In this episode, I talk about why “inspiration is for amateurs,” and why discipline, motivation, and willpower are some of the most overrated concepts in the fitness world.

We’re surrounded by grind-culture blowhards bragging about 4 a.m. wake-ups and superhuman discipline, but the real secret to becoming the person you want to be—on the track, in the gym, or in any area of life—is much simpler and far more sustainable. I break down the three things that actually work if you want to avoid distractions, stop chasing motivation, and finally build momentum.

I share how flying under the radar, focusing on the entire process (not just the instant gratification), and wiring habits so deeply they feel automatic can change everything. You’ll hear how my own morning mobility routine—now as familiar as brushing my teeth—became a daily anchor, why elite athletes don’t rely on willpower, and how tiny, enjoyable, repeatable actions beat the no-pain-no-gain nonsense every time.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “falling short,” this episode shows you how to reframe everything: stop trying to psych yourself up and start creating systems that make doing the right thing natural, rewarding, and something you’ll actually keep doing.

 

TIMESTAMPS:

Brad is going to give you three secrets to help you become the person you want to be. [01:03]

Winning habits and success patterns are formed when you get inherent enjoyment from the pursuit that we're talking about. [04:17]

Willpower is a finite resource.  Your habits become automatic behaviors. [09:21]

The first of the three secrets is to fly under the radar for the most part. Don't even worry about that very, very fragile resource, which is your willpower, the discipline to get there and show up. [11:25]

Loving what you are doing is persevering through difficult challenges. [18:45]

The constant comfort that we now can experience in life, most of us makes us physically weaker, mentally less resilient and spiritually unfulfilled. [25:05]

Build your fitness endeavors into a habit. Start with something that makes it super easy. [29:00]

 

LINKS:
Brad Kearns.com
BradNutrition.com
B.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and Recovery
B.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!
Brad’s Shopping Page
BornToWalkBook.com
B.rad Podcast – All Episodes
Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes
Brad's Morning Exercise Routine
Podcast with Dr. Marc Bubbs
Podcast with Dr. Robert Lustig
The Hacking of the American Mind

 

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:


B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein!


Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!


Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ!
Get Stride: Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome & blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD.


Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!


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!

In this episode, I talk about why &ldquo;inspiration is for amateurs,&rdquo; and why discipline, motivation, and willpower are some of the most overrated concepts in the fitness world.
We&rsquo;re surrounded by grind-culture blowhards bragging about 4 a.m. wake-ups and superhuman discipline, but the real secret to becoming the person you want to be&mdash;on the track, in the gym, or in any area of life&mdash;is much simpler and far more sustainable. I break down the three things that actually work if you want to avoid distractions, stop chasing motivation, and finally build momentum.
I share how flying under the radar, focusing on the entire process (not just the instant gratification), and wiring habits so deeply they feel automatic can change everything. You&rsquo;ll hear how my own morning mobility routine&mdash;now as familiar as brushing my teeth&mdash;became a daily anchor, why elite athletes don&rsquo;t rely on willpower, and how tiny, enjoyable, repeatable actions beat the no-pain-no-gain nonsense every time.
If you&rsquo;ve ever felt like you&rsquo;re &ldquo;falling short,&rdquo; this episode shows you how to reframe everything: stop trying to psych yourself up and start creating systems that make doing the right thing natural, rewarding, and something you&rsquo;ll actually keep doing.
&nbsp;
TIMESTAMPS:
Brad is going to give you three secrets to help you become the person you want to be. [01:03]
Winning habits and success patterns are formed when you get inherent enjoyment from the pursuit that we're talking about. [04:17]
Willpower is a finite resource.&nbsp; Your habits become automatic behaviors. [09:21]
The first of the three secrets is to fly under the radar for the most part. Don't even worry about that very, very fragile resource, which is your willpower, the discipline to get there and show up. [11:25]
Loving what you are doing is persevering through difficult challenges. [18:45]
The constant comfort that we now can experience in life, most of us makes us physically weaker, mentally less resilient and spiritually unfulfilled. [25:05]
Build your fitness endeavors into a habit. Start with something that makes it super easy. [29:00]
&nbsp;
LINKS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/podcast-index/">Brad Kearns.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bradnutrition.com/">BradNutrition.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://a.co/d/3pVVl9w">B.rad Superdrink &ndash; Hydrates 28% Faster than Water&mdash;Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and Recovery</a></li>
<li><a href="about:blank">B.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/shop/">Brad&rsquo;s Shopping Page</a></li>
<li><a href="http://borntowalkbook.com/">BornToWalkBook.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/podcast-index/">B.rad Podcast &ndash; All Episodes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://peluva.com/?view=cro-id28570">Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6syDHwR6U3w&amp;t=96s">Brad's Morning Exercise Routine</a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://bradkearns.com/dr-marc-bubbs-peak-40-to-age-gracefully-priority-management-instead-of-time-management-making-fewer-decisions-for-better-results-and-maybe-eating-breakfastfor-insulin-sensitivit/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bradkearns.com/dr-marc-bubbs-peak-40-to-age-gracefully-priority-management-instead-of-time-management-making-fewer-decisions-for-better-results-and-maybe-eating-breakfastfor-insulin-sensitivit/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1763657173292000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_yob0wlXiC1gHaCXF_QmY">Podcast with Dr. Marc Bubbs</a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://bradkearns.com/hacking-the-american-mind-1/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bradkearns.com/hacking-the-american-mind-1/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1763657173293000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kO_xW-HggaUXbchRwDdb_">Podcast with Dr. Robert Lustig</a></li>
<li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-American-Mind-Corporate-Takeover/dp/1101982942/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PFN2KRDLFS70&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3gT8pFIK75rz-m8wT0-c9BSMp9G7Tqz4kQphoYf_dTU0UEcmbuRy00qkgWEXfsTWi_IFKA_SL_uuRKYixLmREC02QgJYfxUUN7_qibxKTur343lMTYCy9b6gbrF-dsU8tuO8PMqa_emxyQcWwSsJl2uv4NEMkloqlddNA-H9QbK04ymDS12WwXuIZjZ2lfaXBJwZFO8cz7T42MtEXMTWb4m_PKKJDn7yz0Nc5x10UDo.hCmAKikvkxYlBF43frYFIMdlvTn2tJ8wvQs59Z7luRg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=Hacking+of+American+Mind&amp;qid=1733691727&amp;sprefix=hacking+of+american+mind,aps,175&amp;sr=8-1" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.amazon.com/Hacking-American-Mind-Corporate-Takeover/dp/1101982942/ref%3Dsr_1_1?crid%3D1PFN2KRDLFS70%26dib%3DeyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3gT8pFIK75rz-m8wT0-c9BSMp9G7Tqz4kQphoYf_dTU0UEcmbuRy00qkgWEXfsTWi_IFKA_SL_uuRKYixLmREC02QgJYfxUUN7_qibxKTur343lMTYCy9b6gbrF-dsU8tuO8PMqa_emxyQcWwSsJl2uv4NEMkloqlddNA-H9QbK04ymDS12WwXuIZjZ2lfaXBJwZFO8cz7T42MtEXMTWb4m_PKKJDn7yz0Nc5x10UDo.hCmAKikvkxYlBF43frYFIMdlvTn2tJ8wvQs59Z7luRg%26dib_tag%3Dse%26keywords%3DHacking%2Bof%2BAmerican%2BMind%26qid%3D1733691727%26sprefix%3Dhacking%2Bof%2Bamerican%2Bmind,aps,175%26sr%3D8-1&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1763657173293000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3x8CI8P4bZrlMjcxWoOQvu">The Hacking of the American Mind</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&amp;A shows, emailed to&nbsp;<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&rsquo;t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won&rsquo;t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://bradnutrition.com/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">B.rad Nutrition:</a> Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://peluva.com/?sscid=91k7_1q58j&amp;utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">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://ketone.com/BRAD?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Ketone-IQ</a>&nbsp;Save 30% off your first subscription order &amp; receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ!
</li>
<li><a href="http://getstride.com" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://getstride.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1744479083574000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2M5EotlxxWpksCKN7ZVyMD">Get Stride: </a>Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome &amp; blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.mitoredlight.com/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Mito Red Light:</a>&nbsp;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://bradventures.thinkific.com/collections?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Online educational courses:</a>&nbsp;Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/brad/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">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>
</ul>

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