Attack Life, Not Others

Never take advice from people who are not where you want to be.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Tim and Steve revisit a timeless and impactful discussion on the importance of respect and gratitude, both in martial arts and in life. They reflect on the value of giving thanks, emphasizing that gratitude should be a daily practice, not just reserved for holidays. The conversation explores the etymology of "holiday," tracing its roots to the Hebrew word kadosh, meaning "holy" or "to separate." This separation from ordinary days underscores the respect and appreciation that make holidays meaningful and significant. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, this episode serves as a heartfelt reminder to cherish the people and moments that matter, express love and gratitude openly, and cultivate a positive outlook on life.

“Comfort is the worst addiction and a cheap ticket to depression.”

Discipline is key to achieving success in every part of life, and Tim and Steve dive into what it really means and how it works. Tim explains that discipline is a personal journey, not just a set of rules or religious ideas. He shares how it shapes his mind, body, and spirit — reflecting on a conversation with his wife, who pointed out how discipline drives his faith, workouts, and mentoring. Together, Tim and Steve break it down, showing how discipline is a practical way to live rather than some big, abstract idea. They encourage listeners to embrace it and discover its power to transform their lives.

Someone makes 10x more than you do in a 9-5 job because they have more "leverage" with their work. Distraction is the greatest killer of success. It stunts and destroys your brain.

It's no secret that fear is pervasive in today's society. Tim reflects on his own experiences with fear, noting how it hindered him in his early years until he broke the chain through martial arts training and faith. He discusses the current climate of anxiety surrounding politics, weather, and everyday life, highlighting how people are overwhelmingly fatigued by these stressors. As a sensei and coach, Tim shares how he finds peace in various aspects of his life, including prayer and the dojo, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining high expectations for both himself and his students.

“I run at 4am because I know my opponent is still asleep. It gives me an edge. If I found out my opponent was running at 4am, I would start running at 2am. And if someone trained at 2am, I would stop sleeping to keep training. Without discipline, no matter how talented you are, you are nothing.” — Mike Tyson ”When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful.” — Eric Thomas

A few weeks ago the iconic song "Hotel California" by The Eagles was discussed, particularly focusing on the profound lyrics that resonate with personal struggles and societal issues. On today's brief episode, it's a follow-up on the importance of breaking free from old habits and the necessity of self-reflection instead of judging others. We all must confront our inner demons in order to take charge of our lives. Join Tim and Steve as they explore the journey of self-discovery and the strength required to "kill the beast" within.

I’d rather be the oldest person in a gym than the youngest person in a nursing home.

Working together beats competing against each other. Tim and Steve talk about how teaming up with people who have strengths that you may not is a great way to grow and learn, instead of seeing things in life as binary — in other words, just "winning" or "losing." Tim shares how the dojo shows the value of real skill — there’s no faking it, only the truth of practice and hard work. They also discuss how today’s younger generations sometimes fall into an "all-or-nothing" way of thinking, and they encourage keeping an open mind, learning from others, and staying humble.

No one is coming to save you. Your life is 100% your responsibility.

Your mindset is not static; it is fluid and can be adjusted based on our circumstances. Tim and Steve note that we encounter unique situations daily, and our ability to adapt and respond hinges on our mental framing. When faced with adversity or unexpected challenges, it is crucial to cultivate a mindset that embraces resilience and adaptability. This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where we often grapple with stress and uncertainty. The discussion touches on a broader philosophical view of life itself. Tim reflects on the significance of birthdays, suggesting that rather than fixating on a single day, we should view life as a series of moments spread across 365 days. This approach encourages you to seek fulfillment in everyday experiences rather than waiting for a single event to define your happiness.

“Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.” — Unknown

On this past Monday's podcast episode Tim and Steve dove into the thought-provoking lyrics of Don Henley's "Hotel California," exploring themes of self-indulgence, materialism, and the metaphorical traps of modern society. They discussed how these things have only intensified in today's world, particularly with the rise of technology and social media. They continue the conversation with the growing disconnection felt by both younger and older generations, with many feeling overwhelmed and hesitant about the future. It’s crucial to find an activity or a "tribe" that helps you cultivate resilience, discipline, and balance. You must adopt a mindful approach to AI and other tech while fostering personal growth through physical and mental training. Tune in for a deep reflection on the challenges of contemporary life and the power of self-awareness.

The song "Hotel California" can be seen as a critique of the darker side of the American Dream — how the pursuit of wealth and success can ultimately leave people feeling hollow. The luxurious hotel is filled with people who have seemingly achieved their dreams, yet they are stuck in a cycle of superficiality. The line: "They stab it with their steely knives, but they just can't kill the beast" suggests the futility of trying to escape the consequences of their choices, as they remain trapped in their pursuit of superficial happiness. "Mirrors on the ceiling, the pink champagne on ice And she said, ‘We are all just prisoners here of our own device’ And in the master's chambers, they gathered for the feast They stab it with their steely knives, but they just can't kill the beast" — "Hotel California" by the Eagles

In this episode, the focus is on the powerful connection between attitude and success. In fact, you may have heard Tim and Steve in past episodes talk about how success is determined more by your attitude than your aptitude. Many people have unique talents but hold back due to self-doubt or fear. Tim and Steve discuss why it's so important to just put yourself out there and share your talents. Too many people possess incredible gifts that remain hidden simply due to a lack of confidence. As a matter of fact, Tim shares his personal story of overcoming these struggles which held him back. Recognize your worth, step out of your comfort zone, and share your abilities with the world!

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking.” — Steve Jobs

Following up on last week's discussion from "Reviving the Tribe" — Tim and Steve dive deeper into the concept of "tribe" and its relevance in today's fast-paced world. They talk about how technological advancements, meant to create more time, contribute to feelings of disconnection. You’ll hear: The cyclical nature of life "Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times" Parallels drawn between this life cycle and current societal issues Self-indulgence, materialism, and vulnerability Importance of finding a supportive community Through spiritual organizations or shared interests Emphasis on maintaining hope for a better future amidst life's ebb and flow

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney In other words: Enough talking — get up and make it happen. Now!  

Tim and Steve delve into the concept of "tribe," exploring what it means to be part of a community united by shared values and goals. They reflect on their journey since launching the podcast, discussing the challenges they faced and the doubts from others about their credibility. Over the course of nearly 7 years and 500 episodes, they emphasize the significance of building a supportive tribe, drawing on their experiences in martial arts and personal growth. Tim shares his journey of teaching and the evolution of his martial arts community, highlighting the blessings and lessons learned along the way. He also addresses the potential downfall of a tribe when leadership falters and self-interest takes over. Drawing a parallel to the current state of our country, he highlights how self-centeredness and a lack of sacrifice have led to a weakened collective spirit. The episode concludes with a powerful message: the change must start with us. Only by rekindling the values of sacrifice and collective well-being can