As for the actual video, I couldn’t agree more with the message he shares. I too am a firm believer in the significance of intangible variables that aren’t visible on paper. Back in 2008, I wrote about the individual factors that often determine the success of an athlete. I reiterated a similar message in one of my recent videos.

Focus On The Task At Hand

Within that video, I stated that these intangibles are highly relevant to my success. These variables can’t be seen or quantified yet make a world of difference for me and and my athletes. Workout success isn’t based on how many sets and reps you do. Success depends on what you put into the work. As Ray Lewis would say, effort is between you and you.

Effort isn’t based on what routine you follow or what exercises you perform. Effort depends on what you bring to the table. How much are you willing to give? How much are you willing to put out?

It is unfortunate that certain athletes never figure this out. They live and die based on what is written on a piece of paper. They do what the workout tells them to do. They never look to raise the bar and do more. They never tap into the inner resources that are available to us all.

Don’t make that mistake. Dig down and find out what you are made of. If you live in fear of going too far, you’ll never find out how far you can go.

Don’t underestimate the significance of the mind. It can make or break you.

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Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate. – Vince Lombardi

This entry is an update to a previous post from 2012. The original video that I shared was removed from Youtube. As a result, I have added two new videos below. Within each, you will see a man (James Mason) who once weighed over 500 pounds. Doctors told him that he would be dead within 5 years if he didn’t make drastic lifestyle changes.

Fortunately, those changes came when James began training at the Tiger Muay Thai gym in Thailand. After 18 months of training, he has now lost over 300 pounds.

The first video shows him in the early stages.You can then see his drastic weight loss when viewing the follow up below.

You will also notice that James did not need anything fancy to get in shape. Old school, fight conditioning has always been one of the most effective training styles. Success does not depend on the tools that are used, but rather the effort put forth towards whatever you do.

Hard, consistent work with the basics is often more effective than the most elaborate training systems and tools.

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When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied. – Herophilus

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

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!

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

Two of the video trailers can be seen below.

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

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

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