Is hard work overrated? I share my thoughts on this in today’s episode, which I was inspired to record after watching a TikTok video a friend sent me about the importance of working hard, never missing a day, and why cranking out 100 shots a day is the “simple formula” to help you get a full scholarship.

As you will hear, I strongly disagree with the premise, which has been firmly disproven with emerging science. If you are someone who struggles with balance or taking a day off, this is a great episode to listen to: you will learn how never taking a day off affects your physical and mental health, the science behind the importance of taking breaks and giving your brain the time it needs to rest, and the truth behind the effectiveness of the 10,000 theory Malcolm Gladwell adopted and described in his book Outliers.

I also talk about why rest is such a necessity for young athletes and reveal that even people like Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods have been guilty of embellishing facts and going to extremes for the sake of “hard work.”



TIMESTAMPS:

After playing an excerpt from a LaCrosse player about the importance of working hard on your chosen sport, Brad discusses the ramifications of overdoing it. [00:38]

Yes, practicing hard at your sport should get you away from having your face and body stuck in inactivity and video games. [02:24]

The notion of never taking a day off can easily harbor an unhealthy, obsessive mindset, physical exhaustion and overuse injuries, which are so predominant in competitive youth sports today. [04:27]

MRI studies show different areas of the brain light up depending on the activity like practice versus a tense competitive situation. [07:29]

Balance, rest and a strategic approach are going to be the main variables that will allow the young athlete to thrive and develop during their four years of high school career. {09:28]

What is your child’s natural destiny? The best will rise to the top, not necessarily because they shot 500 shots each day. [12:10]

Brad talks about two high jump competitors whose total experiences in the sport are so different. There’s talent and genetics that come into play. [22:15]



LINKS:
Brad Kearns.com
Brad’s Shopping page
B.rad Whey Protein Isolate Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet! Available in Two Delicious Flavors: Vanilla Bean and Cocoa Bean
NEW: B.rad Superfruits - Organic Freeze-Dried Exotic Fruit Powder! Natural Electrolyte Hydration & Energy Powder
The Sports Gene
The Talent Code
Own Your Past
Building a Non-Anxious Life
The Big Miss
Top Dog



Join Brad for more fun on: 

Instagram: @bradkearns1

Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh

Twitter: @bradleykearns

YouTube: @brad.kearns

TikTok: @bradkearns



We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!

Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:
Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!
Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!
GAINSWave: Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD
Schwank Grills: Portable gas infrared grills for the juiciest steak you’ve ever had! Cooks in minutes at 1500 degree heat. Save $150 with code BRAD150. 
Wild Health: Comprehensive online health consultation with blood and DNA testing, personal coaching and precision medicine. Get things dialed in! Use discount code BRAD20 for 20% off!
Plunge: Sensational custom-designed home cold plunge with filtered, circulating water, custom temperature setting, and sleek design. Save $150 with code BRAD. Also enroll in my Cold Plunge online course!
B.rad Whey + Creatine Superfuel: Premium quality, all-natural supplement for peak performance, recovery, and longevity. New Cocoa Bean flavor!
Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience
Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!
Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement

Brad's Favorites on Amazon

I have a newly organized shopping experience at BradKearns.com/Shop. Visit here and you can navigate to my B.rad Nutrition products (for direct order or Amazon order), my library of online multimedia educational courses, great discounts from my affiliate favorites, and my recommended health&fitness products on Amazon.

Is hard work overrated? I share my thoughts on this in today’s episode, which I was inspired to record after watching a TikTok video a friend sent me about the importance of working hard, never missing a day, and why cranking out 100 shots a day is the “simple formula” to help you get a full scholarship.
As you will hear, I strongly disagree with the premise, which has been firmly disproven with emerging science. If you are someone who struggles with balance or taking a day off, this is a great episode to listen to: you will learn how never taking a day off affects your physical and mental health, the science behind the importance of taking breaks and giving your brain the time it needs to rest, and the truth behind the effectiveness of the 10,000 theory Malcolm Gladwell adopted and described in his book Outliers.
I also talk about why rest is such a necessity for young athletes and reveal that even people like Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods have been guilty of embellishing facts and going to extremes for the sake of “hard work.”
 
TIMESTAMPS:
After playing an excerpt from a LaCrosse player about the importance of working hard on your chosen sport, Brad discusses the ramifications of overdoing it. [00:38]
Yes, practicing hard at your sport should get you away from having your face and body stuck in inactivity and video games. [02:24]
The notion of never taking a day off can easily harbor an unhealthy, obsessive mindset, physical exhaustion and overuse injuries, which are so predominant in competitive youth sports today. [04:27]
MRI studies show different areas of the brain light up depending on the activity like practice versus a tense competitive situation. [07:29]
Balance, rest and a strategic approach are going to be the main variables that will allow the young athlete to thrive and develop during their four years of high school career. {09:28]
What is your child’s natural destiny? The best will rise to the top, not necessarily because they shot 500 shots each day. [12:10]
Brad talks about two high jump competitors whose total experiences in the sport are so different. There’s talent and genetics that come into play. [22:15]
 
LINKS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/">Brad Kearns.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bradkearns.com/shop/">Brad’s Shopping page</a></li>
<li><a href="https://a.co/d/731gssV">B.rad Whey Protein Isolate Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet! Available in Two Delicious Flavors: Vanilla Bean and Cocoa Bean</a></li>
<li><a href="https://a.co/d/epLtwgg">NEW: B.rad Superfruits - Organic Freeze-Dried Exotic Fruit Powder! Natural Electrolyte Hydration &amp; Energy Powder</a><a href="https://www.marsvenus.com/"></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Sports-Gene-David-Epstein-audiobook/dp/B00E9D6K08/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LEZXKOILSZ7S&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UA2baWIFLrmI5VJWwxLpVMhJf4O8qjuqIFtJrBKQLI1zQVl10v5-GebwTaKbnVFGAhgbSIEkYB88n-kCCS0pVgxppTFvDvuAbZWAh79ZSLRlvCvPjIHHpTsPINeey-t4r7cM53ys7Wk08Dbkm9XJvFjAbqzNPZSlYzWlX3NoXP-MFHp-ph6gJRZ3SzO01_6lwqUT6NGXtmI8HgRzBrIpUGkhDQD4voz5QimLykS6CVk.L3D8d2vs5btZ7c5sk7B-JboMWaPm1tNaE90S9pu9rLM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+sports+gene&amp;qid=1715021048&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=The+Sports+Gene%2Cstripbooks%2C165&amp;sr=1-1">The Sports Gene</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Talent-Code-Daniel-Coyle-audiobook/dp/B07VH2KNT2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3Q1GTKZWXSCWZ&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tAY6ZXOqTZlvVO09DYdarfeS-gATzDWHdAnO5ka54sJiOsPhKgJLuSe3lL2iB_9dtW4E-cBFj9hSh9OksRHipIwvCAxYlXwJph2JB2FIMyD26m4UseUEcDoBZUq--hOpar4_-Ust_nA2tv_RG0NVeK_Wu_an1NNW0nholfn4dNb3d-7UolR-gAiXIshU7mxo0_ZZ7AYCpZSm_yi_cviyW9dzb-TJzvzJTucNUOIo7Jg.-nRZyZrJaWRO9-ZbF_cWApcFMDvHC3svikw5f_vjTeQ&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=the+talent+code+by+daniel+coyle&amp;qid=1715021135&amp;sprefix=The+Talent+Code%2Caps%2C146&amp;sr=8-1">The Talent Code</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Your-Past-Change-Future-Not-So-Complicated/dp/B09X7GJZZP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3C9M1H1N8DBPO&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iGkUxj1W0XwzS5NPx4-pM-LIRakcQ20Z7YbED2JE1AUuvUDN378cJxLo1LUe4BxbyavPngdEvBTcPSipKrJCaNbT4PK-2aMlVcPUg_uu0De1uRKegLfVC7qS_A8oA_zdUDQ0nsTk28xIsXZMv-xEUjKMtIo9XKpHIpSJZjuNLhMEh4k_7RoioRLe-J8gRoT9uIIiGATn_nYQ6Y2-0JdUzKx2lyrTATLzZEBGmOTn2uU.gHSYkpyVLfAkzTj-TLLgtX3BTqeoQdzFohDOwdpky6k&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=own+your+past&amp;qid=1715022012&amp;s=audible&amp;sprefix=own+your+past%2Caudible%2C204&amp;sr=1-1">Own Your Past</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Building-a-Non-Anxious-Life/dp/B0CJVMXDQG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FBNX3LJ8YG1Y&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0Zqj3sveN-wvZP8GbtV13CV_wIHl4hhG9P0fYdCZ8EXLID_x5XIpL5SYCDGlbl_4qwosZKiMzdFAQy84TYS9HdqKXjK80iyL44i7fvbPPEfuEuAS0pqGAoDsljIw5t4FxEM5ZiFeAFQo70cQt7-jgvXShrXS9wUsqcdB5vEUF4A.DlfGv3SB0u_m65ks4wk7TAuwwAB2GXt9Yo5RDJGmMtg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=Building+a+non-anxious+life&amp;qid=1715022101&amp;s=audible&amp;sprefix=building+a+non-anxious+lif%2Caudible%2C156&amp;sr=1-1">Building a Non-Anxious Life</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Big-Miss-Hank-Haney-audiobook/dp/B007P1BI7G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BJJ94U5NK83&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Cnmln_rjRDSni2Y55-mV-0lNnABWZ3qMrQgkRAHmRB4IoZglqy_UCPNcfkBmUd_wRq-iXRXT6RUuqZzwqI54JQVMNd2KOsV5voW7LhasryyTLLEywIx_Qf5EoCRHQmD1r0bkPlXScK3K4tiraimsE4mf3xTwkTmW9D_vYDopvZwj72jtSAsULCiiGdQ_YPSfGtTROfCXQkvZ6K_gtP7rtprNOndUZxAo9JDdH5UQ0Xg.r89DHXdyn6JWnh5MFwWrmQJ6CjFJSejYydOS6g5AjWs&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=The+Big+Miss&amp;qid=1715023067&amp;s=audible&amp;sprefix=the+big+miss%2Caudible%2C179&amp;sr=1-1">The Big Miss</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Top-Dog-audiobook/dp/B00B77J4Q6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30AWKPDGL3VA5&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QeavtX17Sor3vK2FmdiQgpZ51S2nzNBbytmamqB8iy4Q78hCiHg9lCXtyVjpARyFVEirlJ-KrwnAzGQuN9sjF3I1S1EdXkxJmLowRB7aIcjTrF94tbWIuR-7RlqplhqVJxBV6FKNCuSLZfU_j6DpulCt31h_hXdEGIL_WbtnI8i8X8yeu4qeAl27_UP4Vv52MFapWjXpa-8SxpYEj4HDyJEfsqh33Jf3aCAh_DCa2FY.kVycxgLTI1kHAYR5aBsu62m53ODLJ1a3H7H2sybVDIM&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=top+dog&amp;qid=1715023647&amp;s=audible&amp;sprefix=top+dog%2Caudible%2C201&amp;sr=1-1">Top Dog</a></li>
</ul>
 
Join Brad for more fun on: 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bradkearns1/">@bradkearns1</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bradkearnsjumphigh">@bradkearnsjumphigh</a>
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/bradleykearns">@bradleykearns</a>
YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4XXEoULD0AiiuPHdRw-Efg">@brad.kearns</a>
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bradkearns">@bradkearns</a>
 
We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&amp;A shows, emailed to <a href="mailto:getoveryourselfpodcast@gmail.com">podcast@bradventures.com</a>. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!
Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://peluva.com/?sscid=91k7_1q58j" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://peluva.com/?sscid%3D91k7_1q58j&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AUDXoSdWPX_Ciu3aYkZgb">Peluva</a>: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!</li>
<li><a href="https://www.mitoredlight.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.mitoredlight.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3yB4vB7v9Poi3yXqxwGAz3">Mito Red Light: </a>Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!</li>
<li><a href="https://gainswave.com/brad/">GAINSWave:</a> Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD</li>
<li><a href="https://glnk.io/p9j9m/bradkearns1" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://glnk.io/p9j9m/bradkearns1&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1709310037941000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1irCWUtNX-H4D0LG9rzlgc">Schwank Grills:</a> Portable gas infrared grills for the juiciest steak you’ve ever had! Cooks in minutes at 1500 degree heat. Save $150 with code BRAD150. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.wildhealth.com/brad" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wildhealth.com/brad&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1708294722427000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0neG9pETMXwq8aIYaHiSSw">Wild Health</a>: Comprehensive online health consultation with blood and DNA testing, personal coaching and precision medicine. Get things dialed in! Use discount code BRAD20 for 20% off!</li>
<li><a href="https://thecoldplunge.com/?irclickid=QJ0Vy7V-3xyIRUjQQMwkGTlIUkAyzjzlQ1DeTY0&amp;irgwc=1&amp;utm_source=impact&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=bb_affiliate&amp;utm_content=Online%20Tracking%20Link&amp;utm_term=3616965_Bradventures" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thecoldplunge.com/?irclickid%3DQJ0Vy7V-3xyIRUjQQMwkGTlIUkAyzjzlQ1DeTY0%26irgwc%3D1%26utm_source%3Dimpact%26utm_medium%3Daffiliate%26utm_campaign%3Dbb_affiliate%26utm_content%3DOnline%2520Tracking%2520Link%26utm_term%3D3616965_Bradventures&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3vzgbv4swfCN8nq4N-_HeL">Plunge:</a> Sensational custom-designed home cold plunge with filtered, circulating water, custom temperature setting, and sleek design. Save $150 with code BRAD. Also enroll in my <a href="https://bradkearns.com/cold-plunge/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bradkearns.com/cold-plunge/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw27DgKhjBJfGIMO3NtOPzQ0">Cold Plunge online course!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bradnutrition.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://bradnutrition.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3apw1dYkrVMPM-KjVKpCcO">B.rad Whey + Creatine Superfuel</a>: Premium quality, all-natural supplement for peak performance, recovery, and longevity. New Cocoa Bean flavor!</li>
<li><a href="https://bradventures.thinkific.com/collections" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bradventures.thinkific.com/collections&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1KeAmB6wYGR3eDWYt8u7Ua">Online educational courses:</a> Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience</li>
<li><a href="https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/brad/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/brad/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vUrRhcuAvTXFcj8wSH8bW">Primal Fitness Expert Certification</a>: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!</li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/mofo/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bradkearns.com/mofo/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KmIx_5nS8Hn8DUqcyyAXv">Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO):</a> Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/4CCAC4F3-30B1-4459-8312-32EB4121B3D6?ingress=2&amp;visitId=d1dce474-2c5c-4ded-9955-c651e670f542">Brad's Favorites on Amazon</a>
I have a newly organized shopping experience at <a href="http://BradKearns.com/Shop" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://BradKearns.com/Shop&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lTUZJbyIoAHm8ftaBtnHA">BradKearns.com/Shop</a>. Visit here and you can navigate to my B.rad Nutrition products (for direct order or Amazon order), my library of online multimedia educational courses, great discounts from my affiliate favorites, and my recommended health&amp;fitness products on Amazon.

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author, world #1 ranked masters 60+ high jumper, Speedgolf world record holder, and former world #3 ranked pro triathlete, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Brad delivers an engaging mix of step-by-step education on important health topics like staying fit, strong and powerful as you age; transforming diet to lose body fat and increase energy; sort through hype and misinformation to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes; and broaden your perspective beyond a fit body to experience happy relationships, nonstop personal growth, and ultimately sail to 100 with a happy, healthy, long life. Let’s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It’s time to B.rad!

 

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author, world #1 ranked masters 60+ high jumper, Speedgolf world record holder, and former world #3 ranked pro triathlete, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Brad delivers an engaging mix of step-by-step education on important health topics like staying fit, strong and powerful as you age; transforming diet to lose body fat and increase energy; sort through hype and misinformation to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes; and broaden your perspective beyond a fit body to experience happy relationships, nonstop personal growth, and ultimately sail to 100 with a happy, healthy, long life. Let&rsquo;s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It&rsquo;s time to B.rad!
&nbsp;

Brad Kearns, NY Times bestselling author and world #1 masters age 60+ high jumper, offers a fun and diverse mix of interviews with leading authors and health experts, and  how-to shows for peak performance, weight loss, personal growth, and longevity

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