2021 was an incredible year for many reasons. After a whirlwind of a year in 2020 – this past year was full of many highs and a few learning experiences. Some of those lessons are below.
1. Always be authentic
I’ve been vocal about my beliefs the past 2 years. It was a risk I decided to take, but the way I looked at it was I’d rather be able to sleep well at night knowing I’m being REAL versus wrestling with being fake. I refuse to be anything other than my authentic self and it’s created an unbreakable community inside my business and circle.
2. Growth comes with risk.
No matter what part of your life you’re working on – growth takes risk. I experienced this in my business and marriage this past year. I had to get vulnerable on both fronts and confront the fact that I can’t go at it alone. If you want to go fast – go alone. If you want to go far- go together. Growth takes risk. The risk of failure, of being denied, of screwing up and of making the wrong decisions. As big as risk can be – the reward can be 10x bigger.
3. Give with no expectations
Being able to give to others is a blessing. The key is to simply give and have zero expectation for anything in return. In fact, when you give you’ll immediately get the gift of gratitude in your soul. One of my big goals for 2022 is to give more of my TIME, not just my financial resources.
4. Being lean is king
The older I get the more I appreciate being lean. In 2020 I added some serious size and along with that came some body fat. In 2021 I cut down from 230 to 212 and felt incredible. I’ve made a commitment to never get heavier than 215 ever again. In fact, I’m focused on being even lighter by the end of this year. I have visible abs all the time now, but it’s not about that. It’s about how I FEEL. Feeling light and healthy is highly recommended. If you’re not lean – I can help you here.
5. Marriage requires deep work
My wife and I have been married for 8 years (together for 9) and we both made a commitment this past year to go DEEPER in our marriage. I must say it feels incredible to be more connected and considerate of each other. Marriage is just like taking care of your body. It requires a full commitment to a way of life.
6. Health is everything
In case you missed it – health has been under attack the past couple years. However, I’d argue that health has been neglected for quite some time now. I’m talking for decades – not years. From fast food, to working more and more, to social media and the mental health issues it comes with, to a lack of health focus from world leaders and more glaring ignorance around health…Houston we have a problem. Along comes a virus and next thing you know people are scrambling to figure out what to do. Well I have your answer – GET HEALTHY. Sure, do what you need to do privately with your health, but while you take whatever treatments you find necessary – be sure to get in shape too. Health has never been more important.
7. Building a business takes work – building a movement takes commitment
I’ve grown my fitness and fat loss coaching business consistently over the past 10 years, but the past year I went all in on creating a movement. From the 10 Minute Rule to the Life Moves Fast (Make it Count) lifestyle – I’m ALL IN on True Transformation. It’s my life’s work and I won’t stop until we are #1. Hard work is great and, trust me, there will be plenty of that required. However, to truly create a legendary company it takes commitment in all parts of life. And you best believe, I’m committed
8. I Love Florida (and freedom)
Love it or hate it – I’m a big fan of freedom. I’m also a big fan of critical thinking and questioning things. That’s how progress is made. Taking things at surface level usually ends up with you missing the boat. My family and I went to Florida 3 times this past year and it was refreshing to see people treating each other with respect and love. Smiles on peoples’ faces and a kind word had gone missing in our neck of the woods in Virginia. People have truly picked a side here on the outskirts of DC, but in Florida people were human and kind again. It was nice. Moving there isn’t an option right now, but one day I’ll invest in real estate there for sure.
9. Coaching my boys is my favorite thing
I got a chance to coach my boys in 2 sports this past year – soccer and football. Watching them improve, play and dominate on the field is an unreal feeling. I am blessed to have 2 incredible boys who love learning and playing sports. They challenge me unlike anything else and I am so thankful to God for them.
10. Working out is better than any drug
I start most days with a workout and it changes my entire mood. I’m happier, full of energy, creative and patient after a workout. I highly recommend morning workouts for my fellow high performing fathers who have a lot on their plate. It will set the tone for the rest of your day
11. I hate politics
2020 made me dislike politics. 2021 made me hate it. I was never a political person. Simply because I don’t think it makes sense to have 2 choices. Plus, when things like “covid” happen – there’s a huge divide that immediately takes place. Instead we should be thinking about multiple solutions that can help different groups of people. Instead it has to be black and white – which drives me nuts. Mandates don’t make any sense when people are so different. Everything has to be so political so that the politicians appear more valuable than they really are – which leads to getting votes. It’s a scam and I can’t stand it. I encourage you all to think deeper in 2022.
12. Find a Ryan Kalan
I hired Ryan almost 2 years ago and he’s been in charge of growing our client base the past 2 years. I’ve watched him go from a guy with a powerful work ethic to someone I can rely on to consistently grow our business week after week. Ryan is one of my most valuable team members and I highly suggest you find someone to lead your sales and growth department.
13. Find an Alex Goff
Alex Goff has been coaching clients with me for the past 2 years. Having a fellow coach that clients appreciate and feel connected to is truly incredible. Alex is a vital part of our team and finding him as been a real blessing. Day in and day out Alex is there for our clients and it shows in the results they get. Alex’s wife Britni was also a huge part of our team this past year behind the scenes. The Goff family is truly special to me and I’m thankful they’re on my team.
14. Find a J Michael
J Michael started 2021 as a client and ended it as our COO inside True Transformation. Growth requires risk and taking on JM was a big risk. He’s made a huge impact on our organization, structure and long term outlook. I’ve always said I want to help 1 million men get ripped for life and I’ve never been more confident that it’s going to happen now that we have a COO like JM on our team.
15. Find a Jay Clark
Jay Clark was another client of mine this past year that joined our team as a coach. As a client he was a huge support to other clients. He had a knack for coaching so our team knew it was just a matter of time before he came on officially. Now that he’s on our team it’s been fun watching him dive in and realize his potential as a coach.
16. Find a Vince and Korby
I’ve worked with a lot of mentors in my life, but in 2021 I hired Vince and Korby. These two guys have helped me get crystal clear on what I need to do as a leader and business owner. I feel more focused and driven then ever before. It was NOT a small investment, but it was worth it. I’m continuing to invest in them in 2022.
17. Church is our anchor
My family and I got away from going to church in 2020. Huge mistake on our part because we are so blessed to have such an amazing church near our home. We recommitted this year and it’s paid off big time. My kids love it and my wife craves the messaging every week. I walk out of church better every time. I highly recommend spending time building your spiritual fitness too!
18. My wife is a rockstar
My wife maintains her body, works her ass off, and still manages to give our boys everything they need (and more) while satisfying me as a man and husband. It’s inspiring to say the least. She’s loved by many and she has an empathy that is hard to match. I must say she’s taught me to be more kind this past year when it’s so easy to lash out at people. I’ve also helped her grow in certain areas, but she’s truly my rock. I’m thankful to have a queen by my side.
19. Schedule down time
One area that I struggled this past year was scheduling time to recharge and relax. Especially during my days. I usually schedule 10 things back to back and it starts to wear me down mentally. I’m not present like I should be for my wife and kids in the evenings after a long day. I’ve committed to 5 minute meditations during my day along with giving myself time to recharge.
20. A home gym is a huge productivity hack
I fulfilled a dream of mine and turned part of my basement into a top notch home gym. It’s saved me 45 minutes of driving time to the gym and back each morning. Plus, I’ll be hosting clients there next year. There’s something truly epic about working out near your family each morning. Feels way more impactful.
21. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard
My best achievements are not because I’m talented. It’s because I’ll outwork you. I’ll seek out answers until I find them. I’ll hire people till I get the right person. The best clients I have are not the ones with the best genetics. They simply put in the work more consistently. Talent is great, but hard work is always waiting for you when you think you don’t have what it takes.
Thanks for taking the time to read these. I hope at least one thing inspired you. I hope you and yours have an incredible rest of 2021 and an even better 2022. Life moves fast – make it count!
Josiah
