Today I'm Thinking

Changing Priorities is about recognizing that growth sometimes means wanting different things from life. In this episode of Today I’m Thinking , Alphonso Pettis reflects on how our priorities can shift with experience—from proving ourselves and chasing success to valuing peace, health, family, time, and purpose . Sometimes changing your priorities doesn’t mean you’ve lost your ambition. It means y...

What does it really mean to serve your community? Community work should be about more than funding, titles, recognition, and organizational success. It should be rooted in integrity, morals, values, dignity, and genuine service to people . In this episode, I share my thoughts on staying true to the mission, protecting the trust of the people we serve, and remembering a simple truth: Never become s...

TODAY I’M THINKING.... Breaking the Circuit: "What We Carry, What We Keep" Not everything will inherit deserves to be passed on period some of us carry pain, learned, behaviors and emotional wounds that were never ours to begin with. In this episode, we explore the courage it takes to break unhealthy cycles, release what no longer serves us and intentionally choose what we pass on to the next gene...

Alphonso Pettis discusses the impact of ego on personal growth, relationships, and decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of humility, discipline, and the willingness to learn. Ego can hinder growth and damage relationships, while humility and discipline lead to personal and professional development. Takeaways Ego can hinder growth and damage relationships Humility and discipline lead to pe...

Life After 60: I’m Not Done Yet Turning 60 doesn’t mean life is winding down—it might mean you’re finally getting started on your own terms. In this episode of Today I’m Thinking , I reflect on aging, wisdom, regrets, purpose, laughter, and the freedom that comes with realizing you don’t have to prove yourself anymore. The knees may make a little more noise and the reading glasses may disappear wh...

Why Girls and Women Should Learn Martial Arts & Personal Safety Martial arts is about much more than learning how to fight. For girls and women, training can develop confidence, situational awareness, discipline, healthy boundaries, physical fitness, and the ability to respond under pressure. In this video, I discuss why personal safety should focus on prevention first—recognizing danger, trus...

Long Distance Co-Parenting: Fatherhood From a Distance What does being a father look like when you can’t be physically present every day? In this episode of TODAY I’m Thinking , I speak to non-custodial, divorced, separated, and incarcerated fathers about staying connected to their children despite the distance. Fatherhood isn’t just about where you live—it’s about presence, consistency, accountab...

Alphonso Pettis discusses the crucial role of discipline in relationships, emphasizing the need for patience, control, responsibility, and self-awareness. He highlights the impact of discipline on communication, emotional management, and conflict resolution within relationships, drawing parallels to martial arts principles. Takeaways Discipline is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. S...

Alphonso discusses the difference between strength and anger, emphasizing the importance of control and discipline in demonstrating real strength. He highlights the misconceptions of strength and the power of staying calm in challenging situations. Takeaways Strength is quiet, anger is loud. Real strength means controlling oneself when it matters most. Chapters 00:00 Strength vs. Anger 00:51 Misco...

Healing Is Part of Being Strong Strength isn’t pretending that nothing hurts. Sometimes real strength means facing the pain, acknowledging what affected you, and choosing not to let it control your future. In this episode of Today I’m Thinking , Alphonso Pettis reflects on healing, emotional strength, self-awareness, and why dealing with our wounds can take just as much courage as facing any physi...

The conversation explores the concept of manhood, responsibility, discipline, and personal growth. It delves into the reasons why some men never grow up and the factors that contribute to personal development. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility, embracing discipline, and being willing to improve as key elements of growth and maturity. Takeaways Responsibility and discip...

Responsibility changes everything. Sensei Alfonso Pettis shares insights on the transformative power of responsibility, discipline, and the lessons of life. He emphasizes the impact of responsibility on one's mindset, behavior, and character, highlighting its role in building strength and trust. Takeaways Responsibility builds strength and character Accepting responsibility leads to living with pu...

The art of war is about winning without fighting, by resolving conflict before it becomes a fight. It's about positioning, timing, and aligning to dissolve conflict and make the outcome inevitable. True victory lies in stability and strategy, not just winning in the moment. Takeaways Winning without fighting Positioning, timing, and aligning True victory lies in stability and strategy Chapters 00:...

In this episode of Today I'm Thinking. I reflect on the importance of reading, especially when it comes to history, culture, identity, and purpose. Children need to see parents, grandparents, and mentors modeling the habit of reading, while also being taught early who they are, where they come from, and how they can contribute to society.

Today I'm sharing the story of my 50+ year martial arts journey and the lessons it taught me about discipline, perseverance, leadership, and personal growth. Martial arts changed my life, and the principles I learned on the training floor continue to guide me today.

Alfonso Pettis discusses the true meaning of manhood and the importance of discipline, responsibility, and self-control. He emphasizes that manhood is not defined by age, but by how one lives and grows. The journey to manhood requires purposeful growth and continuous self-improvement. Takeaways Manhood is not about age, but about character and discipline Purposeful growth and continuous self-impro...

The conversation explores the evolution of purpose with age and experience, emphasizing the clarity that comes with time and growth. It delves into the understanding of oneself and the journey of personal growth, highlighting the importance of discipline and experience in shaping one's purpose. Takeaways Purpose becomes clear with age Life's purpose evolves with experience Chapters 00:00 The Clari...

The conversation explores the essence of martial arts, highlighting life lessons and discipline as key takeaways. It delves into the deeper meaning of martial arts beyond fighting, emphasizing the transformative impact on character and personal growth. Takeaways Life lessons Discipline Chapters 00:00 The Essence of Martial Arts

Alphonso shares insights on the hard lessons life teaches and the growth that comes from resistance and discipline. Takeaways Life's hard lessons Growth through resistance Chapters 00:00 Growth Through Hard Lessons

The conversation explores the influence of music, social media, and technology on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It delves into the positive impact on mental health and relationships, as well as the unhealthy messages and behaviors perpetuated by these influences. Additionally, it addresses violence prevention and the normalization of unhealthy beliefs, and emphasizes the importance of cre...

Alphonso shares insights on the importance of respect and living with integrity. He emphasizes the role of character and discipline in earning respect and encourages living in a way that earns respect. Takeaways Respect is earned through character and discipline. Living with integrity is essential for earning respect. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Respect

Feel like quitting doesn't mean you're weak - it means you're human. In this episode, Alphonso Pettis shares real thoughts on pushing through tough moments, staying disciplined, and not giving up when life gets hard.

In this episode of Today I'm Thinking , we take an honest look at why so many young men feel lost - and what's really missing. This conversation breaks down the importance of guidance, structure, and purpose in shaping a man's life. From the absence of strong role models to the impact of discipline and accountability, we explore what direction truly means and why it matters now more .than ever If...

Getting older doesn't mean you stop growing. In this episode, Alphonso Pettis reflects on how age brings wisdom, patience, and a deeper understanding of life. Growth doesn't end - it just changes.

When motivation fades, discipline steps in. Today I'm thinking about how discipline became the turning point in my life-and how it can do the same for you. This isn't perfection.... it's about showing up, even when it's hard. #TodayImThinking #Discipline #PesonalGrowth