Attack Life, Not Others

“I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” — Michael Jordan

On this past Monday's KYW episode, Tim started to talk about being proactive. Being proactive means taking action and continuously moving forward in life. On today's feature episode, Tim and Steve draw a parallel between martial artists and boxers who are always moving in the ring. By staying in motion, you’ll be harder to stop and more likely to achieve your goals. It's about taking control, and not being passive or reactive. pro·ac·tive • /prōˈaktiv/ • adjective • creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened Being proactive is not just about physical movement, but also staying mentally engaged. It's important to stay active even after retirement; retiring from a job does not mean retiring from life. It’s crucial to stay mentally and physically active to maintain overall well-being. A proactive approach to life involves taking initiative and not waiting for things to happen. By being proactive, you will create your own opportunities and

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney

This episode is kicked off with a quote from Abraham Lincoln: "Whatever you are, be a good one." Tim expresses his belief that being good is not enough. Very often what holds us back are self-pity, doubt, and fear. They can trap you in a dark pit, making it difficult to escape. The ability to struggle and persevere is crucial in overcoming these challenges. The discussion takes a personal turn as the hosts share their own experiences with the three enemies — self-pity, doubt, and fear. The daily struggle to overcome them includes a maintenance program of faith, prayer, and positive relationships.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” — Chinese Proverb

Life is a constant climb, filled with obstacles and challenges. But it's in pushing that boulder up the mountain that we become stronger and better. Tim and Steve emphasize the need to have a realistic perspective on life and the pursuit of goals. “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” — Babe Ruth Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger — not easy to hear, but true Don’t fall for the illusion of arrival — there's always another mountain to climb Reaching a milestone or achievement is not the end — but rather just another step in your journey. Strive to continuously seek new challenges and push yourself to grow and improve. It’s about perseverance and the wisdom gained along the way. #AttackLifeNotOthers #Perseverance #Strength #Wisdom

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can't hear them anymore.” — Michele Ruiz

This episode is about the importance of forgiveness and its impact on one's mental well-being. Tim and Steve share the analogy of "free rent in your head" — where harboring negative emotions is like a background program running in our minds, detracting from our ability to engage in life. They delve into that and other topics including: The power of forgiveness: Clearing your mind for a thriving life Finding wisdom from centenarians: Secrets to a long and happy life Never go to bed mad: The 15-minute rule for a stronger relationship "Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.” — Epictetus

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F Kennedy

Several years ago, Tim and Steve recorded a few episodes about the Blue Zones and how people in these specific regions live longer and healthier lives: Ep 080 - Live Longer and Feel Better with Dr Al Peters​ Ep 081 - Eating Habits in Blue Zones with Dr Al Peters Ep 082 - The Importance of Faith, Family, and Friends in Living Longer But you don't need to live in Okinawa or Costa Rica to live longer. Today they outline the 10 concepts of the Blue Zones, which include diet, physical activity, social engagement, and stress reduction. It's a short episode, but a great reminder to prioritize our health and happiness for a long and fulfilling life. With good habits — we can all create our own Blue Zone — by making wise diet and lifestyle choices.

“Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE.” — Joss Whedon

Want a better life? Watch the words you choose to use. Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman explore how words hold immense power — and how the word "will" is particularly impactful. We all must have the will to conquer ourselves, rather than focusing on conquering others. Will you thrive? Tell yourself you WILL. #willpower

“Life is like a book. Some chapters are sad, some are happy, but all are necessary for the full story.” — Unknown

Your feet are your foundation. They support your entire body. With your heels together and toes apart, your foundation is compromised and you exhibit humbleness. Katie Mendez embodies humbleness. She is referred to as the "turtle" in contrast to the "rabbit," symbolizing someone who takes their time to understand the process and develop their skills. Despite challenges and slow progress, Katie's consistency and dedication have allowed her to achieve a first-degree black belt and become a teacher in the dojo. She shares a touching, personal story about her son who joined the Marines.

“A seed grows with no sound, but a tree falls with a huge noise. Destruction has noise, but creation is quiet. This is the power of silence. Grow Silently.” — Confucius

Excuses are a slippery slope. All it takes is one. Before you know it, you have a domino effect. From a roll of toilet paper to over $150,000 — you'll be shocked by Tim's story. Eliminate excuses, embrace discipline, and avoid negative influences.

“Architects cannot teach nature anything.” — Mark Twain

Brian Miller joins Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman. They discuss the concept of losing in order to win, and alternatively, how you can actually lose by winning — emphasizing the importance of focusing on the process and development — rather than just the outcome. The three of them point out that losing on purpose can lead to significant growth and improvement. This applies not only to martial arts, but also to various aspects of life. They share personal anecdotes, including the story of Larry Holmes, who became one of the greatest boxers ever after being a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

“A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” — Mark Twain

Controlling our emotions is crucial for overall effectiveness in life — although it's easier said than done. Tim and Steve emphasize that unchecked emotions can significantly hinder us. They further mention how primal instincts and unfamiliar emotions can emerge during a fight, making it essential to maintain control. We must keep our composure and avoid letting our emotions dictate our actions. Step back from the situation, and NEVER give anyone free rent.