The Main Thing

Going through a change? In the middle of a tough season? I am right there with you and hope that these words spark a realization that everything happens for a reason. As a community, we need to lean on each other and lift each other up. Not all seasons look pretty, but they are all necessary. Embrace the change, learn to love it and fuel your passion each day!

For the last 10 years my father has sent "Morning Tidbits" to the family to help us through challenging times and all the other days in between. It has shown me the power of "doing it" and staying the course even when you think all hope is lost. No matter what stage of life you are in, never stop, keep the faith and hold onto hope. Being disciplined is not an easy task, but its the power of DOING IT, STAYING in the storm and never letting go that makes all the difference. Gods plan is perfect for you, even if you don't like the route he takes you to get to the finish line.

The 40 percent rule is widely known in the military world, seemingly created by Navy SEAL David Goggins. He says that when your mind wants to quit, you still have about 60 percent left to give. Do not fall into the mental trap that you did enough. Lean on God and lean on each other to reach those goals not matter how big or small! In this episode I dive into my take on the 40 percent rule and how you can reach your potential.

What is Grit? Do you have it? Are you looking to grow your mental toughness? Looking for community? Today I explore these questions and give you my take on how to become what Angela Duckworth calls "Gritty." She is the author of the most recent book I read, which inspired me to do my own spin on the topic. Connecting faith and prayer to becoming mentally tough is something I practice every day. With the power of passion, prayer, perseverance and community, anyone can achieve greatness no matter what. Get some Grit!

This week is a tribute, a shout out and a testimony to a man of God I only dream of being similar to. Ra'Shaud Graham went home to the Lord less than two weeks ago at the young age of 26. He was a Citadel graduate, FCA leader and Chaplain for the Bulldogs football team. He LOVED and LIVED for Jesus and was planning on being with me on a podcast soon. So Ra'Shaud, you still have your time on here, and I will remember your words forever of living for Jesus and taking care of others. Here is to you brother, long live. The audio of Ra'Shaud is via a YouTube link that I attached below and you all should go and watch. The 30 Day Challenge is something special. Stay hungry and stay motivated!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGkPMZ45Gm0

I had the privilege of speaking with a good friend of mine, Randy Solomon who speaks on the concept of the "spiritual boxing match" we face in life. His upbringing with a single mom in a small town gives him a different perspective that also drives his desire to serve others and be the best father and husband possible. This life we live is a constant boxing match. Are you going to throw in the towel when you get knocked down or get stronger after each punch? The choice is yours.

Walk by faith, not by sight. My good friend Larry Bermudez speaks on the reality of losing faith in times of stress and challenge. His life experiences taught him the importance of the written word of God and how we all have the ability to lean on someone stronger than anything we can imagine. It is not the end of your story if you lose faith for a little. Believe that God still has a plan to use you for the greater good, even when you can't see it.

Ultra marathon runner and good friend of mine, Lee Davis speaks about the defining moments of his first 100 mile race. As a child, Lee used fitness to overcome challenges but now he uses his faith in God to get through the seemingly impossible feats he has accomplished. The last 10 miles are always the hardest, but with God by your side, anything is possible. Hebrews 12:1- "Therefore, since we are also surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked before us."

My inspiration today comes from Pastor Steven Furtick and his book "Unqualified." The concept is simple; God uses EVERYONE, even broken people, to do big things! When we are in quarantine, it can be easy to fill our minds with negative thoughts. I dive into how we can all overcome these thoughts and I explain how the "third words" we say about ourselves really do matter! How you view yourself is key to success in this world. Don't ever give up, there are greater things still to come.

Pandemic, confusion, stress and anxiety. All the things that everyone wants you to think. God has a bigger plan and better doors will open after this is all over. When it seems like all the doors are closing, that is when God is working the most on his people. Find comfort in times like this. Lift somebody up every day!

Throughout everyone's life, people deal with "storms" and my friend Anthony Alvarez dives into his way of getting through them. When we lean on our faith, God shows up in huge ways, but it will not always be easy. Anthony and I talk about the importance of leaning on each other, praying and focusing on Jesus, and not getting wrapped up in what society says is important. Don't get stuck in Life's Storms, He is there with you always.

One of my best friends Ben Carminucci and I get to talk about facing life's giants and overcoming times of transition. Ben is in the police academy and always uses his faith to see the plan God has for himself and others, while telling us how staying busy and never being daunted by your past are some keys to success.

I flip the roles this week where I become the interviewee instead of the interviewer. With the help of my girlfriend Lex, we navigate my story and the struggles I experienced; I've learned through the years how vital it is for us to lean on God and trust that his plan is greater than anything we could ever imagine. Trust in Him and no matter what you are going through, He will get you through it.

This week I sit down with Ashton Baalaer, the owner of a local fitness company that was built on the foundation of his faith. He dives into the struggles of his childhood and how his faith journey brought him here to Charlotte. His business now strives to educate the community on the importance of exercising the mind, moving the body, as well as nourishing the soul.

One of my best friends, John Cordes, opens up about his life experiences and gives us all encouragement and practical advice on how to not be chained by the changes we go through in life. He dives into the importance of keeping God first and leaning on each other for support. John is a man who puts others, and the entire country, before himself. Do not be chained by change, you will get through it.

I had the privilege of talking to one of my best friends, Dillon Graham. For the last 5 years Dillon has always inspired me to do better and push my mental and physical limits. His outlook on tackling the tough stuff and facing adversity head on is something everyone should strive for. He emphasizes the importance of giving all the glory to God when times are both good and bad. Through tragedy and triumph, always remind yourself to never quit. Because if you don't quit, you win.

With the launch of this podcast, I bring on my dad, the creator of the podcast title; he explains where his idea of "keeping the main thing the main thing" stems from. He shares how keeping the faith got him through some of the darkest times of his life and how (and why) you can do it too.