If things are going to remain the same, then things are going to have to change.
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Change. It’s a word that can evoke a mix of excitement and trepidation. We often find ourselves caught between the familiar discomfort of the status quo and the uncertain path of transformation. But what if the key to unlocking our full potential lies in recognizing that the displeasure of staying the same far outweighs the temporary discomfort of change? This realization, my friends, is the catalyst for true growth. It’s what gets you out of bed in the morning without hitting the snooze button. It’s what drives you to have that tough conversation, with a friend, family member, or co-worker.
This principle resonates deeply, especially when I consider the area of Fitness. I tend to fall into a “slowdown offense” – doing just enough to avoid losing ground, rather than playing to win. It’s like a football team that builds a commanding lead in the first half, only to switch to a prevent defense in the second. They become passive, focusing on not losing instead of continuing to press for more points. What happens? The other team gains momentum, works its way back into the game, and often ends up winning! This “prevent defense” mentality in life, whether it’s related to our physical well-being, our faith, our businesses, our families, or our leadership, is one of the biggest barrier to achieving our dreams. We settle for mediocrity, not realizing the potential we’re leaving on the field.
Recently, I invested in myself with an OwnIt VIP Day in Miami, Florida. This wasn’t just a vacation; it was an investment in my future – a commitment to leveling up in all areas of my life. Stepping outside my comfort zone that day served as a powerful reminder of how crucial intentional change is for growth. It was about shifting from a “prevent defense” to an all-out offensive strategy.
Stepping into the Discomfort Zone: Creating the Scoreboard
Picture this: trading the chilly air of South Carolina (yes, we had snow on the ground for the first time in a generation!) for the warm embrace of Miami. The change in environment was just the beginning. The day kicked off at 6 AM with a VO2 Max test. Let me tell you, breathing through a mask while pushing my cardiovascular limits was intense. It was uncomfortable, but it was also necessary. Like those crucial training drills that push athletes beyond their perceived limits, this test, combined with workout sessions and assessments like the DEXA scan, gave me a crystal-clear picture of my current health. After making the decision to change, creating a scoreboard is the second step in personal transformation. How do you know if you are winning if you don’t know how to keep score?!
This experience reminds me of a powerful verse in Hebrews 12:11: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” The discomfort I felt during that VO2 Max test was a small price to pay for the insights and motivation it provided.
The Power of Environment and Community: Iron Sharpens Iron
The setting for the VIP Day was incredible – perfect weather, top-notch facilities (gym, hot tub, sauna, the works!). But what truly amplified the experience was the camaraderie. Working out alongside other men, guided by Justin’s expertise, pushed me harder than I would have pushed myself. There’s something powerful about shared purpose and accountability. It’s like being part of a team, all striving for the same victory. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron; so one person sharpens another.” The energy and support of that group were contagious.
Personalized Coaching: Your Roadmap to Success
The afternoon was all about designing the plan. After the diagnostic assessments, we dove into the results and created a personalized plan – a new exercise regime, a tailored nutrition plan (complete with snack and supplement suggestions), all geared toward an upcoming event in three months. This wasn’t a generic plan; it was designed for me. Investing in this level of personalized coaching was like commissioning a blueprint for success. It’s the opposite of a “prevent defense”; it’s an offensive strategy designed to maximize results. When you invest your time, energy, and resources, you’re not just playing not to lose; you’re actively playing to win. You’re putting skin in the game.
Faith and Personal Development: A Holistic Approach
One of the most refreshing aspects of the VIP Day was the integration of faith and personal values. Justin’s openness about his faith was inspiring. It reinforced the idea that true wellness encompasses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Transformation isn’t just about physical changes; it’s about becoming a more balanced and fulfilled individual. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This holistic approach to change is what truly makes it sustainable.
Run Up the Score: Embracing the Journey
As Justin emphasizes in his book The Power of Ownership, taking ownership of your health and your life is paramount. Investing in experiences like a VIP Day is an investment in your future self. It’s a commitment to not just avoiding failure, but actively chasing success – to running up the score. It’s about shifting from a “prevent defense” to a relentless offensive.
Change will be uncomfortable, BUT the discomfort of transformation is nothing compared to the displeasure of remaining the same. Don’t settle for playing not to lose. Run up the score! Invest in yourself. Embrace the journey. And you’ll discover that the rewards far outweigh the initial challenges.
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!
- Quote of the week:
“Hello! you play to win the game. You don’t play to just play. It. That’s the great thing about sports you play to win and I don’t care if you don’t have any wins you go play to win.” – Herm Edwards – Former NFL & NCAA Head Football coach and player.
What You Need to Do:
Call to Action: Are you playing a prevent defense in your life, or are you ready to run up the score? Stop settling for mediocrity and start actively pursuing your goals. What’s one area of your life where you’re ready to shift from defense to offense? Identify it today, and take one concrete step this week to move closer to victory. It’s time to stop playing not to lose and start playing to win!
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!!
