Attack Life, Not Others

“Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.” — Albert Einstein

Tim and Steve talk about the concept of agency and its significance in all of our personal and professional lives. Acting with agency means making intentional choices that align with your values and goals. It’s about living proactively, actively shaping your life to align with your true self. It empowers you to be the architect of your own destiny. Tim discusses the role of communication with his private detective agency, emphasizing the value of truthful and genuine interactions to understand clients' stories and find the truth. agency /ˈājənsē/ noun: 1. a business or organization established to provide a particular service, typically one that involves organizing transactions between two other parties 2. action or intervention, especially such as to produce a particular effect Here are key points to understand in order to act with agency: Autonomy: Recognize and embrace your power to make choices that shape your life Purposeful Decision-Making: Make choices that align with your goals and values, cons

“When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.” — Norman Vincent Peale

You'll hear Arnold Schwarzenegger expressing his lifelong commitment to training and feeling good, and how he'll be pumping iron until the day he dies. For similar reasons, Tim, Steve, and millions of others train in martial arts. Personal growth, self-improvement, and as Tim talks about — becoming a better person and fulfilling our responsibilities as stewards of the Earth — are just some reasons why it's so healthy to find a passion you can practice your entire life.

“The secret to living well and longer is this: Eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure.” ~ Tibetan Proverb

“Root before you expand” is a concept that can be applied to various aspects of life, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation before growth. For instance, in martial arts, physical stability is crucial for effective execution. So, physically, it's crucial to root before expanding. Similarly, when it comes to our emotions, Steve reminds us how a strong foundation (emotional intelligence or EQ) aids resilience in life's storms. However, spiritually, Tim poses the idea of expansion actually BEFORE rooting. Looking up to the heavens and expanding our minds encourages us to think beyond current circumstances. After all, it's heaven on earth; not earth in heaven. Whether we're anchoring first then reaching out, or vice-versa — ultimately, balance of mind, body, and spirit is vital for true growth. We should strive to keep these three elements in harmony. Tim talks about three horses and the gift he gave Steve as a metaphor for this.

“I wake the dawn as if to say that the dawn doesn't wake me up!” — King David

On this Thanksgiving podcast episode, as in years past, Tim and Steve discuss the importance of gratitude and being thankful. They emphasize that expressing gratitude on a regular basis can be life-altering and beneficial not just for you but also for those around you. They talk about the distractions and self-pity that can hinder gratitude and suggest starting with being grateful for the little things in life to counteract negativity. They also touch upon the significance of teaching children the value of appreciation and gratitude.

“That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero.” — Stan Lee

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman's presentation on sacrifice is highlighted — emphasizing the distinction between sacrificing one's life in vain and living a life of purposeful sacrifice. Sacrifice is seen as a necessary component of personal growth. The younger generation is cautioned against false expectations and the belief that success can be achieved overnight Tim and Steve encourage giving up time, resources, and knowledge for the benefit of others Sacrifice and discipline are essential components in the pursuit of success. Sacrificing certain pleasures or activities, separating oneself from negative influences, and making choices that align with personal goals are crucial steps toward personal growth. Discipline, on the other hand, involves commitment, perseverance, and the ability to endure hardships and adversity. By embracing sacrifice and discipline, you can pave your way to success in various aspects of life, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me … Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” — King David

Steve recaps a recent program he attended presented by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a leading trainer for military, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and school safety organizations. The power of love was emphasized. Tim often tells us the enemy of greatness is simply being good. Similarly, the opposite of evil is not necessarily good, but love. This idea challenges the conventional notion that good is the opposite of evil. Love is infinite and has the power to eradicate evil.

"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you." — Aldous Huxley

underdog /ˈəndərˌdôɡ / noun: a competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest Tim and Steve reflect on 300 podcast episodes, bringing up the 300 Spartans and the movie "300" based on the ancient Battle of Thermopylae — one of the most prominent battles of the ancient Greco-Persian Wars. They discuss feeling like underdogs and fighting against disadvantages in their own lives. They emphasize the importance of inspiration, faith, direction, and relationships. They express their excitement for the future and their commitment to continue producing positive content.

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." — Frank Zappa

Maren, Tim's martial arts student, joins him and Steve to talk about buffalo charging. The three reflect on the state of the world — the turmoil, chaos, violence, hatred, and overall upside-down nature of society. Buffalo moving towards storms is a great metaphor for facing challenges head-on, but there's a time and place for that. There's not just one solution for all of life's problems. For instance, while many of us may feel fed up with things, we can't be "fighting" every day. That leads to exhaustion and feeling miserable. Being in “attack mode” all the time is not sustainable. We all must take breaks and pauses to allow for physical and mental recovery. With that said, sometimes — fighting — is the ONLY thing that will get us out of certain situations. Just like in the boxing ring, freezing or fleeing from punches is ineffective, and the only thing that will end the threat or suffering is to move forward. Ultimately, to be strong and vital, one must adopt a balanced approach to life — fighting when nece

“The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn.” — Gloria Steinem

Growing older brings wisdom, making us more cautious about our hard-earned possessions and less prone to vulnerability. Tim and Steve delve into vulnerability and value. True worth lies in sharing and inspiring others, as material possessions ultimately fade away. True Value: It's not in material possessions but in sharing experiences and inspiring others Nurturing Home and Relationships: Prioritize creating a comforting home environment and maintaining meaningful relationships

“I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” — King David

Do you find it hard to be true to who you are while trying to conform to societal expectations? Tim and Steve talk about this quote from Seneca: “Inwardly everything should be different but our outward face should conform with the crowd.” Steve discusses the dangers of becoming fake and losing one's sense of identity by conforming too much. Tim shares an anecdote about Funakoshi's student and a lesson he learned about avoiding unnecessary confrontations. He wraps up the show with his concept of 3 circles — and as simplistic as it is — it’s something that might help a lot of us to hear.