listing stressors on the left side. On the right, I would write down which stressors were actual problems. Shockingly, only about 20% of worries actualized.
This exercise taught me to focus on issues I could influence. By dedicating my energy to factors I could change, I witnessed significant improvements. The career of being a strongman, for instance, required focusing energy on what I could directly change, like my training regimen and diet, while letting unchangeable stressors fade into the background.
Relentless Execution
Taking action without waiting for the perfect moment is crucial. The average person waits for readiness; the elite take the first step and figure it out along the way. Action is a powerful currency. In bodybuilding and strongman competitions, execution without hesitation enabled me to learn more and adapt strategies mid-journey. I prided myself on being someone who acted while others hesitated, which meant I surpassed many competitors simply by doing what I said I would do.
Learn from Failures
Setbacks are inevitable and necessary. These aren’t failures but opportunities to learn and collect data. My philosophy is to use setbacks as feedback—even in failure, there’s room for growth. Michael Jordan didn’t achieve all his game-winning shots without also missing many; his success came from failing more to succeed more.
In my wrestling career, for instance, each setback was an opportunity to reassess techniques and strategies. With time, my failures furnished a robust framework for future triumphs, creating a cycle of continuous improvement.
Building Unbreakable Self-Belief
The culmination of these strategies builds unshakeable self-belief. When you consistently take action, embrace discomfort, and focus on the controllable, your brain acquires evidence that success is inevitable. This self-belief can manifest an elite mindset.
For me, years of dedication to strongman and wrestling, combined with these principles, allowed me to thrive in areas where others doubted my potential. My journey from a struggling student to a seven-figure entrepreneur and international athlete stemmed from this cultivated belief in myself.
A Career Forged in Adversity
My career in bodybuilding and wrestling has been an embodiment of overcoming obstacles. Each lift and match was not just about physical strength but mental resilience. The rigorous training, relentless pursuit of excellence, and the willingness to face public scrutiny taught me invaluable lessons. It made international recognition possible and allowed me to carve a unique path in professional sports and business.
In closing, overcoming obstacles has been about more than just career success—it’s been about changing my life. I believe it can do the same for you. If you apply these principles—embracing discomfort, focusing on what you can control, taking relentless action, and learning from setbacks—you’ll develop the mindset that drives success in any field. Thank you for reading, and I hope these insights guide you to achieve your aspirations.
