OnAscent Radio: Recent Episodes
Tony LaPrino
My name is Tony LaPrino. Welcome to OnAscent Radio, where each week, it's my job to fire you up, ignite the leader inside you, and push you to achieve your full potential. I hope you'll join me for this journey so we can help each other scale our way to lifestyle freedom!
So much of our internal struggle comes from not embracing change. Tension decreases when we understand that change is happening at every level, from the automatic to the biological to the mental... a human being is composed of moving parts. Our identity is no different. It is a dynamic phenomenon, similar to a river: flowing, moving, expanding, roaring, weaving all the time with power, and all the time with the potential to change. Do not limit yourself to a static understanding of who you are. Release your conditioned boundaries and be free.
On the surface, a single drop of water has little to no power. However, that same single drop of water consistently hitting the same spot over and over for years has tremendous power. How is this relevant to you and your life? Tune in to find out.
When purpose and meaning are distant, hope in life can be lost. When hope in life is not present, life can become depressing, stressful, and full of anxiety and worry. When purpose and meaning in life are present, you can expect to experience many benefits, eight of which I share and discuss in this episode.
Do you ever have days where you feel on fire? ..and that can last for a few days or even weeks? ...but then you have days where the struggle is real? I sure do! It doesn't make sense and is frustrating! Personally, I believe this happens to me because I hold myself to a high standard, and when I feel that I'm not living up to that standard, I beat myself up. Should I? Not always, and the same goes for you. Can you avoid the bad days? Not always, but what I have found helps is to ask three questions and take action based on my answers. Learn those three questions and what to do in this episode.
Your tolerance level often reflects your self-worth. If you accept less than what you deserve, you signal that it's okay for others to treat you that way. Tolerating negative behavior, such as disrespect or mistreatment, reinforces and encourages that behavior to continue. You have control over what you allow into your life. By setting higher standards, you shape your environment and experiences. Tolerating poor treatment in relationships can lead to resentment, dissatisfaction, and erosion of trust over time. Recognizing and refusing to tolerate negativity or mediocrity in your life can be a catalyst for personal growth and positive change. Listen to hear these points expanded upon and hear 5 more points about why and how we get what we tolerate in life.
The connection between the physical body and mental health is deeply intertwined, with each influencing the other in significant ways. Today, I discuss how physical health impacts mental health and vice versa, psychosomatic aymptoms, holistic health approaches, and my overall approach to maintaining my physical and mental health and helping my clients do the same.
The words we speak about ourselves hold significant power and influence over our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Listen to this episode to learn the 5 main effects of our self-talk and why they're important.
Have you ever looked back at your life and begun to make sense of the events and circumstances that have taken place and now see how they all worked together to bring you to the place where you are now? It's hard to see in the moment when it's all taking place. However, as time goes on and doors open and close, it begins to make sense. One of the hardest things I have found in tough times is to have faith, patience, and trust. These three pillars can be difficult because most people want change and results NOW. The waiting is the hardest part. Doing the work daily, not knowing if or when the results will show up is hard. This is one of the reasons I see many people fail to reach their goals. What has happened in my life is, I am seeing the pieces come together for things that I have prayed and worked for over many years. When you can see the fruit of your prayers and work, your faith and hope grow stronger.
If you have followed along with OnAscent Radio over the last couple of years, you have more than likely listened to the episode entitled "The First Monday". Today's episode is only fitting because of the nature of where I was in my life on the First Monday, November 4th, 2022, after I moved out of my home of 17 years and into an apartment, preparing to head down a dark road. August 2nd, 2024, I moved into a new home, and I woke up on Monday morning this week, and it felt like the Second Monday. This Monday had an entirely different feeling than the First Monday. Rather than being down in the pit, lost, alone, and not wanting to live anymore, I've shifted to what's possible, new beginnings, and love in my heart. I share this with you in the hopes that if you are going through a challenging time or situation in your life, that you too can overcome. It takes time, focused action, and belief... and a law that can't be broken: don't ever quit.
A rare interview episode! You won't want to miss Nate's awesome story and all we can learn from it. Check it out!
The Earth has a rhythm: the days have a rhythm, the week's have a rhythm, the years have a rhythm. I found this very interesting as I have examined my life. People, including myself, talk, train, and teach on building habits, and these habits become part of the rhythm of our lives. Think about someone banging on the drums with no rhythm: it sounds like noise. But as soon as you add rhythm, you have something musical. The same applies to your life in all domains: A rhythm in your faith, by establishing a time to spend in prayer, meditation, writing. In your family, by spending time with your loved ones. In your fitness, by establishing a cadence to your workout schedule and foods you eat. And in your business and career too. A rhythm to your life. Without it, it's noise, chaos, and wandering.
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought to yourself, "Is this pain ever going to end?" or "Is this what my life is supposed to look like?" One of the biggest challenges I've had to face and work my way through is finding purpose in the pain... but it has been crucial for getting through the tough times and coming out stronger.
If you don't like where you're at, do something about it. Be radically responsible for your life. Today, I'm sharing the 12 key points for how to take personal responsibility.
Letting go does not mean you have given up. It does not mean that you no longer care. It means that you are releasing the attachments of the past that get in the way of your happiness and mental clarity. Letting go and unshackling is the process of removing oneself from old patterns of behavior that lead to unnecessary worry and mental tension. When you can be okay with things not having gone a certain way, life can begin again. Making peace with the past opens you up to love and adventure and allows you to apply the lessons you have learned with new calmness.
Today I'm diving into the often debilitating world of perfectionism. I'm exploring what perfectionism is, its causes, the impact it has on our lives, and most importantly, how to overcome it. I'm sharing personal stories and practical tips to help you navigate your own struggles with perfectionism and hopefully triumph over it.
To see your hidden patterns, you need to intentionally build self-awareness. Question your perception. A mantra that I have adopted in my life is, "Change your story, change your life." What does that mean? It means that much of the way we think, see, and operate as individuals is based off a story. The question then becomes, "Is the story that I'm telling myself true?" If you answer yes, then prove it! With facts... not perception, half-truths, or lies. Build compassionate and honest dialogue. Dig deeper into what your real motivations are, and have humility to know you can learn more. Self-awareness combined with action opens the door to real change.
What does it means to believe in yourself? Self-belief is the confidence in your own abilities and judgment. It's not about being arrogant or dismissing others' input, but rather having faith that you are capable of handling life's challenges and making decisions that lead to your personal growth. "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." This famous quote by Henry Ford captures the essence of self-belief. Your mindset shapes your reality. If you believe you can achieve something, you're more likely to put in the effort and perseverance needed to make it happen. So, how do you overcome self-doubt, have strong, positive self-beliefs, grow, and achieve your goals? That's what today's episode is all about.
As we venture deeper into ourselves, we may encounter a challenging barrier within our own thoughts, like a dense layer of sediment that has been hardened by conditioning. When we shed our emotional armor, it can be a painful process. We often feel the impact of the release in our personal lives: the storms of yesterday, the heaviness of the past moments rising to the surface. Opening ourselves up to unlearned beliefs and behaviors can create a feeling of unease and instability, as if we are on the verge of turbulence and disharmony. Real growth is recognizing these moments and treating ourselves gently as the storms pass.
It's ok to not have the answer. I believe one of the bravest things you can do is boldly embrace the unknown. Accept your fears. All fear is manageable. When fear is not managed and tuned into fuel and fire, it leads to doubt, hesitation, and procrastination. Fear will play tricks on you and make you think that you're not ready. Courageous people feel fear too; they just embrace it and use it to fuel them. Fear is contagious, but so is courage. Continue to move forward. A clear mission does not always have a clear path.
We all go through difficult times in our lives, and no one's experiences and pain should be compared with others. With these dark times come thoughts and actions that are not to be overlooked. Today, I'm bearing my soul a bit so that you can know you are not alone, you are valued, and you can get through this and get to brighter days.
I am joined on the show today by Carl Allen, a world-class entrepreneur, investor, and corporate dealmaker who has worked on more than 330 transactions worth close to $48 billion. In his 30-year career, Carl has analyzed thousands of businesses, big and small, in 17 different countries and across nearly every business sector, including technology, pharmaceuticals, transportation & logistics, engineering, manufacturing, business services, retail, professional services, finance, packaging, and corporate clothing. He started on Wall Street working for Bank of America, Hewlett-Packard, Forrester, and Gartner. He advised some of the world's largest corporations on investments, mergers, acquisitions, disposals, and restructuring... until he almost missed the birth of his second son. Carl then quit the rat race and began brokering businesses for himself. Today he is considered one of the world's premier experts on small business acquisitions. He is the founder of Dealmaker Wealth Society, where he offers his knowledge and wisdom to others. Don't miss this fascinating and valuable episode!
Get Carl's free Business Buying Blueprint here: http://trainwithcarl.com/facts
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascent.com
Often, I have found the three most challenging words to speak are, "I need help." But I will have you consider the possibility of a life filled with people willing to help, lend support, motivate you, and believe in who you are as a human being, as well as having even more people in your life that are just rooting for you and want the best for you. Receiving the help and boost from all of these people in your life begins with willingness to let your ego rest, be humbled, swallow your pride, and say the words: I need help.
Why is determination essential for success? Simple, no one's coming to save you. Life doesn't stop for you. It keeps coming at you, day after day after day. You have a simple decision to make. Live a life of truth, or live a life of lies. Honesty is what is needed to go after what you want. Once the truth is told, determination is required to go get it.
There is a strong connection between all the primary domains in your life: faith, family, fitness, and finances. When one of those domains is weak, it affects all the other areas.
Last week, I took one of the biggest steps I've taken in my life in a long time. I took a trip on my own for a few days. This may seem like something insignificant. No big deal. However, I'm coming to you from a place of permission: giving myself full permission to be all of me. I can't think of a specific time in my life when I fully embraced this lesson. The question is, why? Why is it so hard to be your true, authentic self? To embrace it. Live it. Be it. What I found on my trip was that it's in the moments and experiences that we create and embody that we are exposed to another version of ourselves. Now the challenge comes: am I willing to embrace this lesson not only on trips like these but each day?
Healing is possible. Change not only happens around all of us, but it happens within us. As I keep going and moving forward, I feel certain this is the way, because it is the only real option I have; it's the only real option for any of us, unless we just want to give up and die. We just have to focus on putting one foot in front of the other, step by step. Everything keeps changing. I will keep changing. You will keep changing... and that is natural; that is good; that is LIFE.
Every time you love yourself better, build your self-awareness, understand your patterns, improve your ability to communicate, or expand your compassion for others, the future of humanity grows brighter. You not only impact your own life, but you impact the world.
Men face a variety of challenges that are often not openly discussed due to societal expectations, gender norms, and stigmas. Today, I want to tackle 10 of the biggest challenges facing men today.
You know healing is real when you find more joy in unexpected places. You were built for redemption. We were all born into imperfection and live it daily. But just as we can make mistakes, we can also learn and improve. With enough conviction, we can understand where we went wrong and not keep making the same mistakes. Break free from the past. Learn better, kinder ways of existing. The most powerful change you can make in this world is to know yourself.
As you grow, you level up... but operating at a higher level does not mean that things get easier. On the contrary, they often get more difficult because the standards are now higher, and it takes more work to clear a higher bar. As we continually improve and level up, we must accept each new level of difficulty and rise to meet it, not only in expectations, but also overall mindset, discipline, and determination.
Do you struggle with feeling drained, not just physically, but also emotionally or mentally? I definitely do, but I have developed three ways to get my energy up despite speedbumps and keep it strong. Today I'm sharing them with you.
We understand intellectually that everything is fundamentally governed by change. But when life throws its challenges at us, we deeply crave for things to stay the same. Change is so predominant in the structure of reality that being absent-minded of it will inevitably result in dissatisfaction, stress, and suffering. The greatest adversity of the ego is change. The ego arises out of the craving to survive, which means it will attempt to control and keep things the same. The acceptance of change not only opens the door to inner peace, but it welcomes you into deeper insights that ultimately lead to liberation.
Determination is a crucial quality to develop in life. It is the unwavering resolve to pursue your goals and dreams, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks. At some point, you must make a firm decision and declare to yourself and others, "I'm going to move in this new direction, and no person or circumstance will deter me." Developing determination requires inner strength, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. It means pushing through challenges, staying focused on your vision, and refusing to give up. With determination, you can overcome any adversity that comes your way and achieve the success and fulfillment you desire. So, cultivate determination within yourself, and let it propel you forward on your journey towards greatness. Great transformations need a beginning.
There are 7 key characteristics that I believe make a powerful leader. Today, I want to share them with you. I hope they will help you in your journey of self-improvement.
If I don't like the results I have in my body, it's up to me to figure out a solution to get the result I desire. That being said, it's also up to me to understand the balance between my expectations and the reality that results take time. They take a level of commitment. They take a level of consistency. They are not instant, and perfection is not possible. If I believe I have to be perfect in all I do, then I will sabotage my self-confidence.
I got injured last week. This doesn't happen to me much, so it was a big setback for me. Today I'm discussing how I overcame this, first mentally, and then by taking the right course of action. I hope my journey will help you with your own thought processes and actions as well.
You are not always going to get it right. Sometimes the reaction is going to be strong, and it will pull you into saying and doing things that are counterproductive. Even if you have grown immensely, you are not perfect; you are not flawless. This is why growth is nonlinear. The journey of self-development and personal growth is not about developing an attachment to perfection; it's about recognizing the moments when you are moving in the opposite direction from your long-term goals and building awareness around what you can do differently next time. Recognizing when you "get it wrong" is not an invitation to be hard on yourself. In fact, this is a sign of victory. This is the power of imperfection.
This topic is a hard one for me and I spent a lot of time thinking about this. The topic came to me multiple times over this last week. Rather than reacting because others are not seeing things the way I do, I need to take a breath, take a step back, and try to see things the way they do and understand.
Happy New Year, and welcome to the first episode of 2024. Perhaps you're feeling anxious. If you're like me, you're good at planning, but you're uncomfortable because it's now time for doing. What I've realized is, it's in doing that I grow the most–not in doing the same things repeatedly, but in doing the uncomfortable things when I do not feel like it; that's where the real growth happens: seeking that out, feeling discomfort, battling through the mental blocks. Well, now it's time. It's time to do it. Will you join me?
Why does my journey matter? Why does your journey matter? Time to answer this question and begin the new year motivated to make it count.
Today we are discussing personal commitments (or resolutions) going into the new year. In the last couple episodes, we have laid the foundations for accountability and goal-setting, so now it is time to commit to specific goals for the upcoming year.
There are three levels of targets that I like to set for myself each year:
Reasonable - Good results that aren't super difficult or excessive; logical, moderate results. (1-2x growth)
Radical - Extreme results that surpass reasonable, logical, or moderate expectations. (4-5x growth)
Impossible - Utterly not possible in your mind right now; probably incapable of being true or happening. (10x growth)
Once the facts are in place and you set targets across all four domains (Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finance), you create a gap between where you are today and where you want to be 12-13 months from now.
And now the impossible game begins. It's called the impossible game not because of the magnitude of the targets but the combination of the targets set and all four domains rising at 10x levels at the same time.
Most people are lucky to have one of the four domains 10x in a year, let alone all four.
This is the game.
With a ruthless commitment to results, you can achieve the unthinkable for 2024 and become the version of yourself that you know is possible.
It's time to review and reflect on the year. 2023 is coming to an end quickly, and there's no better time than to take an honest look back at the plans you had in place for this year and examine where you have ended up.
I've adopted this practice over the last seven years, and I can tell you this is not easy. I spent the better part of my weekend in my office with papers, plans, maps, and notes that I had compiled over 2023, going through them all, checking boxes for whether I did what I said I was going to do.
The reality is, the facts don't lie. You either did the work required or you didn't. In some areas, I nailed it. In others, not even close!
With the facts in place and nothing to hide, a new possibility arises: the possibility to create a life on purpose.
Are you ready to build your 2024?
Let's make 2024 the year you look back on and say, "I did it!"
The judgment of others is largely informed by a combination of their old conditioning and current emotion. Once you realize this and begin to see it as it is, you will have the freedom to genuinely be yourself.
How do you build a good life for yourself? In this episode, I want to share with you six key components to answering this question that I have learned in my journey.
In the world that we live in today, speed is glorified: big leaps forward and meteoric rises... but reality usually moves at a slower pace, especially when it comes to personal transformation. Not every day needs to involve a "big win" for you to end up in a thriving and beautiful place. Transformation isn't a smooth process: cloudy, dark days are going to hit you. Setbacks are normal. Down moments are to be expected often. At times, it feels like you are moving against a strong current of old conditioning. But with time and repetition, this resistance will soften, and the new you will emerge. The task, as we develop new ways of living, is to embrace the idea that small, daily accomplishments are more valuable than fast results. This is how you build momentum for the long journey. Remember, happiness is not achieved overnight. Peace takes time to build. A healthy mind and body requires slow and consistent tending.
Everyone does time in the Pit. This episode, I'm spending a little time reflecting on the past year, the hardest year of my life thus far, and all the time I've spent in the Pit. Time in the pit above all else is what distinguishes top performers by their persistence in the face of failure and setbacks. The Pit is where you learn things about yourself that you can't learn anywhere else. When you fail or experience major setbacks, you end up in the Pit. If you use your time there wisely, learn, grow, and take action based on your new knowledge, then you will be a top performer.
This episode is going to be a little different than the others in the past. I want to not only take you on a journey, but I also want you to come out of listening to this episode with an experience that you will continue to come back to and make it a part of your life going forward. Listen to the full episode to receive this powerful message.
Not letting yourself be who you are is the great lie you are telling yourself. It's the same lie I was telling myself for years, and even today a bit. Who are you? What a powerful question that is, a question that can be one's life's work. Once you figure that out, can you allow yourself to be you? All of you? For yourself and no one else?
Last week, I hit on the topic of stress and meditation: using the tool of meditation to increase your capacity and power to deal with the stresses that come into your life. Today, I want to talk about how to train the spiritual mind and body. The willingness to sit in silence in the world we live in today is incredibly difficult to muster. It's uncomfortable, it feels foolish at times, and we live in a world of noise and distractions. What meditation will do for you is help calm the parasympathetic nervous system which controls the body's ability to relax. This system works in conjunction with the sympathetic nervous system which controls the flight or fight response. Meditation is vital for training your body and mind to deal with stress in a healthy way that does not damage you or shorten your life. Tune in to hear me talk about how it has helped me, how it can help you, and one of my favorite meditation exercises.
Stress is non-negotiable. It's everywhere and shows up in our lives in many different capacities, like physical stress, emotional stress, and environmental stress. The sources are also different: some stress is self-induced, such as a hard workout. Some stress is not. However, the one thing that is inevitable is that to grow in all areas of our lives, stress is non-negotiable.
Many see stress as an enemy; however, stress can also be used as a weapon. The difference between two people experiencing the same level of stress is how they deal with it. Many choose to sedate or avoid and replace one feeling for another. When sedation is used as the form of handling stress, growth and expansion won't occur.
The other side of dealing with stress is turning it into a weapon of growth and expansion with meditation or mindfulness. Using these techniques, you can increase your power and enhance your ability to deal with stress. With this, you begin to master yourself, increase in power and self-mastery, and everything in your world grows and expands.
Proverbs 27:19 says, "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person." Each day I spend time reading my Bible, and it never fails that what I need to see in the moment stands out to me in the passage that I'm reading. On September 27th, I was reading in the book of Proverbs, and this verse stood out to me. Today, I get into what this verse means to me and how that relates to what I'm going through in my life.
Who will stand with you in the darkest of times? I'm lucky enough to have a couple of those people in my life who are willing to be there for me at any time, regardless of what the circumstances are. I found myself in deep appreciation and gratitude for those people as I was reflecting on the last year of my life. I've needed these people to help get me through, and they were willing to walk with me into the pit, out of the pit, and then back in, all year long, and many times before that. Know who these people are in your life, and use their help. Ask for help if you need it. If you don't have that person, I'm your guy. Reach out.
Things are not assets, people are assets. In this episode, I discuss why your number one asset is YOU! This podcast episode provides deep insight into the reasoning behind why you are your number one asset. I dive deep into how you can change your mindset and start developing yourself as your true number one asset. As your guide on this journey, it is important that you take these lessons that I've learned from what I've been through and apply them to your life. It's time, look in the mirror, face the facts head on and take this next step on your journey with me, Tony LaPrino.
Most of my life I've lived in the Gap. You know you are in the Gap every time you measure yourself or your situation against an ideal. The ideal is where you wish you were. This leads to feelings of failure, frustration, disappointment, low self-esteem, guilt, and depression.
Being in the Gain means you measure yourself against where you were before. This approach leads to feelings of success, satisfaction, confidence, high self-esteem, enjoyment, and optimism.
When I change my thinking to the Gain, I feel more peace, happiness, joy, fulfillment, and achievement.
I am now trying to only measure myself or my situation against where I was before.
This is one of the most difficult challenges that I've faced, but it is so important.
Today I welcome to the show special guest Zachary Beach. Zachary is the CEO and a Partner of SmartRealEstateCoach.com, which is a 3-time Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company that focuses on transforming W2 employees into creative financing real estate investors. With a passion for business building, he is also a partner in Original Real Estate, Wicked Smart Finance, and NatProcessing.com. Zachary is also a 3-time Amazon Best-Selling Author of Real Estate on Your Terms, New Rules of Real Estate Investing, and Sell with Authority for Real Estate Investors.
At the age of 24, Zachary decided to leave the world of bartending and personal training and jump into the family business. It was one of the first big risks that he took in his life, as nothing was guaranteed. Plus, he knew absolutely nothing about real estate. Through hard work, in-house training, and implementation, Zachary, his team, and his students have completed hundreds of deals across the country and control $60-$100 million+ of real estate at any given time with little to no money in the deal and no banks involved.
He has an amazing wife Kayla and two small children, his son, Remi, and his daughter, Bellamy. He is a prime example of how to be successful both in business and at home.
Grab a copy of "Real Estate On Your Terms" here: www.wickedsmartbooks.com/tony2
I have come to realize that I struggle with perfectionism. I have always wanted to do the best and be the best. Sucking has never been an option for me. But obviously, we all have to learn new things, and we can't be great at something brand new to us. Furthermore, we can't lie to ourselves about how good we are at things we have been doing for a long time. I've had to realize that I am not the best at everything I do. I've realized that while striving to be the best is good, it's more important to be humble, realize there is always room for improvement, and always work on improving, regardless of comparisons to others or anyone else's standards. I also have to give myself grace to suck at new things and manage my expectations for how quickly it will actually take to get good. What's most important is to endure the suck and never quit.
Far too many people these days live in the Land of Maybe. The inability to make a decision is weakness. It leads to confusion, lack of confidence, lack of direction, lack of certainty, and lack of power. On the other side of all this is the ability to live a life that is clean and simple. Yes or No. This takes the confusion out of life. Just decide and act. There are consequences to all the decisions we make, but being indecisive is actually a decision in itself, and that decision has its own consequences. It's time get un-stuck. It's time to decide.
The way you see the world drives the way you see the world. This may sound obvious or redundant, but I actually think it's not. We are driving our reality by the stories that we are telling ourselves. Your view of yourself can create the "you" of tomorrow. Your worldview can create a vicious downward spiral or it can instead contribute to constant growth, improvement, and success. Which will you choose for yourself?
Each day, you're faced with the facts of where you are vs. the goals you are seeking to achieve, a.k.a. the finish line. The distance in between is the gap. Living in the gap is a constant challenge. Do you want to push forward toward your goals and narrow the gap every day, no matter what it takes, or will you instead give into adversity and allow the gap to widen? We all have to live in the gap for most of our lives... but are you advancing toward the finish line, or are you letting the gap widen?
Have you ever experienced a time in your life where you were shooting for a goal or wanted something badly, but it seems like it's taking forever to come to fruition? Maybe you're in that moment right now with something in your life. The question is, how long are you willing to fight for what you are after?
Your results sit on the other side of your commitment to do the work that is required. That work looks different for everyone.
I'm getting ready to tackle my fifth Ironman 70.3 Triathlon this coming Sunday, July 30th, 2023. This topic of results and commitment is something I deeply understand and take personal responsibility for.
What results are you working toward in the four key domains of your life, Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finance? What is your level of commitment to achieving those results?
Why don't you just go back to easy? ...just be like everyone else? This was a question that I asked myself over and over again. Why don't you just go back? My answer: "It's not who you are!" This mentality has helped me through the darkest of times. Without it... well, I'm afraid to even think about what my life would be like. What about you? Do you know? Do you refuse to embrace it? Are you settling for average in your life, health, business, relationships? Only you know. But if you know, you know. And that's for you to wrestle with.
If you asked 100 people what leadership is to them, you would get 100 different answers. What I do know is that to lead, you must have these two characteristics: strong physical and mental strength. When I talk about leadership, I talk about the ability to lead oneself first. I do this because if you can't lead yourself, you have no business trying to lead others.
How can you master yourself? Personally, this has been a focus of mine over the last several years, with specific focus on how I can master myself by changing the words I use to talk to myself. Eliminating phrases such as "I can't," "I don't," "I won't," and "I have to" and replacing them with "I choose to," "I prefer to," "I desire to," and "I have decided to" has been a huge step. It impacts what thoughts I allow to take hold in my mind, how I process and work through emotions, how I mentally deal with rejection. This is all just one small piece of how to master oneself.
We have all experienced conditioning in different forms, and it affects our beliefs and worldview. We have four key pillars here at OnAscent: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finance. What would be possible if we looked at each of these areas of our lives, and if we harbor any bit of resentment in those areas, then we intentionally shift our thinking away from that and let it go? Just like breaking any other habit, it will take practice and tenacity, but it will be worth it.
I came across a simple teaching from ancient Huna wisdom, the teachings of the Hawaiian elders: Bless that which you want. Jealousy, resentment, putting down, and cursing will never build us up; we must instead bless that which we desire and do not yet have, and bless those that already have it, and learn from them, rather than harboring negativity toward them. This is the path of ascent.
No matter where you are listening today, pause and say, "I Create My Life."
Have you ever heard anyone say, "Life Happens to Me?" I've said it... maybe in different forms. "It's life." "Such is life." "This too shall pass." I heard my father speak these statements a million times. They come from a place of passivity, a place of victimhood.
The approach of "I create my life" is different: it takes control. It comes from a mindset of responsibility and abundance. I choose this mindset.
The war within is often more difficult than the war on the outside. Mastering your thoughts, emotions, and will is the ultimate challenge. Our outside circumstances should not break us when they are tough, and likewise, they cannot fix us if we are broken. We must overcome our programming from the past and our obstacles in the present, take our thoughts and emotions captive, and align our will and actions with truth, growth, and success.
Memorial Day has come and gone. Today I want to spend a moment remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. To all the families who may have celebrated in a different way Monday or are mourning the loss of a friend or family member, may God bless you. Thank you all for the opportunity to live free.
This topic of accountability partners continues to come up in conversations I have with clients and others. The question was raised about whether a particular person should do a specific program. He stated, "I would do this and stick with it because I will have accountability partners." My response: "What happens when your accountability partners quit?" Does that mean you get to quit? The best accountability partner ever is YOU! If you rely on others to show up so you can get the result in your life you want, then you will most likely fall short. You don't need accountability partners. They're an excuse for you to quit on yourself.
Only the strong... what? Survive, last, win, come out on top? What's the answer?
They all may be true. Only the strong are willing to choose the path of resistance, face exposure, tell the truth, show vulnerability, and have the courage to be all themselves and have peace of mind and heart in doing so.
The definition of strong is different for everyone. Everyone is on a journey in their own lives, and you never really know where on that journey they are. Strong could mean I got out of bed today when I didn't feel like it. Strong could mean I didn't have a drink today. My strong is different than yours, and that's perfect.
If you choose to be strong today, I applaud you. Most won't choose to be strong; most choose to hide, run, lie, and pretend. Be strong today.
Most people today expect massive results in little to no time while putting forth minimal effort; they want to do as little as possible for as short a time as possible, and they still expect big results. Well, life doesn't work like that.
I want to talk about the experience of walking into the headwinds vs. walking with a tailwind. One is clearly easier than the other. Would you choose to walk into the headwind, or would you choose to walk with the tailwinds?
I noticed my physical demeanor on my walk earlier this week when it was pouring rain, strong winds, and raw and cold outside. I left my apartment, took a left, and said to myself, "This isn't that bad; it's just raining." Then I turned the corner, straight into the wind. 30 – 40 mph gusts with rain pounding me in the face. Easy was over. My head and eyes were down to the ground. My back hunched and my chest collapsed. My pace slowed and my thoughts went negative.
It didn't last.
Another two turns and I was walking with the tailwind. My head and eyes came up, and I was standing tall with my chest up, shoulders back, and moving with confidence.
It came to me: if this isn't life, I don't know what is. Choosing to walk into the headwind, enduring for a period of time, knowing that within a couple turns, everything can change.
Chris Masiello has built a successful, nearly forty-year career, spanning a variety of nationally recognized businesses in the real estate and financial services sectors, accounting for over two billion in annual sales. He continues to lead a portfolio of successful companies. Chris is also a recognized expert in business and a personal empowerment speaker. News sources such as ABC affiliates, Wall Street Journal, and others frequently seek Chris's insight, and he has received numerous industry achievements including recognition as one of the most influential trend-setting leaders in the real estate and home services industries.
Chris Masiello's links:
Website: https://chrismasiello.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-masiello-371259108/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.j.masiello/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CJMasiello/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrismauthor?s=11&t=pC5VCaT5JXeVybP5oETvOg
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BHGRETheMasielloGroup
I am excited to welcome Faust Ruggiero to the show today. Mr. Ruggiero's professional career spans almost 40 years and is diversified and compelling, as he has consistently established new and exciting cutting-edge counseling programs in his pursuit of professional excellence and personal life enhancement. He is a published research author, clinical trainer, and a therapist who has worked in settings that have included clinics for deaf children, prisons, nursing homes, substance abuse centers, inpatient facilities, and as the President of the Community Psychological Center in Bangor, Pennsylvania. In that capacity, he developed the Process Way of Life counseling program, and has developed it into a formal text presented in the Fix Yourself Handbook. On February 1st, 2020, The Fix Yourself Handbook received the Silver Award from The Nonfiction Authors Association. Today we will discuss Mr. Ruggiero's career, what he has learned from it, and his current therapeutic and counseling approaches.
Faust Ruggiero's Links:
Website: www.FaustRuggiero.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/faustinspire
IG: https://www.instagram.com/faustinspire/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaustInspire/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734383003?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
No one's coming to save you. No one's going to do the work for you. No one's going to make the decisions for you. There are times in life where you must be willing to walk alone.
As a 42-year-old man, living in this generation, at this time, in this society, I was destined to fail from the beginning.
I was born into this world where men worked, made money, provided for their families, and were sent out of the home to do this, separated from their wives and children only to come home exhausted and suppressed. Sedation was the only way to survive.
I was a boy raised by a woman, taught to be "a man" by a woman. For generations well before me, this was the way. Up until the time of the Industrial Revolution, men and children worked on the farm together. Then the man was sent away to the city in pursuit of more.
What does it even mean to "be a man"?
(Originally released March 17, 2021.)
In today's episode, I welcome to the show speaker, author, and Master of Success, Daniel Mangena, of DreamWithDan.com and the Do It With Dan podcast. Daniel's mission statement is: "To spearhead an evolutionary uplift in universal consciousness by awakening people to the importance of their Unique Role already encoded within. This deep and often ignored or undervalued passion is defined as their 'Dream'. I want help people really find an alignment with their dream life of abundance, joy, and purpose." We had a great conversation, and I think you will enjoy it and get a lot out of it.
Sunday night, I was laying in bed, and around 11:00, my phone alarm went crazy. I was in a deep sleep, and it jumped me. This happened one more time about 30 minutes later, and I had the same reaction.
You've had those moments too, I'm sure, where you instantly are thrown into the fight or flight response: your heart rate increases, you become hyper-alert, your breathing quickens. It took me hours to get back to sleep.
All I wanted to do was rest, and I found myself waking up Monday morning irritated, short, and angry. Why?
Why was I feeling this way? Was it the fact that my sleep was messed up? Or was it something else?
After spending some quiet time exploring the stories I was telling myself, I found the true source of my anger and irritation had nothing to do with the amber alert.
The lesson is, what's in front of you in the moment is the low hanging fruit you choose to continue to grab rather than going after the root of the problem.
Tell the truth, change your story, change your life.
Time is not your friend. The purpose time has in my life is to steal from me, unless I decide what I'm doing with the time given.
Sunday night this past week, I was lying in bed, and I was thinking about how fast time seems to be moving in my life. Particularly, I was thinking about the Ironman 70.3 race coming up in July, and that it's time to begin training.
I was having a back-and-forth conversation with myself about the commitment, time, and effort I must put in to be ready to perform my best in July.
Then the conversation shifted to why I need to do this and do it now.
This will be my fifth Ironman 70.3 triathlon, and each one has had a different purpose.
This time, my purpose is to build an armor, an armor that protects my heart and my mind. This is the best use of my time because of all the time it will give back to me going forward.
How will you choose to spend your time?
"For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.'" – John Whittier
I was watching a replay of a church service this past week and the message was about procrastination. Procrastination is the action of delaying or postponing something. I believe messages are delivered to each of us at the time we need to hear them. Whether or not we hear the message, is up to us. This was one of those messages for me. I heard it. I received it. And I now I'm declaring it to you.
The big question that I'm wrestling with today is: How much unmet potential am I willing to leave on the table? How much good work am I willing to leave undone?
Procrastination causes problems, trouble, and pain; it hurts people, it steals opportunity, and it wastes God-given potential.
In today's episode, we discuss four factors that cause us to procrastinate and five steps to stop procrastinating now and into the future.
Have you ever been involved in a race of some kind? Road race, obstacle course race, triathlon? I believe you have three types of people in these races: Participants, Athletes, and Ironmen. Here's the difference between the three: A participant is there to do nothing more than participate. Go through the motions, enjoy the atmosphere, and have a good time. An athlete is there to not only participate but to put forth a solid effort for that event. They've trained, practiced, and prepared for the event. Then you have the Ironman. The person who is playing to win. Period. They've not only prepared physically but also mentally. Their mind is focused on one thing: Winning. This week, I was reading in my Bible, and I was inspired by 1 Corinthians 9:24: "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!"
Here's one of the problems that I see with people when it comes to their bodies: They don't work out or actually care about their bodies.
There are so many excuses and reasons people don't take care of their bodies: It's too expensive to eat healthy, I don't like working out, I don't have time. The list goes on and on.
But the possibility that is there for everyone to experience is to value and appreciate the body that God has given you.
Your body is the only thing that is with you in everything you do. Don't take it for granted. Treat it well.
Have you ever woken up and said, "Not Today"? How often does this happen? What do you do?
What do you do with the thoughts of, "I don't want to do a damn thing today. I don't want to work. I don't want to be around anyone. I just want to be left to my own agenda."
I want to always have drive and for my thoughts to be more positive and uplifting to move me forward. And I want to feel excited to show up every day and want to do the work.
What do I need to do to make that happen?
Change my story.
Not every day is sunshine and roses. I think the people that tell you that are full of shit. However, there is an opportunity to change your story, get clear on what you want, build the desired version of the story and take action to go get it.
The pendulum swings back and forth, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month.
My pendulum swings are extreme. The highs are high, and the lows are low. This has become more prevalent in my life lately, and I've become aware of this more than ever before. In the past, I would make excuses and brush it off as "the way life is supposed to be".
I hate the lows. I hate the person I am in the lows. I hate the way it makes me feel, think, and act. I want to run and hide. I want to disappear. I don't want to face it or feel it.
But it's life. We all experience this.
The highs are special, liberating, and time-collapsing. I see this and recognize it. I want more of this. I believe for me, what's making the lows so dark is how badly I want to be the man who experiences the highs more frequently.
It's exhausting living in the low side of the swing. But I've come to accept this as part of me, and if I want to be at a place in my life where I can accept all of me for me, then that will require me to embrace these swings and be willing to extract the lessons along the way.
If you feel this, experience it, and live it. Know this, you are not alone.
Prove it! A statement I say to myself repeatedly. Talk is cheap. Results speak for themselves. This is a mentality I've adopted over the years, and I'm not perfect, but I'm making progress. In most cases, this is an internal conversation that I have with myself when I want to create, be, or do something different or challenging. Prove it. Prove it to who? Myself. No one else. I need to prove to myself that I'm willing to do the work that is required in order to move the needle in my life. No one's coming to save me or do the work for me. I'm responsible. It's me that needs to own it. This way of living has hardened my mind, giving me proof each day that I can do hard shit. And as each day passes, another victory is won.
This past week, I spent a few days in Orlando at a conference. I saw some great friends and business colleagues that I haven't seen in a few years.
When I was on my way home, I had this overwhelming feeling of happiness, peace, and joy.
I asked myself, "Where is this coming from?"
Two places:
-
I don't do well out of my routines in changing environments, yet I felt relaxed and peaceful the entire time I was away.
-
I was also excited to come home.
This may sound so simple and easy to others, but for me, breaking routines is very difficult. The fact that I let myself feel this happiness, joy, and peace is massive progress for me.
It was a positive experience because I struggle with allowing myself to feel the good feelings. The difficult, hard feelings, however, I have no problem feeling.
The most significant revelation I had through experiencing this situation was, feelings are always evoked. What's important is whether or not I'm willing to be present in the moment and allow myself to feel them and dig into why I feel the way I do.
Maybe you're like me... I constantly think, "You're not good enough." I think of my shortcomings and failures. I'm hard on myself. If I keep creating a negative narrative from my past, I guess I shouldn't be surprised when my present follows suit. That's the realization I want to share with you today: we create our own narrative, and we must take control of it and make it positive... otherwise, nothing will ever change for the better. We must pinpoint what we desire and change our inner monologues to positive affirmations and calls to rise to the occasion and accomplish those desires. We cannot let our past dictate our future. Change begins with what we tell ourselves.
Last week I left you with an unanswered question: Why do I choose to grow?
"To give light to those who sit in the darkness and to guide them to a path of peace."
I have this strong desire to help and serve people. To solve problems. To plan. To help people who are hurting and walk with them.
I'm fighting for my own life so I can hold space for you.
In order to do that, I MUST DIE... at least, these parts of me:
- the "not good enough" attitude - the "you're not worthy" mindset - past habits of living comfortably - the fear of speaking truth - weakness as a leader and as a man
I have a simple decision to make:
Live a life of truth, or Live a life of lies.
I must be honest with myself and go after what I want.
If it's not me who's going to set the standard, then who will?
A Simple Decision
Welcome to the first episode of OnAscent Radio for 2023.
What a year 2022 was. It has come and gone. Can't change it. Can't take it back. Can't stop time.
Now the conversation shifts. It's a new year; Who do you want to become?
The problem: You sold out a long time ago, and you got comfortable. You became ok with being less-than. Your willingness to pursue more dwindled, which affected everything: your faith, your family, your fitness, your finances.
Why are you choosing to sell out?
Why do you need to pursue more?
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can serve you.
It's been about 6 weeks since my wife and I separated and I moved out. We see each other regularly because of my daughter's hockey, the dog, and other things.
The story that I'm telling myself is that I'm supposed to move on and not have feelings for her anymore.
When I tell myself this I feel frustrated, sad, hurt, confused.
This is uncharted territory for me, and at times, I don't know how to react. The interactions with Stephanie feel awkward. I'm struggling with my expectations to move forward and not have feelings for her anymore, but I still do.
She's all I've known for 22 years.
The Lesson: Change in life can open your heart and mind for growth. Your heart is pure, and that's a gift.
The most significant revelation: Embrace, feel, & trust. I believe these are important lessons because these will be at the root of my life moving forward.
You can learn a lot about a man's character when he's put in uncomfortable, challenging situations. I decided to begin helping as an assistant coach on my daughter Emma's 12u co-ed hockey team. What I didn't realize was how, through observation of these kids, I would be reminded of many lessons. What stood out this week, loud and clear, was the character of a man. Listen for more details.
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This is a time of year for reflection, gratitude, and love. Stop for a moment and give thanks to the people who play a role in your life, who make an impact, a difference, and make you feel loved. I start with giving thanks to God for giving me the opportunity for another day on this side of heaven. Although this year as a whole and many of its months, weeks, and days have been hard, when I strip it all back, I am still very blessed, and I can't help but give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 - 18 says, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
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This past week has been a week of reflection, new experiences, and cycling in and out of the pit. This is what it's all about. Experiencing life every day. Being willing to do hard things, have difficult conversations, and be present in every situation so you can experience it to the fullest. I'm grateful... for everyone in my life that has and still does support me, love me, see me, except me, and trust me. Thank you.
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People are so easily offended. Ego, pride, the desire to be right, and not being willing to face the truth are all root causes of being easily offended. For me too. But where's the gift? What can you learn and grow from? If you're willing to find it, you will find it. Sometimes it takes offending the head in order to expose what's in your heart.
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Today I want to discuss something we all endure: storms in our lives. Some are stronger than others; some are short, and some are long. But how do you get through them? Grit in the eye of the storm is hard to find. I believe, in my life, my ability to endure, overcome challenges, and find the grit I need to make it through is not only a gift but a learning experience. I believe you need three things to overcome grit in the eye of the storm, and I share those with you in this episode.
Visit OnAscent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
One thing I have found in my life is, if I'm feeling angry, frustrated, stressed, overwhelmed, or sad, then I'm usually struggling to get to the root of the problem. You may have experienced something similar. Take health, for example. Many people come to me at OnAscent because they want to lose weight and feel better. Nothing wrong with that. But my question is, why? What's the REAL problem? I believe most people are afraid of getting to the real problem. Because, in most cases, it does two things: 1. It causes pain. 2. It turns the responsibility onto you, the individual. Today we are discussing getting down to the REAL problem, taking action to fix it, and the benefits of doing so.
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
One thing I have found in my life is, if I'm feeling angry, frustrated, stressed, overwhelmed, or sad, then I'm usually struggling to get to the root of the problem. You may have experienced something similar. Take health, for example. Many people come to me at OnAscent because they want to lose weight and feel better. Nothing wrong with that. But my question is, why? What's the REAL problem? I believe most people are afraid of getting to the real problem. Because, in most cases, it does two things: 1. It causes pain. 2. It turns the responsibility onto you, the individual. Today we are discussing getting down to the REAL problem, taking action to fix it, and the benefits of doing so.
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Have you ever experienced a time in your life where things just seem to line up perfectly? ...everything seems to be working out in your favor? Or how about times when you feel like you're stuck in a rut and don't feel like much is changing? Or how about times when nothing goes right, life is dark, and it feels like there is no end in sight? These are all seasons. I don't think people realize how much strength it takes to pull yourself out of a dark place mentally. If you've done that, be proud of yourself. This episode is about understanding that wherever you find yourself currently, it is just a season, not forever. Use this mindset to empower yourself to stay positive during the tough times, grow, and overcome them, and during the great times, stay humble, avoid complacency, and continue to grow and improve.
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Join me for a fascinating discussion with special guest Andrea Lowell about how eating right and giving your body the proper fuel it requires can fully transform the way your body feels, your energy levels throughout the day, your moods and mood stability, and your mental acuity, enabling you to be a more successful entrepreneur than ever before.
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Are you building a life that matters? One of my biggest fears is to come to the end of my life having spent my time succeeding at things that don't really matter. So, what really matters? First, making a positive impact on other people's lives, starting with your family and working outward from there. Second, creating freedom for yourself and your family through financial security and time availability. Third, expanding your wisdom daily, and fourth, achieving and maintaining optimal physical health. As you can see, these goals are all related. You can't take care of your family and enjoy freedom together if you become seriously ill or die early, so you have to stay healthy. Likewise, you can't give your family what they need if you're financially insecure or if you hardly ever spend time with them... and you have to increase your knowledge and wisdom constantly to keep getting better at providing more efficiently. My hope for you is that you choose to build a life that matters, and through applied faith, you find the strength and courage to pursue your goals and live the life of your dreams. Join me in living life on the ascent.
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The trio of past experiences, expectations, and reality come up often when we're trying to create change. Past experiences, whether we recognize it or not, can drive confidence, either up or down, depending on the result attained. Expectations tend to be a driving force that, again, if set unrealistically, can lead to feeling like a failure if the desired result is not reached. Finally, reality. What's real and true? Are you being truthful about your past experiences, expectations, and the reality of your current situation? If you're working to change your health, are you being real with yourself? When you balance past experiences with expectations and the reality of your current situation, I believe you create an atmosphere for greatness.
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
The trio of past experiences, expectations, and reality come up often when we're trying to create change. Past experiences, whether we recognize it or not, can drive confidence, either up or down, depending on the result attained. Expectations tend to be a driving force that, again, if set unrealistically, can lead to feeling like a failure if the desired result is not reached. Finally, reality. What's real and true? Are you being truthful about your past experiences, expectations, and the reality of your current situation? If you're working to change your health, are you being real with yourself? When you balance past experiences with expectations and the reality of your current situation, I believe you create an atmosphere for greatness.
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Think about a time in your life when you accomplished a goal, reached a milestone, or achieved a result. Look at where you are today in your life. You wouldn't be here in this place, having achieved all you've accomplished, without commitment. Today's message is about leveling up that commitment. If you're not where you want to be in life at this moment, whether it be in your health, business, career, faith, or relationships, then it's your fault. You're not committed. You can say whatever you want to say, make all the excuses you want, justify with all the reasons that come to your mind, but when you strip it all away, your commitment is weak. Where in your life do you know you're not truly committed to getting the results you desire? Once you determine that area, ask, what are you going to do about it? Once you've answered that question, now, prove it.
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Think about a time in your life when you accomplished a goal, reached a milestone, or achieved a result. Look at where you are today in your life. You wouldn't be here in this place, having achieved all you've accomplished, without commitment. Today's message is about leveling up that commitment. If you're not where you want to be in life at this moment, whether it be in your health, business, career, faith, or relationships, then it's your fault. You're not committed. You can say whatever you want to say, make all the excuses you want, justify with all the reasons that come to your mind, but when you strip it all away, your commitment is weak. Where in your life do you know you're not truly committed to getting the results you desire? Once you determine that area, ask, what are you going to do about it? Once you've answered that question, now, prove it.
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Most call it a midlife crisis. A midlife awakening is not the same. In 2017, I was awakened to the fact that I was headed down a road of self-destruction in all areas of my life. My life wasn't working. It took me having to face the facts of my life head on. You must be ready to hear and receive the truth. You must be willing to be open to new possibilities for your life. You must be able to practice self-control and take responsibility for your life, because without it, you will stay stuck. Where in your life do you need to wake up to the truth and practice self-control so you can become the best version of yourself?
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Most call it a midlife crisis. A midlife awakening is not the same. In 2017, I was awakened to the fact that I was headed down a road of self-destruction in all areas of my life. My life wasn't working. It took me having to face the facts of my life head on. You must be ready to hear and receive the truth. You must be willing to be open to new possibilities for your life. You must be able to practice self-control and take responsibility for your life, because without it, you will stay stuck. Where in your life do you need to wake up to the truth and practice self-control so you can become the best version of yourself?
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Life on the ascent consists of 4 pillars: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finance. Today we're going to spend some time inside the faith pillar. Faith is a pillar I don't usually spend much time speaking about, but today, I find it appropriate. This past week, I found myself in the pit. On Wednesday of this past week, I got on my bike after dinner, shut the lights out, and rode hard for an hour. On this ride, I was processing thoughts and emotions, and then I realized, "Only God sees me in these times." When you're struggling, going through a challenge, processing thoughts and emotions, and you find yourself in the pit, where do you turn?
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Life on the ascent consists of 4 pillars: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finance. Today we're going to spend some time inside the faith pillar. Faith is a pillar I don't usually spend much time speaking about, but today, I find it appropriate. This past week, I found myself in the pit. On Wednesday of this past week, I got on my bike after dinner, shut the lights out, and rode hard for an hour. On this ride, I was processing thoughts and emotions, and then I realized, "Only God sees me in these times." When you're struggling, going through a challenge, processing thoughts and emotions, and you find yourself in the pit, where do you turn?
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
Often in our lives, we find ourselves spending most of our time doing things we don't enjoy, and we may never do things that really set our souls on fire. What do I mean by setting your soul on fire? It's that feeling of when you're doing something and you completely lose your sense of time. It feels like nothing else exists in the world. At the end, you're fulfilled. Have you ever thought about what sets your soul on fire? Can you name something, or a few things? And the big question is, why aren't you spending more time doing those things?
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
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Often in our lives, we find ourselves spending most of our time doing things we don't enjoy, and we may never do things that really set our souls on fire. What do I mean by setting your soul on fire? It's that feeling of when you're doing something and you completely lose your sense of time. It feels like nothing else exists in the world. At the end, you're fulfilled. Have you ever thought about what sets your soul on fire? Can you name something, or a few things? And the big question is, why aren't you spending more time doing those things?
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
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I'm recording today's episode on my 16th wedding anniversary. My wife Stephanie and I have been married for 16 years and have been together for 22 years. We met in college my freshman year, experienced living halfway across the country together, 2 kids, and have been through the highest highs and lowest lows along the way. Today I want to share with you why I feel your marriage is on the line, and you don't even realize it. I've been through it, and odds are, some of you listening are right there right now.
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
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How often do you run into people who are big talkers but don't follow through on their word? Are you one of them? Do you do what you say you're going to do? I'm not a big talker; I never have been. I'm a doer. I ask myself this question daily: What am I going to do? ...and then I do it.
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My wife and I were talking about a conversation I had with another person this past week, and the statement was made, "You get what you put into it." It stuck out to me and made me think about the direction and work I put into my faith, family, fitness, and finances. This statement couldn't be truer. The challenge this week is to look inside your own life. In what areas are you seeing a disconnect? Then take an honest evaluation of the attention, effort, and work you're putting into them. Are the results aligned with the effort?
Visit onascent.com for more information on how we can better serve you.
This week's episode is a two-part message. The first message I want to share is all about you, your physical body, and why that's the greatest gift you've been given. The second part is a message about what's possible. I share with you my personal reflections from this past weekend as I completed an Ironman 70.3 triathlon.
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One of the 6 fundamentals that we focus on at OnAscent is incorporating meaningful work and joyful play into your routine. I will admit, this has been a very challenging fundamental for me to master. I struggle to just let go and have fun. No worries, no distractions, not a care in the world at that time. Just let loose and go for it. I consciously have to make an effort to do more of that in my life and not take things so seriously. How about you? Where in your life could you incorporate more fun?
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One of the 6 fundamentals that we focus on at OnAscent is incorporating meaningful work and joyful play into your routine. I will admit, this has been a very challenging fundamental for me to master. I struggle to just let go and have fun. No worries, no distractions, not a care in the world at that time. Just let loose and go for it. I consciously have to make an effort to do more of that in my life and not take things so seriously. How about you? Where in your life could you incorporate more fun?
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We all experience unhappiness, loneliness, disappointment, and frustration. Why? I believe the root cause is expectations. There's a fine line between reasonable expectations, being human, and having good boundaries. I believe you should have high expectations for yourself, and you should never be willing to lower your expectations because someone else is not willing to raise theirs. People will judge you or even sometimes belittle you. When people belittle you, they are being little. Small-minded people won't celebrate you. Small-minded people will be jealous, they will be gossipers, and they will try to make you look bad. Today I will give you the key to dealing with small-minded people and living a happier life.
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Where in your life have you been holding back? Is it going after a promotion? Starting a business? Going after a healthy, strong body? Becoming the person you know you're capable of becoming? What is it? Now is the time to step up. What are you waiting for?
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There's this preconceived notion in society that you're supposed to look, act, and feel a certain way. You're suppose to feel and not feel a certain way. You can say this, but you can't say that. If you believe in something different than what the world says you're supposed to believe in, you're wrong and canceled out. Are you being true to who you are? Or are you putting a mask on, pretending to be something or someone you're not? Why are you hiding? What are you afraid of?
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Why do you feel the way you feel? Why do you make the decisions you make? Why have you chosen the path in life that you're currently on? Why do you love who and what you love? It's who you are.
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This is an episode of reflection on what drives my life. I recorded this on Father's Day, a day that yielded many emotions, thoughts, and questions. I share with you my journey into fatherhood and the lessons I've learned along the way with the intention that you reflect on your path and choose to lead a life worth following.
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Think about both sides of comparison: On one side, you have comparing yourself to someone you feel better than, resulting in pride. Pride is the ultimate killer. On the other side, you have comparing yourself to someone who is better off than you, resulting in jealousy. Jealousy is a cancer of the soul. Instead of comparing, try trusting. Trust your instincts. Trust in your ability to create what you want. When you're struggling, feeling anxious, angry, upset, fearful, or stressed, you're probably trying to control an outcome. Let go of it all and trust.
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The biggest factors that distinguish elite, top-performing athletes are mindset and mental strength, more than talent, and more than hard work, in and of itself. Having the resolve to always do what is necessary and keep moving forward toward your goal, regardless of how you feel, is the primary driver of success.
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What's your level of commitment? You say you're committed, but are you really? Are the actions that you're taking proving your commitment? You can say you're committed to whatever it is you're striving for; that's easy. If that's true, prove it.
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Your results are your fault. Good and bad. Own it. Be accountable. Accountability feels like an attack when you're not ready to acknowledge how your behavior harms others. You have to get up early, you have to take care of your responsibilities, you have to be honest with yourself, you have to evaluate your priorities. Nobody is going to do it for you. These are your goals and dreams. Everything you want starts and ends with you.
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In this episode, I want to reflect on what took place at the Kentucky Derby this past Sunday afternoon. Even if you don't follow horse racing, you need to hear this story. We saw one of the greatest stories ever unfold in front of our eyes. Rich Strike was the underdog, a long shot. No one even knew he was going to race until another horse was disqualified and he got the call. Did Rich Strike and his jockey just show up and win? Or were they prepared? This week, I want you to think about where in your life you are putting in the time, getting prepared, and making yourself ready for that call, for the shot to win the race you are called to run.
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This week's episode is about the concept of taking a shot at something that, at the time, may seem scary, farfetched, or uncomfortable. I'd rather swing and miss than not take a swing at all. Failure is a hard concept to wrap your mind around. No one likes to fail. No one likes to lose. No one likes to swing and miss. But it's all part of the game. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Just do it. Don't stand there and watch your opportunities go by.
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What is earning power? Your ability to earn money. Your ability to produce the financial means for you and your family to be able to live the life you desire. Your ability to produce comes down to having the power required, having the physical strength and stamina to be able to sustain your earning power for many years. Why is this important? Inflation, weakening of the dollar, increasing cost of living, retirement age getting pushed further and further out, etc. Protect your earning power by making sure that you're doing what is required to build a strong, healthy body so you can create life the life you desire.
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Most are not cut out to do things that challenge the status quo, to take the path less traveled, to do the hard work, to constantly step into uncomfortable situations. Most are perfectly content with the life they lead. Many are ok with going through the motions, day in and day out. The majority of people are content with current state of their body, relationships, business, and finances... until they're not. Then what? That is the question I have for you today. Where in your life can you take the next step?
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Days don't always come easy. Life isn't always fun or exciting. So how do I keep it together when the challenges never seem to end? Today, I share with you six techniques for doing just that.
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The power of your words, used wisely, will strengthen your belief in who you are. Hope will build, strength will prevail, and peace will reside in your heart and soul when you believe in "I am".
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Today I am sharing with you 5 core truths that have shown up in my life, and once admitted, faced, and understood, accelerated my personal growth and positive change in my life like nothing else before.
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I know a dark secret about the entire health industry, pertaining to nutrition, fitness, and life in general... and especially to men, and even more so to men over 35 years old. The industry is telling you to use supplements, go to the gym 3-4 times per week, and throw around a bunch of weights. The problem is, if that worked, you would be doing that already. What you're not realizing is, the reason you're overweight and you feel like crap is your habits. I believe the cards are stacked against you. Today I'll tell you why and what you can do about it.
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We men want to look good, feel good, provide for our families, and be admired and desired. No matter what anyone tells you, though, there are no shortcuts to accomplishing these goals, and some advertised shortcuts lead to disaster. I am here to help you up the steep, narrow path to genuine long-term health.
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Fear. What it is? Is it real? How is it showing up in your life? Do you let it control your decisions? I believe there are real fears and made up fears that we all experience. Real fears, such as a fear of heights, exist for a good reason. But I would question, is it really a fear of heights, or is it a fear of something else? Made up fears, such as a fear of failure, do not necessarily exist for a good reason. What are you really afraid of? Is it failure? Or is it having your ego bruised? So many questions to unpack. I share my thoughts and personal experiences with you in today's episode.
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Men suffer in silence. Men often don't talk about a lot of the stuff they should, like social support and relationships, pain and discomfort, emotional distress, loss and grief, anxiety and depression, or fear. The problem is, silence doesn't protect you. That stuff doesn't go away. It affects your choices and wears you down over time. But you don't have to go through this stuff alone. You can and should have someone to talk to about what you're going through, someone who will listen to you vent when you need to, but be ready to help or offer advice when you ask for it.
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Today's episode is about being real and coming face to face with who you are as a human being. No guilt, no shame, just the facts of what's staring back at you in the mirror. I want to touch on this notion of dealing with regret. I believe one of the most difficult things to do today is to life your life each day as if it were your last, with no regrets. I take you into my personal life and share with you the regrets I've had to overcome in my faith, family, fitness, and finances.
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Every wondered how people reach such high levels of success? Maybe you've been around people in a group and you notice that some have better results than others. Why do you think that is? Over my years of studying human performance, I've come to the conclusion that people who successfully create high levels of success in their life have these three ingredients.
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Have you ever started something new and felt the urge to quit? Me too! Many times. I would be forced to interrogate my thoughts and stories about why I even bothered trying something new or taking on more. Is this really working? What's the point? This sucks! But before you quit, ask yourself this: What's on the other side of quitting?
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Fear is natural, and sometimes it's a useful alert to our "flight or fight" system. But when it comes to the self-limiting stories you tell yourself, it is SUCH a waste of time. Once you see it's just an illusion, no more powerful than a shadow on the wall, then you're free to let it go. If you want me to take you to a place you've never been before, are you willing to do what you've never done before?
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Have you ever felt like life is going well, but something is missing inside? Well, if that's the case, know that you're not alone. A few years ago, I had this same feeling. I had two thriving businesses, a nice home, truck, and family. All the things a guy could ask for. Except something was missing. Why was I feeling the way I was feeling? Why was I having the thoughts I was having? Why did I feel so disempowered? Disconnected? These were questions I needed answers to. The problem was, I was looking in the wrong places.
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The biggest lie we tell ourselves is that our potential is limited. Potential doesn't mean anything. It's nothing more than a limit you or someone else is putting on you. We live in the stories we create. It starts with knowing who you are at the core.
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Everyone ends up somewhere. Few people end up somewhere on purpose. If you want to be an ineffective and unfulfilled person, don't be disciplined, don't start with the end in mind, put first things last, think about how you can take advantage of others rather than add value to them, be quick to speak and slow to listen, be an island unto yourself, and burn yourself out. I see all of these things all around me constantly. Today, we will discuss how to avoid these traps and be highly effective and fulfilled.
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I want to share with you a very humbling question that I was asked over this past week. When you're feeling down, lost, struggling, and depressed, I want you to ask yourself this: Who is counting on you?
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Happy New Year, and welcome to 2022! This week's episode is all about setting the intention for 2022, helping you step into your power, and not only get off to a great start in 2022, but maintain that momentum throughout the year.
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As the year comes to a close, we all have a great opportunity to reflect not only on how this past year has changed us, but on who we are in general. Ask yourself, "Who am I?" ...and follow that up with, "When I am happiest, healthiest, and my life is closest to ideal, what does my life look like?"
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As we approach the new year, I'm sure you're just like me, and you're ready to tackle a new year. New goals, new aspirations, new experiences, new challenges. Today, I'm going to challenge you like never before. As you think about what's next in your life, I want you to ask yourself this one question: How bad do you want it? The pain of discipline is less than the pain of regret. The question is, do you want it bad enough?
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So often, men find themselves living on autopilot. This means that you are going through the motions of living without really feeling alive – living with very little intention on a daily basis. Most men lead lives of quiet desperation. You feel stuck, and all you want to do is run away. Deep-seeded anger and resentment build up because you're living a deeply unsatisfying, soul-crushing life. What do you do about it? Well, this was me. I've been there. Tune in to find out what I did about it.
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What does that mean to be emotionally blocked? Not allowing yourself to express, show, feel, and become aware of the emotions that you feel. This whole idea that men shouldn't show sadness makes many men very emotionally blocked, which can lead to issues in their future regarding problems with themselves or with their relationships with others. This perception that men are weak if they show emotions couldn't be farther from the truth. All human beings feel. I believe that recognizing and expressing emotion is one of the strongest traits a person can have.
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Every year, millions of us worry about finding the perfect gifts for all the people on our Christmas list. What to buy for him, where to shop for her, and how in the world will I find this year's must-have toy for the kids? Every day, millions of us say we'd love to take better care of our health, but we just can't afford it. Well, here's a solution for all of that: Give them the gift of YOU. Take the money you would spend on soon-to-be-forgotten presents, and apply it instead to your own healthy living.
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Have you ever wondered how the high achievers get to where they are in life? And how do they keep on growing and expanding? I believe they have 5 things in common. Today, I'll share these 5 things with you.
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When you take a step back and look at the life you lead every day -- the decisions you make, the way you treat yourself, the way you treat others -- is it a life worth imitating?
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We're learning more and more all the time about the incredible connections between our brains and our bodies. We're seeing that our thoughts really do affect our bodies. Even when we're not aware of it, our physical self is responding to what it hears from our mental self. In other words, your body is listening to you.
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The lens through which you see the world shapes who you are; it shapes your identity. I want to tell you a very personal story that I’ve kept very close for quite a while now. My journey over the last five years has been the hardest period of my life. Having to let go of the demons of my past that haunted me, look in the mirror, and face the truth of who I was as a man... or lack thereof. Through the darkness came light. Courage. Hope. Love. The biggest shift in my thinking was the story that I was telling myself about what religion was and what it represented... and I'm sharing that with you today.
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This message today is for the dads out there. I believe that most married businessmen feel lost, frustrated, broken, and alone. They lack focus, energy, and power. Today, you're asked to play so many different roles in life. You’re supposed to be the hunter and go make money to provide for your family. You’re supposed to be loving, caring, and gentle to your children. You’re supposed to be a great listener and share your emotions with your spouse, but you’re never supposed to get mad or angry... and on and on it goes. Today, let’s talk about dad on the outside vs. dad on the inside. Many dads are two entirely different people. What can we do about that?
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Have you ever asked yourself, what can I do to make a difference? Would you like to impact the planet and promote positive change? Would you like to be more at peace with yourself and be a happier human being? Your job is to open your eyes to who you truly are and make peace with that. If you can do this, then all the negativity, fear, and shame that blocks your authentic expression will begin to lift, and you can become a more powerful and effective human being.
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The idea of being "ready" is unrealistic for making healthy choices as an adult. Why? Because we can't always be "ready". And if we insist on waiting until we are, then we might be waiting forever. When we're planning to adopt healthy habits like exercising and eating right, this ideal state of being "ready" usually doesn't come. Instead, we have to start taking the actions we need to take immediately, and from that comes the sense that we're doing what we should be doing. You've heard the expression "fake it till you make it," right? It just means: Do the right thing, even if you don’t always feel like it... and doing that over and over again creates synergy and momentum in the right direction.
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Living a healthy lifestyle is a lot like saving money. Success comes from setting priorities, making sacrifices, and taking small actions every day that add up over time. Join me for this episode if you want to reset your thinking around healthy living and start making an impact today.
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The one thing most people won't do -- especially men -- is ask for help. I'm not talking about asking for help around the house, or on a project at work, or for a spot at the gym. I'm talking about asking for help when life gets hard, when you feel lost, when you feel broken, when you feel alone. It's easy to pretend that everything in life is working and you're "ok". Sometimes, the most difficult thing you can do is ask for help, but it's also the most important thing you can do.
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Do you ever feel anxiety around certain expenditures? Sometimes we can get so worried about the cost of something that we don't see its value as an investment in our best interests. When I think about my expenses, I try to remember that everything is a choice between moving closer to my goals or farther away from them. I mean, if I put away some money each paycheck, then I can feel better about my retirement planning, even though I have less money in my pocket right now. Well, it's the same way with our physical health and fitness.
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Life has two paths: the success path, or the failure path. Which one are you on? There is no such thing as the status quo or middle of the road path. Each day you're making decisions to grow and get better in all areas of your life, or you're choosing to stay comfortable now, which inevitably will lead to discomfort later.
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Time is our most valuable resource. We only have so much of it, and we have to decide how to invest it. I urge you to make time for your health. It will be your greatest reward throughout your life. If you have your health, then you have everything. Or, put another way, health equals wealth. I can spend just a few hours a week exercising and know that I'm drastically reducing the chances that I'll spend days, weeks, months, or years suffering later. Most chronic illnesses in this country are largely preventable through lifestyle choices like exercise, diet, sleeping well, avoiding stress, cigarettes, and too much alcohol, etc. Give a little time to build and develop healthy habits, and you gain so much more. Not having time is the poorest excuse for not taking care of ourselves. If we get honest with ourselves, it's not an issue of time but an issue of priorities.
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In this episode, I want to give you a real and raw look into my life as I transitioned from addiction and unhealthiness to Ironman. We'll discuss what Ironman really is about and how the willingness to put yourself in difficult situations and refuse to give up is the best way to progress in life.
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Today I want to share with you what it really means to be on the ascent and the four steps that are required.
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When something hurts us, we naturally pull away. But if we do, we're missing an opportunity to turn a bad situation into a learning opportunity. It's in our most painful experiences that we can find the greatest lessons and motivations for personal growth. Join me today to learn how to turn pain and negative past experiences into strengths and advantages.
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THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS TO REACHING OPTIMAL HEALTH! It takes time, in fact, years. Don't be discouraged when you hear this. When you make the decision to take control of your health, benefits begin immediately. However, if you think that reaching optimal health can be done quickly, and you continue to make attempts with quick fixes, magic pills, etc., then you are setting yourself up for MASSIVE disappointment. I'm not concerned with how fast you grow. I'm concerned with how strong your foundation is. When you have a strong foundation in place, you never fall off track. And failure doesn't exist.
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Of all the emotions I've felt throughout my life, the only one I really regret is fear. Not necessarily feeling fear, especially when it can be helpful, like when avoiding physical danger, but I definitely regret the times I have let fear stop me from taking positive action. Today we address the fears that stop us from doing things we need to do, and believe it or not, not all of those fears necessarily have to be overcome before moving forward. Sometimes we can accept fear and move forward nonetheless.
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Over my 5 years working as a nutrition and personal coach, I've heard it all. Everyone thinks their reasoning for not taking the action required to reach their goals is totally valid. So today I want to call out the #1 phrase I hear that kills people's dreams and goals in their tracks: it's "Yeah, but..." The versions I hear the most are, "Yeah, I'd love to get fit now, but things are just so busy. I don't have the time," and, "Yeah, I'd totally commit to losing the weight, but I just can't afford it," and, "Yeah, my health is a priority, but I just can't commit right now." These thoughts and phrases destroy people's health, happiness, confidence, and lives. The truth is this: You're not too busy. (In 2021 EVERYONE is busy, and busy people can be super fit.) Getting fit and healthy isn't too expensive. It doesn't matter if your spouse supports you or not. The timing will NEVER feel right. Whether you choose to act or not is up to you and ONLY you, and help is readily available.
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If you're the type of person that puts everyone else's needs, desires, and wants first, you're not alone. I've failed in this area too. For years I put "things", other people, accomplishments, and work ahead of myself... and it cost me physical health, mental health, emotional health, and relational health. I spent every waking hour focusing on the wrong things... but how was I supposed to fix things? The answer was right in front of my face. Time. Time to take care of me. If you've been struggling with taking care of YOU, then check out this episode for some inspiration and practical advice.
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Why are scales evil? Because they don't tell the full story. There's more to success than the number on the scale. If our behaviors (diet, exercise, sleep, stress, etc.) are good and constantly improving, that is what's truly important. We discuss this in further detail in today's episode.
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Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
We used to think that if we wanted to lose fat, we had to run a lot or do a lot of some kind of cardio. Weightlifting, we were told, wasn't so good for losing weight. It just makes you bigger & bulkier, right? Well, now we know that's not true. Science shows that strength training is more effective than cardio if you're trying to lose fat. It also produces a range of other super-important health benefits that everyone needs. And, no, ladies – LIFTING WEIGHTS WILL NOT TURN YOU INTO THE INCREDIBLE HULK. We promise. Listen to this episode to learn why strength training is vital not just for shedding excess weight, but for improving health long-term in many different areas.
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Here's something that really bugs me: The way we are always told to be The Best. I grew up thinking that I had to always excel at everything. And when that inevitably proved impossible, it made me feel like a failure – also another lie. It took a long time to realize that sometimes it's best to be, well, ordinary, average, or somewhere in the middle. And that helped me see my weight and my fitness goals in a new light. It isn't necessary to have the best figure, perform the most reps, or sweat the most during my most awesome workout routine. What really matters? Taking action every day to get where we want to be. We don't thrive by always being The Best. We thrive by making our best effort on a consistent basis – right along with everybody else who's trying.
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Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction. Contentment is NOT Complacency, Comfort, Apathy, or Laziness. When we are discontent, we lack satisfaction with our possessions, status, or situation. In order for us to be willing to seek contentment and satisfaction in life, we must believe that it is achievable. We will not pursue something that we don't see as possible.
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If you're looking for a sign, THIS IS IT. This is the sign you've been waiting for. This is the sign to take action you've been delaying. This is the sign that "I'm waiting for a better time" is nothing but a lie. So, I'm sorry (not sorry) to end the story of "I'm waiting for a better day." There is no better day. Today is it. You just got THE SIGN.
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One of the things I'm most proud of, both in my personal choices and in how I have been able to impact clients in my career, is getting them out of the stories that cause us to play small. You see, we stay small because it's comfortable. We make excuses that are usually just lies. The truth is, to move forward and create the life of your dreams, you have to be able to recognize these lies and fight back against them. You have to be willing to take risks and do what's out of your comfort zone... or you're guaranteed to stay small.
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The single most powerful question I ask my clients is this: "How's that working for you?" I don't mean it as a sarcastic remark; it's simply a question about observation and awareness. It's a test of feelings, thoughts, and worldview against cold hard reality. It's self-evaluation. No judgement. Staying action-focused is about what's truly happening, not what you imagine.
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Want to spend time sweating and breathing hard? And limit your favorite foods and alcohol? And go to bed on time? No? You don't want all that? How about this: Would you like to look better, feel better, and move better? ...so you can enjoy life on your own terms and be a better version of yourself? You DO want that, right? Who doesn't? Today we discuss how to focus on the joy that effort and discipline ultimately bring so that you can maintain motivation, increase and maintain good health, and achieve a lifestyle of freedom.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
When you're exhausted, discouraged, and losing motivation, what keeps you going? For me, I've found that nothing is as powerful as reminding myself that I have a goal to simply improve every day. Specific goals are not important compared to simply maintaining a growth mindset where you are determined every day to simply do a little better than yesterday. Today we will discuss this growth mindset and how it is critical for persevering through setbacks and obstacles and helping you improve constantly without the stress of specific goals that can be daunting or overwhelming.
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What is progress, anyway? If you're going somewhere, how will you know when you get there? And how will you know that you're on your way in the first place? Today we will discuss the importance of maps, road signs, and mile markers in your own health journey.
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Are the actions you are taking today with the foods you eat, the workouts you do or don't do, the sleep you get, and the time you set aside for yourself setting you up for a future version of yourself that is healthy, confident, kind, proud, and without regret? If the answer is no, then in this episode, I will hand you the keys to design your life for a sustainable future.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
This week I want to talk briefly about negative body image and how this can be paralyzing at times. But what you see in the mirror or on the scale may not be telling you the entire story.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
Over this past week, it has become very clear to me that what we do at OnAscent Fitness is more than just a fitness and nutrition plan. It is whole-health living. The conversations I had over this past week really made me step back and analyze what I was hearing. Sure, people want to lose weight and eat better, but it's much more than that. Listen in for more details.
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I believe that today's society and culture has made us believe that in order to live a healthy lifestyle, we have to weigh a certain number, wear a certain size clothes, and look a certain way. So often people get discouraged when they don't see the results they were hoping for in the timeframe they had been told. So, what do you do when you can't seem to make any progress? Start by taking a hard look at the expectations you have set for yourself. We discuss this and more in today's episode.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
So often when we want to change or become better at anything, we focus on the wrong thing: the goal, the outcome, or the performance. What truly needs to be fixed is the system and who you see yourself as. You want better results? Then forget about setting goals and focus on the system instead.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
We all have coaches growing up: sports coaches, teachers in school, and other leaders we have along the way. The coaches that I had growing up made a lasting impact on my life to this day. So why do we stop being coached? Have you got it all figured out? I sure as heck don't. So today, we will discuss the importance of having a life coach. Even though I run my own business coaching others, I personally have more than one coach to give me feedback, challenge me, and keep me on the right track. You need a coach too. Let's talk about all the reasons why.
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In today's episode, I welcome to the show speaker, author, and Master of Success, Daniel Mangena, of DreamWithDan.com and the Do It With Dan podcast. Daniel's mission statement is: "To spearhead an evolutionary uplift in universal consciousness by awakening people to the importance of their Unique Role already encoded within. This deep and often ignored or undervalued passion is defined as their 'Dream'. I want help people really find an alignment with their dream life of abundance, joy, and purpose." We had a great conversation, and I think you will enjoy it and get a lot out of it.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
It's about the food... but not only about the food. What you eat is important. What's also important is why you eat, how you eat, where you eat (and with whom), who you are, and how you feel when you eat and when you don't. Good nutrition is a science, not a belief system, and again, it involves much more than just food itself. Today we will discuss a few simple habits that will help EVERYONE attain better nutrition, regardless of specific dietary needs.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
What is your driver, your motivation to do what you do? Why is behavior change so difficult? Over this last week, it became very clear to me why most people are resistant to change or not willing to change at all. Today we will discuss the key motivators of change and how you can implement them in your own life to bring about the changes necessary to accomplish your goals and flourish.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
Think about how many thoughts go through your mind every day. It is a MASSIVE number. What are they like for you? What does this self-talk do to you? How often do you stop yourself from doing something because that inner voice is telling you that you can't do it? It's time to come face-to-face with your inner critic: that voice in your head that judges you, criticizes you, doubts you, and tells you that you're not good enough. It's time to take control of your thoughts and start reaching your full potential.
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Self-care is selfish, right? Wrong. It isn't selfish; it's essential for your well-being, and hence, the well-being of those who depend on you. Sometimes all it takes is making a few little changes to your mindset, beliefs, and habits to see your health and happiness begin to shift up. The result of that is a strong, fit, lean body that can sustain you for life. Today, we will talk about how to prioritize self-care so that you can be prepared to tackle whatever life throws your way.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
Today we are discussing the truth about getting clear on what you want in life. I believe your pathway to wealth (not just financial) is through your health. I see that far too often, our health is put on the back burner. I see diseases being diagnosed, but in reality, most of us are just not taking care of ourselves like we should. I describe wealth and freedom more as being able to do what you want, serve, and be who you want to be, and receiving the abundance that is already in front of you. But in order to have wealth, we must take care of ourselves first.
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You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choices. How many decisions do you think you make in a day? Many of those decisions are made without hesitation or thought. Have you ever stopped and thought about the consequences of those daily decisions? How are those decisions affecting you? How are they affecting others?
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One of the most overlooked factors to maintaining your health is recovery. So often we focus on working out and eating well, but not much focus goes to limiting stress in our lives, getting quality sleep, and letting our bodies recover. Today we will discuss different types of stressors and how to respond to them effectively, enabling us to be less stressed, and hence, healthier.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascentfitness.com
When you think of goals, you generally think of obtaining a specific outcome, right? That is exactly how I have set my goals in the past, until this year. Don't get me wrong, goals should be measurable, and there is nothing wrong with outcome goals. I still use them; however, my focus has shifted from obtaining specific outcomes to obtaining general mastery of skills. Outcome goals are usually accomplished through mastery of a series of basic skills, and those skills are gained through regular practice. Break goals down into skills required to accomplish those goals, and break down skills into daily practices that help develop those skills.
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How much time do you spend fulfilling someone else's dreams? How much time to you spend fixing other people's problems? Have you ever broken down how you spend your time each day? When you take a look at how much time you are spending taking care of other people and their tasks and problems, the time most people spend taking care of themselves equates to 2% or less. Are you worth that little? It's time to take back a little more time for yourself, for your physical and mental health... and it will not only make you happier, but more efficient and effective at all your other duties and responsibilities.
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In our first episode to air in 2021, I want to first wish you nothing but success for the year ahead. Second, I want to spend a few minutes talking about why I feel it is important to set a vision forward. In 202, for the first time in my life, I set a clear vision for what I wanted my life to look like in all domains: Faith, Fitness, Finances, and Family. Why was this significant? It gave me clarity, hope, direction, and purpose... and it can do the same for you.
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Growing up playing sports, there was always a clear winner and a clear loser. Simple. Where things get complicated and messy is in the game of life. What constitutes a win? What constitutes a loss? The question I have for you is, are you willing to accept the challenge?
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What does it mean to have a beginner's mind? It means that no matter what you already know or how much experience you have, you show up with an open mind, fully receptive to new information. Think about how coming into every situation, conversation, meeting, or client interaction with a "beginner's mind" can benefit you. This mentality will keep you open and receptive to new perspectives and ideas. This open, curious mindset will help you learn more effectively, connect better with people, and see new opportunities, solutions, and possibilities more often.
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A critical part of meeting your goals is setting the right types of goals in the first place. Today we will discuss three different goal sets and their differences: outcome goals and behavior goals, avoidance goals and approach goals, and performance goals and mastery goals.
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We follow recipes when it comes to making food, but what about following a recipe when it comes to creating an outcome in your life? I want to share with you a very important ingredient of the recipe for success in life. This ingredient is FOCUS.
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As we come off Thanksgiving and dive deep into the Holiday Season, it is hard not to talk about guilt. I am specifically talking about the guilt around the food we eat this time of year. How do we strike a balance between enjoying ourselves with family and friends versus doing what is right for our bodies? How do we know when we shouldn't feel guilty about eating rich food and sweets? ...and how do we take valid guilt and transform it into something productive: motivation and action toward our physical fitness.
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It has been a crazy year, to say the least, and as we approach the holiday season and the end of the year, I cannot help but to stop and reflect on the year. As you listen to this episode and hear how my life has changed, I challenge you to reflect on how your own life has changed this year and try to view it through the lens of positivity and opportunities for the future.
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On today's show, I want to talk about how the people you surround yourself with can be pivotal to your growth and success. The people we choose to let into our lives on a personal, professional, emotional, and spiritual level are all important. They are your circle of influence. Choose carefully.
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Today's subject matter is hard, but it is part of the journey on the ascent. I feel it is important to share not only the wins along the way but also the difficult challenges we all face as human beings. My wife and I are on the opposite sides of the political spectrum, and I find myself having to make difficult decisions, have difficult conversations, and deal with a whole flood of different emotions. This episode is not a debate on who's right and who's wrong. This episode is not a politically charged conversation. This episode is about the heaviness in the air that has penetrated households and families across America. It seems that all the stress, anxiety, and fear has come to a head. Maybe you are feeling it too. Maybe your family is experiencing the same emotions. Know you are not alone, and navigating your way through all of this is not easy. We are all human beings, gifts of God, and there is only one way to live: with strength, courage, faith, and treating yourself and others with respect and love. Stand for the truth and the rights of all human beings.
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Is every day of your life starting to feel the same? Are you suffering from monotony and a lack of fulfillment? Then it's time to ask yourself, "What the f*** do I want?!"
I created the 5-day "W.T.F. DO YOU WANT" Discovery to help entrepreneurs just like you learn how to create a 6-figure lifestyle business around their passions without having to spend thousands of dollars.
If you are at a time in your life where you are tired of being frustrated, lost, and alone and are ready for a breakthrough, then join this FREE discovery now!
https://bit.ly/OnAscentWTFDOYOUWANT
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascent.com
A big struggle of mine is trusting my intuition. What I mean by that is, in so many cases, if I am working on something new or have a thought or an idea, I tend to find myself seeking approval of others to validate whether or not it is good enough. This topic has come up many times with clients as well. Why do we rely so much on what other people think? Why do we seek other people's approval so much? Today we will explore the answers to these questions and how to break free of the expectations of others and trust our own intuition.
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So much has changed over the last 6-8 months, and the challenges and struggles are real. How do you go from running two businesses, working 10-12 hours a day, and out on the road constantly to working from home, adjusting to kids' schedules, sports, chopped up days, and still having to produce in your business at the same high level in less time?
Maybe you are experiencing the same struggles trying to navigate the complexities of the daily schedule and family while trying to run a business. Trying to play more roles while working from home. Being a parent, teacher, business leader, professional, husband, wife. Making it all work is not easy.
Having a system to fall back on that allows us to do more in less time is the only way we will make it through.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascent.com
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I believe that most driven businessmen feel frustrated, lost, and alone because they don't have a true sense of direction and purpose in life. I also believe that each one of us has the power within to redefine ourselves so that we can discover and realize the life we are destined to lead. You are only one decision away from awakening the possibilities of becoming an empowered leader. Today I will share with you how I completely changed my perspective on life and started living in a new, healthier, more productive paradigm.
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascent.com
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My name is Tony LaPrino. Welcome to OnAscent Radio, where each week, it's my job to fire you up, ignite the leader inside you, and push you to achieve your full potential.
On today's show, I feel it's important for you to get to know me on a personal level and how I got to where I am today.
I hope you'll join me for this journey so we can help each other scale our way to lifestyle freedom!
Visit my website for more info on my coaching and other services: https://www.onascent.com
Send me a direct message on Facebook: http://bit.ly/MessageMeDirect
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-laprino-6861b550