Apogee Strong

Success is the outcome of a journey marked by struggles, learning, and a shift in mindset. Challenges and setbacks aren't barriers but steppingstones for growth. Achieving success means embracing change, displaying resilience, and a perpetual hunger for knowledge, all of which lead to personal development. It's a dynamic process where each obstacle encountered is an opportunity to evolve and ascend to new heights. Allan Blain imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. A growth mindset reframes failures as valuable lessons rather than defeats, paving the way for transformation! Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more! Quotes: “I believe that we all have varying levels of hard and we can succeed anyway. It does not define us nor hold us back.” – Allan Blain “I've learned a few things and I'm still learning things and I love to get to share some of those things.” – Allan Blain "Everything is won or lost in the six inches between our ears." – Allan Blain Takeaways: Our potential for success transcends the challenges we face, as they neither define nor limit us. Life is a continuous journey of learning, and sharing our experiences can be both enlightening and enriching. Success and failure are determined by the mindset we cultivate within ourselves. Conclusion: Success is not an endpoint but a transformative journey. It's about turning obstacles into lessons, learning from every setback, and cultivating a mindset of resilience and growth. Every challenge encountered is an opportunity for evolution. In the end, success is not just about reaching a goal; it's about becoming the best version of yourself along the way.

Opportunities are things that come where they can change your life. And in the face of it, you only have two choices: yes or no. But people tend to say no to high-risk opportunities for fear of failing and getting hurt, not knowing that no matter whether they fail or succeed, opportunities are a great way to improve yourself and learn until, someday, you reach success. Derek Woodske shares his life lessons growing up in undeveloped land and how he overcomes his circumstances through his love for sports and taking risky opportunities. Often, people back down from taking high-risk opportunities due to the fear of failing. But on the flip side, saying no to opportunities only takes away your chance to grow and see the direction where you really want. Stay tuned as they dip into topics about life, personal growth, and more! Quotes: “If you're willing to say yes to some very nerve-wracking opportunity. And you say yes, more than you say no, there is a weirdness to the universe and how it will somehow put people in your life that will guide you through that fear.” – Derek Woodske “If you enter into the situation with some level of clarity in what you're trying to achieve. You can't guarantee success in sports, and you can't guarantee success in a lot of things. But you dramatically change the odds against you.” – Derek Woodske “One of the most valuable characteristics of successful people I've been around is that they don't have to do anything but be who they are. And for better or worse, that's the reality. I've never met one who didn't have incredible self-awareness of not only who they are and what they're good at, but how the world perceives them.” – Derek Woodske Takeaways: Fire, aim, ready, which translates to " Say yes, and go for it." The aim or goal will come after you've gathered some background information as a result of pulling the trigger. And that goal is finding mentors and the ideal community for you. But If you begin to understand that you made a mistake. At the very least, you now know that you can proceed in this path rather than this direction. But it only happens if you say yes and go for an opportunity. If you live in an environment without amazing people, you are wrong. Because it doesn't mean the people you're with aren't amazing, you just don't get to interact with as many. Self-awareness is the trait you want to have if you desire to be successful because understanding who you are–the good and bad things about you will give you the ability to know what you can and can’t do, as well as to attract and influence other people. Conclusion: Say yes to those risky opportunities because it will lead you to connect with the right people. If you say yes more than no to opportunities, the universe will guide you through your fear. And even if you fail, it is a way for you to determine which direction in life you would take. And the effort you’ve put into taking those risky opportunities will never be futile as it serves as a way for you to become better and better.

Embracing your own identity is liberating. It allows you to stand out in a crowd, follow your own path, and pursue what genuinely matters to you. Your identity is your compass, guiding you through life's challenges and triumphs. It empowers you to make choices aligned with your authentic self rather than succumbing to societal pressures or expectations. Your identity is the combination of your beliefs, values, experiences, and aspirations that make you distinctly "you." Kipp Sorensen imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Life is about understanding who you are at your core, embracing your individuality, and confidently expressing it to the world! Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more! Quotes: “There's power in empathy and understanding.” –Kipp Sorensen “It was just me that I was offering the world. Not some knockoff of some superficial hip hop artist or someone else.” – Kipp Sorensen "I believed that through effort and hard work, I would figure it out." –Kipp Sorensen Takeaways: In a world often divided by differences, empathy and understanding are the tools that can bring us closer. In a world filled with imitations, being yourself is a powerful statement that can lead to genuine connections and a more fulfilling life. Taking control of your life, even in challenging times, can have a huge impact on your mental well-being. Conclusion: Your personal identity is your greatest asset. It's the foundation upon which you build a fulfilling life, make a positive impact on the world, and form meaningful connections with others. Embrace your uniqueness, for it's the key to unlocking your full potential and living a life that's truly your own.

There’s a saying that education is the most powerful weapon you can use, and that is true. But our current education system doesn’t teach students the required knowledge to prepare for their careers. And it doesn’t help students acquire traits like independence and work ethic, two valuable traits a person should have. Thus, those who graduate from college often find it challenging to find a job. Isaac Morehouse shares his experiences of how he realizes the flaws in the current education system and why you don’t need a college degree in order to be hired and work at a company. Nowadays, people think that getting a college education is the path to a successful career. Little do they know that the job marketplace gives little value to college degrees and instead goes to people with talent, basic skills, or eagerness to learn. Tune in as they talk about life, education, employment, and more! Quotes: “You just need a handful of basic skills, a mindset shift, a self-ownership mindset, personal responsibility mindset, and a curiosity and eagerness mindset. That's enough for a company to hire you, especially when you're young, because you can go in at a very low cost to that company.” – Isaac Morehouse “Degree from whatever university is almost worthless now in the workplace. But meanwhile, because of the digital world, you have the ability to be your own credential, to create a body of work that signals your ability, whatever it is demonstrating, like showing your work instead of just saying, here's a bunch of degrees and grades that I got. ” – Isaac Morehouse “The beauty of the market is incredible because there's an opportunity for every kind of person, skill set, and interest. And if you think like, I'm not very smart, I don't have many skills and much offer. That's absolute garbage; get that mindset out of you.“– Isaac Morehouse Takeaways: Basic skills and a proper mindset are the only things you need if you want to be hired at a company. Nowadays, a university degree doesn’t hold a value that much. Because we are in the digital world, you now have the ability to create projects and demonstrate your capabilities outright rather than show worthless degrees. The market world is vast, and you have an opportunity everywhere. So throw away your negative thoughts about yourself and just start learning basic skills and have the proper mindset. Conclusion: If you are tired of entering college or feel it doesn’t help you achieve your dream career. Drop out of it. These days, workplaces don’t find value in college degrees. Rather, they go to those people with talent, basic skills, and eagerness to learn. You can also utilize our digital world to create projects and show what skills you have to be hired.

Human connections are very important for many reasons that include both personal and professional aspects of life. Human beings are inherently social creatures. Building connections with others fulfills our fundamental need for companionship, support, and a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, loneliness and social isolation can have detrimental effects on mental and emotional health, highlighting the critical role that connections play in our lives. John Delony imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Human connections are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and emotions. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more! Quotes: “You have to choose connection. You can't do life by yourself.” – John Delony “Not only have we not preserved the factory settings, we're using a glass phone as a hammer. We're using the wrong tool for the wrong the wrong job.” – John Delony "Alarms can be depression or anxiety. When you are in the driver's seat, even if your life is a mess, the alarm stops, because it knows you're driving again." – John Delony Takeaways: Life is a journey best traveled in the company of others. Evaluate your approach, and make sure you're using the right tools for the right job to maximize your effectiveness and efficiency. Taking control of your life, even in challenging times, can have a huge impact on your mental well-being. Conclusion: Connecting with others satisfies our innate need for social interaction and support, propels our professional growth, and promotes empathy and cultural understanding. Building and nurturing relationships should be seen as a vital aspect of a fulfilling and successful life, both personally and professionally.

Solving life problems is a part of everyday life and can often feel overwhelming. However, it is essential to develop effective strategies to handle challenges. In tackling problems, honesty, and self-awareness are crucial to determine the root cause of the issue. Additionally, breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable steps can make it less intimidating and more achievable. Seeking out advice from trusted individuals, whether it be a friend or a professional, can also prove helpful in gaining a fresh perspective and insight into solving the problem. Ryan Michler imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Challenges are not roadblocks, but opportunities to grow and learn. By facing life's difficulties with courage and determination, we can unlock our true potential and achieve greatness! Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more! Quotes: “There are points in your life that are outside of your control. And the way that's going to serve you is largely how you decide to interpret it.” – Ryan Michler “Open your mind. Open your heart. Listen with the intent of learning.” – Ryan Michler “We all acknowledge and recognize different things as being wrong with the world. What you should be doing is you should be identifying what you think the number one problem is.” – Ryan Michler Takeaways: While there are aspects of life outside of our control, we have the power to choose how we react and respond to them, and this can significantly impact our well-being and success. Approaching new experiences with an open mind and heart, while actively seeking to learn and grow, can lead to greater understanding, empathy, and personal growth. By identifying and prioritizing the most pressing issues facing our world, we can focus our efforts and resources on creating real and lasting change. Conclusion: Taking responsibility for one's problems involves accepting that they have the power to make changes and solve the issue at hand. By actively seeking solutions, whether through research, seeking advice, or taking action towards a solution, individuals can make meaningful progress towards their goals. This sense of control and agency can contribute to a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, even in challenging circumstances. By embracing challenges and taking responsibility for their lives, individuals can develop resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose that can enable them to grow and thrive in all aspects of life.

For a lot of individuals, managing distractions and attention is a challenge that they confront on a daily basis. However, this problem is largely influenced by our own behavior and mentality, which means that we can overcome these barriers and control our own time and attention. Meet Nir Eyal, a father, author, and behavioral designer who assists business owners and individuals in developing positive habits. Join us as Nir shares his insights, guidance, and learnings on overcoming bad habits, transforming distractions into tractions, and unlocking our full potential. Quotes: “the world is bifurcating into two kinds of people: people who will allow their time and attention to be controlled by others. And people who say no, I will decide where I spend my time and attention because I am indestructible.” – Nir Eyal “The difference between traction and distraction is one word. And that one word is intent.” - Nir Eyal “You can fill your kid's heads with knowledge. But if they can't harness the focus and the attention to do what they want with that knowledge, it never becomes wisdom; they can't apply it.” – Nir Eyal Takeaways: Being “indestructible” is a powerful skill as it helps us stick to our own intent without being controlled or influenced by external factors that could hinder us from doing our plan and motives. To achieve being indestructible, one has to master internal triggers, make time for traction, hack back the external triggers, and put a firewall against distraction. Distraction is the action you take, that pulls you away from becoming the person you want to become. However, traction is an action that pulls you toward your intent, aligning closer to your values and helping you become the kind of person you want to become. It’s important for parents to raise their children to be "indestructible" when it comes to distractions. But in order to raise an indestructible kid, it's essential that parents strive to be indestructible as well. to give the kids a set of good examples as they constantly observe and adapt to the environment around them. Conclusion: We possess the ability to be in control of our time and attention, making us "indestructible" if we stay true to our intent. By putting ourselves in control, we can better harness our full potential and make us more resilient. Furthermore, it is our responsibility to pave the way for future generations to make them “indestructible” from distractions – creating a better version of ourselves, and the next generations to come.

Focus is crucial for success in any endeavor. It involves directing your attention and energy toward a particular goal or task, while minimizing distractions and external interruptions. Some key strategies for improving focus include setting clear priorities, breaking tasks down into manageable steps, and minimizing multitasking. By developing better focus habits, you can achieve greater productivity, efficiency, and overall success. Craig Ballantyne imparts his life's lessons, wisdom, and counsel to everyone listening today. Achieving your goals requires both focused attention and intentional action, so make time for what matters and stay committed to your dreams! Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, and more! Quotes: “You don't find time, you make time. Make time for those things that matter.” – Craig Ballantyne “Our bodies are really meant for routine. You'll feel great if you follow one and then all the other aspects of your life tend to fall in place.” – Craig Ballantyne “It's the removal of negative influence that can make you more successful without having hardcore discipline.” – Craig Ballantyne Takeaways: It's important to prioritize the things that matter in our lives, and to actively create time and space for them rather than waiting for free time to magically appear. By making time for the people, activities, and goals that bring us joy and fulfillment, we can live more authentically and meaningfully. Creating and maintaining a consistent routine can have a positive impact on overall well-being and success. Establishing healthy habits and routines for diet, exercise, sleep, and other aspects of daily life, we can achieve greater energy, focus, and productivity, as well as greater overall satisfaction and fulfillment. By identifying and eliminating negative influences such as distractions, toxic relationships, or unhealthy habits, we can create a more positive and conducive environment for achieving our goals and living a more fulfilling life. Conclusion: Making time for things that matter to you is essential for personal fulfillment and well-being. It's important to prioritize the people, activities, and goals that bring you joy and purpose, even in the face of busy schedules or competing demands. This may involve setting clear boundaries, learning to say no, and carving out time for self-care and reflection. By doing these, you can live a more authentic and meaningful life.

Practicing mindfulness provides a priceless resource for calming our racing minds, refocusing our attention, and savoring the present moment in a world that constantly demands our undivided attention. It serves as a timely reminder that our lives are happening right now and that we may face adversity with more perspective, appreciation, and resiliency by living in the moment. Ben Pakulski shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice with future leaders. Mindfulness addresses fear and worry, emotions that often arise from concerns about the future or dwelling on past mistakes or regrets. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "Everything that happens in our life is always subject to our interpretation. The meaning you put on it is what you carry with it." – Ben Pakulski "No matter what story you have about the past, you can change it. Every story is just a story." – Ben Pakulski "To become an effective, happy, fulfilled human, you need great people in your life. The way you'll ever draw those people in is if you become one yourself." – Ben Pakulski Takeaways: Understand that the only thing guaranteed to you is life itself. The interpretation of everything else is up to you, allowing you to navigate your journey with a sense of personal agency. Your past and the challenges you face do not define your future. With commitment and determination, you can turn your perceived weaknesses into strengths. Let go of the fear of being hurt or betrayed by others. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself and trust that you will attract positive and supportive individuals into your life. Paying attention to the sounds and sensations in your environment can help you cultivate mindfulness and deepen your connection to the present moment. Conclusion: Mindfulness teaches us to embrace the fullness of each moment, savoring the richness of our experiences and finding gratitude and contentment in the present. By cultivating mindfulness, we can navigate life's challenges with greater resilience, clarity, and inner peace.

Pursuing one's passions often comes with numerous challenges and temptations that can put one's resolve to the test. Staying true to oneself can be difficult in a world dominated by external validation and fleeting opportunities. Individuals may compromise their authentic voice and artistic vision in pursuit of instant success, recognition, or financial gain. It takes enormous courage and unwavering conviction to resist conformity and remain committed to personal values and creative integrity. Akira the Don shares his life experiences, lessons, and advice with future leaders. Remaining true to oneself can be challenging, particularly when faced with tempting opportunities that may deviate from one's core values and personal vision. Tune in as young leaders ask questions about life, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and more! Quotes: "I knew what was out there, and I wanted to go find it. It was my responsibility to go do that, no one was going to give me what I wanted." – Akira the Don "I recognized the limitations of my thinking and realized I had to go and live, so I just stopped rapping for a while." – Akira the Don "People who are morally policing everybody and telling people how to behave are not living exemplary lives themselves." – Akira the Don Takeaways: Self-awareness and clarity about one's passions and beliefs can provide a strong sense of direction and purpose in life. Returning to creative pursuits, taking breaks, and experiencing life outside of one's primary art form can lead to personal growth and a broader perspective. Children have a keen sense of observation and can detect discrepancies between what people say and how they act, influencing their perception of authority figures and societal norms. Individuals in positions of influence or leadership must align their words and actions to demonstrate integrity and authenticity. Conclusion: Pursuing one's passions is rarely easy, often filled with setbacks, rejection, and self-doubt. On the other hand, those who persevere and stay true to themselves overcome the obstacles and emerge stronger and more genuine in their artistic expression. The seeds of authentic creativity are sown in these moments of steadfastness, allowing individuals to create work that resonates deeply with their journey and connects with others on a profound level.