#727 - James Smith - Do You Actually Need Passion To Be Successful?
Jan 4, 2024
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James Smith, an insightful author and online trainer, shares his experiences and realizations from his recent live tour. He discusses the importance of celebrating small victories and navigating the messy journey of success. The conversation touches on the interplay of luck and preparation, as well as the challenges of modern decision-making. They emphasize authentic connections over online interactions and explore the evolving landscape of fitness culture, advocating for genuine coaching amidst social media noise.
Success is built through hard work, persistence, and celebrating small wins along the journey.
Making decisions becomes easier when focusing on options that align with personal values and preferences.
The pressure and fear of losing success can hinder performance, but managing expectations and working hard is crucial.
The fitness industry is evolving, with a shift towards evidence-based approaches and the need for empathy and addressing real problems.
Deep dives
Reflecting on a Month on the Road
The podcast episode features a reflection on a month-long live tour with guest James Smith. Despite expecting some difficulties, the hosts found the experience to be positive and learned a lot. The discussion includes insights into the male sedation hypothesis, the importance of celebrating wins, and the future of the fitness industry.
The Importance of Hard Work and Persistence
The hosts emphasize the importance of hard work and persistence in achieving success. They discuss how success is often the result of repeated actions and how small wins can lead to bigger achievements. They also encourage individuals to celebrate their accomplishments along the journey.
Navigating the Paradox of Choice
The episode explores the challenge of making decisions when faced with multiple options. The hosts discuss the idea that if it's difficult to decide, the answer is often no, and how modern society offers an overwhelming number of choices. They also highlight the need to focus on the options that truly align with personal values and preferences.
The Fear of Falling from Success
The hosts express their concerns about the pressure that comes with success and the fear of losing it. They discuss the challenges of maintaining a high level of performance and the anxiety that can arise from the fear of failure. They reflect on the importance of continuing to work hard and manage expectations, while also acknowledging the unpredictability of success.
The evolving landscape of the fitness industry
The fitness industry is experiencing a shift due to social media, with a focus on popularity and parading lifestyles rather than providing genuine help and advice. There is a rise in copycat content, saturation, and dishonesty, driven by brand deals and gaming the algorithm. However, evidence-based approaches are gaining traction, while bodybuilding and extreme ideologies are starting to lose appeal. The industry still faces challenges in affordability and accessibility, as fitness becomes seen as a privilege for some. Empathy and addressing people's real problems are key in navigating the changing landscape.
The impact of social media on fitness industry trends
Social media has played a significant role in shaping fitness trends and promoting certain ideologies. The focus has shifted towards viral content and extreme approaches to gain attention and status. Brand deals and monetary gains often drive dishonesty and misrepresentation. However, policymakers and influencers are starting to recognize the importance of evidence-based approaches and the need to address real problems. The future of the fitness industry may see a rise in egalitarian platforms, increased awareness of dishonesty, and a shift towards more realistic and empathetic content.
The rise of ideological content and its impact
The fitness industry is witnessing a surge in ideological content that appeals to specific beliefs rather than focusing on scientific evidence or practical solutions. This trend creates a divide and reinforces echo chambers where people gravitate towards like-minded individuals. Ideological content can often be extreme and may not align with the needs and goals of the majority. As a result, it is crucial to provide alternative perspectives and evidence-based information to counterbalance the influence of ideological content.
The importance of empathy and genuine help in the fitness industry
Amidst the changes in the fitness industry, it is crucial to prioritize empathy and genuine help for individuals. Recognizing that people's struggles, challenges, and financial limitations impact their approach to fitness is essential. By focusing on addressing real problems, providing evidence-based information, and showing empathy towards others, the industry can foster a more inclusive, accessible, and beneficial environment for individuals seeking help and guidance on their fitness journeys.
James Smith is an author, podcaster, online trainer and not a life coach.
I just finished a full month of live shows with James. We didn't kill each other but did learn a lot, so today we're reflecting on a month on the road while digging into some of James' biggest realisations of finally becoming an adult.
Expect to learn what my first ever live tour experience was like, how to increase your luck in life, what James’ thoughts are on the Male Sedation Hypothesis, how to find true success, why you need to start celebrating your wins, what the future of the fitness industry looks like and much more...
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