If you are familiar with this blog, you’ve probably heard of Eric Thomas. He is perhaps best known for this speech that went viral a few years ago. In the time since, he’s become one of the most popular public speakers of today.

I’ve posted several of his speeches in previous entries. A few examples can be found below.

Win The Day

The Price of Success

Pain Is Temporary

I have always enjoyed Eric’s message. There is an instant sense of realness and passion that comes through when he speaks. As for what led him to become a successful speaker, the video below sheds light on his humble beginnings.

As you will see, it doesn’t matter how you start. What matters is how you finish. It is never too late to change. The future has not been written. You don’t need to be a victim of the past. If you want to do something, start now. Begin with small steps. Don’t try to change everything at once. Small steps taken repeatedly is what eventually leads to significant change in the future.

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It is never too late to be what you might have been. – George Eliot

In the brief video below, you will see a young wheelchair-bound man perform incredible work from a pull-up bar. And while many of the Youtube comments are quick to mention his light bodyweight, they seem to overlook that this young man lives without the ability to use his legs.

It is impossible for me to fathom what it is like to wake up in the morning unable to walk. I could not imagine living like that. For this young man to overcome his daily struggles and take to the bar is incredibly inspiring. I care less about his physical strength and more about his mental resolve.

He hasn’t cried poor me based on the unfortunate circumstances that he’s challenged with each day. Instead, he’s found something that he is passionate about doing. Rather than sitting behind the computer and debating his bodyweight, perhaps we should instead follow his approach which is to make the most of our circumstances. This young man works hard to pursue something that he clearly enjoys.

No one would have blamed him for sitting in his chair rather than getting up and attempting to do what few have done before. That alone is worthy of admiration. I tip my hat to him and wish him the best.

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Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.

I recently shared the picture above on Facebook (courtesy of Damiano Rosso). The photo shows a boxer training with a homemade punching bag at the Kampala Boxing Club in Uganda. Since posting the photo last night, I’ve had several people ask about how to create one of these bags.

Last year, I posted a tutorial that details the steps. I will do so again here for those who are new to the site.

Tires can also be used to create an uppercut bag. An example of this set-up can be seen next.

Tires can also be used on their own to perform a variety of conditioning exercises. There are literally countless options with nothing more than a tire. Several ideas are demonstrated here.

As you can see, successful training does not require a fancy facility. It is possible to succeed with almost anything, including nothing. If you need examples, look no further than the Kampala Boxing Club referenced above. Several world champion fighters have been developed within those walls. Their success was not based on equipment, but rather hard work, dedication and making the most of what was available.

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Improvise, Adapt and Overcome!

Below is yet another entertaining video from CT Fletcher. If you haven’t heard of him before, be aware that he’s known to drop a few f-bombs when speaking. If you are sensitive to foul language, don’t bother listening.

To those who don’t mind, CT tells it like it is. His message below is one that all should listen to and apply. I couldn’t agree with him more. Effort means everything and it is entirely up to you. Once you’ve given everything you have, there’s nothing to be ashamed of regardless of the outcome.

In summary, if you want something, go get it!

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Much good work is lost for the lack of a little more. – Edward H. Harriman

It’s been a few years since I mentioned Brock Mealer on this blog. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the first video below. I originally posted it in early 2011. Upon watching it again, I’m just as inspired as I was when I first saw it.

Fortunately, Brock is still doing well. A more recent video about his story can be found next. You’ll see Mike Barwis discuss his involvement in preparing Brock to walk again. I literally had chills towards the end of the video. If Brock Mealer doesn’t inspire you, consider checking yourself for a heart beat.

As I’ve said many times before, it is important to decide for yourself what you’ll attempt in life. Don’t allow the pessimistic opinions that exist within others to influence you. There will always be someone who believes your goals are too ambitious. Fortunately, such beliefs are nothing more than opinions. There are plenty of educated professionals who didn’t think Brock would ever walk again. Imagine if he listened to them. Where would he be now?

I’m glad that we don’t need to answer that question. Brock made a decision to walk and never looked back. Failure wasn’t an option. No matter how many times he fell, he always clawed his way back to his feet to continue moving forward.

Look at him now.

Hats off to Brock for refusing to give up. We can all learn from his example.

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So long as there is breath in me, that long I will persist. For now I know one of the greatest principles on success; if I persist long enough I will win. ~ Og Mandino

I just wanted to let everyone know that digital downloads are available for my DVDs and books (see here). I’ve had a few questions come in recently about downloads. They’ve actually been available for some time now. I never made an actual announcement however so I apologize if you’ve been waiting for them to be available.

Two of the video trailers can be seen below.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

If you are accustomed to reading this blog, you know how serious I am about staying focused within a workout. I have written and spoke about the topic many times before. A few recent examples can be found here and here.

Fortunately, I am not alone with these beliefs. In the video below, you will see former Olympic wrestler and world freestyle champion Terry Brands share similar thoughts. If you are an athlete or coach, listen closely to his words. Despite what may appear to be simple and obvious, I’ve seen countless athletes do exactly the opposite of what he suggests.

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Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days. – Zig Ziglar

Within my most recent video, I shared a story of an aspiring boxer who’d been told that he was too old to box. Since sharing that story, I’ve had a few women email me about similar experiences. They’d been told (by men) that they couldn’t become fighters.

In case you’ve ever been told the same, here is a compilation of women who have proudly refuted such ignorant advice.

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Always aim for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. – W. Clement Stone

The video below is not directly related to physical training, but the message conveyed is relevant to anyone with lofty aspirations.

As stated within:

Every single day you’re the result of what you did on the days prior.

Unfortunately, this simple yet powerful message is often overlooked. Many make the mistake of focusing solely on what they want to become. They only see the end goal, thus overlook the important steps that must be taken before.

As I’ve mentioned many times, significant results require a significant investment in time. You must be prepared for the daily grind. You must be prepared to fail at times. Setbacks and obstacles are part of any challenging journey. Don’t be fooled to believe otherwise.

To become successful, you must approach each day with the attitude that what you do today will influence tomorrow. This pattern must be maintained repeatedly day after day. The clock never stops ticking. There is always something that can be done now to benefit your future self.

Future goals are not magically achieved. What you become will depend on what you do. In some way, we are all the product of our actions. Make deliberate choices to achieve the goals that matter to you.

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Patience is bitter, but it bears sweet fruit.