99. Flex Lewis: 7x Mr. Olympia’s Blueprint to Staying on Top

Starting from a young age, the speaker developed a strong passion for athletics, particularly in rugby, which led to a more rigorous fitness journey involving weightlifting and bodybuilding. Despite facing struggles and having no mentors initially, the drive to succeed pushed him to compete. He won his first bodybuilding competition without guidance, highlighting both the physical challenges and the mental toughness he needed. Eventually, upon winning, he was encouraged to represent Wales. This newfound path brought structure and coaching into his life, demonstrating that having a mentor can significantly shape and enhance one's journey towards achieving goals. The transformation was not just in competition but also in personal accountability and the importance of support in sports and fitness.

Pursuing excellence in sports, whether it's bodybuilding or fighting, often requires a deep commitment to discipline and self-motivation, particularly when no one is watching. It's about enduring hardship and pushing through challenges to achieve personal goals. This journey is heavily influenced by upbringing, mindset, and the determination to constantly improve oneself. Support from family can instill a strong work ethic and inspire responsibilities that drive success. Facing internal struggles but not backing down, athletes learn to rely on their inner strengths while growing as individuals. Both the struggles and victories shape not just their athletic careers but also their personal growth, teaching them the importance of resilience and self-reliance. Ultimately, the willingness to suffer and remain disciplined is crucial for achieving long-term successes in individual sports.

Success in bodybuilding and entrepreneurship stems from unwavering self-belief and perseverance. Despite facing skepticism from others, the journey involves consistently showing up and making the most of opportunities. The importance of building meaningful relationships and supporting those who help you along the way stands out. Even amidst challenges, like launching a gym during the pandemic, maintaining a focus on long-term goals, loyalty, and community can lead to fulfilling one's dreams. Whether in sports or business, resilience and dedication are crucial for overcoming hurdles and achieving greatness.

Building a gym took a unique journey that started as a private facility in Boca Raton. Despite the challenges, a commitment to personal goals mirrored the discipline in bodybuilding. The journey highlights the importance of focus, adaptability, and the drive to succeed in business, paralleling one's passion and experiences. The gym became a hotspot, drawing in fans and celebrities, evolving from a desire to train in privacy to a thriving brand. This transformation revealed that a strong mindset and unwavering determination not only foster success in bodybuilding but can also inspire entrepreneurial ventures. Even amidst adversities, such as the pandemic, the lessons learned in pursuing fitness dreams proved valuable for business opportunities. The entire experience emphasizes that the same resilience and planning needed for bodybuilding can successfully translate into building and owning a business.

During challenging times, like the pandemic, adaptability is crucial for survival and success. The story illustrates how a couple transformed their struggling medical clinic into a COVID testing center, demonstrating the importance of pivoting quickly to new opportunities. Similarly, another entrepreneur shares their journey of opening an iconic gym in Las Vegas amidst uncertainty. Both experiences highlight the power of confidence, teamwork, and the willingness to take risks. A supportive community can further bolster one's efforts, making a significant difference. Ultimately, staying focused on goals and believing in oneself can lead to remarkable outcomes, even when faced with unexpected obstacles. Through perseverance and creativity, they turned potential setbacks into significant achievements, proving that even in tough times, success is possible through resilience and innovation.

Adapting to challenges, like those faced during COVID, reveals the grit and determination necessary for success. Through the example of Dana White and the UFC, we see a commitment to continuing progress even when faced with adversity. This mindset of accountability and focus is crucial for young athletes in any sport. By fostering a culture of discipline and hard work, they can rise above distractions and set high standards for themselves. In a space where all levels of dedication exist, the key is promoting a champions' mentality that emphasizes consistent effort and rigorous training. Success in bodybuilding, or any sport, isn't just about the time spent in the gym; it's about the commitment to a lifestyle that supports growth and improvement throughout the day, every day.

Having a strong mindset and a clear plan is essential for success. It's important to set high goals and work diligently towards achieving them. Surrounding yourself with motivated and dedicated individuals can inspire growth and improvement. Embracing challenges and pushing through discomfort are crucial, as they foster resilience and strength. A supportive community, like the one built in the gym, enhances this journey by motivating each other to reach greater heights. Building relationships that encourage personal growth and accountability can transform potential into achievement, as seen in the success stories of committed individuals. Ultimately, maintaining a disciplined and militaristic approach to training creates an environment where everyone strives to be their best selves.

In this conversation, the speaker expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the podcast hosted by Flex Lewis. They emphasize their passion for storytelling and acknowledge that this format allows them to share more of their thoughts and experiences. The speaker is enthusiastic about the collaboration and looks forward to future interactions. Their appreciation extends not just to Flex Lewis but also to the entire team behind the podcast for making this opportunity happen. The exchange concludes with a positive note, indicating a desire for continued engagement and learning. Overall, this highlights the importance of storytelling and meaningful connections in conversations.