“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb
Happy Friday, Brew Nation!
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This week, I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind — and in my training schedule — for a while now: Choosing Hard Things… Together.
About six months ago, a few friends and I committed to something that felt way out of our comfort zone (or, at least out of MY comfort zone!)— completing a Spartan Race together. At the time, it felt like one of those “yeah, we should do that” moments you toss around casually.
But the months passed. Training programs were shared. Diets adjusted. Gear purchased. Encouragement traded back and forth through text messages.
And now… it’s here. The race is this Sunday.
There’s been prep. Plenty of it. And sure, nutrition, training plans, workouts, recovery, gear — all of that matters. But here’s the truth:
The most important thing about preparing for a hard thing isn’t the gear you wear or the supplements you take. It’s who is on your team when you are doing it!
I’ve been reminded over these last few months that every time I wanted to skip a workout, the thought of being accountable to the team kept me going. Every time I doubt if I could get over that next obstacle, I know that someone will be there to encourage me — and that I’d be there to inspire someone else. I haven’t been perfect in preparation, but I have done more with the team in mind than I would have done on my own.
Scripture paints this picture really well in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Leadership is no different.
Faith is no different.
Life is no different.
We were never meant to white-knuckle it through our toughest moments alone. Whether it’s building a business, leading a team, navigating personal challenges, or climbing over 7-foot Spartan Race walls — we were designed to lean on others and let others lean on us.
What Gets in the Way?
Here are a few lies I tell myself when facing hard things:
- “I have to do this alone to prove myself.”
- “If I need help, it means I’m weak.”
- “Nobody will really show up for me anyway.”
Those are lies. Period.
Pride isolates. Fear paralyzes. But community strengthens. Encouragement multiplies. And real accountability pulls greatness out of you when you would have settled for comfort.
Being successful as a leader requires intentional leadership habits. That’s why I developed the Ideal Week template – a tool that helps me identify disciplines and habits needed for success and allocate the necessary time. It guides you through planning your ideal week, ensuring you dedicate time to the activities that bring you closer to your goals.
Want to give it a try? Email me at [email protected] with the words ‘IDEAL WEEK’ in the subject line and I’ll send you a copy of the Ideal Week template complete with a sample to get you started!
So, how do we overcome the barriers? How do we silence the doubts? How do we brush off the pain? Here are a few ways that come to mind for me:
- Choose Your Team Intentionally: Many of you are aware of the quote most attributed to Jim Rohn that reads: “You are the average of the 5 people you hang around with the most?” Our theme for this group and, more specifically for this race, is #RaiseTheAverage. Who are your “Spartan Racers” in life? Who is running alongside you? Who is raising your average? Choose people who will challenge you, lift you, and call out the best in you — not just the easy path.
- Train Together: Don’t just talk about your goals. Share them. Make your growth journey a team effort.
- Celebrate the Finish Line: Every step you take matters. Celebrate progress, not just perfection.
“Successful people do consistently what others do occasionally.”
Consistency is easier when you’re not walking alone. Remember you were created for connection. And you are strongest when you are sharpened by others. (Proverbs 27:17)
Quote of the Week:
“The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.” – Ryan Holiday
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: This week, choose your “hard thing” — and find your team.
Maybe it’s a fitness goal, a business target, a relationship you’re rebuilding, or a spiritual discipline you’re strengthening. Whatever it is:
Don’t do it alone. Invite someone into the journey with you.
It’s an honor to be your trusted “Friday Coffee Guy”. Each week, I’m excited to provide yet another round of curated content that I’ve been reading, listening to, watching, or thinking over. The purpose of the Champions Brew is to inspire, equip and encourage you to become the uncommon leader you were designed to be. I am so grateful for your decision to invest a few moments with me! I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Champions Brew. If you did, I would appreciate it if you would share it with someone who might enjoy it as well and ask them to subscribe! I will make sure they automatically get this email every week.
Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!
P.S. – Are you a podcast fan? Maybe the Uncommon Leader podcast is for you. Are you interested in being a guest on the Uncommon Leader Podcast? Do you have a story to tell? Email me [email protected] and let’s have a chat and set something up!!
