The Balanced Warrior Podcast

In this high-energy episode, Coaches Paul and Chris dive into strategies for crushing your Quarter Four (Q4) goals. With the year rapidly drawing to a close, they discuss how to effectively shift into "turbo mode" without burning out or sacrificing other vital areas of your life. Want to crush Q4? Be Better Every Day! Learn how to leverage acceptance, communication, and proactive planning to maintain a sense of equilibrium while maximizing your professional output. Discover the importance of establishing non-negotiables to work guilt-free and find out how a simple 50-day challenge can transform your productivity. Key Discussion Points Q4 "Turbo Mode": Recognizing the limited window of time left in the year to achieve your goals and the need to push harder. The Three Pillars of Success: Acceptance: Acknowledging that increased effort and some sacrifices will be necessary. Communication: Proactively informing loved ones about the demanding work season to gain their support and understanding ("get grace"). Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance (The 5 P's): Emphasizing the need for time blocking and advanced scheduling. Establishing Non-Negotiables: Prioritizing and pre-scheduling personal commitments (family, health, relationships) first to work guilt-free during focused work windows. And a ton more value!! Come hang out with Chris and Paul and implement the concept of Be Better Every Day to crush Q4!

"Who do I need to become to live a happy, healthy, fulfilling, and meaningful life?" That's what this powerful episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast is all about. Finding your moral compass. Drawing from their work with business leaders in creating a "code of honor" for their organizations, Coaches Paul and Chris stress that this set of non-negotiable values is just as critical in our personal lives. Without one, we risk drifting, becoming distracted, and losing sight of the values that create peace, joy, and harmony. Having a moral compass helps us be better every day and create a pathway to not just financial success, but multi-dimensional success and internal character growth. Join Paul Melella and Chris Berlow, authors of the bestselling book You Have Infinite Power for a discussion about your moral compass. Key Discussion Points The Necessity of a Moral Compass: Most people are chasing external success (money, status) but fail to define who they need to be to live a meaningful life. Defining a "Code of Honor": A code of honor is a set of non-negotiable values and principles a person or team commits to living by both professionally and personally. The Il Il Shin Philosophy…Be Better Ever Day: The discussion ties your moral compass to their mentor's principle, Il Il Shin (be better every day), which emphasizes small daily improvements in areas like respect, patience, love, and discipline. Internal vs. External Success: True, lasting success operates on the "Be, Do, Have" principle, starting with internal character development before external achievements. The Danger of Distraction and Low Awareness: External circumstances and social media can easily pull people from their center, emphasizing the need for discipline to focus on one's values and main priorities.

Coach Chris is back to discuss how to achieve multidimensional success, which is the process of thriving in the areas of life that are most important to you. In this episode of The Balanced Warrior Podcast, he shares concepts from their best-selling book book, You Have Infinite Power, which focuses on the seven levels of awareness. Coach Chris challenges you to evaluate your own level of awareness and find ways to create that multidimensional success you crave! Join Coach Chris as he unpacks one of the most important chapters of their bestselling book. Awareness! Animal: The lowest level of awareness. This is a state of just surviving and existing, focused on meeting basic needs like food and shelter. The Masses: This is the level where most of society exists. People at this level follow what everyone else is doing without thinking for themselves. Understanding: At this level, you realize you want more out of life but are paralyzed by fear and worry about what others will think. Individual: This is when you identify your unique ability or specialty and have a strong desire to express it. Discipline: You have developed technical and physical skills to be an expert in your field. This is a level where you can begin to flourish in your career. Recondition: This is a level where you become mentally and emotionally connected to what you’re doing and are driven by a worthy ideal or purpose. Your work becomes a mission rather than just a job. Disassociation: This is the highest and most difficult level of awareness to achieve. At this level, external circumstances and situations don't affect your internal peace. You can remain calm and centered, reacting rationally to life's challenges.

Welcome to the Balance Warrior Podcast for growth-focused pros and high-achievers! In this episode, Coach Chris Berlow dives into a concept he's honed from working with thousands of people: the power of mindset. He shares a profound lesson that begins with understanding the 'stick man' diagram, a concept he learned from Bob Proctor, who had a direct lineage to Napoleon Hill. Chris explains how our conscious and subconscious minds work, and how our thoughts ultimately drive our feelings, actions, and results. He introduces a simple yet powerful strategy to protect your mindset and change your reality. Ready to spend some time building a growth mindset? Here is some important advice from this episode: Mindset is Everything: Your mindset is the number one factor that will define your level of success, regardless of your age or profession. The Power of the 'Stick Man': The conscious mind can accept, reject, or neglect thoughts, while the subconscious mind can only accept them. Your body is a manifestation of your mind, and your feelings are a manifestation of your subconscious beliefs. Master the 'Yeah, But' Strategy: To prevent negative thoughts from taking root in your subconscious, immediately counter them with a positive "yeah, but" statement. For example, if you think, "I'm so far behind," counter it with, "Yeah, but I am currently crushing it." Protect Your Mindset: Your mindset is your most valuable asset. Use strategies like "yeah, but" to actively block negativity and protect your thought patterns, ensuring you don't take ownership of negative beliefs. Thoughts Drive Results: Remember the success formula: thoughts lead to feelings, which drive actions (or inactions), which ultimately produce your results. To change your results, you must first change your conscious thoughts.

If you are a high achiever and driven by the benefits of team dynamics, join the Balanced Warriors as they provide you with must-haves for building and growing a goal-driven team. Michael Mertens and Chris Berlow share their unique perspective on building a successful business team. Drawing on their decades of experience as martial arts experts and multi-location business owners, they discuss how to cultivate leadership and teamwork. The principles they share extend beyond the martial arts world and apply to any business owner seeking to cultivate a thriving, mission-driven team. Do you want your team to be better every day? Join us now! Key Takeaways & Actionable Advice Look Inward for Talent: Don't just hire externally. The best team members can often be developed from within your existing student or client base. Cultivate relationships with people who already believe in your mission. Establish a Progressive Training System: Create a clear path for growth. Just like a "farm team" in baseball, your business should have different levels of responsibility and training to progressively develop future leaders. Be a Mentor, Not a Boss: Maintain a relationship with your team that goes beyond a simple employee/employer dynamic. Continue to be their teacher and mentor, providing ongoing training and guidance. This fosters loyalty and mutual respect. Prioritize Mission over Money: Ensure your team is driven by a shared mission and a love for what they do. While fair compensation is essential, a deeper sense of purpose will inspire them to take ownership and go the extra mile. Lead by Example: Your actions speak volumes. Your team will reflect your passion, work ethic, and commitment to the company's mission. Be the "chief culture officer" and a role model for the behavior you want to see. Cultivate Team Cohesion: Create opportunities for your staff to bond outside of their daily tasks, like shared training sessions or team outings. This builds camaraderie and mutual respect, which is crucial for a strong team. Be Better Every Day!

Welcome to the Balanced Warrior Podcast for high achievers! In this episode, Coach Michael and Coach Paul talk with entrepreneur and motivational speaker Matt Toresco. Matt, a former Division I athlete, shares his incredible journey of resilience and faith. He opens up about a life-altering lacrosse injury that resulted in a broken neck and an 18-year battle with chronic pain and opiate addiction. He explains how his personal struggles led him to a deeper spiritual connection and the realization of his purpose in helping others. This powerful discussion highlights the importance of overcoming adversity and finding your calling by being transparent about your struggles and paying your success forward. Key Discussion Points: Matt recounts the moment he broke his neck on the field and the years of surgeries and daily pain that followed. He discusses the mental and emotional work he did to overcome his identity crisis and self-doubt, finding validation through his faith rather than external sources. Matt outlines his current daily routine, emphasizing the importance of setting small, achievable goals, prioritizing family, and taking care of his physical and mental health. He describes his current work as a patient advocate, using his personal experiences to help pharma and biotech companies improve the healthcare system for those facing similar barriers. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the power of transparency and how personal struggles can become a "superpower" to help others. Be Better Every Day!

Welcome to another edition of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, where hosts Coach Michael Mertens and Coach Chris Berlow dive into the art of living a life of multidimensional success, regardless of age. In this important episode, they draw from their decades of experience as martial artists and entrepreneurs, and share how the philosophies of East and West can empower you to master the challenges of aging. If you are a high achiever and driven professional, the coaches guide you through continuing to maximize your growth and fulfillment as you age gracefully. The coaches share practical strategies to help you stay motivated, find new avenues for growth, and embrace the wisdom that comes with experience. Important Takeaways for Aging High Achievers Embrace the "Yeah, But" Mindset: Instead of dwelling on what you can no longer do, acknowledge your limitations and then counter them with what you can still do or have gained. For example, "I can't kick as high, but my timing and technique are better than ever." This positive self-talk helps shift your focus from loss to gain. Find Your New Growth Space: While some physical skills may decline, there are always new areas for improvement. This could be refining your technique, improving your posture, or gaining a deeper understanding of your craft. Embrace Your Role as a Mentor: Your mistakes and battle scars are not liabilities but assets. Use your wisdom and hard-earned experience to coach and guide others. Mentoring allows you to find fulfillment and purpose, transforming your limitations into valuable lessons for the next generation. Continuously Learn New Skills: To counter the frustration of physical decline in one area, consider picking up a new hobby or challenge where you can experience the joy of skill acquisition and upward trajectory. The key is to keep your mind engaged and excited about learning. Prioritize Consistency Over Intensity: Older athletes often get injured by overdoing it. The key to long-term success is to train consistently rather than pushing for short bursts of intense effort followed by long periods of recovery. Be Better Every Day! Even as you age!

Join Coach Chris for a peaceful exploration of the traditional tea ceremony. Traditionally called “Tah Do.” In this episode, Chris ventures into the ancient art of preparing and sharing green tea, a practice that offers much more than just a morning beverage. Discover how this mindful ritual can bring a sense of calm and connection to your daily life. You can also watch this video on the Empowered Mastery YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredMastery The Power of Green Tea: Learn about the health benefits of green tea, particularly the special green tea from Korea, which is rich in nutrients and known for its restorative properties. The Art of Unraveling: The tea ceremony teaches us to "unravel with logic," a metaphor for approaching life's challenges with a calm and untangled mind, avoiding unnecessary pressure. A Moment to Connect: The ceremony is a powerful reminder to share our time and attention with those we care about. It is a moment to slow down, connect with others, and create meaningful memories. Daily Mindfulness: Learn how to incorporate a simple tea ceremony into your daily routine, transforming a simple act into a mindful practice that brings a sense of peace and presence to your day. Be Better Every Day!

In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, Coach Paul tackles a powerful topic that can ruin relationships, destroy productivity, and kill sales. It is a negative pattern of behavior. Coach Paul explains that a single bad interaction, whether it's with a difficult client or a disgruntled team member, can derail your entire day and even spill over into your personal life. He provides a simple yet effective four-step framework, Change Your Physiology: The first step is to interrupt the negative pattern with physical action. Stand up, shake your body out, do some pushups, or take a short walk. This physical shift helps to break the mental and emotional hold of the negative event. Reframe the Trigger: Next, ask yourself powerful questions to change your perspective. By actively searching for the positive, you can shift your focus from the problem to the opportunity for growth. Redirect Your Focus and Energy: Combat the negative with an "evidence stack." If one person is critical, remind yourself of the hundreds of clients who love and appreciate your work. Anchor a New State: Create and repeat empowering statements or "I am" statements to reprogram your subconscious mind. Statements like, "I am in control of my energy," or "My clients love, trust, and respect me," can help you build confidence and solidify a positive identity. Be Better Every Day!

Welcome to another must listen episode of The Balanced Warrior Podcast for the driven professional!  This week, Coaches Mike and Chris tackle the topic of stress and the daily pressures of being a high achiever seeking balance and fulfillment. The Balanced Warriors offer practical mindsets and habits to navigate life's pressures. If you're building a business or growing a demanding career, you'll face stress and pressure. But it's how you manage it that counts. Episode Highlights: Reframing Anxiety: Mike and Chris argue that the term "anxiety" is often overused and misused. They differentiate between anxiety (a severe mental health condition requiring professional help), stress (debilitating but not immediately affecting physical health), and pressure (day-to-day challenges). Checking Your Language: Coach Chris and Coach Mike emphasize the importance of conscious language when describing personal feelings and situations. They suggest that how we label our experiences influences our response and ability to overcome challenges. Controlling the Controllables: A core strategy is to identify what you can and cannot control. If a situation is beyond your direct control, emotionally detaching from that aspect allows you to focus energy on what you can influence. The Power of Perspective (Zooming Out): Chris introduces the concept of "zooming out" and envisioning the desired outcome first, likening obstacles to "sharks" that can be overcome with certainty. This outcome-oriented mindset minimizes the perceived size of challenges. Prioritizing Well-being Amidst Challenges: The hosts stress the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being that includes adequate sleep, exercise, healthy eating, even when facing significant pressure. They view these practices as essential for high performers in daily life, rather than luxuries to be sacrificed. The Wisdom of Pausing: Coach Mike and Coach Chris advocate for taking deliberate pauses before responding to difficult situations. They emphasize that giving yourself time for reflection and accessing a calmer mindset often leads to more effective and thoughtful solutions. And much more!

Welcome back to the Balanced Warrior Podcast for High Achievers! In this episode the Balanced Warriors dig into the critical balance between maintaining high standards and showing empathy in personal and professional relationships. They explore how an "East meets West" approach, combining ancient wisdom with modern strategies, can help navigate the complexities of team dynamics, whether in the workplace or at home. Discussion Points: The "East Meets West" Approach: The Balanced Warriors introduce their philosophy of blending ancient wisdom from martial arts with practical modern strategies to achieve multidimensional success in life. Navigating Challenges in Success: Even with outward success in health, relationships, and finances, challenges and "frictions" are constant. The Balanced Warrior mindset focuses on working through these difficulties. "Standards Over Feelings" Mindset: Coach Paul introduces the concept of "standards over feelings.”. This principle emphasizes upholding expectations and performance, particularly in professional and business settings. Addressing Friction and Clarifying Expectations: They emphasize the necessity of addressing underperformance or friction in relationships and workplaces. They stress that while the "how" of communication is important, “what" is essential for growth. Empathy and Compassion are Not Weakness: Coach Chris says compassion and empathy are essential tools for leaders. He explains that truly understanding another person's perspective allows for more effective communication and the establishment of clear, mutually understood standards. Zero Expectations at the Start: The concept of beginning with "zero expectations" for new team members (treating them as "white belts") is introduced. Standards are then progressively raised as individuals gain training and experience. The "Why" Behind Standards: Coach Paul stresses the importance of explaining why standards are being upheld or elevated, connecting it to a "worthy ideal" or the overall mission of the team or organization.

Welcome to the Balance Warrior Podcast for high achievers! In this episode, Coach Chris shares incredible insights and "value bombs" from his recent transformative trip to Korea, where he spent intensive time training and conversing with mentor, Grandmaster Kim. Chris and Paul explore how the timeless principles of consistency, high standards, and continuous improvement are not just for martial arts practitioners but are vital for achieving multidimensional success in all aspects of life, from entrepreneurship and finance to personal relationships and well-being. Key Discussion Points: The Il Il Shin Philosophy: Coach Paul and Coach Chris emphasize the core tenet of "Il Il Shin," which translates to "be better every day." This philosophy encourages Balanced Warriors to become "one-percenters" or "uncommon humans" in their respective fields and lives, not by seeking drastic changes, but through consistent, incremental improvements. Grandmaster Kim's Enduring Legacy: Chris and Paul express their shared mission to pass down the profound wisdom and life philosophy of their mentor, Grandmaster Kim. His teachings, rooted in both Eastern and Western philosophies, form the foundation of Empowered Mastery and the multidimensional success approach. Coach Chris's Transformative Trip to Korea: Intensive Mountain Training: Coach Chris recounts his memorable three-day and night experience with Grandmaster Kim, involving overnight meditation trainings on three different mountains in Korea. Humility in Teaching: Coach Chris shares a humbling experience of presenting the Il Il Shin philosophy to 200 people, with Grandmaster Kim himself in attendance. This reinforced the honor and responsibility of sharing their mentor's teachings. The Power of Consistent Application: A key takeaway from the conversations with Grandmaster Kim was that there was no "new" information. Instead, the emphasis was on consistent application of the fundamental principles he had taught for decades. Growth and success are found in consistency. The Value of Consistency in Daily Life: Coach Paul shares a personal anecdote from the gym, illustrating how his lifelong consistency in fitness, rather than sporadic effort, has yielded remarkable results. This principle is applied to various aspects of life, including financial investments, relationships, and personal habits, likening it to the long-term compounding interest seen in financial planning. Self-Mastery as a Lifelong Journey: Coach Chris and Coach Paul reiterate that self-mastery is not about reaching a destination or achieving perfection, but rather an ongoing, lifelong quest for continuous improvement and a mindful appreciation of the journey.

This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, Coach Paul shares insights on maintaining business stamina and momentum, especially during traditional slower months like July and August. He emphasizes the importance of a "halftime" assessment to evaluate progress and strategize for the remainder of the year. Coach Paul challenges the common belief that summer is a time to slow down, encouraging you the high achiever to reframe your mindset and attack the third quarter with the same energy as January. Paul’s Key Points for High-Achievers Recharge, Reset, Realign, Rally: Coach Paul advocates for taking time to recharge but stresses that it should be followed by a strategic reset, realignment of goals, and a renewed rally into action. Halftime Report: Use mid-year (like the start of Q3) as an opportunity for a "halftime" assessment. Evaluate what's working well, celebrate victories, and identify areas needing improvement or adjustment. Challenging the Summer Slowdown Mindset: Coach Paul debunks the myth that July and August are inherently unproductive months for business. He encourages listeners to reframe their perspective and treat July as a "new January" with renewed enthusiasm and activity. Sustaining Activity in Q3: Instead of shutting down, focus on consistent activity such as networking, connecting with centers of influence, and servicing existing clients to build momentum for Q4. Avoiding the Year-End Scramble: By maintaining consistent effort through Q3, businesses can avoid the frantic, "survival mode" rush often seen in Q4, allowing for a stronger finish to the year and a more relaxed December. Consistency is Key: Just like in fitness, business success requires consistent habits and a commitment to higher standards, rather than sporadic bursts of effort followed by periods of inactivity.

Join Coach Paul and Coach Chris in this incredibly moving and inspiring episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast. They sit down with Lisa Fitzgerald, a personal coaching client of Paul's, who shares her extraordinary story of resilience, humor, and unwavering determination in the face of unimaginable adversity. If you are a high achiever and you feel there are a few roadblocks in your way, you'll want to listen to Lisa's story. Lisa's journey is a powerful testament to the human spirit, offering invaluable insights into cultivating a victor's mindset and finding opportunity even in the most challenging circumstances. Join Lisa and the Balanced Warriors as they discuss: Family Closeness as a Foundation: Lisa emphasizes the profound influence of her close-knit, loud New Jersey family, particularly her bond with her siblings, on her ability to navigate life's challenges. Working with Family: Lisa discusses the unique dynamics of working alongside her brother in financial advising, highlighting how their direct communication and ability to quickly move past disagreements made their professional relationship even stronger. A Life-Altering Event: In 2024, Lisa experienced a severe train accident that resulted in the immediate amputation of her left leg. She vividly recounts the harrowing details of the accident, her immediate self-assessment, and her incredible resolve to survive. Unassisted Survival: Despite severe injuries and the presence of others on the platform, Lisa describes how she had to independently pull herself off the tracks to safety, demonstrating immense physical and mental fortitude. Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Throughout the entire ordeal, Lisa consistently maintained a humorous and positive outlook, attributing this to her upbringing with older brothers and her lifelong tendency to find laughter in any situation. Mindset Shift: From Victim to Victor: Lisa powerfully articulates her belief that "everything seems impossible until it's done" and that "life happens, and you have to go through it." She refused to adopt a victim mentality, instead focusing on what she could do to accelerate her recovery. Redefining "Impossible": Lisa's drive to be the "fastest" and "strongest" in her recovery highlights her approach of viewing her rehabilitation as a challenge to be conquered, pushing past conventional timelines and expectations. And More! This is a powerful episode that will get you thinking about how to overcome adversity in your own personal and professional life.

Coach Paul shares valuable insights on overcoming fear and the crucial importance of continuous growth. He discusses the concept of "charge clearing" and how our thoughts drive our emotions and actions. Paul emphasizes that while fear is a natural part of life, understanding and harnessing it for growth is key to success. Key Takeaways & Advice from Coach Paul: Thoughts Lead to Results: Your thoughts trigger your feelings, which then lead to action or inaction, which determines your results. Embrace Failure: Fear of failure is a common obstacle, especially for entrepreneurs and high performers. However, failure should be seen as a steppingstone to success and an essential part of the learning process. The Danger of Plateauing: Coach Paul’s greatest fear is plateauing in life. He warns against complacency, comfort, and a false sense of security once a certain level of success is achieved. Always Be a Student: Drawing from his martial arts mentor, Grandmaster Kim, Paul stresses the philosophy of "Be better every day.” This means continuously learning, growing, and improving in all areas of life. Intentional Focus and Presence: Maximize every moment by being intentional and fully present. Whether it's with family, during meditation, or in daily activities, make the most of your time and energy. Raise Your Standards: Challenge yourself daily to be the best version of yourself. Analyze your behavior and identify areas for improvement. Seek mentors, coaches, and study groups to support your growth.

Welcome to an insightful episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast! Today, Coach Paul Melella and Coach Chris Berlow sit down with their long-time friend and client, Andrew Guyton. Andrew, a top producer in his industry and a dedicated family man, shares his incredible journey of building a highly successful business while prioritizing his roles as a husband and father of three. This episode is packed with "value bombs" on achieving "multidimensional success" a philosophy that combines professional achievement with a rich and fulfilling personal life. Main Discussion Points & Important Advice: Building Your Own Path: Andrew shares his unique start in the family business, where his father encouraged him to build his own practice from the ground up, fostering a competitive drive and self-reliance that proved instrumental to his success. Scaling Smart: Focus on Existing Relationships: Andrew emphasizes the critical importance of scaling your service business before focusing solely on new clients. By prioritizing and nurturing existing client relationships, businesses can experience organic growth through referrals and genuine appreciation. Any Business is a Relationship Business: Regardless of industry, success hinges on strong relationships. Andrew highlights the ongoing effort required to maintain client relationships, likening it to a marriage. Continuous attention and care are essential. Mindset of Gratitude: Andrew champions the practice of gratitude, even when facing challenges. Focusing on positives and acknowledging what you're grateful for can help overcome difficulties and find solutions more quickly than dwelling on negativity. The Power of Time Blocking: Initially skeptical, Andrew now lives by his calendar, strategically blocking out time for family, personal commitments, and then business, ensuring he prioritizes what truly matters without sacrificing productivity.

Coach Mike and Coach Chris sit down with Eric Herrera from the Kolbe Corporation. They explore the transformative power of Kolbe assessments in understanding your natural strengths and how these insights can lead to a life of multidimensional success, both personally and professionally. Learn how Kolbe Assessments can skyrocket your achievements, both personally and professionally. Key Discussion Points: Coach Chris's Kolbe Journey: Chris shares his early experience with Kolbe through Strategic Coach, highlighting a personal anecdote where the assessment accurately described his aversion to long meetings in confined spaces, leading to an immediate change in his work habits. He emphasizes the tool's accuracy and his decision to become a certified Kolbe consultant. What is Kolbe? Eric Herrera defines Kolbe's mission: to help individuals achieve their goals by identifying their natural modes of action and problem-solving. He explains that Kolbe assesses how people "get things done" through four distinct modes: Kolbe in Action (Personal & Professional): Personal Application: Kolbe applies to all aspects of life, from communicating with a spouse to optimizing personal learning styles. Team Building & Communication: Coach Chris emphasizes Kolbe's value in building effective teams by identifying complementary strengths. He shares how knowing a team member's Kolbe scores improves communication and understanding of their processing styles, reducing friction and increasing efficiency. "Leaning into Your Gifts": Eric clarifies that Kolbe isn't about avoiding tasks you're "bad" at, but finding your unique way to accomplish them. He provides examples of "hacks" for individuals to work within their natural strengths while still fulfilling necessary responsibilities.

This week, Coaches Mike and Chris discuss the vital aspects of multidimensional success, emphasizing the consistent nurturing of key relationships and the importance of lifelong learning. They share personal anecdotes about celebrating anniversaries and achieving significant milestones, highlighting practical strategies for maintaining balance in life. If you consider yourself a high achiever but have challenges nurturing important relationships, spend some time with the Balanced Warriors! Key Discussion Points: Prioritizing Couple Time: The Balanced Warrior coaches stress the significance of dedicated one-on-one time with your spouse, beyond family activities. Chris shares insights from his 32nd-anniversary trip and their commitment to annual solo trips, as well as weekly date nights and simple shared moments like movie nights. Consistent Relationship Deposits: Chris and Mike discuss the concept of making regular "deposits" into your relationships through quality time, compliments, acts of service, and intimacy to avoid becoming "roommates." Scheduling consistent time and turning off distractions are key examples. Multidimensional Success Revisited: For new listeners, they reiterate the podcast's core philosophy of achieving balance across health, wealth, career, and family by consistently contributing to each area. The Power of Lifelong Learning: Mike and Chris emphasize the importance of maintaining curiosity and avoiding stagnation at any age. Honoring Mentors and Legacy: Both hosts reflect on the profound impact of their martial arts mentors, and the significance of honoring those who have guided them. They highlight the value of having mentors, partners, and proteges in life. Age as Just a Number: Chris shares an inspiring encounter with an 80-year-old avid snowboarder, illustrating that a consistent and active lifestyle can defy age-related limitations. Dynamic Balance: The hosts acknowledge that achieving perfect daily balance is unrealistic, but the goal is to maintain an overall equilibrium by consciously allocating time to different areas of life. If you found this episode valuable, please like, share, and subscribe to the Balanced Warrior Podcast!

Join Coaches Mike and Paul as they delve into the crucial mindset of starting from zero in any area of life…health, wealth, fitness, career, and family. They share impactful advice on setting realistic expectations, embracing the beginning, and focusing on consistent progress over perfection. Learn how to cultivate the "Balanced Warrior" mentality to be the high achiever you can be proud of! Key Highlights & Advice: Every Master Was Once a Disaster: Emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their current success, started at the beginning. Grandmasters were once white belts. Progress, Not Perfection: A powerful reminder to focus on taking action and accumulating small wins rather than being paralyzed by the pursuit of flawlessness. Stacking Small Wins: The importance of celebrating small victories to build momentum and motivation. Just like a baby's first words are celebrated, acknowledge every step forward. Reverse Engineering Goals: Start with the long-term vision but break it down into smaller, manageable steps with clear metrics and timelines. Attacking the Day: Shift from merely "trusting the process" to actively attacking the day with focused action steps that contribute to your goals. Winning the Day: Focus on identifying and achieving 3 key action steps in your core areas of life (business/production, health/fitness, relationships/family) to feel a sense of accomplishment and build confidence. Consistency Over Special Talent: Recognizing that long-term success often stems from consistent effort and habits rather than innate abilities. Tailored Coaching: The importance of a coach that provides the right kind of motivation and accountability, whether it's a firm push or gentle encouragement. And a ton more advice! Join the Balanced Warriors and learn how to achieve progress in all areas of your life.  

On this Episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have J.D. Crowell, a successful real estate investor from South Carolina. J.D. shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights on high achievement while maintaining a balanced life. J.D.'s primary business helps high performers convert hard-earned money into passive income through apartment building investments. He also has associated property management and transactional arms. Growing up in a blue-collar family and even living in the basement of a car dealership instilled a strong work ethic that fueled his entrepreneurial journey. Over five years, J.D. scaled his real estate portfolio to over 1250 apartment units by applying his finance and business acumen. Episode Highlights: The Power of Continuous Learning: J.D. emphasizes the importance of constant learning and self-education, highlighting his significant annual investment in professional development. "Dark Fuel" for Motivation: J.D. reveals that early skepticism and being underestimated served as "dark fuel" to drive his success. Family as Priority: J.D. stresses the importance of family, sharing his long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart and their two children. Life by Design, Not Chance: J.D. emphasizes that his lifestyle is a result of intentional planning, hard work, and navigating challenges. Continuous Self-Improvement: With financial success, J.D. remains committed to daily self-improvement and becoming a better version of himself. Challenging the Idea of "Balance": J.D. suggests that true "balance" might not exist in a time-for-time sense but rather focuses on the quality of time spent in different areas of life. Non-Negotiables: J.D. highlights the importance of daily non-negotiables, such as working out twice a day, to ensure his key priorities are consistently met.