119: Be Undeniable: Achieve Greatness and Sustain it with Cameron Hanes
May 5, 2025
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Cameron Hanes, a renowned bowhunter, endurance athlete, and host of the Keep Hammering Collective, discusses his preparations for the grueling Cocodona 250 race and shares insights from his new book, Undeniable. He dives into the mindset necessary to push past limits, emphasizing that real growth begins outside of comfort zones. Cameron also explores the essence of being an outlier, the importance of mental preparation, and how suffering can sharpen one's purpose. His journey from obligation to passion in running is truly inspiring!
Cameron Hanes emphasizes the relentless mindset and obsession required for achieving greatness, particularly as he prepares for the Cocodona 250 race.
The concept of being an outlier is explored, focusing on the commitment to excellence that differentiates high achievers in various fields.
Embracing suffering is presented as essential for personal growth, highlighting how overcoming challenges can deepen one's understanding of life and purpose.
Deep dives
Navigating Pressure and Distraction
As race day for the Cocodona 250 approaches, the mental landscape for the runner becomes crucial. Preparing for such a massive endeavor while simultaneously launching a new book can serve as both a distraction and a source of added pressure. The guest reflects on whether the book's release will help alleviate pre-race anxiety, or if it simply adds to the nerves knowing that many are closely watching his performance. Despite the uncertainty, the focus remains on executing a strong race effort, contending with both the support and skepticism from the public.
Defining 'Outliers' Through Obsession
The conversation dives deep into what characterizes outliers—individuals who achieve exceptional success in their respective fields. The notion of obsession emerges as a key trait; these individuals dedicate themselves intensely to a singular pursuit, often leading to remarkable achievements. By drawing examples from sports and science, the guest highlights how outliers, such as famous athletes and scholars, earned their status through an unwavering commitment to excellence in their fields. The discussion prompts consideration of one's personal journey and what defines success or recognition in competitive arenas.
The Role of Suffering in Growth
Suffering is presented not merely as an obstacle but as a vital element in the development of character and resilience. The speaker believes that true fulfillment comes from facing and overcoming challenges, whether they are inflicted by circumstance or self-imposed through discipline. This perspective pushes against the modern notion of avoiding pain; instead, it encourages embracing it to foster personal growth and achievement. Engaging with suffering creates a richer understanding of life and can unveil deeper layers of potential within oneself.
Uncovering the Drive Behind Success
A profound inquiry into the motivations behind relentless ambition surfaces during the discussion. The speaker suggests that a fear of losing momentum drives many high achievers, compelling them to always seek new goals and tasks. This relentless pursuit contrasts with the complacency that can accompany success, evidencing how crucial it is to remain focused on future achievements. In this mindset, the collective goal flips from merely celebrating wins to continuously pressing forward in the pursuit of greatness.
The Importance of Intentionality and Specialization
The importance of being intentional about one’s pursuits is highlighted, particularly in the context of business and personal goals. Moving from a broad focus to a specialized one—like cultivating a brand’s identity in the endurance category—illustrates how honing in on specific strengths can yield substantial benefits. By prioritizing depth over breadth, individuals can ensure they are genuinely engaging with their passions and talents, which paves the way for greater impact and success. This specialized approach not only leads to personal fulfillment but also meets the growing demand for excellence in the marketplace.
Bowhunter, endurance athlete, and Keep Hammering Collective host Cameron Hanes is back on the show — and this time, he’s preparing for one of the hardest races in the world: Cocodona 250.
We dive into the mindset, obsession, and sacrifice it takes to show up day after day for something that pushes you past your limits. Cam talks about the release of his new book Undeniable, the cost of being an outlier, and why real growth starts where comfort ends. He shares lessons from a lifetime of running, training, and suffering — both planned and unexpected — and how that pain sharpens purpose.
CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:02 Why This Year for the Race? 03:50 Discussing the New Book 04:49 Defining Outliers 17:12 Bodybuilding and Endurance Training 25:51 Upcoming Race and Competitors 34:38 Running Journey and Mindset 42:08 Mental Preparation for Marathons 46:54 The Value of Suffering 54:39 The Drive to Keep Pushing 01:09:09 The Importance of Hard Work 01:24:37 Intentionality and Focus
