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

Even through times of great uncertainty, there are things individuals and businesses can do to ensure they have strong foundations. This week, business growth, sales, and leadership expert Meridith Elliott Powell talks about the power of people and shares tips for creating a sustainable and growth-oriented platform through investing in the people that drive your business. Your competition can do what you can do; they can make what you can make. The only real difference between you and them is your network and your reputation in the marketplace. That’s why it’s critical to give your employees the chance to learn and grow over time and surround yourself with people you can learn from. Within your business, it’s important to think about long-term viability. One of the ways to work toward that is to build succession into every level of your business. That way, even when there’s upheaval as we’ve seen during the coronavirus pandemic, there will always be someone who can step into other roles and keep continuity for your brand. What You’ll Learn: Build succession into your business Lead by example Use failure as a learning tool GIve employees opportunities to grow Build up your network of contacts Order Meridith's book, "Who Comes Next" here.

It’s the day-by-day and moment-by-moment changes you make that will ultimately shape your future outcomes. That’s the key message from this week’s guest, Dr. Paul Arciero. Years of study and research led him to create the PRISE lifestyle, which is based on living a healthy and whole life. What you eat and how you move and use your body shape the way you live in the world. They influence your emotional and mental wellbeing and even how you interact with the people closest to you. It can be tough to change the habits you have to get on track to living well. That’s why it’s important to figure out what value being healthy has for you. Defining its worth and meaning can help you get into the right mindset to change your habits and start living up to your full potential. What You’ll Learn: Focus on nutrition Practice an active lifestyle Pay attention to emotional wellbeing Make daily changes for long-term outcomes Define the value of healthy living

Times are tough for everyone right now. We’ve had to change our schedules, start working from home or putting in extra hours, and some of us have lost jobs or wages. But even if the challenges are great, the opportunities to overcome them are even greater, if you put your mind to it. This week on the Compete Every Day podcast, host Jake Thompson talks about hitting the reset button and committing yourself to winning tomorrow’s possession. When you are emotionally exhausted or mentally done, it can be easy to get stuck on repeat in your head, playing the negatives over and over again. But that’s counterproductive. The past is the past and it can’t be changed. What you do have the power to control is how you enter the next day. Will it be on the right foot and with a positive attitude? If you had a bad day, shake it off and win tomorrow. The power is in your hands. What You’ll Learn: Practice the midnight rule Recognize when you need to hit the reset button Be present in the given moment Focus on what you can control Try, even if you may fail Support the show by using code PODCAST to get 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com

We all have a responsibility to ourselves and others. It’s up to us to put our best foot forward and do what we can to live good lives, both internally and externally. This week, legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg shares stories of resilience and responsibility and talks about how to use the power and esteem of sports to make change in the world. Steinberg says it’s important to maintain a sense of hope for the future, and to strive for self-awareness. It can be challenging to look past your current situation and recognize what you have to offer. Likewise, it can be easy to forget the ability you have to make a difference. But by being authentic as you walk through life and never forgetting to feel appreciation for what you have, you can live a life guided by your values and help others along the way. What You’ll Learn: Find hope in difficult times Work on building self-awareness Be transparent and authentic See players and people holistically Always have a sense of appreciation Connect with Leigh & his team at steinbergsports.com. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com.

What if the hardest time in your life was actually the necessary setback you needed to use as a stepping stone to create an even better path that you’d ever imagined? I posted this question last week on my personal Facebook page and the responses are some of the most powerful stories I’ve ever read. Click here to read them all. What if you embraced the mindset that in the midst of this storm, you’re going to plant seeds that will harvest into an even better path down the road? What if instead of seeing challenges as the end of your story, you saw it as the end of a chapter – and the beginning of a better one? The decision on how you see this storm is 100% up to you. Choose the perspective of a Competitor.

You are enough. To come to a place where you’re living in contentment, you have to practice radical self-acceptance. That means facing and accepting the things that scare you — all the niggling feelings of inadequacy and self-judgment — and learning to love who you are right here, right now. This week, U.S. Army lieutenant and former NFL player Caleb Campbell talks about the power of transformation. It comes down to shifting from having fear as a motivator, to being motivated by love. What You’ll Learn: Open yourself to personal transformation Practice radical acceptance in the here and now Have the courage to face fear Move from willpower to willingness Remember that you are enough Follow Caleb on Instagram at @caleb_campbell & check out his podcast, Kara & Caleb, on iTunes here. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com. Join the Facebook community & take the April challenge on here.

Every day is a choice of who we will be.⁣ ⁣Will we allow the outside world & other people determine our controllables?⁣ ⁣ Or will be Competitors who control our controllables & do the best with what we’ve got?⁣ ⁣ On this quick BONUS episode of the Compete Every Day Podcast, Jake reminds you that TODAY is the day YOU have to decide if you’ll live as a thermometer or step up as a leader and be a thermostat. #CompeteEveryDay

Teams reflect the nature of their leaders. If a leader lacks confidence, determination and direction, so will their team. That’s why it’s critical to develop your leadership skills if you want to help bring yourself and those around you up to the next level. This week, we hear from author, speaker, and consultant Kevin DeShazo on the power of leadership and how good managers guide their teams to the future, while poor ones fall behind. What You'll Learn: Respect the power of social media Grow healthy leaders for healthy teams Have open conversations about mental health Initiate conversations to build trust Cultivate psychological safety with your team Click here to order Kevin's book Leadership Interrupted.  Support the show by using the code PODCAST for 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com   Join the Compete community on Facebook here.

We have a lot of uncertainty in the world today. It’s a scary and frustrating time for all of us. In the midst of the chaos lies an opportunity for leaders to set the example and show the way. On today’s episode, Jake talks about the importance of embracing the mindset “Do what you can until you can do what you want” and the opportunity that every Competitor needs to step up to seize this week.   Join the Compete Every Day community here. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com.

No one has the time. We have to make the time. If we aren’t intentional about how we set up our days, it’s easy to lose focus and get caught up in distractions. Then, at the end of the day, we find we haven’t met our goals. And by the end of the week, we’re struggling to keep our head above water and make it to the weekend. On this episode, author and speaker John Zeratsky shares tips and tricks for making time and keeping ourselves on track. What You’ll Learn: Start the day by choosing a highlight Reconfigure your environment to help you focus Take care of your body to bring your best energy Reflect and make adjustments to your day Set expectations based on your values and worth   Click here to order John's book Make Time. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com.   Connect with Jake: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter

Leaders don’t pass the buck to someone else. They take responsibility for their actions and decisions and work to change them in the future if they need improvement. Owning your choices is an integral part of learning what you have control over in your own life. By understanding that you play a part in creating the situation you’re in, you can take action to change that situation and improve your decision-making. If you don’t take responsibility, it’s easy instead to take a backseat in your own life and become a follower, rather than a leader. So, each and every day, remember that it starts with you. What You’ll Learn: Own your decisions Identify what is within your control to change Work to fix your own problems Don’t neglect the small tasks Acknowledge the path that got you here   Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com

Your past doesn’t have to define you. Every day, you have the power to choose how you want to show up and what person you want to be. This week, athlete and Gym Gypsy founder Vanessa Bennington talks about the transformative power of self-reflection, journaling, and changing daily habits to break your own mold. All through high school and into her 20s, Bennington struggled with an eating disorder. She was trying to beat her genes and stay fit as an adult -- but was doing it in a dangerous and self-destructive way. Then, she found CrossFit and started journaling every day. Now, she owns her own company which makes a line of fitness and life journals, so others can use writing to change their circumstances.  What You’ll Learn: Be tenacious in pursuing your goals Figure out what hasn’t worked in the past Identify your excuses in order to quit them Don’t let failure be the end Remember your history doesn’t have to define you Check out Gym Gypsy at their website: https://gym-gypsy.com/   Support the show. Use code PODCAST to get 15% OFF any order at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Competitors SHINE when the stakes are highest.⁣ Jake shares what it means to be “clutch” in high-pressure situations and how leaders train themselves to perform at their best when the pressure is highest. You’ll learn: The three keys to prepare for your high-pressure moment What five things you have 100% control of – and need to do in every big moment. Why pressure is actually a privilege How you can train yourself to perform at your best under pressure. Mentioned in this episode: Podcast episode: How to Build Your Positive Self Talk When You Prepare: Get quality repetitions in Practice visualization Build your positive self-talk When You Perform: Control your breathing Trust your preparation Be your own cheerleader – talk to yourself! View the moment as an opportunity to thrive – it’s a privilege Act as if you’ve been there

Nobody is born with mental or physical grit. It’s something you develop over time, by facing challenging situations and making it through to the other side. This week, dog musher and author Katherine Keith talks about overcoming grief and loss and the importance of grit. She’s successfully competed in both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod, two of the most difficult long-distance dog races in the world.   Both races saw Keith and her dog team venture 1,000 miles deep into the Alaskan and Canadian wilderness in the bitter cold of winter. The hardships on the trail pushed her past her breaking point, but also helped her build the mental strength to keep going, mile after mile, to the finish line. What You’ll Learn: Remember to fully engage with life Fight your way back from a loss Develop mental grit to push through obstacles Spend time in nature to build health and happiness Look outside yourself for inspiration and motivation Order Katherine's book Epic Solitude here. Support the show using code PODCAST at CompeteEveryDay.com for 15% OFF!

In spite of the challenges, you have the power to succeed. You just have to get into the right headspace to use your speed bumps as stepping stones that will take you where you want to go. This week, author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and former NFL player J. J. Birden shares his stories of dealing with change and using a positive mindset to make the most of life’s curve balls. Throughout his life and career, J. J. Birden has dealt with his fair share of setbacks. In sports, he’s overcome injuries and fought his way from bottom to top among the best. He’s also stepped up in his personal life, bringing his five nieces and nephews into his family when they fell on hard times. At any of those moments, he could have given in and been overwhelmed by the difficulty of the situation facing him. But instead, he made the choice to put in the work to achieve the outcome he wanted. All decisions take you up or down, he says. It’s about having the mental fortitude and positive attitude to make the right choice when it’s in front of you. What You’ll Learn: Embrace the power of positive thinking Get into the right mindset for change Don’t be complacent with where you’re at Develop a personal game plan Reframe challenges as opportunities   Order JJ's Book When Opportunity Knocks here.   Support the show by using code PODCAST at CompeteEveryDay.com for 15% OFF any order!

Trying something outside your comfort zone doesn’t mean you’re setting yourself up for failure. It means you’re setting yourself up to learn something new, which is how you improve as an athlete, entrepreneur, and person. But even though many people still fear taking that step, it’s critical to push your limits in order to grow. That’s why week’s guest, CrossFit athlete and coach Chase Ingraham, encourages everyone to “dive into the unknown.” Getting the courage to take the plunge comes down to managing your expectations, being realistic about the challenges you’re facing, and shifting your narrative. Rather than focusing on your small achievements and stopping there, Ingraham says, when you’ve reached a small goal, move the goalpost. If it’s tough at first, that’s OK. Over time, trying new or difficult things builds your confidence that no matter what happens, it’s not going to be as bad as you think. And with that knowledge, you open yourself up to letting go of control and seeing how much you can truly achieve. What You’ll Learn: Set realistic expectations Practice honesty with coaches and athletes Lift up those around you Acknowledge the challenges you’re facing Use competition to inspire you   SUPPORT THE SHOW: use code PODCAST for 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com

Find out how you can WIN a free SELF Journal from BestSelf Co. Owning your purpose is what helps you become your best self. Cathryn Lavery, co-founder of BestSelf Co., helps people meet their goals through support, inspiration, and organizational tools. This week, Lavery shares her story of how making major changes in her own life ultimately led to the creation of a successful business and a more holistic worldview. It can be a challenge to reach the goals you set for yourself, especially if you’re not quite sure why you’ve committed to them or you don’t know how you need to get there. It’s important to understand the investment you have in your goals and have a clear path to meeting them. What You’ll Learn: Manage your time for success Set incremental milestones toward a larger goal Know why you’re committing to a goal Make daily habits non-negotiable Develop accountability relationships - Order your Best Self Journal here. Use code COMPETE today through the end of February 2020 for a special savings at checkout! To be eligible for our random winner giveaway, you must: Follow @BestSelfCo on Instagram here Follow @JakeThompsonSpeaks on Instagram here DM Jake or email us at [email protected] what ONE goal you're going to use the SELF Journal to crush this quarter!

The best ever still fell short. The cowardly may never lose – and they’ll never win – but is that the life we really want? Failure happens on the way to any goal of importance. The best to ever play / work / create have fallen short of their intended mark. It’s through those missteps that they found the key lessons needed to bridge the gap between their current position and victory. In this bonus episode, Jake challenges listeners to risk failure and compete, because greatness is about enduring the flames of failure and still pressing onward. It’s about being sharpened by the challenges of life and not giving up.

Even when it’s freezing cold outside and she’s seven months pregnant, Sonya Looney is still on her mountain bike, pedaling hard to reach the finish line.  Staying on track is critical for Looney, especially as she’s someone who has switched tracks a lot to follow her passions. She’s worked in marketing and communications, studied engineering, and is a high-performance athlete, podcaster, public speaker, blogger, and entrepreneur. When she was first racing, she found herself facing a critical question. Should she quit because she wasn’t the best yet or find grit and determination and learn how to get there? She chose to persevere. This week, she shares tips on how to develop a strong growth mindset to keep going even when it gets tough and uncertainty reigns.  What You’ll Learn: Visualize your goals to stay on track Seek out people who inspire you Don’t be afraid to fail publicly Learn how to manage time and expectations Be open to uncertainty *Connect with the Compete Every Day community here. *Support the show by using code PODCAST at CompeteEveryDay.com.  

Do you have one of those “just in case” excuses in your back pocket?⁣ ⁣ We fool ourselves into believing that we can reach our goals if we continue to cling them. ⁣ We can keep our excuses or we can reach our goals. But we can’t do both.⁣ Listen to this new episode as Jake Thompson share’s the five steps that you can take to cut loose your “just in case” excuse because you just DON’T NEED IT.⁣ Kill your excuses to raise bigger results in 2020. Compete Every Day.⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Join the Compete Every Day community here.

How you do anything is how you do everything. That’s one of Joel Runyon’s guiding principles in life. This week, Runyon shares his story of going from living in his parents’ basement and being jobless to founding Impossible and becoming the youngest person to run ultra marathons on every continent. It all started with singling out one goal on his list and seeing it through to completion.  A lot of people have a tendency to sabotage themselves before they even begin. That comes from getting stuck in your own head. Once you recognize how your mind is setting your limitations, you can move past them, like Runyon did. Then, you can do the things you used to think were impossible. What You’ll Learn:  Finish what you start Seek out mental challenges to overcome Choose one goal to start working toward Don’t self-sabotage before you begin Make the decision not to go quietly   Connect with Joel & the Impossible team at ImpossibleHQ.com. Support the show: Use code PODCAST to get 15% off your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com. Don't forget! You can still join The 2020 CLUB here!

You may believe that vision board party is going to help you make this year better than last, but it won’t if you only create the board and then store it away in a drawer, closet, or the back of your car. Successful people don’t bring their vision to life by simply thinking about manifesting it – they commit to a plan of action to create it. In order to make 2020 your best year yet, you must take very specific steps this year. Steps that require intentional action on your part to create the change this year that last year lacked. Your intentional plan of attack must be able to keep you present in the current moment, while continuously building momentum toward your desired outcome. On this week’s new podcast episode, Jake shares the five steps you can take to making this year your best year. Hint: It will require some work on your end because no one “just magically” has their best year. They compete for it.   Connect with the community on Facebook here! Use code PODCAST to get 15% off your next online order at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Some addictions can actually help you create the life you want. On this new Compete Every Day podcast episode, Jake shares the inspirational thinking behind our newest release and how answering one single question can change your career, health, & life. Drawing on his experiences with his own addictive personality, Jake shares how his past (consuming) focus on his health & fitness needed to be translated toward areas outside of the gym in order to achieve his best life. And how you can too. Listen & Learn how you can: Use this mindset to build a growth mindset outside of physical fitness Change your career one day at a time Implement a process in your life in a way that actually allows you the chance to make a monumental change.   Join our free Facebook community here! Use code PODCAST to get 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com Don't miss your final chances to join the 2020 Club (here) this year!

What’s the most important thing to you, popularity or progress? You can care about looking perfect. You can focus on winning the approval of strangers online. You can invest your time into making sure every “t” is crossed and “i” dotted in everything you do before you start. Or you can care only about getting better. On this bonus Compete Every Day podcast episode, Jake dives into the importance of our focus, our daily progress, and why the attention most people crave would be given if they just focused on doing the work to get better.

Leadership development is the name of the game in this day and age. While there are many followers out there, there’s a dearth of driven and successful leaders. This week, we hear from performance coach and keynote speaker Scott Savor about getting on the path to leadership in your own life. Whether you’re an athlete or part of a company, or just an individual seeking to better yourself this year, there are some practical steps you can take to develop your own leadership qualities. Learning and studying are important for personal development, but at the end of the day, it’s the action you take that will get you there.  What You’ll Learn: Build evergreen skill sets Be self-directed and self-motivated Practice daily gratitude Develop intentional habits Take action rather than playing it safe   Follow Scott on Twitter at @ScottSavor or grab his bok Uncommon Competitor: One-Day Contracts on Amazon.   Support the show by using code PODCAST to get 15% off your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com!

The new year is a chance for a fresh start. It’s a time to build healthy habits to replace old bad ones and a time to take responsibility for getting where you want to go in 2020. Part of making it to your own finish line is getting rid of the excuses that have held you back until now. Excuses keep you in your comfort zone and prevent you from pushing your limits. They’re a recipe for failed potential. Want to make 2020 your best year yet? It all starts right now. What You’ll Learn: Identify your excuses Ask yourself why you’re making those excuses Surround yourself with people who will push you Stop playing the comparison game Create healthy habits to replace them Join the CED January Challenge here.  Support the brand by using code PODCAST for 15% off your order at CompeteEveryDay.com!

Start a brand new year by learning the gameplan for how you can go undefeated and make 2020 your best year yet. Jake shares his daily “Three Yards & a Cloud of Dust” formula for focusing on only the most important tasks, blocking out everything else, and having a clear process for taking action on the steps that *actually* move the needle in his career and life.   Connect with Jake on Instagram @JakeThompsonSpeaks or LinkedIn Use code PODCAST to get 15% OFF your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com. Join the CED Community on Facebook here!

As a lifelong athlete, Cassie Weaver learned from an early age the importance of mental toughness. Even before she had words to describe it, she was working to build it.  Now a volleyball & mental performance coach, Weaver shares tips for developing resiliency and staying on top of your game through whatever transitions you face in sports, business, and life. It’s becoming more common for top athletes to seek out help and guidance from mental performance coaches and sports psychologists than in the past - allowing them more opportunities for growth. Learning to be strong — physically, emotionally, and mentally — can give you the edge you need to reach your fullest potential. What You’ll Learn:  Challenge yourself to be mentally tough Identify what’s between you and your best performance Connection is just as important as knowledge Follow current research and science to stay on top of your game Maintain a positive attitude, even through stress   Mentions: On this week’s episode, Jake and Cassie mentioned The Way of the Seal: Think Like an Elite Warrior to Succeed and Lead by Mark Divine and Simon Sinek’s “Performance vs. Trust” video and The Infinite Game book. Connect: You can follow Cassie Weaver on Twitter @cassie_weaves and get in touch with her via email at [email protected]. Connect with Jake on LinkedIn here or Twitter @JakeAThompson or Instagram @JakeThompsonSpeaks

There’s no one way that works for everyone. It’s up to you to find out the best way for you to reach your goals and stick to it, even when times are tough. This week, Danny Lehr, gym owner and co-founder of Caffeine and Kilos, joins the show to share his journey from athlete to entrepreneur and the challenges of finding his groove while pursuing new endeavors (like climbing Mount Whitney).  What You’ll Learn: Develop a system that works for you Stay consistent with practicing healthy habits Try something new even if you might not be good at it Bring expectations and reality into alignment and balance Know what your goals are   Connect with Danny on his website DannyLehr.com or on Instagram @Danny_Lehr Join the Compete Every Day community on Facebook here. Use code PODCAST to get 15% OFF your order at CompeteEveryDay.com   Get connected with Jake on Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn!

Many of us struggle with the crucial mental skill of positive self-talk.⁣ ⁣ We talk to ourselves worse than the online trolls could ever imagine doing.⁣ ⁣ But it’s not because we were born without some special talent to be positive. Instead, it’s because we haven’t grown it.⁣ Just like building our physical muscles in the gym requires repetition and sometimes, discomfort getting under a heavier weight, we can only build our positive mental skill of self-talk one (sometimes uncomfortable) repetition at a time.⁣ On this week's show, I share how the steps you can take to build positive self-talk and make sure your biggest cheerleader lives between your ears instead of your worst enemy.⁣   Connect with Jake here on Instagram or LinkedIn Support the show by using code PODCAST to get 15% off your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com

If there’s one thing every athlete understands, it’s that fear can hold you back. When you find yourself avoiding practices or a challenge at work out of fear, make overcoming it your goal. This week, author and endurance athlete Matt Fitzgerald shares his story of developing a growth mindset and using his fear to push him to reach his potential. Fitzgerald says it wasn’t the pressure to succeed that got to him mentally; it was a fear of the suffering it would take to get there. The runs were hard, the races harder, and he had to find a way of shifting how he thought about that path in order to cross the finish line. Instead of having that suffering — his fear — be a means to an end, he made it the goal itself. He decided he would only consider a race or a run successful if he gave it his all and ended on empty. It didn’t matter if he won or lost, just that he tried his hardest.  What You’ll Learn: Make overcoming your fear the goal Shake off the bad practices Practice conscious intentionality Have a growth mindset and recognize the value of challenges Win the mental battle first   Follow Matt's work on his website: http://mattfitzgerald.org/ Order his book How Bad Do You Want It on Amazon here.

Am I good enough? Do I have enough experience to succeed? Do I deserve this opportunity? Are others better than me? These are the nagging questions that follow imposter syndrome — or a feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt even after success. This week, mental performance coach Paige Tonz talks about overcoming imposter syndrome and coming into confidence and success both on the field and off. In her work, Tonz helps girls discover their inner motivation at a time in their lives when a lot is changing and they’re only starting to understand their own potential and what it takes to reach it. She helps them learn to skip the roadblocks that she encountered in her own life, in order to set them on a good path as they come into their own. It all comes down to mindset, accountability, and self-confidence, which are useful tools at any stage of life. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t Set aside distractions Cultivate intrinsic motivation Practice accountability with your actions Push through imposter syndrome   Follow Paige's work on Instagram @PaigeTonz Use code PODCAST to get 15% off your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com and support the show!

Sometimes, the unexpected happens. You might have a bad play or a bad day at work. It’s important to learn how to readjust and refocus when things don’t go the way you wanted them to. It’s also crucial to reevaluate the routines you have every once in a while and make sure they’re still working for you. Maybe you need to mix things up to get the most out of your day. This week, Tyler Johnson talks about how to educate, elevate, and rejuvenate your routines to live, work, and play to the max. It starts with confidence in yourself, he says. By building off your core values, you can center yourself in strength and be able to jump right into the middle of opportunities — or compensate for setbacks — as they arise. With that confidence, you can approach situations with a good attitude, ready to learn, and put that knowledge into practice in your everyday life. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Refocus after setbacks Be intentional and consistent in teaching moments Don’t expend energy in a wasteful way Create daily and weekly momentum Rejuvenate your routine   Follow Tyler on Instagram at @elev8educ8rejuvan8 Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off your order at CompeteEveryDay.com

Research has shown people are more likely to keep doing something they don’t enjoy in order to justify the investment of time and money they’ve already poured into it. That’s called the sunk cost mindset and this week learn how we can quit the bad cycles, get out of the quicksand, and start doing what we really want to do.   Support the show: use code PODCAST for 15% off your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com! Follow Jake: Instagram @JakeThompsonSpeaks Twitter @JakeAThompson Facebook @JakeThompsonSpeaks LinkedIn Follow @CompeteEveryDay: Instagram Twitter Facebook   Join the Compete Every Day community on Facebook here!

If there’s one thing Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman is no stranger to, it’s transitions. He’s been a wrestler, a professional UFC fighter, and a Spanish teacher and is now a published author, motivational speaker, and podcaster. Throughout his life, he’s found ways of putting his strengths to good use across many platforms, enabling him to transition from one path to another while carrying his best characteristics with him the whole way. This week, Brenneman shares tips on becoming a tough and diligent lifelong learner. It’s about maintaining curiosity and having the perseverance to seek out new information. Brenneman’s view is that learning gets you what you want. With so much information available these days, it’s possible to gain new skills and knowledge very quickly. If you want to do something, Brenneman says, go out and find a way to do it. The world is full of opportunities; it’s up to you to take advantage of them.  What You’ll Learn: Listen when people you trust and respect challenge your ideas Recognize your strengths and build upon them Find ways to utilize your skill sets across platforms Question your preconceived notions Work to build self-awareness   Follow Charlie's show and work on his website: CharlieSpaniard.com Support the Podcast by using code PODCAST to get 15% off your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com!

It doesn’t matter if your year began great or got off to a poor start. What matters is how you end it. This week, Jake discusses the importance of making halftime adjustments -- tweaks to your behavior, habits, and mental space to help you finish strong and start off next year where you want to be.  You have to build a winning mindset and to do that, it’s important to stop making excuses. It takes a commitment to being honest with yourself and having the dedication you need to make the halftime adjustments in your own life to end on top. Support the show: use code PODCAST for 15% off your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com! Follow Jake: Instagram @JakeThompsonSpeaks Twitter @JakeAThompson Facebook @JakeThompsonSpeaks LinkedIn Follow @CompeteEveryDay: Instagram Twitter Facebook   Join the Compete Every Day community on Facebook here!

Podcaster and teacher Joe Ferraro strives to become a little bit wiser and a little bit better each and every day. This week, he shares tips on seeing the big picture and working diligently and consistently to reach your goals. It comes down to intentionality, transparency, and commitment.  Part of teaching others is helping them build an investment in the time you have together. If they can feel your passion for the work and see your commitment to them and their time, you can earn their interest.  What You’ll Learn:  Live with intentionality Improve mindset, language, and behavior every day Develop a big picture mindset Involve kids in your processes so they learn by doing Show students you are passionate and committed   Follow Joe and the One Percent Better podcast here. Support the podcast by using code PODCAST at CompeteEveryDay.com for 15% off your next order.

If there’s one message Hannah Huesman wants to share, it’s how important it is to be proactive, rather than reactive, when it comes to building mental skills and health. Hannah is the mental performance coach for the Philadelphia Phillies and on this week’s show, she shares tips for gaining self-awareness and not getting negatively stuck in your own head.  Discover how doing daily mental check-ins and incorporating thoughtfulness and mindfulness in our everyday lives, we can work to be actively self-aware and evaluate our situations more accurately, which will lead to greater happiness down the road. What You’ll Learn:  Do mental check-ins every day Practice mental workouts along with physical ones Evaluate your self-evaluation Understand the importance of mental health and happiness Be aware of inherent negative bias   Follow Hannah on Instagram @HannahHuesman Support the show by using code PODCAST at CompeteEveryDay.com for 15% off your next purchase.

Sometimes you need to refocus to follow your true calling. That’s at the heart of the message from this week’s guest, Nike Master Trainer, athlete, and personal coach Dennys Lozada. After years working in the corporate world, Lozada gave up stability to return to his athletic roots and pursue his true passion as a personal trainer.  Through each challenge, Lozada has found moments to learn and grow. He uses those lessons to guide his work today with the adults and kids he trains.  Listen to this inspiring conversation and you'll learn: Use challenges as opportunities to build character Connect with youth where they are Focus on fitness, not aesthetics Build your career from the ground up Give your passion your all   Connect with Dennys on Instagram @fftstrong Use code PODCAST to get 15% off your next online order at CompeteEveryDay.com Click here to join our Facebook community!

Discovering your own competitive advantage is at the heart of this week’s conversation with author and podcaster Cody Royle. His book, Where Others Won’t: Taking People Innovation from the Locker Room into the Boardroom, delves deep into lessons from teams around the world on leadership theory, group dynamics, and talent optimization. This week, he shares what he’s learned about what both individuals and teams can do to find their niche.  Royle says the big takeaway former athletes have going forward to a new career is their sense of self-awareness. Athletes spend much of their time getting feedback from others, be they coaches or fellow players. That helps them understand their strengths and weaknesses and explore what they enjoy doing and what they don’t. That understanding is a critical asset outside the world of sports, as well, and can help a person find their best fit in business or whatever they ultimately pursue. What You’ll Learn: Ask questions to build self-awareness Develop a leadership mentality Synthesize different parts of your personality Identify what you enjoy and what you don’t and push for the right position Think outside the box to create a competitive advantage   Learn more about Cody's work here.

Life has been a series of transitions for David Cuthbert. He played collegiate soccer at the Naval Academy, then went on to join Naval special operations as an explosive ordnance officer, then began a tech startup, and now works in the nonprofit world as the CEO of Wine To Water, which provides clean drinking water to places in need around the world. Throughout his journey, he’s learned to understand his experiences universally, so he can bring skills from one discipline to the next. Listen to today's conversation on leadership and building strong teams so you can: Look at experiences universally Find different applications for skills across platforms Focus on internal work that leads to external product Ensure people are sharing their best ideas Focus on building a strong team   Get connected & involved with WineToWater.org here. Support the show by using code PODCAST for 15% off at CompeteEveryDay.com!

As a sports psychologist, Dr. Julie Bell is focused on relationships. It’s through the coaching relationship she builds with athletes, entrepreneurs, mothers, and many others that she can tailor her approach to each specific person, and that people can find support through their various endeavors and changes in life. However, despite the differences, the common thread that often runs through these challenges is the need for a mindset shift. After all, while it can be easier to change the small things, it’s often a look inside that’s needed most. What You’ll Learn: Challenges are both physical and mental Coaches can help at different stages in life Celebrate the path to victory, rather than just the outcome Encourage behaviors you want to see repeated Focus on the relationship process   Learn more at TheMindOfAChampion.com.

Are you making the mistake that most people do of believing that their success in life will mirror their success in fantasy football? I love playing the game – but in reality, it’s just a game where all of my successes sit in the hands of someone else. Who I don’t personally know. Who I have zero control over. And who isn’t playing any better or worse because of me. Competitors don’t leave their fates in the hands of others. They take action to make their own. Click here to support the show. Use code PODCAST for 15% OFF your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com Join the free community on Facebook here.

Mental toughness is not a trait you're born with - it's a skill you build over time through intentional repetition. Learn the 5 Ways to build your mental strength for anything life tries to throw at you so you can continue to compete every day.   Join the community at Facebook.com/groups/CompeteEveryDay Use code PODCAST for 15% off any order at CompeteEveryDay.com

It took just seconds for Keith Mitchell’s life to turn completely upside down. A spinal injury put the former NFL player in the hospital, where he was told he may never walk again. There, a nurse asked him a profound question. She asked if he knew what happens when a person breathes. So began his journey toward mindfulness. Now, years later, Mitchell is an accomplished yoga practitioner and influencer who works with adults and kids alike to encourage intentional living. Learn how to: Give attention to the positive, not the negative Put important concepts into a frame you can understand Practice intentional thought and action Shift to a mindset without limitations Take meditation one step further with mindfulness Learn more about Keith's work at http://keithmitchell59.com.   Use code PODCAST for 15% off your first online order at CompeteEveryDay.com!

You don’t talk a big game as a leader – you live it. The inspiration behind our new release, Leave No Doubt, is an important one in today’s world. It’s easy for us to get caught up in what we see online and on social media, and immediately buy into the idea that what we scroll by is actually true. But it’s not. Learn the story behind this new release and what two things *actually* define your legacy when all is said and done. 👕Order Your Leave No Doubt Shirt/Tank: http://bit.ly/lnd_ced

We celebrate our 150th (!) podcast episode by flipping the tables and welcoming James Leath of Unleash the Athlete (episode 2 this season!) as he sits down as your host to interview me about what I’ve learned over the last 8 years at Compete Every Day. We discuss what I’ve learned after 150 episodes on the Compete Podcast, and dive into my journey for the first time. Topics discussed include: My own health journey from overweight to active Why you have to be “SELFISH” to be successful in serving others What does “being a better leader” actually mean Why I use “Competitor” interchangeably when discussing “Leaders” How a loss of identity also ruined my life How I learned to get past comparison – and focus instead on my lane The importance of creating experiences for my community and speaking audiences The only two things that matter in your legacy Why did we start with – and stick with – apparel at Compete Every Day How to batch your marketing and life to better focus on what matters And mostly, what it means to Compete Every Day! I really enjoyed this conversation and the opportunity to share my passion and what matters most to me, with you. I hope you enjoy the show! Click here to join the Facebook community! Use code PODCAST to get 15% off your next order at CompeteEveryDay.com

There's no magic formula to becoming great. You don't cross your fingers, Click your toes, and suddenly you become your greatest self. It doesn't work that way. There is no quick-fix formula to do it. However, there is a way to do it and today I'll share the five steps you can take to forge your greatness. 👕Order Your Forge Shirt/Tank: http://bit.ly/forge_Ced Connect with us on Instagram @competeeveryday Shop our gear and save 15% off with code PODCAST at CompeteEveryDay.com

Lifting up the people around you will benefit you and your entire team in the long run. That’s just one of the messages from this week’s guest, author, speaker, and coach Jamy Bechler. The group mentality drives a team and it’s only by ensuring each and every player is included in the success that it can truly be achieved. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Foster relationships with your team Uplift others Be positive with a rationale behind it Get into a player’s heart and head by developing connections Look at reality, not “should have”s   Click here to support the show! Show notes: http://bit.ly/jamybechler

In order to reach your full potential, it’s important to practice habits, make choices, and surround yourself with people who will help you get there. In this week’s episode of the Compete Every Day podcast, host Jake Thompson talks about how to make life changes to get you where you need to go. He shares stories from his own past about times he didn’t make the right choices and how he learned to make those crucial shifts with the support of a good friend. It’s critical to make sure our inner circle, or our starting five, are people who are impacting our lives in positive and forward-thinking ways. Jake shares the 3 types of people you should avoid - and the 3 you need to have in your life.   Click here to support the show! Show notes: http://bit.ly/chooseyour5   Click here to join our FREE community! Click HERE to learn more about our small group coaching!