Mondays and Better Tuesdays

Monday was one of those wild ride entrepreneurial days.

Actually, more like an escalator.

Started down, but only went up... thank goodness.

Unfortunately, the workout was postponed because I needed a day of recovery for my shoulder. It got sore and tight from the squats on Sunday.

So yesterday was yoga and a walk.

On the bright side, I was able to share my podcast with my mentor:

https://www.earlytorise.com/040-get-rich-right-way/

Today I was back on track:

1A) DB Chest Press
1B) Band Pull

2A) Close-Grip Pushup
2B) DB Chest Supported Row

3A) Eccentric DB lateral raises (eccentrics help with healing)
3B) Power Wheel Rollout

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Stop trying to capture the moment with your phone & be present in the moment with your mind. You don't need a photo of every meal, meeting, or minute. Put the camera away and connect with the world. Capture the moment in your memory... it takes the most loving pictures.

Just interviewed the man that has taught me the most in life and business (and the only guy I know more productive than me!)

=> https://www.earlytorise.com/040-get-rich-right-way/

Mark is my mentor—but he's so much more than that. He's spent the last three decades dedicating himself to getting rich, learning languages, becoming a poet and an artist, and building a billion-dollar business.

What's even more impressive is that Mark has spend just as much time inspiring up-and-coming entrepreneurs and teaching new generations how to turn their dreams into realities—carefully, ethically, and sustainably.

In that vein, we talk on episode 40 of ETR Radio about the lessons Mark learned from his own successes and failures—and how his childhood years primed him for a future of wealth-building.

During our conversation, Mark shares insights on ...

The impact of a financially poor but intellectually rich childhood on his later success
How he developed an entrepreuneurial spirit at a young age—and what that did to his priorities
How to recognize valuable business opportunities
The real trick to defining (and narrowing) goals

He also shares wisdom on a balance of wealth and quality of life—broken into, as he explains it, four important components.

Please take some time to listen to Mark's inspiring story. There are lessons to be learned for everyone—whether you're an entrepreneur or not.

=> https://www.earlytorise.com/040-get-rich-right-way/

040 - How to Get Rich the Right Way

Before Tim Ferriss, there was Mark Ford, a man you can only describe at a real-life World's Most Interesting Man. Today you get the wisdom of a businessman who spent 3 decades dedicating himself to getting rich, learning languages,…

EARLYTORISE.COM

Squats and Old-School Sunday

Got fired up today reading "Relentless" by Tim Grover, the strength coach to Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and so many other legends.

What a career he's had.

It's an interesting book... not for the easily offended.

The book is about the mindset of a high performer in all areas of life, but focuses on what made Jordan and Kobe different.

It's easy to say, "Oh those guys were born that way..." or "That doesn't apply to me (as a father, mother, employee, etc.)"

But there's no value in dismissing the lessons.

Today's section fired me up to train harder. I still remain somewhat "lost" in my physical goals... but taking Saturday off allowed my groin to feel great, and so I walked 45 minutes to the YMCA.

Why did I walk?

Because I have no car and my small town does not have UBER, and the taxis in my small town are in horrendous condition and smell like cigarettes.

At the gym I ran into an old high-school chum who happens to be a physiotherapist and he gave me some advice on my golfer's elbow issue (which was totally different advice than another expert gave me, LOL).

Anyways, it was a good session:

1A) Squats
1B) 1-Leg Hops onto a Bench

2A) Leg Curl
2B) Core Training
2C) Mobility

Walked home. Stopped at the grocery store. My best friend's mom was in line in front of me complaining about the price of potato chips.

I smiled. She didn't recognize me until I introduced myself.

Guess the crazy-old-bearded-man look is working. ;)

Alright... Let me leave you with some text from the book...

Do. The. Work.

From @attackathletics on page 38 of Tim Grover's book, "Relentless":

"Do. The. Work. Every day, you have to do something you don't want to do. Every day.

Challenge yourself to be uncomfortable, push past the apathy and laziness and fear.

Otherwise, the next day you're going to have two things you don't want to do, then three and four and five, and pretty soon, you can't even get back to the first thing.

And then all you do is beat yourself up for the mess you've created, and now you've got a mental barrier to go along with the physical barriers.

You have to do those things or you can't improve, you can't be the best, and you sure as heck can't call yourself relentless.

Bottom line if you want success of any kind: you have to be uncomfortable being uncomfortable. Every time you think you can't, you have to do it anyway."

Do. The. Work.

Right now.

Tag someone that needs a lil' tough love. ☺

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Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Go deeper.

Ask uncomfortable, squirm-on-the-inside, next level questions that uncover the truth. An answer is only as good as the question asked. Don't hold back. Dig deeper. They want you to.

And you'll be glad that you did.

Talk soon,

Craig

Back on the Bench Press Track

Alright, things got back on track today.

I got really fired up and did a great workout today in the garage gym.

1A) DB Chest Press
1B) DB RDR

2A) Close-Grip Pushup
2B) Wall Squat Hold

It was pretty good.

Unfortunately tomorrow has to be an off day.

Maybe I'll do a long walk in the morning.

Squats on Sunday!

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:

Where are you spending your time and energy?

Do your daily habits match your dreams?

If not, time to change, time to get aligned, and time to figure out what really matters and then put in place a plan to achieve it.💥 😎

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--

Craig Ballantyne

Author, The Perfect Day Formula

Get Your Friends of Craig Workshop Discount

    

Morning and Meh Workout

No workout yesterday, just a big walk around cute little Winter Park, Florida, and then a flight home.

I was very excited to have a big workout in the garage today, but it turned out to be more "meh" than awesome. A few small issues with the groin, calf, and elbow persist. Still, some progress made. Also, I got lucky and have been fighting off a very, very tiny cold... lucky it wasn't worse.

1A) Hang Clean
1B) Front Squat

2A) RDL - best part of the workout
2B) Lunges
2C) Mobility

Tomorrow I'll do some pressing.

Also, got to hang out with Bally. He is running around and doing great!

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:

Do the first things first every morning.

Don't get caught up in a perverse form of self-care procrastination.❌

A little bit of meditation, exercise, devotional time, etc., is fine, but if it's crowding out your quiet time that should be devoted to your #1 priority in life, then it's doing more harm than good.

Step back and take a deep, long, hard look at your morning routine.

Is it working for you? Or against you?😱

Don't be afraid to go the opposite way of the crowd...

Most of the things the "gurus" teach is neither necessary nor sufficient for success.

You don't have to meditate to be successful.
You don't have to get up before 5 am to be successful.
You don't have to do yoga to be successful.
You don't have to journal to be successful.
You don't have to do Soul Cycle to be successful. ;)

But you MUST be proactive if you want to be successful.💥💪

So proactively figure out your best morning routine for YOU, not for someone else, and apply those best practices to win your mornings and own your days.

Let me know if you need some help and tag a friend below you think needs to hear this👇

Hotel Gym in Orlando

Down here in Orlando for a few days. Yesterday was an off day and lots of filming. Did some live videos for IG and FB that were fun.

Today was a total body session in the hotel gym, and it'll be back to front squats on the farm on Thursday. Flying home tomorrow.

Lunchtime session today:

1A) 1-Leg Squat
1B) Neutral Grip Pullup
1C) 1-Arm DB OH press

2A) Ball leg curl
2B) DB RDR
2C) Cable Abs


Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Block time for the important stuff on your calendar before the little stuff. Go to the experts and get help where you are struggling. Get up and work on your top priority as soon as possible. Life is so simple. Don't make it harder than it needs to be.

--

Craig Ballantyne

Author, The Perfect Day Formula

Get Your Friends of Craig Workshop Discount

    

Weekend Warrior and UBER King

Alright, alright.

Coming at you from Orlando, Florida.

Flew from LA to Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday. Off day on Wednesday, upper body day in Miami on Thursday, off day on Friday, and then two real workouts at Equinox in Miami on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday:

1A) Bench Press
1B) Mobility

2A) Dips
2B) TRX row

3A) 1-Arm DB press
3B) Triceps Extensions

Then we did a workshop, ate well, and came back on Sunday for...

1A) Deadlift
1B) Box Jump

2A) Good Morning
2B) Shrug

Then a couple of long Uber rides. First, from Miami to West Palm Beach, where I met my high-school buddy who is now the chef on a private yacht. He had some cool stories about riding in a submarine and watching NHL hockey games in his cabin on the yacht in the middle of the ocean.

What a world we live in today!

Then it was an Uber ride up to Orlando. I'm filming some videos on Monday.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
"If you deliberately plan to be less than you are capable of being, then I must warn you that you'll be unhappy for the rest of your lives." – Abraham Maslow

Talk soon,

Craig

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When is your deadline?
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What are the consequences for missing it?
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Thx to @before5am for this great reminder to focus on our big goals each week and to kickstart our days for success.

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LA to Miami

Twelve sets of 25 reps of close-grip pushups in the hotel today.

Now to fly from LAX to Fort Lauderdale, stay overnight, then head to Miami tomorrow. Speaking there on Thursday. Then up to Delray on Friday. Then back to Miami for a workshop on Friday.

Lots of stories here!

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
You must create the desire within yourself to make you TAKE ACTION to satisfy your needs and wants. Motivation and inspiration can truly only come from within.

Also, new podcast here:

https://www.leongabrielian.com/how-to-own-the-day-and-control-your-life-with-craig-ballantyne/

Sunday Morning and Every Morning

Over to my favorite gym, Fit Athletic, in San Diego for a morning session:

1A) Deadlift
1B) Box Jump

2A) Bench Press
2B) Rows


Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip is an amazing video... watch it here!

You and me.
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Every morning.
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Do this sing-along before you start.
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You are great.
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You are a leader.
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You can sell.
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You MUST sell.
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You got this.
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You GOT this!
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Let's go!
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You and me.
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Every morning.
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San Diego Stairs and Food and Fun

Alright, sorry for the late update. Thursday was a total body session, and then a long work day of coaching and a late sushi dinner at Sushi 10 in Chino Hills. That place is so good. Love the Eel Good roll!

Then it was an Uber ride to San Diego. I snored the whole way. Ha!

Friday morning I went to one of my favorite gyms in America, Fit Athletic.

1A) Squat
1B) Box Jump

2A) Lunges
2B) Leg Curl

Then it was a full day of coaching my new Work-Life Mastery mastermind.

So much fun!

Last night we had dinner at Lou & Mickey's. It's one of my favorite joints in San Diego. My friend Zander Fryer ate a lot of Mac n Cheese, ha!

I had sea bass, a baked potato, and spinach. This is my "uniform meal" for business dinners. Under 1000 calories, and filling.

This morning I went down to the San Diego stairs and did 6 rounds of walking lunges up the stairs. Pretty good times!

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
"Never Peak. Your best should always be yet to come. The message behind this is simple. There will always be someone better than you at everything. Instead of responding with disappointment, jealousy, or discouragement, get over your pride and learn from those more successful than you. Always be growing and keep learning from the best." – Bedros Keuilian

+6

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Pushups and Groin Sadness

Yesterday was a pushup day (200 reps in a bunch of sets, with 43 strict in the first set).

Today was going to be a leg day but my groin is irritated, so I did:

1A) 1-Arm KB Press
1B) KB Swing

2A) Pullups
2B) Ab Wheel (since lunges didn't feel great)

3A) 1-Leg Hip Extension
3B) TRX Triceps Extension

Tomorrow I'll try some lower body, hamstring-dominant moves at Fit Athletic in San Diego. I'm going down there to coach my new Work-Life Mastery program (advanced version of my Perfect Life Workshop system). It's the next evolution in my new business. Lots of fun, great people.

Hope to see you at one of my events this year!

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
You're the CEO of your life, so fire and replace anyone who is not a good fit. Take full control over your headspace and limit the people who you allow to influence you. Distance yourself from people who are downers, damaging, and downright bad for you. Eliminate all known sources of stress, anxiety, and depression." – Bedros Keuilian

Work through the dips. Celebrate the success. Never quit. Do you agree?

Training and Taking Action Like a Pro

Yesterday was a lot of walking around the Toronto airport (pre-flight) and Santa Monica (post-flight).

Hung out with Jason Ferruggia and then motored down to Chino Hills to catch up with Bedros Keuilian.

Today was a long 65 minute workout at 24-hour fitness. Tomorrow will be yoga to recover from:

1A) Military Press
1B) Box Jump

2A) Squat
2B) Dips

3A) RDL
3B) Mobility

Good times.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:

Fear of failure is one of the biggest factors holding you back from success .

But listen, you can't fail.

You only get results.

It's not win-or-lose.

It's win-or-learn.👊

If you shoot for the stars and land on the moon, that's not a failure. So get out there and take action.

"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark." – Michaelangelo

Noga and Lifting Before LAX

Haha, another workout. Not a lot of yoga.

And today's was even in a hotel gym. Double haha!

Too much caffeine this morning, and got to my destination earlier than planned, and knowing that training will be "sparse / with inadequate barbell action" for the next 2 weeks drove me to do this...

1A) Lunges
1B) Ball Rollouts

2A) DB Triceps Extensions
2B) DB Rear Delt Raises

Intervals - This was fun... just built up to top speed a couple of times.

Tomorrow a flight to LAX and brunch with Jason Ferruggia.

Then an Uber ride out to Chino Hills for a week with Bedros Keuilian, Vince DelMonte, Jason Phillips (nutrition guru), Ben Pakuslki, Steve Weatherford (former NY Giants punter and 2007 Superbowl Champ!), among others.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Compare what you SAY you want vs. what you do. Where are you spending your time and energy? Do your daily habits match your dreams? If not, time to change, time to get aligned, and time to figure out what really matters and then put in place a plan to achieve it.

Rock on,

Craig Ballantyne

PS - Here's something cool to do today...

This will make them feel better and will make YOU feel better too.
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Whenever a friend of mine is struggling, they get sent a copy of "The Art of Living" by Sharon Lebell
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Selfishly, it makes me feel amazing knowing that the wisdom of that book will see them through troubled times.
🙏

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Snow and Snatches

Another brilliant workout today. And yes, that's two days in a row. The yoga schedule is getting thrown off, but I'm still doing more of a warm-up and more post-workout stretching.

Also, believe it or not, been enjoying some really nice dog walks... they are short, but the crisp, cold air and moonlight, and today's sunshine, have been fantastic with the pooch. Great to see him barking and running like old times... but I have noticed he's been having a little trouble in deep snow. :)

Today's Session:

1A) Barbell Snatch
1B) Overhead Squat

2A) Front Squat
2B) BB Row

3A) Military Press
3B) 1-Leg Hip Extension

Fun times.

Wasn't using heavy weights.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tips:
Structure = Freedom. The more structure you have in your work days, the more freedom you have in your personal life.

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"The line between failure and success is so fine that we are often on the line and do not know it. How many times has a man thrown up his hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience, would have achieved success? Just a little more effort and what seemed hopeless failure may turn into glorious success." – Elbert Hubbard

Success is simple once you accept how difficult it will be. 🤔

I'm not saying it's easy, but it is simple. 💯

Deadlifts and Yoga Angst

Fun workout in the garage gym today.

Thank goodness, because yesterday I barely did anything... definitely hit a wall in my commitment to yoga.

I really wanted to lift, but it was a scheduled day off. Ended up just doing two 30-minute walks in the cold. Those were good, but I was amped up to train with weights.

So having all that pent up energy was good for today's deadlifts - which I wasn't scheduled to do until Saturday... but I moved them up because I was  fired up. And it all worked out. Whew.

1A) Deadlifts
1B) Pogo Jumps

2A) KB Push Press
2B) Mobility

3A) Shrug
3B) Mobility

Hopefully tomorrow I can stick to just yoga and a walk, and then lift again on Saturday before going to see some friends.

Today's Kickbutt Mindset Tip:
Making your To-Do list in the morning means you are already too LATE.😮
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Follow this simple 3-Step system for having a better morning routine:
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At the end of your workday, start planning for tomorrow with:
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1) The Brain Dump
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2) Prioritization
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3) Process Planning (most people miss this)
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That makes your mornings go smooth so you can DOMINATE your days.
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And click EarlyToRiseRadio.com for our latest podcast that sets up for massive success in 2018.