Friday, March 22, 2024

Have You Met My Hero?

How to push yourself harder when training alone.
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In today's edition, Joe shares:
  • Lessons from My Favorite Irishman
  • Alcohol Alternatives
  • How to Motivate Yourself
 
HOW TO BE A GREAT LEADER
Spartans!

If you've been around me for a while, you'll know my hero is the legendary Irish explorer, Ernest Shackleton.

To me, Shackleton is one of our best examples of a great leader. His story is one of the most impressive survival tales of all time.

When his ill-fated ship, Endurance, got trapped in Arctic pack ice, Shackleton led his crew across the frigid, wet, and hostile Arctic ice and sea for months. The crew was totally unprepared for massive tidal waves and lack of food. I don't think Shackleton was prepared for that, either.

And still, every man lived.

Shackleton's survival is woven into the Spartan ethos. Leadership like his is created and tested under the harshest conditions. That's why we do everything we do at Spartan: To build strong people and strong leaders.

One winter, a guy named Thomas showed up to my farm in Vermont. He was a week early for the Winter Death Race, Spartan's brutal survival event.

Thomas probably would have enjoyed spending the week sipping tea, cozied up by the fireplace. Instead, I challenged him to survive on a boat in a frozen pond, not unlike Shackleton and his crew.

Yes, Thomas had access to food, water, modern medicine, and — spoiler alert — lived to tell the tale. For Thomas, "survival" meant enduring sub-zero degree weather, staying busy in isolation, and not quitting when he could've hopped on the next flight home.

It was an unforgiving environment that built his resilience. Thomas had the choice between surrendering to the hardships or summoning the inner strength to persevere.

I know Thomas will be an incredible leader because there's nothing he would ask someone to do that he wouldn't do himself. Like living in a boat.

What's your survival story? If you don't have one, get one.

Here's to The Hard Way!

Joe
 
DRY IS ON THE RISE

According to recent Gallup research, 62% of adults under age 35 say they drink, down from 72% two decades ago. While young adults are drinking less, alcohol consumption has increased among adults aged 55 and older.

New science is emerging to show that even a small amount of alcohol can mess with your hormones, gut biome, emotions, and so much more. If you want to join the teetotalers (or if you are one), you don't need to settle for water. There are plenty of delicious non-alcoholic drinks you can buy or make. Try this Berry Mocktail recipe for yourself, below.

 
You Ask, Joe Answers
Q: Hi Joe, When I'm by myself, I find it really hard to get to my max, much less beyond it. What tricks do you use to fool yourself into pushing further if you're training alone?
– Christopher L.

A: Hey Khoa, Here's the honest truth: I am barely motivated when I need to be. Most humans don't want to do painful things, and that's ingrained in our DNA. First, I remember that the pain of regret is greater than the pain of doing the uncomfortable thing. Second, I recommend using the power of accountability. Tell everyone who you are and what you stand for, and when you look in the mirror, make sure you believe it. Something like, "I am a person who gives 110% and does my very best." You'll probably overperform just to avoid letting others (and yourself) down.

Aroo!

Question for Joe? Want to tell him what you think of The Hard Way? Email him at thehardway@spartan.com.
 
ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF
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They Said It
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."
Babe Ruth
 
OUR LATEST
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"It's not actually sugar that is the problem. Processed foods, trans fats — these are common enemies we should absolutely all avoid."
Robby Barbaro
 
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