116 - The Strenuous Life: Why Easy Sucks and Hard Wins

This one lit a fire in me—and I hope it does the same for you. In this episode, I dive deep into The Strenuous Life, a philosophy championed by Teddy Roosevelt, and one that mirrors everything “Getting After It” stands for. Roosevelt wasn’t always the rugged, battle-hardened leader we think of—he was a sickly, asthmatic kid who made a choice: to fight. To grow. To get better. And he did.

I walk through one of his wildest stories—building a boat from scratch in the dead of winter to chase down thieves—and unpack what that kind of mindset looks like today. Spoiler: you’re not chasing boat thieves, but you are chasing goals, battling self-doubt, and trying to live a life that means something.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being in the arena. It’s about rising when everything inside you says sit down. I’ll share what that looks like in my own life—from early mornings at the gym, trade show fatigue, and my own moments of doubt—and why this lifestyle of consistent challenge has brought more fulfillment than I ever thought possible.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I doing enough?” this episode is for you. And if you haven’t, it’s time you did.

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t grow by avoiding hard things. Fulfillment lives on the other side of challenge.
• Start small. Stay consistent. Big breakthroughs come from small, repeated actions.
• Your version of the strenuous life won’t look like mine—and that’s the point. Make it personal.
• Living this way changes you—but more importantly, it equips you to help others.

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with someone you care about. Help them start their own journey. And as always—keep getting after it.

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I hope today’s episode sparked something within you to pursue your dreams and unlock your true potential. If you found value in it, consider sharing it with someone who might need that same push.

This podcast is built for you—the dreamers and the doers. My goal is to provide a space where you can find inspiration, learn from others, and feel empowered to chase what matters most to you.

Your dreams are within your grasp. All you need is the commitment to Get After It.

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