How To Stay Disciplined When Times Get Tough - Jesse James West (4K)

The Concept of "Stay Relentless" and Its Origins

• The concept of "stay Relentless" originated from the speaker's father, John, who ingrained the idea of being relentless in their head through his actions and behavior (5s).
• The speaker's father, John, is a blue-collar man who worked multiple jobs, never complained, and always got things done without making excuses, which had a significant impact on the speaker's upbringing (1m9s).
• The speaker's father taught them that if they wanted to be great at something, they needed to practice and get better, and that there was no room for excuses (1m37s).
• The speaker's father was a landlord with five rental properties, fixed everything in the house, and rebuilt an entire house on top of his normal 9-to-5 job, which the speaker witnessed firsthand (1m52s).

Early Life and the Influence of Family and Sports

• The speaker grew up playing sports, particularly cricket, but it wasn't until they got into the world of business and university that they realized the importance of hard work and its direct correlation to good performance (2m48s).
• The speaker's relationship with their father and coaches, as well as their experience playing lacrosse, helped shape their philosophy and understanding of the importance of being relentless (3m31s).
• The speaker's family, particularly their mother, pushed them to be their best and work hard, especially when they showed natural talent in a particular area (3m47s).
• A strong work ethic was instilled from a young age, with a father who pushed hard to achieve greatness in sports, similar to the classic "Sports Dad" stereotype, which worked well due to a love for lacrosse (3m49s).
• The drive and passion for the sport, combined with the father's ideation, created a synergy that worked well, but as time went on, other interests were discovered, such as bodybuilding and fitness (4m18s).
• Influenced by fitness personalities like Christian Guzman on YouTube, a desire to play professional lacrosse was still present, but an inner soul wasn't being fulfilled, leading to aspirations outside of lacrosse, including fitness and YouTube (4m33s).
• YouTube videos were created from the age of 12, with a username "Spartan strings," and aspirations outside of lacrosse grew bigger, causing a problem with the father's sole focus on pushing lacrosse to the absolute limits (5m10s).
• The father's push for lacrosse led to a rigorous training regimen, including early morning workouts and Mass Gainer shakes, but the forceful approach almost pushed the love for the sport away (5m29s).
• A relationship struggle developed due to the dying love for the sport and the father's continued push, with coaches also feeling the pull away, creating a difficult situation to grow up with (6m18s).

Balancing Multiple Passions and the Pressure of Lacrosse

• At 15 years old, a commitment was made to Lehi University, a prestigious academic institution, with a 90% scholarship in four years, leading to college visits and pitching oneself to different universities (6m42s).
• At 15 years old, a verbal commitment was made for a $200,000 scholarship to play lacrosse for four years, which was essentially a free education (8m16s).
• This opportunity was a result of negotiating with coaches at a young age, which helped develop comfort in business meetings (8m1s).
• The experience of being scouted at 15 was unusual, but the NCAA later changed the rule to prevent scouting children, now requiring coaches to wait until the student's junior year of high school (7m37s).
• The difference between being 15 and 17 is significant, and this period of life helped with drastic growth and development (7m49s).

Navigating Life's Challenges and the Region Beta Paradox

• Balancing multiple desires, such as a main job or passion and a secret passion, can be challenging, and it's common to feel a sense of shame or commitment to the main thing due to sunk cost fallacy (9m32s).
• The experience of being contracted to a lacrosse team and having to balance practice, classes, and other responsibilities helped develop skills for managing a busy schedule and multiple commitments (10m8s).
• Many people can relate to feeling busy, struggling to succeed, and trying to balance different aspects of their lives (10m23s).
• A person's love for something, such as bodybuilding or content creation, can drive them to make decisions and take action, but ultimately, it is up to the individual to make those decisions and take responsibility for their life (10m29s).
• Being good at listening and following instructions can be beneficial, but it can also hurt one's personal growth and sense of self if they don't have the desire to take action on their own (10m38s).
• The "Region Beta Paradox" refers to a state of being comfortably numb and stuck in a mediocre life, where things are not bad enough to be terrible, but not good enough to be amazing (11m7s).
• The "Reverse Region Beta Paradox" is a concept where someone is in a difficult or uncomfortable situation, but has a high tolerance for discomfort and can endure it for a long time, even if it's not ideal (11m29s).
• Having a high tolerance for discomfort can be both a blessing and a curse, as it can allow someone to endure difficult situations, but also prevent them from making changes or seeking help when needed (11m37s).

Taking Control of One's Life and Making Tough Decisions

• The realization that one is responsible for their own life and decisions can be a powerful and empowering experience, as seen in the example of David Goggins, who is known for his ability to push through difficult situations (11m43s).
• The speaker had a difficult relationship with their father and coaches, who pushed them to be uncomfortable and work hard, but ultimately realized that they had the power to make their own decisions and take control of their life (12m2s).
• The speaker thought they were depressed for years, but eventually realized that they had the power to change their situation and take responsibility for their own happiness (12m19s).
• At the age of 18, the speaker had a realization that they were the only one who could take control of their life and make changes, and this realization was a turning point for them (12m29s).
• The speaker remembers calling their mom and deciding to quit a difficult situation, which was a scary but ultimately empowering experience (12m44s).
• The speaker believes that everyone has the power to take control of their life and make changes, and that it's up to each individual to save themselves and find inner peace (13m38s).
• Ultimately, the only person who can make tough decisions for an individual is themselves, and they have no choice but to make those decisions, no matter how uncomfortable or scary they may be (13m59s).
• Having a strong social circle is beneficial, but there are certain categories of decisions that friends cannot help with, such as leaving a relationship, job, or country (14m31s).
• Friends can provide support after a hard decision has been made, but they cannot make the decision for the individual (14m47s).
• The actual decision-making process, especially for hard left or right turns, is something that the individual must do alone (15m1s).

Embracing Fearlessness and Building Resilience

• It's essential to be fearless, not in the sense of doing reckless things, but in making tough decisions, such as quitting a job to pursue a passion (15m52s).
• Being fearless is about doing what needs to be done, even if it's scary, and not letting fear alter one's decisions or actions (16m3s).
• Fear can lead to mistakes, and it's often better to face the problem head-on rather than trying to avoid it (16m18s).
• The phrase "fear is an inch deep and a mile wide" suggests that fear may seem overwhelming at first, but it's often shallower than it appears, and individuals can survive and overcome it (16m55s).
• Developing daily habits of doing difficult things, such as going to the gym, joining a run club, or taking an ice bath, can help build discipline and prepare for tough situations (17m8s).

Developing Assertiveness and Overcoming Social Anxiety

• Engaging in daily habits that involve overcoming fear can add up and help build a strong foundation for dealing with challenging situations (17m34s).
• Having a basis of discipline and resilience can help prevent fragility and make it easier to cope with difficult situations, such as a failing relationship or job (17m47s).
• While some people may be good at pushing themselves physically or mentally, they may struggle with being assertive in social situations, such as making demands or expressing their feelings (18m22s).
• Practicing assertiveness in social situations, such as arguing for one's own side or expressing feelings, can help build bravery and reduce fear (18m47s).
• Making demands or expressing feelings known can be a difficult but important habit to develop, especially in situations where it's necessary to advocate for oneself (18m54s).
• Having difficult conversations, such as telling someone how their actions affected you, can be challenging but ultimately beneficial for building relationships and personal growth (19m16s).
• Advocating for one's own needs and making them a priority can help build resilience and confidence in social situations (20m2s).
• Applying pressure and asserting oneself in social situations can help prove that one is not fragile and can handle difficult conversations (20m11s).
• The most important lesson learned from boxing is that getting hit or facing challenges does not mean one will break, and this lesson can be applied to other areas of life (20m20s).
• Conor McGregor's ability to withstand a punch from Eddie Alvarez is an example of understanding one's tolerance and resilience, which can be applied to social situations, such as having difficult conversations and advocating for one's own needs (20m35s).

Supplements, Sponsorships, and Dealing with Judgment

• Trust is essential when it comes to supplements, and partnering with a brand that prioritizes rigorous third-party testing is crucial (21m54s).
• Momentus is a brand that offers high-quality supplements, including Omega-3s, tonat allei, and magnesium l38, which support cognitive performance, optimal hormone function, and better sleep (22m1s).
• Momentus provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and ships internationally, and a 20% discount can be obtained by using the code "modern wisdom" at checkout (22m31s).
• Overcoming the judgment of others, especially in high school, can be challenging, but having a clear vision and aspirations can help (23m2s).
• Starting a fitness page and aspiring to be a YouTuber in high school can lead to judgment from peers, but staying focused on one's goals can help overcome this (23m31s).
• Having a strong brand identity, such as Jesse James Fitness, can help establish oneself as a credible and recognizable figure (23m36s).
• A person was in a situation where they were being mocked by their peers, with seniors chanting "Jesse James Fitness" at a school event, making them feel embarrassed and uncomfortable, but they chose to keep their "chin up" and respond confidently (24m41s).
• The person recalls that they had to maintain a "poker face" to hide their true feelings and appear cool in front of their peers, including girls they wanted to date and friends they were trying to make (25m22s).
• Despite trying to appear unaffected, the person admits that they still care about what others think, even now, and that getting hate comments can still affect them (25m39s).
• The person's confidence and nonchalant attitude eventually earned them respect from their peers, who started to see them in a different light (26m2s).
• Another incident that motivated the person was when someone dressed up as them for Halloween, wearing a muscle suit and mocking their fitness persona, which they saw as a "new level" of ridicule (26m35s).
• The person recalls seeing the incident on Instagram and feeling a strong motivation to succeed and prove themselves, which they describe as a "trauma reaction" (27m7s).
• A mindset of determination and resilience can help overcome obstacles, as seen in the phrase "I'm gonna win, you're not gonna control me, I'm going to defeat you and everything in front of me" (27m17s).

Family Support, Self-Belief, and a Turning Point

• Past experiences, even those from childhood, can have a lasting impact and may be remembered years later, as seen in the example of a person who messaged about a Michael Chandler collaboration and had previously been a source of negativity (27m35s).
• The impact of someone's words or actions can be greater than the intention behind them, and it's not uncommon for people to hold grudges even if the other person has moved on (28m10s).
• Having a supportive figure, such as a parent, can help instill confidence and a growth mindset, as seen in the example of the speaker's mom who always believed in them and encouraged them to believe in themselves (28m42s).
• This mindset can help people overcome self-doubt and achieve their goals, with the speaker estimating that genuinely believing in oneself can account for 75% of success (29m51s).
• The speaker's relationship with their dad was close, but also involved a lot of pressure and disappointment, particularly when the speaker's goals were not met, which was a difficult time for the whole family (30m15s).
• A decision was made for Jesse's future, which was thought to be the best for him by someone who cared, providing security and success, but it was also hurtful and toxic in a way (30m46s).
• Jesse went through a process of quitting and ripping away from this decision, calling his sister first for advice, who suggested telling their mom about the situation (31m7s).
• Jesse's mom was told about the situation, and she advised Jesse to call her, saying she would handle the conversation with their dad (31m17s).
• Jesse's mom had a conversation with his dad, telling him that Jesse was leaving, and that he had no say in the matter, with Jesse's mom accepting the decision and ending the conversation (33m0s).
• The conversation broke down a massive barrier in how Jesse's dad thought he should go about life, and also broke down a barrier for Jesse, allowing him to realize that he didn't have to listen to others and could pursue his own desires (33m27s).

Breaking Free and Pursuing Personal Desires

• Jesse had been playing sports every day and weekend for six years, missing out on homecoming, prom, and other events, which made him relentless but also took a toll on his life (33m51s).
• The only things that kept Jesse sane during this time were lifting and music, which combined to create a safe space for him (32m34s).
• Jesse had a breakdown in a Target store, crying and telling his mom that he felt something was wrong, that he had no interest in things he used to enjoy, and that he felt like he couldn't feel anything (31m50s).
• The experience of being pushed to one's limits can have a profound impact on a person's life, leading to a breaking point, as seen in the case of the individual who reached a turning point in college (34m16s).
• The actions of a father can have a significant impact on their child's life, and in this case, the father's actions added up and contributed to the individual's struggles with depression (34m48s).
• The individual's relationship with their father was affected by these experiences, but they were able to rebuild and develop a great relationship over time (34m55s).
• The individual learned the importance of advocating for themselves and doing what they are meant to do, rather than what they are supposed to do (35m17s).
• This realization led to a change in mindset, not just for the individual but also for their father, who had to become a new person and accept things (35m8s).
• The individual's experiences have shaped their mission on social media, which is to show people that they should pursue their passions and live life to the fullest (36m1s).
• The individual believes that many people go through life without doing what they truly want to do, instead following what they are supposed to do, and this can lead to a life of regret (35m32s).
• The individual's goal is to inspire people to take control of their lives and pursue their desires, rather than just going through the motions (36m41s).

Prioritizing One's Needs and Challenging Societal Expectations

• Advocating for oneself and making one's needs known is essential, but it can be challenging due to societal expectations and the assumption that one should prioritize others' needs over their own (37m5s).
• The individual believes that it is noble to prioritize one's own needs and desires, rather than sacrificing one's happiness for the sake of others (37m25s).
• Many people suffer in silence, but there is no award for doing so, and it's essential to make one's needs known to others and prioritize them (37m35s).
• The current advice on the internet often emphasizes staying hard and sucking it up, but this approach can be damaging to those who are already suffering too much and need to learn to advocate for themselves (37m58s).
• Some individuals may need to learn to believe in themselves and prioritize their needs, which can be a challenging process, especially for those who weren't raised with this mindset (38m55s).

Entrepreneurship vs. 9-to-5 and Finding Fulfillment

• There are different paths in life, such as the 9-to-5 and entrepreneurial routes, and it's essential to realize that neither is inherently better or easier than the other (39m27s).
• People often romanticize the idea of being an entrepreneur, but it can be just as challenging as a 9-to-5 job, and it's crucial to consider what kind of struggle one is willing to endure (39m32s).
• It's possible to put the same energy and effort into something one is passionate about, which can lead to a more fulfilling outcome and a sense of purpose (40m11s).

Seeking Support and Alternative Role Models

• For people without a supportive surrounding, it's essential to find alternative role models or support systems, as they may be living in "support deserts" where it's challenging to find like-minded individuals (41m32s).
• The concept of "role model deserts" or "support deserts" refers to places where someone is trying to do something different and may not have a supportive environment, making it difficult to stay motivated (41m46s).
• The importance of self-reflection and questioning one's path in life is highlighted, as the individual shares their personal experience of leaving their normal teenage life to pursue lacrosse and later leaving lacrosse to do something else (42m1s).
• The individual's experience of playing lacrosse at Montclair State University and receiving positive reinforcement, but still feeling uncertain about their path, is shared (42m24s).
• The coach's advice to shift perspective and stop putting pressure on oneself is mentioned, which helped to lighten the situation and reduce internal anxiety (42m56s).

Managing Anxiety and the Use of Antidepressants

• The concept of internal anxiety and the importance of accepting and allowing oneself to feel anxiety, rather than fighting it, is discussed (43m16s).
• A technique for managing anxiety by taking a step back, acknowledging the anxiety, and allowing oneself to feel it, which can help release tension and relax, is shared (43m42s).
• A quote from Mark Twain, "worrying is like paying a debt that you don't owe," is mentioned, highlighting the idea that worrying about something can be more painful than the actual experience (44m12s).
• The individual has been taking an anti-depressant since the age of 15 due to experiencing anxiety, which was partly caused by the pressure of sports, and they were initially prescribed 50 milligrams of Zoloft for nine years (44m37s).
• The only time they came off the medication was between the ages of 18 and 19, but they went back on it after feeling unregulated, and they are unsure if the medication works for them (45m22s).
• They are afraid of altering their mind from its current state and fear that coming off the medication might lead to a relapse of depression, which they experienced in 2018 (46m0s).
• They believe that internal work and daily practices, such as breath work, sauna, and ice baths, are necessary to shift off the medication (46m6s).
• The individual does not experience common side effects of SSRIs, such as decreased libido or desire to drive and train, and they have a lot of energy (46m47s).
• Billionaire Andrew Wilkinson, who owns tiny.com, also praises SSRIs and notes that while there may be overprescription, some people are hyperresponders to certain drugs and experience positive effects with minimal side effects (47m10s).
• There are different perspectives on SSRIs, ranging from the idea that they are overprescribed and ineffective to the understanding that they can be beneficial for certain individuals who are hyperresponders to the medication (47m30s).
• Wilkinson tried various methods such as keto, carnivore, and breathwork before finding success with SSRIs, highlighting the importance of finding what works for each individual (47m50s).

The Stigma of Medication and the Importance of Individual Needs

• Some people may view taking SSRIs or other performance-enhancing substances as "cheating," but this mindset can be limiting and prevent individuals from seeking help when needed (48m8s).
• The concept of "midwit thinking" refers to the idea that suffering and being miserable is somehow more noble than seeking help or taking medication to improve one's mental health (48m5s).
• The comparison is made to a diabetic who needs to take insulin to survive, and how taking medication can be a necessary and acceptable solution for some people (48m36s).
• The effectiveness of SSRIs can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience few to no negative side effects (48m57s).

Personal Experience with SSRIs and Mold Detox

• The speaker's brain chemistry is described as naturally producing a high level of drive and passion, similar to the effects of performance-enhancing drugs, which may contribute to their ability to work extensively (49m5s).
• The speaker has been taking SSRIs and has not experienced any negative effects, which may be why they are able to work so much (49m30s).
• Coming off SSRIs can require a period of adjustment and establishing routines to maintain good mental health (49m40s).
• The speaker has been detoxing from mold exposure in their previous living situation, which has had a significant impact on their mental health and mood (49m51s).
• The speaker describes their experience with mold detox as feeling like their mood has a "heavier gravity," making it difficult to maintain a good mood or mental state (50m5s).
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of making a conscious effort to maintain a good mood and mental state, rather than simply stumbling upon it (50m26s).
• New formulations of SSRIs are being developed that work on different pathways and have fewer side effects, potentially offering a more effective solution for mental health treatment (50m48s).
• The concept of "free happiness" is discussed in the context of these new SSRIs, but it is also acknowledged that most pharmacological solutions come with some unseen risks or side effects (50m55s).

Maintaining a Good Mood and Exploring New Treatments

• The idea of having to work for a good mood is something that has been experienced intimately, and it's a concept that is familiar with the struggle of maintaining a positive mood through effort and discipline (51m57s).
• Forgetting to take medication, specifically an SSRI, can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be felt as early as 36 hours after missing a dose, and can cause dizziness and other unpleasant effects (52m5s).

The Challenge and Rewards of Running and Hybrid Training

• Engaging in hybrid training, such as running every day for a month, can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and can help build respect for runners and the sport of running (52m50s).
• Running can provide a sense of quick results and rewards, as progress can be seen in a short amount of time, and it can be a fun and new experience, especially when starting out (53m13s).
• Completing a full marathon in 30 days, with a rapid prep and no prior experience, can be an excruciating but ultimately rewarding experience, and can help build confidence and discipline (53m48s).
• The concept of "the wall" in running refers to a period of time where the body hits a block and it becomes difficult to continue running, but it's a hurdle that can be overcome with persistence and determination (54m21s).
• The experience of running a marathon can be divided into different stages, with the first 13 miles being relatively chill, and the last miles being more challenging, but the sense of accomplishment at the end is worth the struggle (54m3s).

Overcoming "The Wall" and Finishing a Marathon

• Hitting a wall during a marathon is a common experience, but the timing can vary from person to person, with some hitting it at mile 20 and others, like the narrator, hitting it at mile 16 (54m41s).
• The wall is a mental and physical barrier that must be overcome, and the narrator's experience was exacerbated by a rapid training period of only 30 days, which is insufficient for a marathon (55m15s).
• At mile 24, the narrator met a man named Matt, who helped him get through the difficult part of the marathon by running together and maintaining a pace (55m26s).
• The narrator was struggling with severe hip flexor pain and felt underprepared, but running with Matt and later a third person helped him push through the pain and finish the marathon (55m20s).
• If the narrator hadn't met Matt at mile 24, he believes he would have failed miserably and been unable to finish the marathon, as he was struggling to run and was alternating between walking and running (56m20s).
• After finishing the marathon, the narrator experienced severe pain and was unable to train his hamstrings for six weeks, and he was limping for multiple days due to the intense pain (56m50s).
• The narrator's video about his marathon experience gained 3.3 million views and received a positive response from viewers, with many commenting on the storytelling and emotional ending (57m26s).
• The narrator compares his experience to Casey Neistat's video about running a sub-three-hour marathon, which took him years to achieve, whereas the narrator completed his marathon in a much shorter timeframe (57m43s).
• The individual completed a marathon and was happy with their performance, realizing that running a marathon is more about willpower and conditioning than athleticism (57m54s).
• The individual endorses Gymshark products, specifically their Studio shorts, Heritage 5-in shorts, Crest hoodie, and Geo seamless t-shirt, citing their comfort, quality, and value (58m16s).
• The individual mentions that Gymshark offers international shipping, 30-day free returns, and a 10% discount with the code "mw10" at checkout (58m55s).

Extreme Physical Challenges and the Liver King Barbarian Crucible

• The individual recalls participating in the "Barbarian" challenge, created by Brian Johnson, also known as Liver King, which involves wearing 15-pound ankle weights, a 70-pound backpack, and holding 70-pound kettle bells while pulling a 140-pound sled in 112-degree heat (59m19s).
• The challenge is a mile long and takes place in the sand, which provides additional resistance, making it a torturous experience (59m51s).
• The individual completed the challenge in an hour and 20 minutes on their first attempt, beating Liver King by an hour, but struggled with the second challenge, the "Barbarian Crucible," which had a more difficult course (1h0m3s).
• The individual experienced heat stroke during the second challenge but persevered due to their strong belief in themselves and determination not to fail (1h1m2s).
• A physically demanding challenge was undertaken, involving running in extreme heat, with the last 0.4 miles being the most difficult due to the sand and heat, leading to a severe case of heat stroke (1h1m22s).
• Despite the severe physical discomfort and being allowed to stop, the decision was made to continue, with the support of the producers, and eventually completing the challenge (1h1m55s).
• The experience was extremely painful, taking 4 hours to complete just 1 mile, and it took a significant amount of time to recover (1h3m0s).
• The experience of completing a marathon was also mentioned, where the physical discomfort was different, but the mental resilience was still required to push through (1h3m8s).
• The challenges, including the Liver King challenge, have taught the importance of resilience to physical discomfort, and that the body can be pushed much farther than initially thought (1h3m32s).

Lessons in Resilience from a Navy SEAL Course

• A Navy SEAL course was also mentioned, which taught the value of perseverance and pushing through physical and mental exhaustion (1h3m40s).
• The Navy SEAL course involved staying up for 50 hours and performing physically demanding tasks, such as perfect jumping jacks, sit-ups, and push-ups, with the entire group being penalized if one person messed up (1h3m51s).
• The experience of the Navy SEAL course was a valuable lesson in resilience and perseverance, and it had a positive impact despite the initial reluctance (1h4m0s).
• A challenging experience involved doing intense physical activities for 4 hours straight, followed by only 1 hour of sleep, and then participating in a pool exercise at 3:00 a.m. (1h4m28s)
• Participants were required to wear oversized sweatpants and crew neck sweatshirts, and then jump into the pool, where they performed push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises while soaking wet. (1h4m35s)
• Everyone was held accountable for their actions and the actions of others, with participants calling out those who were not doing the exercises correctly. (1h4m57s)
• The experience was traumatic for some people, with participants having to tread water while wearing weighted clothes and trying to switch sweatshirts with someone else. (1h5m20s)
• The exercise was a simulation of a deep-end experience, where participants had to tread water, take off their sweatshirt, switch with someone, and put it back on, all while trying to stay afloat. (1h5m20s)
• The experience was physically demanding, with participants treading water for at least 40 minutes and having to complete multiple rounds of the exercise. (1h6m53s)
• The team captain was pushed to complete the exercise faster each time, with the goal of beating the previous time. (1h6m34s)
• The experience taught the importance of perseverance and that people are capable of more than they think, with the Navy SEALs emphasizing that when you think you're done, you still have 40% left in you. (1h7m10s)
• A person's ability to push themselves beyond their perceived limits can be developed through formative experiences, such as being a college athlete or participating in challenging programs like Alpha boot camp (1h7m23s).
• These experiences can teach individuals to go beyond their normal limits, often referred to as the "40% line," and can be beneficial for personal growth and development (1h7m27s).

Pushing Limits and the Importance of Formative Experiences

• Many people may not have had such experiences, which is why some may seek them out later in life, even if it seems unusual or "cringe" to others (1h8m41s).
• Normal people rarely push themselves beyond their perceived limits, even when training for challenging events like marathons or Iron Man competitions (1h8m59s).
• Engaging in activities that push one's limits can lead to valuable lessons and personal growth, even if it feels like torture at the time (1h9m31s).
• Having a supportive and demanding mentor or parent can also help individuals develop their ability to push themselves beyond their limits (1h9m41s).
• The importance of these experiences and the lessons they teach can become clear later in life, and individuals may come to appreciate the challenges they faced (1h10m3s).
• The way parents or mentors push their children to be their best selves can have a lasting impact and be a key factor in their success (1h10m20s).
• It may take time for individuals to appreciate the value of these experiences, but they can ultimately lead to personal growth and a greater ability to handle challenges (1h10m31s).

Embracing Hard Things and Seeking Personal Growth

• It's essential to do hard things, even if it's challenging, as it's necessary for growth and development, and it's never too late to start, regardless of age, as seen in the example of Warren Buffett becoming a billionaire later in life (1h10m48s).
• Not everyone has the same opportunities in life, and some people may have to learn lessons in adulthood that they should have learned in childhood, but it's essential to be resilient and take things seriously, even if others may mock or pity them for it (1h11m36s).

Function Health and the Importance of Tracking Biomarkers

• Function Health is a service that provides over 100 lab tests to track what's happening inside the body, covering heart, hormones, nutrients, thyroid, and even detecting 50 types of cancer at stage one, and it's available for $500, which is significantly cheaper than usual (1h11m58s).
• The service is evidence-based, run by expert physicians, and provides real data to optimize lifestyle, with Dr. Andrew Huberman as the scientific adviser and Dr. Mark Hyman as the chief medical officer (1h12m27s).
• Function Health has a waitlist of over 300,000 people, but they open a few spots for Modern Wisdom listeners every Monday, allowing them to bypass the waitlist (1h12m41s).

The Mental and Emotional Challenges of Bodybuilding Prep

• The process of competing and getting lean is challenging and may feel terrible, but it's essential to push through and take things seriously, even if it's not easy (1h13m11s).
• The process of getting lean is not just about physical transformation but also about mental toughness and discipline, and it's essential to be realistic about the time and effort required to achieve goals (1h13m35s).
• Losing a significant amount of fat in a short period of time, such as during a bodybuilding prep, can be a challenging and emotionally draining experience, with the last three weeks being particularly tough (1h14m18s).
• The process can lead to feelings of emotional numbness, lethargy, and a lack of energy, making it difficult to experience emotions like happiness or sadness (1h14m26s).
• Creating content around the experience can help keep the mind off negative thoughts and dysmorphic thinking, providing a sense of purpose and focus (1h15m15s).
• The experience can take a toll on relationships due to the emotional numbness and lack of energy (1h15m27s).
• Hunger is not typically a major issue, but low energy and feelings of hypoglycemia can be a significant challenge (1h15m41s).
• The experience of being on stage and competing can be rewarding and fun, but getting to that point requires a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication (1h15m56s).
• Achieving a high level of body conditioning requires a different type of hard work and discipline, and experiencing it once can be beneficial for understanding what it takes to reach the next level (1h16m10s).
• As a natural competitor, hormone levels can be significantly impacted, with testosterone levels dropping to as low as 200 nanograms, leading to feelings of discomfort and a lack of desire to compete again (1h16m37s).
• The hardest part of the experience is often the anxiety and discomfort that comes with it, and learning to accept and sympathize with these feelings rather than fighting them is crucial (1h17m5s).
• The ability to turn internal battles into motivation is a key trait of successful individuals, such as elite bodybuilders, who have learned to overcome their internal struggles and push themselves to achieve their goals (1h17m27s).

The Concept of the "Elite Normal" and Building Discipline

• The concept of being an "elite normal" refers to someone who is exceptional in their field, but not necessarily a genetic freak or someone with a perfect background, and can serve as a more relatable and inspiring example for others (1h17m47s).
• The idea of doing something challenging, like waking up at 5:00 a.m. for 30 days, can be a powerful way to build discipline and develop a sense of normalcy around elite behaviors (1h18m33s).
• Having a family, such as a kid or a puppy, can also be a challenging experience that requires discipline and responsibility (1h18m37s).

The Transformative Power of the Wim Hof Method

• The Wim Hof method, which involves breathing exercises and cold water immersion, can be a transformative experience that helps build discipline and increases feelings of safety and well-being (1h18m49s).
• Practicing the Wim Hof method with the creator himself can be a unique and powerful experience that allows individuals to tap into their full potential and push past their limits (1h19m1s).
• The breathing exercises involved in the Wim Hof method can be particularly challenging, but also lead to a sense of spiritual awakening and increased feelings of calm and focus (1h19m57s).
• The experience of holding one's breath for extended periods of time, such as two and a half minutes, can be a powerful way to build discipline and increase feelings of confidence and self-control (1h20m10s).
• A three-minute breathing exercise, where one holds their breath, can lead to an intense euphoric feeling, as if being reborn into the exact moment, with a sense of purity, love, and gratitude, and nothing else matters (1h20m47s).
• This experience can be life-changing and clear one's mind in a profound way, as seen with Wim Hof breathing or forced breath work (1h21m43s).
• Some people may pass out during intense breath work, but with proper facilitation, they can be brought back around, and it's unclear what exactly happens in the brain during this process, possibly involving DMT release (1h21m54s).
• A person may see visions or images during intense breath work, such as a recurring cat face, which could be related to DMT release in the brain (1h22m16s).

Spiritual Awakening and the Hesitation Towards Psychedelics

• The idea of using psychedelics is not being considered due to a personal feeling of already having an enlightened mindset, which was awakened after a spiritual experience in 2018 (1h23m1s).
• This spiritual awakening allowed for a deeper sense of connection with others, sensing their energy in a pure way, and feeling a sense of peace and gratitude (1h23m18s).
• The person believes that their mind is capable of naturally experiencing profound phenomena and has an undoubtedly strong belief in themselves, which may be similar to what others experience with psychedelics (1h23m41s).
• They are hesitant to use psychedelics or SSRIs, as they are happy with their life, have a supportive family and fans, and do not want to disrupt their current state of mind (1h23m57s).
• The individual has never done anything stronger than smoking pot as a teenager and has never done any brain-altering substances, preferring to keep their mind and its development natural (1h24m17s).
• The person is protective of their mind and its trajectory, not feeling the need for external substances to alter their state or provide a kick (1h24m45s).

YouTube's Decision to Limit Health and Fitness Content for Teenagers

• A news article reported that YouTube will limit recommendations of certain health and fitness videos to teenagers, including those that idealize certain body types, to prevent young people from developing negative beliefs about themselves (1h25m11s).
• The platform will still allow 13- to 17-year-old users to search for and view fitness-related content, but will not encourage repeated viewing of similar videos (1h25m21s).
• The measures were taken after YouTube's Youth and Families Advisory Committee found that teens are more likely to form negative beliefs about themselves when seeing repeated messages about ideal standards in content they consume online (1h25m57s).
• The individual thinks YouTube's decision is stupid, as fitness content might influence teenagers, but so can other types of content, such as music videos that idolize guns or other negative behaviors (1h26m10s).
• The person believes that YouTube's decision might not be effective, as teenagers can still be influenced by other types of content, and that the platform might be shooting itself in the foot by limiting fitness content, which is a lucrative advertising space (1h26m51s).
• The individual also thinks that teenagers might simply lie about their age or create new accounts to access the content they want, rendering YouTube's decision ineffective (1h27m21s).
• The person notes that advertising on fitness videos is lucrative, and that limiting these videos might lead to creators losing money and seeking alternative platforms, such as Patreon (1h27m27s).

Potential Censorship and the Future of Fitness Advice Online

• There's a concern about a potential shift in the fitness industry where negative body images and fitness advice may be censored or limited, which seems contradictory to the recent body positivity movement that promoted acceptance of all body types (1h27m41s).
• This shift could lead to a divide in the fitness industry, with some people not being aware of or able to adapt to the changes, potentially harming themselves (1h29m4s).
• Many young people, aged 13-17, watch fitness videos and may be affected by these changes, which raises concerns about their access to reliable fitness advice (1h29m20s).
• Some fitness influencers may not be able to pivot or adapt to these changes, while others are confident in their ability to find ways around any potential restrictions (1h29m42s).
• The potential censorship of fitness advice could lead to a lack of trust in online fitness information, with some people feeling disempowered by the lack of reliable sources (1h30m2s).
• Fitness influencers like Jeff Nippard may need to find ways to verify the evidence-based information they provide in their videos to comply with potential regulations (1h30m13s).
• There may be ways to work around any restrictions or regulations, and some influencers are confident in their ability to find these workarounds (1h30m25s).

Ronnie Coleman's Health and the Risks of Bodybuilding

• Ronnie Coleman, a well-known bodybuilder, has been featured in many videos, but his current health condition is a sad reminder of the potential risks associated with the sport (1h30m30s).
• Working with Ronnie Coleman has been an eye-opening experience, and it's been challenging to see him struggle with his health (1h30m43s).
• Ronnie Coleman is an authentic person who is enjoyable to be around, and despite being a legend, he is not treated differently by others, with the exception of some situations where his physical limitations become apparent (1h31m5s).
• Ronnie's physical limitations were particularly noticeable at his gym in Texas, Metroflex, where the equipment is congested, and he had difficulty maneuvering from one area to another, but he is used to it since it's his home gym (1h31m25s).
• When interacting with Ronnie, it's essential to treat him like anyone else, without being patronizing or idolizing, as this can make him feel uncomfortable (1h32m0s).
• Ronnie's physical condition has deteriorated over time, and he experiences a lot of pain, which he rates at 8 out of 10, and he takes the maximum dose of painkillers to manage it (1h33m21s).
• Despite his physical limitations, Ronnie is still content and chill, as seen when he was on his yacht in Dubai, and he doesn't have any regrets about his past actions or decisions (1h32m31s).
• Ronnie's only regret is not going for seven or eight reps on his 800 lb Squat, and he believes that stem cell treatments have helped him feel better over time (1h33m5s).
• The contrast between Ronnie's physical condition and that of other bodybuilders, such as Jay Cutler and Phil Heath, who are perfectly functional and healthy, highlights the importance of taking care of one's body and being mindful of the risks associated with certain exercises (1h33m41s).
• Having a slip disc in the back, like the author, can be a reminder of the importance of being careful when performing exercises like squatting and deadlifting to avoid injuries (1h33m55s).
• Back and knee injuries are particularly sensitive and require extra care, as they can be debilitating and affect daily life (1h34m14s).
• The end of a hardcore fitness career can be marked by injuries such as bulging discs, which can take years to realize and address (1h34m29s).

Stem Cell Therapy and Managing Back Pain

• Stu Mills is a leading expert on lower back pain and has conducted significant research in the field, making him a valuable resource for those seeking advice (1h34m53s).
• Stem cell therapy can be a viable option for addressing injuries and pain, but it can also be a physically rough experience, especially when injections are administered without anesthetic (1h35m23s).
• The experience of undergoing stem cell therapy can be psychologically neutral and even enjoyable, despite the physical discomfort, due to the knowledge that it is a step towards healing and improvement (1h35m34s).
• Injections can be administered to various areas of the body, including the shoulder, knee, and back, and can be quite painful, with some areas being more sensitive than others (1h35m43s).
• The pain experienced during stem cell therapy is unique in that it is known to be temporary and in service of making the individual better, which can make it more bearable (1h37m24s).
• Having faith in the doctors and the treatment process can help individuals cope with the pain and discomfort associated with stem cell therapy (1h37m41s).
• The story one tells themselves largely determines their experience of a situation, and having a positive mindset can help navigate difficult times (1h37m48s).
• A routine from Stu McGill, known as the "big three," has been helpful in managing back pain, and involves exercises that can be done anywhere (1h38m11s).
• Stu McGill's book, "The Back Mechanic," advises on maintaining a neutral spine, or "spinal hygiene," to alleviate back pain, and offers tips on how to perform daily tasks without straining the back (1h38m34s).
• The book suggests avoiding bending at the waist, and instead using the hips to support the body, and offers advice on how to get up and down from the ground without putting strain on the spine (1h38m43s).
• Following Stu McGill's protocol, which can be slow and frustrating, has helped to eliminate back pain and allowed for a range of exercises, including step-ups, lunges, and leg press (1h39m29s).

Finding Strength in Unexpected Places

• Construction workers are often surprisingly strong, and can be found by hiring a good producer or searching on Instagram (1h40m21s).
• Ex-convicts are also known to be physically strong, particularly those who have worked out regularly while incarcerated (1h40m40s).
• Arm wrestlers have exceptional strength, particularly in their arms and hands, which is developed through intense training and competition (1h40m52s).
• Arm wrestlers' tendons are often calcified and scarred from repeated strain, and they are able to perform at a high level for hours at a time (1h41m10s).

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Jesse James West expresses appreciation to his audience and invites them to check out his YouTube channel, Jesse James West, and stay Relentless (1h41m27s).
• He thanks the host for having him and acknowledges the audience for tuning in (1h41m39s).
• For those who enjoyed the episode, a full-length conversation with Dr. Mike Isrel is recommended (1h41m47s).