by Gene Crawford | Apr 21, 2025 | Podcast
What if the key to outlasting the talented isn’t more talent, but something far less flashy, stamina? Stamina is the quiet, often-overlooked edge that keeps you moving forward when the spotlight fades. It’s the parent who stays engaged after a long day, the entrepreneur pushing through setbacks, and anyone willing to face the daily grind head-on. In this episode, we break down the real meaning of stamina and how to train it, by building grit, focusing on consistency over results, and developing micro-habits. Learn to cultivate lasting resilience and discover why stamina outlasts hype, motivation, and even raw talent.
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by Gene Crawford | Apr 14, 2025 | Podcast
This episode explores the path of self-improvement through intentional daily habits, drawing on insights from figures like Mark Manson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. We reflect on Manson’s “You’re Not Special,” challenge self-gratification culture, and promote meaningful growth. From Arnold’s Pump Club, we highlight conserving energy for what truly matters. We dive into visualization techniques inspired by the Blue Angels, discuss crafting personalized morning routines, and the power of mental rehearsal. We emphasize disconnecting from digital noise through physical activities and explore breathwork, mindset, and resilience with insights from Coach Divine, martial arts, and thought leaders like Stephen Thompson and Jason Wilson.
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by Gene Crawford | Apr 7, 2025 | Podcast
In this episode, we explore how bold, unconventional challenges can fuel personal and professional transformation. Our guest, Jada, a former HR consultant turned CEO coach, shares how firewalking, glass walking, and arrow breaking taught her to overcome fear and build lasting resilience. We also discuss how addressing people-related business challenges, authentic networking, and embracing discomfort can unlock real growth. From gender dynamics in leadership to the power of like-minded communities, this conversation will inspire you to push boundaries, rethink success, and approach life with a mindset of continuous learning and adventure.
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by Gene Crawford | Apr 2, 2025 | Blog
There’s a moment in every fighter’s journey when they step into the ring alone. The crowd fades. The coach’s voice is a distant echo. The opponent in front of them is real, but the real battle? It’s within.
That moment, the split second before the first strike, is where accountability lives. No one can throw your punches for you. No one can force you to move your feet. It’s you, and only you.
But here’s the truth: No warrior walks the path alone. Whether you’re a martial artist, an entrepreneur, or someone striving for personal growth, accountability is the unseen force that keeps you sharp, disciplined, and evolving.
Self-Management: Becoming Your Own Coach
Self-accountability starts in the dark, when no one is watching, when the comfort of excuses calls your name, when the easy road tempts you to veer off course.
So how do you stay on track?
- Set Clear Expectations – Like a kata in Karate, your goals need structure. Instead of vague aspirations, define your path with precision. “I want to train harder” becomes “I will hit the dojo five days a week and log my progress.”
- Track Your Progress – Whether it’s a notebook, an app, or a whiteboard in your gym, writing things down makes you accountable to yourself. When you see the numbers, the reps, and the effort laid out, excuses lose their power.
- Embrace Discipline Over Motivation – Motivation is fleeting. Discipline is built. The best warriors don’t wait to feel inspired—they train because it’s who they are. They lace up their gloves whether they feel like it or not.
- Face the Hard Truths – Self-awareness is brutal but necessary. If you skip a training session, own it. If you make excuses, call yourself out. Growth comes from honesty.
But even the strongest self-discipline has limits. That’s why every warrior needs a coach.
Who Coaches You? The Role of a Mentor in Accountability
Even the best fighters have a coach in their corner. But a coach isn’t just someone who yells at you to train harder, they see what you can’t, push you beyond your limits, and call you out when you’re slacking.
A great coach:
- Challenges you without breaking you.
- Sees your blind spots and forces you to confront them.
- Holds you accountable when your mind starts making excuses.
- Offers wisdom gained through experience.
Your coach might be a martial arts instructor, a business mentor, or even a mindset coach. The key? Find someone who demands your best, not someone who makes you comfortable.
Finding a Coach or an Accountability Partner
Not everyone needs a formal coach. Sometimes, an accountability partner, a training partner, a friend, or a mastermind group—can serve the same purpose.
Here’s how to find the right person:
- Look for someone who has what you want – If they’ve already achieved what you’re chasing, they understand the path.
- Seek brutal honesty – A good accountability partner doesn’t just encourage you; they call you out when you slip.
- Set clear expectations – “Let’s hold each other accountable” is vague. “We check in every Friday and review progress” is specific.
The Warrior’s Code of Accountability
Accountability isn’t about guilt or punishment. It’s about discipline, growth, and commitment to the path. A warrior doesn’t make excuses, they find solutions. A warrior doesn’t hide from failure, they learn from it.
So, ask yourself:
- How well do you self-manage?
- Who holds you accountable?
- What’s your next step in finding a coach or partner?
Because at the end of the day, no one will fight your battles for you. But the right accountability, whether from within or from a coach, will make sure you never step into the ring unprepared.
Now, are you ready to level up?
by Gene Crawford | Mar 31, 2025 | Podcast
Step into the shifting world of modern masculinity as we unravel the image transformations of tech icons—beginning with Mark Zuckerberg. Once the hoodie-clad coder, Zuckerberg’s new fighter-physique and stoic stare tell a different story. But why the change? We peel back the layers of this calculated rebranding and explore how media crafts masculine ideals—from the “tech bro” archetype to martial arts influencers like Joe Rogan.
Through vivid stories, personal reflection, and pop culture references, Shekeese and I examine the spectrum of masculinity: traditional, toxic, and healthy. What messages are we absorbing? What should we pass on?
This episode invites you to question the media mirror, seek authenticity, and redefine strength—not as performance, but as purpose. Tune in for a deeper look.
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