Compete Every Day with Jake Thompson | A Show for Driven Leaders

All children are different. They have their own interests and hobbies, and their own unique dreams they want to pursue when they grow up. Some kids will choose to continue playing sports as they get older, while others will take a different path. That’s why it’s important to listen to them as they grow and share with you what makes them happy and fulfilled. This week, Asia Mape, founder of I Love To Watch You Play, shares tips on cultivating a healthy enjoyment of sports in kids of all ages. There will be plenty of time for athletes to focus on the competitive rigours of the game as they move up to higher levels. But for kids to want to stick with sports, they have to have fun doing it. As parents, it’s important to keep that in mind as you encourage them. Sometimes, it will be up to you to step in and advocate for your child, so they carry the love of playing forward into the future. It all comes down to leading by example and making small changes along the way that add up in the end to positive results. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

If you don't have a clear picture of where you're trying to go, how can you ever expect to get there? Most people float through life, expecting to "just arrive" at their dream destination. Competitors treat life like an expert sailor - they set a course, follow the stars, adjust during storms, and know exactly where they're headed. Join Competitor Nation here. Don't forget to save $15 off any $100+ order at CompeteEveryDay.com until December 15!

The road isn't easy.  The difficult is the calling card of a road to something better. Be encouraged by this message from Jake on the importance of taking the more difficult road in order to reach the more important goals. Join Competitor Nation here. Don't forget to save $15 off any $100+ order at CompeteEveryDay.com until December 15!

For Iowa State Associate Head Volleyball Coach Jen Malcom, sports have been a lifelong passion. As a child, she played softball, basketball, volleyball, and did track. She also watched her own parents coach team sports. When she was in college, she learned from their example and started to coach, as well as play. The shift taught her to see the game from a different perspective when she was challenged to explain new things and bring together players in a group that works together well and can rely on one another. This week, she shares tips for building strong teams and supporting players from varying backgrounds. It’s important to have a thick skin, she says, and learn to roll with the punches. You also have to be proud of what you accomplish and put your all into learning and growing with the game. And finally, as a coach, you have to understand how you can impact the lives of the players you work with. Taking responsibility for your potential and accountability for your actions can make all the difference, whether you’re on the court or behind the team. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Many people mistakenly believe that “competing every day” requires you to buy into the hustle & grind, GO-GO-GO culture that says there are no off-days in life. Contrary to that idea, you can’t actually compete at your best unless you learn to rest. “Competing” isn’t about working out daily or grinding in your business 24/7. It’s about working every day to improve on the day before – mentally as much as physically. Be reminded about this important truth to rest & how it allows us to lead better & be at our best for those we serve.

Life is a journey, not a destination. Discover why Competitors are always focused on "becoming" vs. trying to "arrive."   Join Competitor Nation here. Sign up for the FREE Daily Competitor here.

  Especially in a challenging year like 2020, it can be tough to identify all the things you are grateful for. But the same adversity can also help set the stage for recognizing the good in your life and the support structures that have helped you along the way. This week, Dr. Nicole Gabana talks about the importance of gratitude and why it’s key to performance in both sports and everyday life. Gratitude has the power to positively impact our mental health and happiness, and it’s a skill that can be practiced daily. Gabana says sometimes people get stuck thinking that they have to feel a certain way — especially happy or grateful, or something else — in order to start gratitude practice. But that’s not the case. Spending a little time every evening writing a list of all the good things that happened during the day is enough to get you started. And then, by modeling gratitude for others, you can start to change the culture around you, just by changing yourself. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Discover why vulnerability - and opening yourself up - is crucial to being an effective leader & finding new opportunities to excel.   Join Competitor Nation here. Sign up for the FREE Daily Competitor here.

"Yet" is one of the most powerful words you can use to remind your brain that you may not be where you want to be now, but you're on your way. The journey to success is difficult. The doubts creep in. The questions whisper in your ear. And that voice…. that damn evil voice reminding you that you’re not “there” like someone you scroll past on Instagram. “Yet.” You’re not there…yet. “Yet” means that you will be. “Yet” says I’m working toward my best self. “YET” says SHUT UP YOU HATEFUL VOICE, I’LL SHOW YOU. Put on your blinders and focus on stacking your own effort, your setbacks, your wins, and your hard work on top of each other. Keep climbing as you keep competing. Every step is a building block to your best life. #CompeteEveryDay for your “YET” while not giving up in the “now.”   Join Competitor Nation here. Sign up for the FREE Daily Competitor here.

2020 has been a hard year for people across this country. It’s been a time of change and transition. For many of us, it’s been a journey full of ups and downs. Because of that, it’s the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. There’s nothing to lose by starting a new workout, creating a podcast, or tackling a creative project. This week, podcast host and executive recruiter Ken Lubin talks about the importance of the journey and shares tips for making the most of unexpected moments in time like these. Periods of change in life bring with them some missed opportunities. However, for every door that closes, another opens, and it’s important to be receptive to new possibilities when they come your way. While many people keep their eye on the potential outcome of their work, Lubin reminds us to pay special attention to the process we take to get there. That’s where the experiences lie, along with the potential for growth and improvement. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

In order to capitalize on your big opportunities in life, you better make sure you’re maximizing the small ones. We tend to focus only on the big moments in life, those spotlight opportunities we need to do well in to succeed. But in doing so, we fail to seize those big moments because we neglected the little ones that prepare us for them. If you want to capitalize on your life’s biggest moments, make sure you’re maximizing the smallest ones every day.   The Compete Every Day Black Friday collection drops today HERE! Join Competitor Nation here. Sign up for the FREE Daily Competitor here.

Getting better is a choice. Obesity is a choice, just like working out every day is a choice. Being in debt is a choice, just like managing your finances is a choice. We all make choices every day (whether we realize it or not). Being a winner in life is about understanding your choices, being intentional with what you choose, and choosing to compete every day. Getting better is a choice - is it one you'll make today?  Join Competitor Nation here. Sign up for the FREE Daily Competitor here.

For Lauren Sisler, laying the groundwork for better outcomes in life always begins with a single first step. Sometimes we have a choice about when that happens, and sometimes we don’t. But one step is all it takes to head in a new direction. This week, Sisler shares her story of moving from gymnast to broadcast sports reporter and the pivotal moments that led her to where she is today. One of the most critical moments happened when Sisler was a freshman in college. She received a call from her father saying her mother had just died. By the time she got home, her father had passed away, too. After their deaths, she realized that change is a constant and it’s up to each person to decide how and when they start to adapt. Now, she uses her experiences to help others who may be struggling to give or receive support. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Motivation will fail you. You will wake up more than once a week without the motivation to do the necessary work to move toward your goals. Most people wait on motivation. They work hard on the days they feel “it” and they do nothing on the days they don’t. Is it any wonder why they never reach their goals? One key to success is learning to take action without feeling motivated. In this podcast episode, Jake Thompson shares why Competitors don’t need motivation in order to crush the goals they’ve set. Join Competitor Nation here. Sign up for the FREE Daily Competitor here.

One bad day can quickly spiral into two. Compete Every Day founder Jake Thompson shares how Competitors should attack those bad days – and what we can do to ensure that one bad day doesn’t turn into a multiple day losing streak. Join Competitor Nation here. Sign up for the FREE Daily Competitor here.

For Lauren Johnson, there’s no time like the present. If you want to change your past or build a better future, it all starts today, she says. The decisions you make here and now are the ones that will help or hinder you on a regular basis. This week, Johnson, who is a mental conditioning coordinator for the Yankees, shares her tips for deciding to change, recommitting, and holding yourself accountable. It all starts one choice at a time. “Everything we do exists in the present moment,” she says. “Our mind is the only thing able to exist in all three — past, present, and future.” For that reason, it’s critical to practice the behaviors and mindsets that work in service of your goals. By envisioning the identity you want, you can choose to become it. It may mean being uncomfortable or going outside your comfort zone. It may mean feeling fear or uncertainty. But it’s in those challenges and the way you respond to them that growth happens. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

It's easy to make the excuse that if we aren't motivated, taking a day off is ok. In reality, Champions make sure that every day is the day they take a step forward. It can be one step forward, or it can be ten. But something done every day to move closer to your goals beats doing nothing.

It’s not easy to stay focused. There are a million distractions every single day. Regardless of what’s going on, there are still four things you control. Learn why these four controllables are the key to succeeding every year – and why they’re 100% up to you. Competitors control their controllables. Sign up for The Daily Competitor here. Join Competitor Nation here.

For author and podcaster Brian Levenson, one of the most under-appreciated question words is “when.” That’s because knowing when to shift between different mindsets and frameworks is just as critical as the skills it takes to do so. For example, elite performers of all types find success through understanding when it’s time to prepare and when it’s time to perform. Then, they can adapt how they are thinking about each situation to match what they need to achieve in that moment. This week, Levenson returns to the show to discuss his new book and why he chose to focus on mindset shift as a key piece of the process puzzle. For many people, it can be easy to get stuck spending too much time and effort on either preparation or performance. They forget that it’s a combination of the two, along with a healthy dose of practice, that is a recipe for success. It’s crucial for people to take a mental inventory every once in a while and then put the time into making up for whatever they’re not doing enough of. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Is your decision to take action every day determined by your current position - or your long-term commitment? Most people stay in neutral because they justify if they can't do "everything," there's no sense in doing anything. It's the same reason they fail to reach their goals - there's always an excuse as to why they can't get the work done. In this new podcast episode, speaker Jake Thompson challenges you with the truth that even if you can't do everything you want today, there's always at least one thing you can do to get better. Sign up for the free Daily Competitor here: TheDailyCompetitor.com. Join Competitor Nation here.

For Matt Kjell, it’s all about family. Since the start of this year, he’s gotten married and is now expecting a child. But he hasn’t always felt the future looked so bright. Back in 2018, his father received a surprising cancer diagnosis and passed away shortly thereafter. It shook Kjell’s foundations and sent him into a spiral of unhealthy choices. One day, he woke up, looked around, and asked himself a crucial question: Is this what I want my life to look like? His answer was a resounding “no.” This week, Kjell shares his story about finding the path back to health and wellness, and about the importance of family. He had always looked to his father, and his grandfather before that, as examples of what it means to work hard and provide a good life for their kids. Now, Kjell is following in their footsteps and using their drive as motivation in his own life, so he can continue their legacy with the next generation. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Individuals have the power to influence entire organizations. That’s why it’s critical for leaders, coaches, players, and coworkers to invest in personal development and making connections in order to have successful outcomes. This week, Colin Cerniglia, CEO and founder of the Talent 409 Leadership Academy, talks about building a culture of excellence in sports, business, and life, and why digging deeper than surface level is a key component. He draws many of his stories from the cultural shifts of the New York Yankees. Cerniglia has long been a fan of the team, but became interested in the Yankees’ team dynamics and how they’ve changed over time. He explores that history in his new book, which shows that the example set by team leaders can have a profound effect on everyone and on the way the group works together to achieve their goals. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

“Be curious, not furious.” That was something Anna Hennings’ mother used to tell her growing up. In essence, it means that it’s better to be curious about the mistakes you make, rather than just being angry that you made them. That’s because mistakes are a great way to learn and grow, if you see them as an opportunity, rather than a failure. This saying now serves as a cornerstone of Hennings’ understanding of building a growth mindset and is something she passes on to the people she works with on a daily basis. Hennings is a mental performance coach who predominantly works with volleyball players and more specifically, those transitioning from indoor volleyball to beach volleyball. But while she has a focus area, the lessons she learned in sports and now uses in her practice are applicable throughout life and work, she says. For example, it can be helpful for players to practice self-compassion through self-kindness, understanding common humanity, and mindfulness. But those same skills are invaluable in the workplace and at home for finding ways to continue on the path of personal development and happiness. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Jake shares an important rally cry to Competitor Nation about why competition matters and how the world needs more people to step up and compete every day in it. End your week fired up with this bonus episode of the Compete Every Day Podcast.

Dre Baldwin wasn’t always the most talented player on his team. But what he always had was a love of competition, a strong drive to succeed, and a healthy dose of discipline. After a later start to his basketball career, he went on to play professionally overseas and then returned home to start his own business. In the years since he graduated, he’s built a name for himself as an author, speaker, and YouTube role model. This week, Baldwin talks about the power of trusting the process and putting in the work that will lead to success on and off the court. You have to build a strong foundation and push yourself to visualize how you plan on reaching your goals, Baldwin says. One of the ways Baldwin did that in his own life was to focus on who he surrounded himself with. For example, in order to get better at school sports, he played one-on-one with the best players on his team. Even though they usually scored more points, he learned from playing against them regularly. Not only did those games help him build confidence, they helped him learn new skills from people who did them well. By working on strengthening his foundation, he was able to find success in the long-term. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Today, I dive into the one decision you should consider most heading into a new month and the upcoming election. All of the attention (or shouting) on social media is why you have to vote for this person or that person. It's taking attention away from who you should really consider casting a ballot for and putting your faith in this year. Connect with us on Instagram: @CompeteEveryDay @CompetePodcast @CompeteGear @DailyCompetitor @JakeThompsonSpeaks   Become a member of Competitor Nation on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/competeeveryday

To be a leader is to have the ability to impact other people’s lives. It’s not about the title, the status, or the amount of money you make; it’s about being a positive influence on those around you. That’s why it doesn’t just appear in the boardroom. There are leaders everywhere — even in the most unexpected places. This week, podcast host and author Jason Romano talks about the importance of servant leadership and how understanding people’s unique value makes a better team. He shares personal stories of his time working at ESPN as a talent producer and in other roles. One of his most pivotal moments came when a job he wanted went to the other finalist instead of him. It was a moment that underscored the importance of humility and of supporting others in success. It was also a chance to see disappointment as a path to new opportunity, which he has carried with him ever since. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

It can be easy to get stuck in a mental prison where your outlook on life focuses on your fears and insecurities, rather than your potential. It takes self-awareness and a willingness to challenge your inner voice to break free of these internal weights holding you down. This week, author and mental architect Lucas Jadin talks about the power of mental preparation and resiliency and how to commit to unpacking the mental side of life. Too often, people try to fix internal problems with external solutions. While they may provide a temporary distraction, they will never lead to a long-term resolution. That’s why it’s critical to find the root of these problems, so they can be fixed where they start. It means coming to terms with sometimes long-held fears and insecurities, but the payoff is a life that can fill the space left when you are free of limitations. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

For Ryan Hawk, learning the importance of practice and patience came at an early age. When he was 14 and a freshman in high school, he never expected to play on his school’s varsity football team. He spent months training hard and learning from the best. When the first game of the year came around, he was put on the field and ultimately threw the game-winning touchdown pass. Looking back, he realized it was the work he’d put in ahead of time that led to this early success. It was a lesson he took with him when he transitioned away from football after college and into the business world. He sought out mentors and learned from their example. Now, he’s a successful entrepreneur, author, and podcast host who has dedicated his life to sharing his love of learning with others. This week, he talks about the importance of a strong work ethic, investment in the people around you, and why time well spent in advance leads to good outcomes down the road. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

For Jon Gordon, life has been a journey and faith has been at the core of it all. In his early 30s, he entered into a time of questioning and exploration. It led him to read about different religions and types of spirituality and by the time he was in his mid-30s, he decided he wanted to get baptized. Through these varied experiences, Gordon learned to identify his core purpose in life, which he says is crucial for thoughtful decision-making. You have to know what you stand for, know what you’re here to do, and understand your purpose and principles in order to make decisions that align with your goals and priorities. Distractions may try to pull away your focus, so it’s important to let go of thoughts and tasks that don’t support your journey forward. That means picking your battles and your moments to shine. Understand when it’s better not to enter into a debate or when it’s beneficial to voice your opinion. Once you understand the ideals that guide you, the path forward becomes much clearer. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Former guest Kip Watson, the founder of BrainCode Corp, joins this week's BONUS episode to discuss the world of sports during covid-19, how parents & youth athletes can manage the grief, pain, and heartbreak of league cancellations, and the importance of personal responsibility in overcoming pain. To learn more about Kip's work, visit BrainCodeCorp.com.

For Jim Hensel, it all came down to one very important conversation. Facing a challenging time with his work and family, he found himself in the car with his uncle one day. His uncle told him it was time to take responsibility for his life and where it had gone. It was the spark that lit the fire for Hensel and set him on the path toward accountability and self-determination. Shortly thereafter, he wrote down his Strength and Honor Code, which he now lives by, and started to work with children. All together, these experiences helped to ground Hensel in what matters, which is a strength he now works with others to develop. He had to understand his purpose and figure out what he actually believed in. Then, he had to find a way to represent those beliefs in a true and authentic manner. And finally, he had to develop his own personal mission statement that would help guide him. By truly owning his place in life and understanding what he wanted to get out of it, he could stop scrambling to figure out what to do next and instead, put his effort into achieving his goals. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Moving mountains starts with a single rock. For Lindsey Wilson, visualizing the future she wants to create is what helps her prepare for the monumental task of getting there. A former professional basketball player and current full-time entrepreneur and mom, Wilson has relied on mindfulness work on and off the court for decades. This week, she shares tips for building a positive mindset, even in a time as uncertain as now. For many people, it’s easy to fall into the trap of letting life happen to them and be a victim of circumstance. But it’s possible to take the wheel in your life and progress, Wilson says. By understanding that you are in control of your own thoughts, you can start to make your mind work for you. It’s a deep dive inside yourself, she says, but the journey leads to a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. What You’ll Learn: Engage in positive self-talk Visualize the future you want to create Be proactive, rather than reactive Realize the control you have over your thoughts Practice intentionality every day Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

For John Wooley, the journey from posting a few CrossFit memes on an Instagram account to having more than 250,000 followers on his now-iconic fitness satire page was a surprising one. He says he’s always been able to find humor in things, but never expected something personal to gain such a large and widespread following. And now that he’s found his voice, he says it’s important for him to use it. He’s used his page to talk about everything from COVID and depression to racism and George Floyd, all while staying true to his original thread of memes that take the mickey out of coaches, fitness tropes, and gym life. “If you figure out your joke or whatever it may be, and then you take it to its most absurd point, you can almost talk about anything,” he says. The success of his first platform has since led to the creation of a podcast and YouTube channel. Looking back, Wooley says if his humor or willingness to talk about serious topics has helped even just a single person have a better time, the journey has been worth it. What You’ll Learn: Practice gratitude and thankfulness Scale your workouts for long-term results Add value to your followers with smart content Use humor to bridge divides Learn from successful people around you Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

For Tola Ogunlewe, the only thing that’s certain is that at some point, things will change. Whether it’s this year, next year, or a decade down the line, something will shift the course of your life. Whether or not you’re prepared for that change can make all the difference in how successful and satisfied you are once it happens. This week, Ogunlewe talks about transitioning in and out of sports and shares his thoughts on preparing for the future to find fulfillment both on and off the court. It’s important to understand how the game works, he says. That means coming to terms with the fact that you may play for 20 or 25 years, but probably won’t play professionally for 40 or 50. What will you do after? What skills do you have to put to work once your time as a player is up? It’s a mental exercise to start while you’re still in the game. When you reach the professional level, everyone you’re competing with used to be the best in their hometowns. What sets you apart from them? What makes you unique? Learning to see what you bring to the table is a valuable lesson that will put you on the path to reaching your fullest potential, no matter what the future has in store. What You’ll Learn: Understand the long arc of the game Prepare for changes before they happen Built mental fortitude Think beyond the talent Identify the qualities that make you stand out

Grant Parr defined himself as an athlete. For years, he played every sport he could; he was a quarterback, ran track and field, played baseball, and more. But when he was in college, an injury threw his life off course. He gave up sports and for decades, avoided walking down memory lane. He wanted to keep the past in the past and not revisit the games he felt he couldn’t play anymore. In his late 30s, he had a hip replacement which led to complications and left him disabled. He ended up in a doctor’s office again, but this time something was different. The doctor told Parr that when he finished his final procedure, he’d be “running into life.” He took months to emotionally and mentally prepare himself for the surgery and when it was over, his first words off the table were, “I’m back.” Now in his 40s, Parr is helping others develop the growth mindset he learned to foster in himself. He’s an author and speaker and someone who doesn’t let challenges get in his way anymore. He shares tips for how to mentally manage the COVID-19 pandemic and find opportunities for creativity and new pursuits by staying present in the moment, even as the future is unpredictable. What You’ll Learn: Be intentional with actions and thoughts Maintain critical connections Allow creativity to flourish Be protective of your energy Focus on what you can control Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

From his humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to his successful acting career in Hollywood, Dan Cortese has walked many different paths in life. He worked the graveyard shift at a steel mill to put himself through college and left home to pursue the California dream. He landed a job as the host of MTV Sports and later became a well-known side character on the popular show, Seinfeld. He’s since written a book documenting his journey and looking at the power of positivity. This week, he shares his story of growth and change and reminds us to always be grateful for the opportunities we have. He recalls a moment at the steel mill when he considered dropping out of college. He wasn’t sure how his future would look or if he’d find success in acting. A coworker reminded him that in going to college, he was already in the process of achieving something others worked hard to get. He took the lesson to heart and moved across the country to reach his goals. After gaining popularity on television, he once again had to reevaluate the direction his life had taken. Now, his goal is simple, but valuable: to be a little bit better each day. What You’ll Learn: See challenges as chances for growth Don’t play the comparison game Hold yourself accountable to having a healthy mindset Learn to live in the hard moments, as well as the good Find out who you want to be and work toward it Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

The way to success is focus and consistency. You have to put in the work, day in and day out, with clear goals in mind. That’s a lesson from this week’s guest, author, entrepreneur, and Crossfit champ Jason Khalipa. He shares his story of growing a company and becoming one of the fittest men in the world. After his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, Khalipa had to re-center himself and his goals and learn to slow down and truly appreciate being focused in the moment. Being in the moment means concentrating your effort on whatever you are doing. When you find yourself with your feet in too many places at once, you can lose your grounding. By making sure you go all in on one task at a time — even just for 10 minutes a day — you can do that task to the best of your ability and build routines that will last over time. It often means giving up control and learning to delegate responsibilities to others on your team. But by doing that, you also give them the chance to build their own skills and flourish. It’s a win-win. What You’ll Learn: Recognize other people’s strengths and use them Set expectations in line with goals Stay focused in the moment Build consistency and routine Remember to slow down when you need to Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

How you carry yourself as a leader can affect every facet of your team. Whether you’re a doctor, a manager, a team captain, or in another leadership role, your attitude and approach will shape the way your superiors, employees, and co-workers interact with each other and you. This week, retired CIA intelligence officer Marc Polymeropolous talks about building strong leadership skills and finding clarity in times of uncertainty. It’s about being motivated to work for the collective good and building up trust and accountability over time. It’s easy to lead the way when the path ahead is clear, Polymeropolous says. But the path is rarely clear. There will be times when you and your team are under stress or facing challenges, both large and small. It’s in those moments that a leader has to show confidence. And it’s in the times leading up to those challenges that a leader has to be honest and take responsibility, so there is cohesion when it’s needed the most.  What You’ll Learn: Have honest conversations Develop relationships based on trust Focus on what is in your control Take it upon yourself to handle problems as they arise Embrace uncertainty and learn from it Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

One of the messages Colin Bado wants everyone to hear is that it’s OK to need help sometimes. Everyone experiences challenging moments in life. For some people, it may come in the form of longstanding mental health issues. For others, it may be a single experience that brings them to their lowest point. Part of learning to build a good relationship with yourself is knowing when you can’t do it on your own. This week, Bado shares his thoughts on making it through the tough times and finding ways to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Several years ago, Bado found himself in one of his darkest moments. At the time, he says he was having suicidal ideation. His loved ones intervened and helped him find the assistance he needed to get back on his feet. Now, he’s working to provide structure and hope to young people who may be in a similar mindset. The coronavirus pandemic is putting pressure on everyone and changing lives in unpredictable ways. In this timely conversation, Bado talks about holding onto hope, practicing gratitude, and finding opportunities in unexpected places. What You’ll Learn: Accept help when you need it Take time to reflect on life Seek out mentorship, or offer it to others Let go of what you can’t control Practice gratitude even in hard times Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Something that many athletes and top performers have in common is a story of overcoming adversity. For former New York City firefighter and elite athlete Matt Long, personal challenges have shaped the course of his life. In 2005, Long was hit by a bus. He spent weeks in a coma and months in the hospital, where he endured several surgeries. When he got out of the hospital, he found the mental part of recovery was just as challenging. Long had to find a way to accept the ways in which his life had changed. Prior to the accident, he had been an avid runner. After the accident, his gait was off and his body had changed, so he turned to indoor rowing and other strength exercises. He found a new avenue to elite athleticism through tenacity, perseverance, and mental fortitude. He also had to learn not to let pride get in the way. He asked for help when he needed it, which gave him the support and tools that helped him blaze a new path forward. This week, he shares tips on overcoming challenges and learning from them to be better prepared for tomorrow. What You’ll Learn: Practice tenacity Learn from past disappointments Persistence leads to outcomes Let go of anger and self-pity Don’t let pride get in the way Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Learning to recognize the things that are holding you back can be a helpful tool step toward making meaningful change in your life. Even if you have 100 good habits that you practice, just a single bad habit can hinder the effectiveness of all the rest. This week, author and psychology professor Amy Morin shares tips for working through challenges and building the mental strength you need to reach your full potential. Morin draws on her own experiences with hardship; they have informed the work she’s done in the years since. When she was in her mid-20s, both her mother and her husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. She was left having to find ways to stay mentally strong while also processing her grief. At times, she found it easier to think about what she didn’t have to do, rather than list all the things she should do. That led to a blog post which paved the way to her first book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. What You'll Learn: Focus on making change within yourself Allow space for grief Learn to recognize your bad habits Consider seeking coaching or outside help Work to interrupt mental downward spirals Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

There’s a difference between giving up just because something gets hard and knowing when it’s time to make a change in your life. That’s one of the key messages from this week’s guest, entrepreneur and speaker Christopher J. Wirth. Wirth has built his life around the “No Quit” message, but says that doesn’t mean it’s good to stick with things when they are no longer serving a useful or healthy purpose. On today’s show, he shares tips for reassessing your place in life and adjusting course, as needed, to reach your goals. What You'll Learn: Approach challenges with positivity Learn how to reassess your position in life Understand when it’s time for a change Be intentional about your environment and people Practice consistency with your accountability partners Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

There are many things that have become unsettled in our world. Our daily routines have changed and some opportunities we may have had a few months ago have been put on hold, while others have arisen through the changes. This week, Arizona Diamondbacks Mental Skills Coordinator Zach Brandon talks about the benefits of practicing mindfulness and intentionality, and shares ideas on how to return to a centered place even when the storm is at its strongest. It begins with a simple tenet of sports — you have to make sure you’re paying attention to the right thing at the right time. Especially in times of change, it’s important to find a way to pause and take stock of where you are, and then adjust your focus. It doesn’t matter if that change is a large life shift or just the transition from work to home in your everyday routine, there’s value in re-centering before you move to something new. Often, our minds can work against us when we get stuck on what’s happened in the past or worry about what’s to come. By acknowledging and accepting the changes, we can find a way to enter into the new space with intentionality and focus. It doesn’t make the challenges disappear, but it can make them easier to navigate. What You'll Learn: Switch your focus to be more process-oriented Build transition routines into your day Adjust your expectations when you practice a new skill Find a way to center yourself when you need to Practice intentionality in your actions Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

The realm of sports is ripe for teaching young people and athletes important skills they can use and put to work for the rest of their lives. For coaches, it takes being able to turn words like “character” and “competition” into behaviors and traits that athletes can see and feel. Once those ideas become tangible, they can be learned and developed. This week, author and teacher Dr. Ralph Pim shares ideas for breaking down critical concepts into teachable and adoptable life lessons. Dr. Pim started his career coaching youth sports. Over the years, he worked his way to college coaching and ultimately, to West Point, where he became the director of competitive sports for the entire military academy. At West Point, all cadets are also athletes; it’s a mandate of the school which early on, recognized the benefits of sports experience in building great leaders. Now an international leadership consultant and educator, he’s sharing what he both learned and developed at West Point about shaping athletes into well-rounded and persevering people in all aspects of their lives. What You’ll Learn: Develop self-discipline Turn buzzwords into teachable behaviors Develop good behaviors into great habits Transfer sports lessons to life and work Learn to speak to the heart of players   Support the show by grabbing a copy of Compete Every Day's newest book at Book.CompeteEveryDay.com!   Connect with Jake on social media: LinkedIn - LinkedIn.com/in/jakethompson4 Twitter - @JakeAThompson Instagram - @JakeThompsonSpeaks

When you wake up each morning, your life could unfold in a thousand different and unexpected ways. Each day comes with new challenges, some of which you never could have predicted. Now, more than ever, many of us are learning to live within change we didn’t see coming. We are adapting to a new normal, which will continue to fluctuate and be reshaped with every passing day. This week, author, podcaster, and educator Rick Alexander talks about perseverance and resilience in an ever-changing world. “When you find yourself in a situation where the world looks profoundly different than what you thought it was going to look like, the way that you talk to yourself is going to empower or disempower you,” he says. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions and move forward, letting go of any attachment to ideas of how things should have gone. That will open you up to focusing on how things are and learning to live life to the fullest, no matter what happens next. What You’ll Learn: Develop perseverance to stabilize within change Focus on the things you can control Know your limits and when you need to stop Make tough decisions with a clear head Let go of preconceived notions of how things should be Order Rick's book, Ambitious Heroes & Heartache here.   Support the show by grabbing a copy of Compete Every Day's newest book at Book.CompeteEveryDay.com!   Connect with Jake on social media: LinkedIn - LinkedIn.com/in/jakethompson4 Twitter - @JakeAThompson Instagram - @JakeThompsonSpeaks

It’s important to do things that bring you fulfillment. While people may say it’s bad to quit, it’s critical to know when the time is right for you to step away from something and seek out a new avenue to explore. Likewise, it’s important to consider if you’re doing the best you can or if there are aspects of your life or interactions that could use some improvement. This week, author, speaker, and mental performance coach Allistair McCaw talks about the importance of self-reflection and knowing yourself at a deeper level, so you can make the best decisions for your life and future. Self-reflection can help with both self-acceptance and self-improvement, he says, which will better prepare you to step into each new day ready to work toward your goals. What You’ll Learn: Start by making small changes Ramp up your goals over time Practice daily self-reflection Work toward a positive attitude and mindset Develop healthy self-talk   Order Allistair's newest book, Developing a Winning Attitude & Mindset, on Amazon here. Support the show by grabbing a copy of Compete Every Day's newest book at Book.CompeteEveryDay.com!   Connect with Jake on social media: LinkedIn - LinkedIn.com/in/jakethompson4 Twitter - @JakeAThompson Instagram - @JakeThompsonSpeaks

Patrick Allmond is a fan of the phrase, “done is better than perfect.” That’s because actually doing something, even if it’s not done perfectly, is more productive than spending your time worrying it will be wrong. Allmond calls the tendency we have to get stalled out while trying to make decisions analysis paralysis. This week, he shares tips for overcoming this inability to choose and learning to move forward and make the most of each day. It’s easy to get stuck on repeat in our heads worrying that we don’t know what to do. We spend hours, days, even weeks trying to plan out the smallest details and weighing one option over another. Allmond says taking a single small step every day is what we have to do to keep moving. Even if our path takes twists and turns along the way, we’ll still get there eventually. If we never take the first step, though, we’ll stay trapped in the same place as time passes us by. So, make the choice, take the step, and walk into tomorrow with purpose. What You’ll Learn: Combat analysis paralysis Don’t fear making the wrong choice Have friends keep you accountable Make the most of the time you have Take a small step every day   Follow Patrick at StopDoingNothing.com. Support the show by using code PODCAST at CompeteEveryDay.com for 15% off any order!

If you want to make real and lasting change in your work environment, you have to start from a place of clarity about your actual situation. You have to understand where you are at relative to your company’s mission and what things are in your control to change for better outcomes. This week, author and speaker David Burkus shares ideas for finding what your team will fight for, and understanding the stakes that show why that fight is necessary. “There is a bad future that will happen and a good future that will happen, and we’re actually in control of that based on how seriously we take it,” Burkus says. Oftentimes, companies talk about the idea of purpose, instead of a fight. While purpose focuses on something positive that teams can work together to create, a fight demonstrates the stakes and gives teams the challenge they need for bonding and motivation. It’s a rallying cry, he says, that brings together every member of the group in service of something greater. What You’ll Learn: Find something for your team to rally around Move from accepting a purpose to understanding the stakes Choose to change Find the connections that lead to opportunity Start from a place of clarity Order David's new audiobook, Pick a Fight, here.   Grab Jake's new book,Compete Every Day: The Not-So-Secret Secret to Winning Your Work & Life at Book.CompeteEveryDay.com

Emotional intelligence is key to living a balanced and healthy life. It means learning to understand and manage your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. It takes introspection and space to get in touch with your own needs and pace. This week, sports management professional, author, and keynote speaker Will Baggett talks about showing up ready to give your best and taking a step back when you need to adjust. Especially during challenging moments — like this one — it can be tempting to fall into easy routines just to get by. But research has shown that how we present ourselves, even during times of transition or upheaval, affects how we think and act. That’s why it’s important to be mindful, and always ask what you could be doing to add value to wherever you’re at at any given point in time. What you put in will shape what you, and others, get out. So, strive for contentment, not complacency, and take opportunities as they come.  What You’ll Learn:  Grow your emotional intelligence Have patience with yourself Look to add value where you are Strive for contentment, not complacency Seek balance in your life and work   Follow Will on Twitter at @W_Baggs Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com