Mike Bledsoe, co-host of Barbell Shrugged, shares insights from his journey in training and personal growth. They discuss the evolution of coaching and the importance of meaningful connections in personal development. Bledsoe reflects on his transformative experience in Peru and highlights meditation techniques for mental clarity. Their candid conversation also covers overcoming fear, injury prevention for older athletes, and the significance of mission-driven leadership. With a touch of humor, breakfast debates lead into deeper discussions on personal rituals and coaching expectations.
Personal growth is described as a transformative journey, with the podcast serving as a crucial catalyst for learning and development.
Mastering fundamentals in training and coaching is essential, emphasizing the ongoing refinement of core skills for meaningful contributions.
The distinction between knowledge and understanding highlights the necessity of deeper comprehension for critical thinking and adaptability in learning.
Deep dives
Reflecting on Growth and Change
Personal growth over the years is highlighted as a significant theme. The speaker reflects on how much he has learned in the last four years compared to his entire life prior. This introspection is a result of engaging in the podcast and being exposed to new perspectives. The original podcast episodes serve as painful but insightful time capsules of their personal development journey.
The Role of the Podcast in Learning
The podcast is identified as a crucial catalyst for personal and professional development. It sparked a desire to improve and learn more about business, coaching, and various other fields. While the show itself provided valuable insights, it was the effort to create quality content that propelled further learning. Engaging with guests and their expertise also expanded horizons, introducing valuable ideas and techniques.
Mastering the Fundamentals in Coaching
The importance of mastering fundamentals in training and coaching is emphasized. The speaker discusses how true mastery involves revisiting and refining core skills over time. With a focus on solid foundational principles, the idea is that ongoing learning should lead to subtly improving those fundamentals. Mastery then allows one to innovate and contribute meaningfully to the field as they deepen their understanding.
Teaching as Guiding and Connecting
The speaker expresses a desire to transition from traditional teaching methods to a guiding approach. There’s a realization that guiding involves fostering discovery and understanding rather than simply imparting knowledge. This approach emphasizes facilitating connections and supporting others in their learning journeys. The aim is to promote curiosity and open-mindedness among students and peers.
Understanding Versus Knowledge
A key distinction is made between knowledge and understanding. Knowledge is described as a collection of information, while understanding involves deeper comprehension and contextual application. This deeper understanding allows one to adapt and think critically about the information at hand. The speaker emphasizes that gaining true insight requires a willingness to let go of outdated beliefs and embrace new perspectives.
Confronting Fear and Resistance
Fear and resistance are discussed as primary barriers to personal and professional development. The speaker elaborates on how identifying and confronting fears can lead to greater understanding and growth. Engaging in practices like meditation and intentional self-reflection can help individuals recognize and overcome these obstacles. By easing these fears, a clearer path emerges that facilitates more authentic living and decision-making.
