In this episode of the Grow or Die podcast, I sit down with Justin Cross, the founder of Earn Your Booze, to talk about entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the challenges of breaking away from a conventional career path. Justin shares his personal story of leaving a secure aerospace engineering job to pursue his passion for fitness and business, despite the doubt and skepticism he faced from friends and family.

We dive into the mindset required to make such a bold transition and how to overcome the negativity that often comes with chasing a dream. Justin also gives valuable insight into the concept of “earning” your rewards in life—whether it’s fitness, success, or even relaxation—through hard work and delayed gratification. This episode is filled with motivational tips, discussions on building resilience, and practical advice for anyone looking to take control of their life, especially those ready to break away from the status quo and start their own ventures.

Timestamps:

- [00:28 ] – Sneak peak into the episode.
- [06:14 ] – Exploring the dopamine-driven society and how men are becoming trapped in instant gratification cycles.
- [10:45 ] – The connection between physical fitness, discipline, and success in business and life.
- [13:19 ] – Breaking away from distractions such as sports and entertainment to focus on personal and professional growth.
- [16:50 ] – The origin of *Earn Your Booze* and the challenges Justin faced when launching the brand.
- [19:00 ] – Discussing Elon Musk's recent accomplishments and how his perseverance serves as inspiration for entrepreneurs.
- [22:35 ] – Justin Mihaly and Justin Cross talk about dealing with criticism and learning to brush off negativity in business.
- [24:10 ] – Testosterone and male health: How low testosterone levels contribute to poor mental and physical performance in men.
- [27:30 ] – Why testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is important for men over 30 and how it impacts health and performance.
- [30:25 ] – The benefits of optimized testosterone levels, beyond physical appearance—covering motivation, drive, and success.
- [33:06 ] – Curiosity and critical thinking as key traits of high-functioning men: Why men with low testosterone lose these qualities.
- [36:50 ] – Justin Mihaly’s experience building a personal brand and overcoming obstacles in the social media space.
- [38:15 ] – Discussion on how society and environmental factors impact male health, specifically testosterone.
- [41:32 ] – Exploring Justin Cross’s aerospace engineering background and how working with fighter jets shaped his perspective.
- [44:15 ] – Insights into Justin’s time spent in the Middle East during his Navy service and how those experiences influenced his mindset.
- [49:30 ] – Transitioning from a stable career to entrepreneurship: The critical mindset shifts required to succeed.
- [52:15 ] – How Justin balanced working multiple jobs and his side hustle before fully committing to entrepreneurship.
- [55:12 ] – Justin Cross’s approach to personal development, and how childhood influences shaped his path toward entrepreneurship.
- [58:00 ] – The importance of resilience and hard work in overcoming challenges during career transitions.
- [1:02:18 ] – The long-term payoff of choosing personal fulfillment over financial security in the early stages of entrepreneurship.

Links & Resources:

Follow Justin Cross On Instagram: @justin.j.cross

Work With Justin Cross: https://www.earnitall.com/

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

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