Attack Life Not Others

Today — September 10, 2020 — is the 40th anniversary of Sensei Tim Hoover receiving his first black belt. He reflects on what it meant to him then, what it means to him now, and what it should mean to you. "It's not what we can't do, it's what we CAN do that matters." — Sensei Tim Hoover

Right now is an opportunity to think about what things in your life are real and what are illusions. It's a great time to realize what your purpose is. Decide what makes you happy. Recognize what makes you stronger — and do more of that. Reflect on what is essential to you. Set your priorities , but also learn to adapt.

"United we stand, divided we fall" — John Dickinson "A house divided against itself cannot stand" — Abraham Lincoln This is not a time to be on cruise control Believe in yourself, never say die, and have the spirit of a peaceful warrior Now more than ever, we must be focused and mindful of our thoughts and actions

During the pandemic it's all too easy to get stuck in a rut. When you lack motivation, get yourself going by doing what boxer's have been doing for decades. Getting started is usually the hardest part of anything. Once you get momentum , it's much easier to keep going.

Now, more than ever, during the pandemic, it's important to be healthy and strong — mentally, physically, and spiritually. There's plenty of information and inspiration to be found, including on our podcast, on how and why to do that. Much focus is given to adults, but we must not neglect the health of our kids. What they hear and see greatly affects them, too. As we discussed last week, you canno...

Stop waiting for someone else to give you the answer Learn to be your own leader by trusting your gut and listening more Rather than aptitude — it's your attitude that determines your altitude

Chelsea from Fuel for Thought Nutrition offers advice on nutrition to help with inflammation and keeping your immune system strong. Last week we talked about the role our minds play in our overall health — now we talk about food we consume and its effect on how we feel.

Dr Jarrod Spencer from Mind of the Athlete, LLC joins us as he talks about the role our mind plays in our overall health, well-being, and performance. Hear his advice on how to stay motivated and sharp, even if we can't be as active as we'd like. Contact Jarrod if you're interested in his keynote speech for business leaders or his signature keynote speech for athletes .

Tim shares a neat story of how during the pandemic he's been forced to quiet his mind and rewire his brain — strengthening inner senses: Instinct Intuition Inspiration Imagination

Life Coach Dr Bernie joins Tim and Steve to talk about "The Camouflage Effect" — and how it's more prevalent these days because of the stress the world is feeling with the pandemic. In other words, people's true colors are coming out more often. On this episode: How to know who you can trust Learn what "The Camouflage Effect" is What to do if you realize someone is hiding an agenda Everyone gives...

Refuse to waste this time There's nothing quite like "the fight" A few simple words can greatly help others We all must be fighters as we step into "the unknown"

"Happiness consists more in conveniences of pleasure that occur every day than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom." — Benjamin Franklin Don't rely on outside sources for happiness — not people, nor things You must actively do what it takes to make yourself happy — before you can help others "It isn't what you have — or who you are — or where you are — or what you are doing that...

91-year-old "Pop Pop" joins us to share some life wisdom. He's seen a lot over his years and he has lived through tough times before. Hear how he is handling the coronavirus pandemic. Hard work pays off Sacrifices are necessary Strength often comes from family

We continue where we left off from last week's show talking about firearm safety with Mark Schlofer from Eastern Arms and Outfitters . Whether you're a current firearm owner or are considering purchasing one, do it the right way — legally, safely, and wisely.

Mark Schlofer from Eastern Arms and Outfitters joins us to discuss the current uptick in gun sales due to the coronavirus pandemic and because it's an election year. Violence of all types is also increasing. With everything going on in the world, we're all feeling the pressure. Now, more than ever, we must strive to control our emotions. Our podcast says it all: "Attack Life, Not Others!" Whether...

Len joins Tim and Steve as they discuss: The importance of just showing up Aspire to inspire — before you expire! The enemy of "great" is simply being "good" We are not defined on regular days, but rather by our most difficult moments "True strength is the courage to admit our weaknesses." — Simon Sinek

Self-awareness is "an awareness of one's own personality or individuality". If we're made of three parts — mind, body, and spirit — it only makes sense that when all three are balanced we're at our best. To achieve that — we either need to evaluate objectively, or trust family and friends to help us consider the facts, rather than our personal feelings. Otherwise, our ego takes over and we become...

The more you give, the more you receive Practice "physical distancing," not "social distancing" — we must be socially connected There are all kinds of free opportunities to connect virtually — engage in these online opportunities and possibly try something you've always had interest in

No one knows for sure what the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic will be in 6 months — let alone 6 years. The world is changing, and a phrase being tossed around is the "new normal." But it's important to realize "new normal" is an oxymoron. It's a contradiction. Things can be "new." Or they can be "normal." But they can't be both — not for some time yet. It may seem as if we're quibbling o...

Len joins Tim and Steve as they discuss: The "new normal" Say goodbye to the handshake Use this time to reset, recalibrate, and reflect "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." — John Lennon

Hear life lessons Tim picked up from the early years of developing his martial arts schools, and how his observations can help everyone during the coronavirus crisis. Grit and Sacrifice — What are you doing during the COVID-19 pandemic? Taking it on? Or packing it in? After most hardships throughout history, came times of greatness. Bridging — While earning one belt after another, martial artists...

During this coronavirus pandemic, acts of loving kindness matter not only to others, but they hold more spiritual weight for your own soul. Dr Bernie joins Tim and Steve as they focus on the Spirit component of Mind, Body, and Spirit. They talk about our Creator, how we have been given free will to choose between good and bad, and how our choices define us. "It's not what happens to you, but how y...

Many of us are driven by external factors — such as training for a race, or looking good in a bathing suit. Many of these external motivators currently don't exist or won't be happening because of the coronavirus pandemic. So how do we stay motivated when no one's watching? Chelsea from Fuel for Thought Nutrition joins Steve with thoughts from her blog including: Create new routines pertaining to...

"Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise." — Victor Hugo, Les Misérables "When you face difficult times, know that challenges are not sent to destroy you. They're sent to promote, increase and strengthen you." — Joel Osteen "I don't count my sit-ups. I only start counting when it starts hurting. When I feel pain, that's when I start counting because that's when it really counts." — M...

From a scrawny kid with asthma who was abused and bullied, to a world champion martial artist with multiple black belts — Matt Stait is our guest on this episode. When Matt was a teenager his father committed suicide. Shortly after that, he was diagnosed with PTSD. He spent many years working as a bouncer and a bodyguard, and now runs a martial arts gym in the UK. He is the CEO and co-founder of T...