#866 - Jesse James West - How To Stay Disciplined When Times Get Tough
Nov 18, 2024
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Jesse James West, a popular YouTuber and athlete, shares his fascinating journey overcoming challenges in fitness and content creation. He discusses the hidden struggles influencers face, the impact of societal expectations on body image, and his intense experiences preparing for bodybuilding. Jesse reflects on resilience in sports, navigating peer judgment, and the balance of physical and mental health during rigorous training. His unique insights on the connection between discipline and personal growth provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to persevere through tough times.
Jesse James West emphasizes the significance of a relentless mindset, which was deeply shaped by his father's hard work and tenacity.
He discusses the pressure of expectations in sports, leading to the important lesson of prioritizing personal happiness over external validation.
His experiences in bodybuilding taught him essential lessons about balancing ambition with mental health and the demands of discipline.
Jesse highlights the need for promoting responsible fitness culture among youth, instead of censoring content, to foster healthier mindsets.
Deep dives
The Impact of Relentlessness
The importance of a relentless mindset is emphasized, stemming from childhood experiences with Jesse's father, who embodied hard work and tenacity. This relentless attitude shaped Jesse’s approach to sports and life, reinforcing the belief that consistent effort yields results. Through engaging in various sports from a young age, particularly lacrosse, he learned the value of perseverance and dedication to practice. The lasting impact of his father's teachings inspired him to continuously strive to be the hardest worker in the room.
Navigating the Challenges of Transition
As Jesse transitioned from lacrosse to bodybuilding and content creation, he struggled with the pressure and expectations set by his family and coaches. His early dedication to lacrosse led to intense scrutiny and high expectations, creating tension in his relationships. This pressure ultimately resulted in feelings of resentment as he sought to pursue his true passions, leading him to make the difficult decision to leave lacrosse behind. Through this process, he learned the necessity of prioritizing personal happiness over external validation.
The Lessons from Competitive Experiences
Jesse reflects on his experiences with competitive bodybuilding, where he pushed his body to the limits and confronted the mental and physical challenges that arose. The grueling process of getting lean for competition taught him valuable lessons about discipline and self-control. Although preparing for the stage led to extreme fatigue and emotional numbness, it also revealed the potential for physical transformation through determination. This journey highlighted the importance of balancing ambition with mental health and well-being.
Overcoming the Fear of Judgment
The struggle to overcome fear and judgment from others is a recurring theme in Jesse’s life, particularly during his teenage years as he began his fitness journey. Facing ridicule from peers while trying to establish a presence on social media meant he had to navigate judgment and criticism. Rather than succumbing to negativity, he learned to channel that energy into building resilience and self-confidence. This process enabled him to develop a thick skin and an unwavering belief in himself, leading to eventual acceptance and support from his community.
The Reality of Pain and Resilience
Physical challenges, such as running a marathon and enduring extreme workouts, have reinforced Jesse’s understanding of resilience. His experiences demonstrate that the body can endure more than one might expect, with significant mental fortitude required to push beyond perceived limits. From his marathon training to extreme workouts like those with the Liver King, Jesse learned the critical lessons of perseverance through pain and discomfort. These experiences helped him appreciate the importance of both mental and physical strength in achieving personal goals.
Rethinking Fitness Industry Norms
Concerns about the fitness industry's influence on youth and body image are highlighted, particularly in response to YouTube's decision to limit fitness content for teens. Jesse argues that instead of censoring content, the focus should be on promoting healthy lifestyles and responsible fitness culture. This shift in approach could empower young people to pursue fitness without fear of negative self-perception. The importance of education around fitness and body positivity is crucial to fostering a healthier mindset among youth.
Experiences with Recovery and Healing
Jesse shares his journey through recovery, especially related to injuries and physical setbacks. His experiences with stem cell therapy showcase the pain and resilience required to rehabilitate and reclaim strength. He learned to appreciate movement and the importance of maintaining a healthy spine and body through exercises recommended by experts like Stuart McGill. This in-depth commitment to understanding physical health reflects his growth as an athlete and individual looking beyond temporary discomfort toward long-term wellness.
Fitness is supposed to be enjoyable. And so is creating content about your favourite hobbies. But what about the dark side you don't see in your favourite influencers? How low were the moments they got to and what are the lessons to take away?
Expect to learn how to overcome the fear and judgement of others, what running every day for 30 days does to your physique, Jesse’s experience from his first time competing in bodybuilding, the current sate of male body dysmorphia, what it was like spending time with Liver King and doing the hardest challenge Jesse has ever done, and much more…
