Secrets of High Performers: The Fitness-Mindset Connection w/ Ben Smith

In this episode, our guest Ben Smith, a fitness and nutrition coach, army veteran, and mental health advocate, joins us to discuss his transition from the army to coaching celebrities, his philosophy on mental and physical health, and his unique approach to wellness within the music industry. The conversation spans personal experiences, professional transitions, the importance of community support, and practical tools for personal growth.

Key Points:

Personal Insights & Community Support: Ben emphasizes that personal struggles aren't unique and highlights the importance of community and avoiding suffering alone. Physical fitness acts as a gateway to mental and emotional well-being.
Professional Transitions & Music Industry Focus: Ben shares his journey from a high-performing athlete to an army officer, followed by a struggle with identity that led him to coach celebrities. His current work with music groups emphasizes a healthier and sustainable way to tour.
Themes & Focus of Discussion: Andrew and Ben explore connections between physical fitness and overall well-being, the shift in music touring culture, and personal evolution. They reflect on communication, curiosity, and understanding identity as crucial to personal development.
Ben's Personal Journey & Philosophy: Ben shares his story of overcoming a dark period, including a suicide attempt, with therapy and support. He introduces philosophies like treating life as "free chicken" and practices such as breath work and gratitude journaling.
Challenges, Anxiety & High Performers: They discuss facing fears, managing anxiety, depression, and applying these insights to anyone, regardless of status. Ben highlights commitment and self-confidence in high performers.
Tools for Growth & Safe Spaces: The conversation explores therapeutic tools like ice baths, the importance of creating safe spaces, and the role of shared experiences in overcoming fear.
Goals, Achievements & Communication: Ben emphasizes the importance of clarity in goals, shared experiences, and flipping fear into excitement. They discuss creating a space for expression, understanding needs, and balancing professional life.
Healthier Relationships & Overcoming Struggles: Both speakers reflect on the importance of identifying individual needs, managing ruts in thinking, and Andrew's mantra to turn worry into productive work.

Quotes from the Episode

"The greatest gift you could give yourself is the permission to just ask for help. And if it's not you or the listener, specifically the permission to anyone in your life who might be struggling, like ask for help, there's no nobility in doing it alone, going alone, there's no pride."

"Everything you want is on the other side of fear. If you can just flip the fear into excitement, then like, how much better would your life be?"

Action Steps over the next 7 days:

Take 5 minutes and sit with your breath. Take a deep breath and hold at the top. Then release and hold at the bottom. Repeat!
Turn your shower to cold for the last 60 seconds of your shower.

Follow Ben:

Train with Ben Fitness App: https://playbookapp.io/creators/ben-smith

https://www.instagram.com/benveesmith/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjsmith317/