by Gene Crawford | Jun 19, 2023 | Podcast
How much do our cultural roots play a role in shaping our identity and sense of self? We explore this thought-provoking question and share our experiences of connecting to our ancestors and preserving our family’s cultural heritage. As we navigate through our busy lives, it’s essential to prioritize experiences over possessions, and we discuss the impact of this philosophy on our children. Embarking on adventures like a trip to Alaska, we strive to instill a mindset in our kids that “the only way to know life is to live life” – a wise quote from Sherard’s aunt. We also delve into the complexities of detachment, intuition, and the influence of social media algorithms on our mental health.
We examine the responsibilities and potential liabilities of social media platforms in today’s digital world. How can we ensure that platforms protect us from false information, and is it time for more regulation? Join us for this enlightening conversation that will challenge your perspectives and leave you inspired.
(more…)
by Gene Crawford | Jun 11, 2023 | Podcast
Discover the profound impact of social media on mental health and confidence, inspired by none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger and his insightful email newsletter. As we navigate this digital world, find out how scrolling through endless feeds can lead to a crisis of confidence, and how the false bravado we witness online can make us feel like we need to despise ourselves. It’s time to break the cycle, step out of our comfort zones, and face life’s challenges head-on – and this episode is the perfect starting point!
Join us as we delve into the often-neglected topic of mental health, highlighting the reluctance many face in expressing emotions and seeking help. We discuss the role societal pressures, upbringing, and social media have on this hesitancy, and stress the importance of having someone to talk to about our feelings. From discussing seemingly trivial matters to tackling deeply-rooted issues, communication is the ultimate key in maintaining mental health.
Lastly, we examine the essential role of physical activity in managing mental health and building resilience. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of training both the mind and body, and how stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth. So don’t wait any longer – tune into this conversation as we explore the complex world of mental health, social media, and personal growth, all inspired by the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger.
(more…)
by Gene Crawford | Jun 4, 2023 | Podcast
In this thought-provoking episode, we tackle the controversial question posed by YouTuber and self-defense coach, Icy Mike: Listen in as we explore the idea of needing to work through lots of things in martial arts and how the culture of having to pay for levels or black belts can be seen as a form of ‘participation trophies’. We also discuss the concept of ‘Go Hard or Go Home’ and how this can be seen as a way of taking responsibility for students quitting due to unsafe gym environments.
We then venture into the realm of the the Dunning-Kruger effect in martial arts, including the peak of Mount Stupid and the valley of despair. Hear about my personal journey through this effect and its impact on my training. We touch on the importance of not overstepping as a student in martial arts classes, and the idea that pride can be bruised when someone tries to teach instead of learn. Finally, we talk about the importance of basics in martial arts training and explore different approaches to training for real problem-solving. This episode is packed with insights and reflections that will surely resonate with martial arts practitioners and enthusiasts alike.
(more…)
by Gene Crawford | May 23, 2023 | Blog
Mastering Yourself
Continuous Learning and Improvement
The journey of mastering yourself begins with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. It’s about expanding your knowledge, honing your skills, and developing your character. Whether it’s in your professional life, personal interests, or relationships, the pursuit of mastery requires dedication and perseverance.
To excel in your chosen field, embrace opportunities for growth and invest in your education. Stay updated with the latest industry trends, attend workshops and conferences, and seek out mentors who can guide you along the way. By consistently acquiring new knowledge and refining your skills, you become an expert in your domain, enabling you to provide exceptional value to others.
Setting Goals and Taking Action
Mastering yourself also involves setting clear goals and taking deliberate action to achieve them. Define your vision and break it down into actionable steps. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, you create a roadmap for success.
Take consistent action towards your goals, pushing past obstacles and staying focused on your desired outcomes. Embrace discipline, develop effective habits, and maintain a growth mindset. Remember, it’s the small daily actions that accumulate over time and lead to significant personal growth and success.
Embracing Challenges and Learning from Mistakes
True mastery requires embracing challenges and seeing them as opportunities for growth. Challenges stretch your abilities, force you out of your comfort zone, and reveal your true potential. Embrace them with open arms and a resilient mindset.
Mistakes and failures are inevitable on the path to mastery. Instead of viewing them as setbacks, perceive them as valuable learning experiences. Analyze what went wrong, extract the lessons, and make adjustments accordingly. By adopting a growth-oriented perspective, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones towards excellence.
Serving Others
Volunteering and Making a Difference
Serving others is a natural extension of mastering yourself. It involves using your skills, knowledge, and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of others. One powerful way to serve is through volunteering your time and expertise to support causes you care about.
Find organizations or initiatives aligned with your values and contribute your time and energy. Whether it’s helping the less fortunate, supporting environmental conservation, or advocating for social justice, your efforts can create tangible change in the world. By selflessly giving back, you not only uplift others but also experience a sense of fullfilment.
Sharing Knowledge and Helping Others Grow
Another significant way to serve others is by sharing your knowledge and expertise. As you master yourself in a particular field, you accumulate valuable insights and skills that can benefit others. Take the initiative to share what you’ve learned and help others grow.
You can mentor aspiring individuals, offer workshops or webinars, or even create educational content such as blog posts or videos. By empowering others with knowledge and skills, you become a catalyst for their personal and professional development. Remember, true leaders uplift those around them.
Kindness and Support
Serving others doesn’t always require grand gestures or specific expertise. Sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness and support can make a tremendous impact. A compassionate word, a helping hand, or a listening ear can brighten someone’s day and provide them with the strength to overcome their challenges.
Practice empathy and kindness in your everyday interactions. Show genuine interest in others’ well-being, offer support when needed, and celebrate their successes. By creating a supportive environment, you inspire and motivate those around you to become their best selves.
The mantra “Master Yourself; Serve Others” encapsulates the essence of personal growth and making a positive impact in the world. By focusing on mastering ourselves through continuous learning, setting goals, and embracing challenges, we become better equipped to serve others.
Serving others can take various forms, from volunteering for causes we care about to sharing knowledge and providing support. By leveraging our skills, knowledge, and character, we can make a significant difference in the lives of others and contribute to the betterment of society.
Mark Divine
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this powerful mantra that was taught to me years ago by retired Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine:
The phrase “master yourself; serve others” means to first focus on developing your own skills, knowledge, and character, and then use those qualities to help and serve others. The idea is that by mastering yourself, you can become more confident, capable, and effective in serving others, and that serving others is a natural and rewarding extension of mastering yourself.
Mastering yourself involves taking the time and effort to learn and improve in various areas of your life, such as your work, your hobbies, or your relationships. It involves setting goals and working towards them, learning from your mistakes and experiences, and developing the qualities and skills that are necessary for personal growth and success.
Serving others, on the other hand, involves using your skills, knowledge, and character to help and support others. This can include volunteering your time and resources to support a cause that you care about, or using your expertise to help others learn and grow. It can also include simply being kind and supportive to those around you, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
