#207 Never Meet the Guy That Could Have Been

Something to Think About

Imagine for a second that you’re done. You’re old and not able to hit the gym like you used to.

There are different versions of yourself sitting around in a circle. Each one represents a different version of yourself. What you could have been and could have accomplished.

David Goggins

I remember David Goggins talk about this very concept on a podcast and in his book, Can’t Hurt Me. He said that he didn’t want to see the person that he would have became had he continued down the unhealthy path he was on.

He went from spraying for a pest company to a Navy SEAL. Lost over 100 pounds. And now he’s an absolute freak show, motivating and inspiring countless people left and right.

Why Not Me?

Why not me? Why not you? Why can’t you do what you love? What do you think is possible for you?

My suggestion? Don’t be a number. Don’t just throw in the towel and become a lifer at a big company just because it’s “secure.” That doesn’t have to be how it plays out.

I knew early on that something was different for me. I started telling myself that I was made to do big things. I wasn’t meant to continue down the same path my family went down. I experienced six months in the coal mine, but I knew that it wasn’t the long-term path for me.

I knew I was capable of so much more.

See What’s Possible

I play these mind tricks on myself all the time. I wasn’t okay with my situation, and I was on a mission to change it. There was no internet at the time. I didn’t know a personal trainer. I had little to no resources at my disposal.

I started to see what was possible when I started my personal training business for $5000 at age 20. That’s when I started to chew on the “What is actually possible?” question.

What I Found

There is no cap.

I wasn’t making crazy money or anything, but I was doing what I loved to do. I was able to pay my rent and pay for my car. All at age 20. This surpassed my wildest dreams and expectations.

The next question was, “What can I really accomplish?”

A Different Take on Failure

The word “Failure” means something different to me. Denzel Washington talks about “failing forward, never backwards.” For me, I knew I was always going to eventually figure it out. And if I don’t, then at least I’m in the game and learning.

There was no plan B. There was no going backwards. “Figure it out” became my credo. Things become a lot less intimidating when I adopted this approach. The alternative is looking for a situation and throwing in the towel when you encounter the first obstacle.

No Regret

I never want to live with regret. I don’t want to wish I did something. Give yourself a chance. It could be for a job, a business you want to start, or taking that last weight on squat.

I'm going to get every ounce out of this body, and then some. I want to know that I gave my life everything I had. Relationships, training, business, etc. All of it. I’m not going to be on my deathbed crying about not having given more effort.

What’s it For You?

What are you willing to do?

Are you willing to go the extra mile and do what’s necessary?

Are you willing to implement more discipline in your life to get an opportunity?

Self-reflecting and asking these difficult questions are key to succeeding.

It’s up to you. No one can tell you this. You’re either okay with it or not okay with it. Everyone gets complacent from time to time, but it’s up to you to pull yourself out. Pull yourself out and push forward to see what is possible.