#730 - Mike Thurston - The Harsh Reality Of Trying To Improve
Jan 11, 2024
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Mike Thurston, a podcaster, YouTuber, and fitness model, discusses the alarming rise of male body dysmorphia, paralleling female struggles. He shares insights into how social media distorts self-perception and the importance of resilience. The conversation also covers the evolution of personal growth, balancing fame with fulfillment in fitness, and the need for authenticity in content creation. Thurston emphasizes consistency in fitness routines over intensity and reflects on adapting to life changes as priorities shift with age.
Male body dysmorphia is becoming a predominant issue, with social media contributing to the pressure to achieve a certain look.
Authenticity and relatability are valuable qualities in social media, as demonstrated by the success of Sam Suleik.
Continuous effort, effective communication, and self-reflection are vital for personal growth and healthy relationships.
Deep dives
The rise of male body dysmorphia and the impact of social media
Male body dysmorphia is on track to overtake female body dysmorphia, with social media playing a significant role in exacerbating the issue. The pressure to achieve a certain look, comparisons, and the prevalence of editing photos contribute to this problem. The speaker discusses the challenges he faced in bodybuilding competitions, where peak physical condition became the benchmark for his self-image. He also reflects on the changing priorities and self-worth as one gets older.
The power of authenticity and relatability in social media
The success of Sam Suleik, highlighted in the podcast, demonstrates the value of authenticity and relatability in today's social media landscape. Sam's simple and unpolished content resonates with viewers, as it does not rely on flashy editing or music. Instead, Sam's genuine and relatable approach, coupled with insightful thoughts on various topics, captivates his audience. By being himself and removing the excessive production elements, he has built a loyal following.
Navigating relationships and personal growth
The podcast delves into personal growth and the challenges faced in relationships. The speaker reflects on the importance of effective communication in relationships and the need to express feelings and expectations to avoid resentment. He acknowledges that personal improvement and relationship building require continuous effort and learning. The conversation highlights the speaker's introspection and self-awareness as he strives to navigate his personal growth journey, acknowledging the need for self-reflection and an ongoing commitment to long-term relationships.
Navigating the challenges of success and remaining humble
The speakers discuss the challenges that come with success, including maintaining humility and managing ego. They reflect on the dangers of inflating one's ego due to external praise and the importance of staying grounded. The conversation also touches on the impact of criticism and the need to handle it with grace and resilience. They note that remaining humble and open-minded in the face of fame is crucial to maintaining authenticity and relatability.
The challenge of balancing work and personal life
The podcast episode discusses the challenge of finding a balance between work and personal life. The speaker reflects on how their desire to achieve more professionally often comes at the cost of personal relationships and activities they enjoy. They express the dilemma of wanting to go all-in on their business and prospects, but also wanting to maintain a fulfilling personal life. The speaker shares their experiences and struggles in finding this balance and the pressure that comes with it.
The pursuit of success and the never-ending goals
The podcast episode explores the concept of success and the constant pursuit of goals. The speaker discusses how achieving certain milestones or goals can be satisfying, but often leaves them feeling unfulfilled as new goals and aspirations arise. They reflect on the addictive nature of success and the pressure to consistently improve and reach higher levels. The speaker contemplates the importance of celebrating achievements and finding a balance between being content and wanting to strive for more.
Mike Thurston is a podcaster, YouTuber and a fitness model.
Me and Mike went to university together 15 years ago. And yet in 2024 many of the problems we encountered back then have gotten even worse. Why is a lack of confidence, overly comparative mindsets and body dysmorphia so persistent and how do we go about fixing it?
Expect to learn why male body dysmorphia is on track to overtake female body dysmorphia, what Mike's relationship with social media looks like right now, where you actually gain confidence from, whether being super highly followed on the internet makes you more or less self-assured, how your priorities should change as you get older, Mike’s thoughts on Sam Sulek and much more...
