John & Nicole: OTC - Yeah You Know We

JRN: So about this level-up thing. I was talking to someone yesterday who said to me, “Jesus, John, How much more can you level up? You’ve done X, X and X. You are already there. How much more do you have to do.”

As this was said to me – my response in my head – Plenty. They have no idea.

So, Nikki, I think it is about time that we reacquaint them.

This level up thing can be hard. Lonely. Do it alone. There is no one else but you. I just spent essentially four months alone in a hotel room, worked 120 straight days in a row and got done what needed to get done. I am not saying this as a badge of honor. I am saying that as a fact because it is. You get put in a situation like that, you have two choices. You can fold like a cheap tent or you can believe in yourself even more because of what you achieved.

As I think of the level up now, it is more than money or muscles. I quote being the OTC – the Original Tribal Chief. The OTC is CSC – calm, scarred and careless. Here’s what I mean:

1.? ? Calm: in basic terms – emotional control. I stay calm. No matter what. Let me repeat that again – no matter what. I can handle problems with ease and I do not break under pressure. Because of these, those around me are put at ease and made to feel safe and grounded. This is important. I am in control.

2.? ? At the same time, and Nikki, you know this, I have scars. Scars. Not fear. My scars are the proof that I have faced battles and survived. My wounds, be them emotional, physical or spiritual, show that I have been through hell and come back stronger. Scars mean stories. Scars mean grit. Scars mean refusal to give up. I carry my scars with pride and I keep moving forward, no matter what.

Damn – is no matter what the theme here?

3. ?? Finally, careless – and I do not mean sloppy, or acting in a way that I don’t care about those I love and the things that are important to me. I do. I mean living on my own terms and doing what I want. Not holding back, not afraid to speak my mind or worried about what others think. Fearless and only caring about who and what I love, putting that above everyone and everything else.

You think about where we have come in seven years, where we have come in 10 months even, and we still get better. Personally, what I would like for us, respect our work, respect what we have done and we continue to do. Give me my flowers. NOW. Not when we are gone. We take what we need. But we give back a lot.

We are the two who can lose everything, restart, refocus, reform and rise as if nothing happened. Fasting isn't easy. Running isn't easy. Getting strong isn't easy. Sexual discipline isn't easy. Overcoming addiction isn't easy. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. Getting to the next level. F*cking easy. Take it, Nikki.

NMP: It’s simple. Show up for yourself. Be the energy you want to attract. Be intentional about your growth. Speak positively to yourself. Surround yourself with positive people who bring out the best version of yourself every day. Are the people you surround yourself with motivating you? Inspiring you? Your growth is in your hands. It’s something you cultivate every day, bit by bit.

?Do things that make you happy. Pay attention to what’s depleting your energy. Don’t lose sight of what’s good for you. No matter what be grateful for the little things. You rock no matter what. Everything that you thought would destroy you, has not and won’t. It’s not just about being physically present; it’s about being mentally and emotionally engaged in your growth.

Leveling up. It’s tough, and it can be incredibly lonely. There are times when it’s just you, facing the challenges head-on, without anyone to lean on.

?It’s not always glamorous or heroic. I know like you John- it was just what needed to be done. There was no fanfare, no one cheering us on. It was just me, day in and day out.

?When you’re in a situation like that, you have two choices: fold under the pressure or dig deep and believe in yourself even more. It’s not about proving something to anyone else. It’s about recognizing what you’re capable of when you’re pushed to your limits.

?You’re here, you’re growing, and nothing can destroy you. Keep showing up for yourself, because you are your greatest asset.

?So, as you level up, remember the power of the OTC mindset. Be calm, be scarred, and be careless. Embrace the journey and keep believing in yourself, no matter how lonely or challenging it gets. Because at the end of the day, it’s you who’s getting it done.

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