If I could magically gift you one trait to help you achieve what you wanted in the gym and in life, it wouldn’t be limitless potential. It’s be the ability to simply SHOW UP every day regardless of how you feel. The ability to kick, scratch, and crawl your way to some degree of progress when you’re NOT feeling motivated is by far the most valuable tool you can possess. The road to success is never a short road void of bumps. That’s true for EVERYBODY. So when that’s the case and you observe the route as a long haul that you must grind out, the great equalizer for those of you who may not be lucky enough to have superior genetics is the ability to OUTWORK those that are accustomed to having things come easy. So my tip for you today…Just SHOW UP!

Yesterday I did a BRUTAL squat routine that left my entire lower body, back, and core sore as hell today. Was I glued to the couch today to help recover from that onslaught? Even though I wanted to be, NO!!! I prioritized recovery… Make sure that on your “off” days where you have no scheduled lifting, you’re actually doing your part to expedite recovery. For me that means getting to bed as early as good parenting will allow, doing some head to toe mobility work, eating a solid diet, and adding a light ruck, swim, or bike ride to facilitate better flow of nutrient rich blood flow to damaged muscle fibers. Gains corne to those who put it ALL together. Not just those that beat the shit out of themselves in the gym. Do the small things, and the big things will come!!! Hands Up…KEEP FIGHTING!!!

Full disclosure, I took these rules from my fellow kettlebell coach Cameron Martin, but they’re just too good NOT to share with you guys. Living by them REALLY helps clear things up with how you make decisions in life… (1) I’m a husband and a parent first. Everything else regardless of how important it is to me comes second to family. (2) I will carve out at least 10 minutes per day, four times a week to prioritize my physical fitness. If I can’t put in that ten minutes, I’ll accept that just ONE is better than NONE, and gladly take what the day gives me without feeling shame. (3) Although I recognize I am not perfect, I will strive to do my best and perform all tasks with a high standard of excellence. (4) I will commit to a nutrition plan that is congruent to my goals, however, not be so strict as to interfere with a high quality of life that allows for me to enjoy good food with good company. …and (5) I will recognize that it’s not what I want, but what I’m willing to do to get it that matters. If you live by these rules more often than you don’t, it’s only a matter of time before you accomplish the great big badass goals that you want to accomplish!!! Hands Up…KEEP FIGHTING!!!

I’m not typically a ra-ra pep talk type because I believe more in the powers of discipline and inspiration over the more fleeting forces of motivation, however I most certainly AM a believer in doing what works for you. And during this time of year where stress levels are high and most people’s ability to force themselves into taking action towards their goals are low, I do believe there’s great value in providing yourself a steady influx of motivation throughout the day. https://www.instagram.com/share/BAMU1wpju6 I don’t care if you get it from YouTube channels (Motiversity is my favorite), or individuals on instagram like I’m posting here, but make sure if you’re the type that DOES respond well to it, you pump yourself full of shots from it on as need basis until you get shit done!!! It’s Monday, brother…time to sack up and chisel away at the tasks that stand between us and the life we want. Let’s Go!!!! Hands Up…Keep Fighting!!!

I know a lot of you are old washed up meatheads like me, so I’m sure you’ll get great use out of this video I put together last night on YouTube. By the way, how are things going with your workouts and diet? I know holiday season is tough, so wanna make sure you’re good. Chime in and let’s get things sorted out if you’re struggling… Hands Up…Keep Fighting!!!