True strength isn’t about muscles, titles, or achievements, it’s about how we show up when life tests us the most. Someone very close to me is going through a very difficult medical situation right now. I won’t share details, but I will say this… they are my hero. Even in the face of pain and uncertainty, they stay positive. They …

I’ll be honest, not that I would lie to anybody, one of the hardest things for me is sticking to the standards I set when nobody’s watching. It’s easy to push myself when I’m with my students, my team, or my family. But when it’s just me? That’s when the real test begins. That’s why Il Il Shin Rule #2 …

As I return from my Asian vacation, I am feeling deeply thankful. Thankful for my incredible team who kept things running smoothly back home, and thankful for the gift of stepping away to experience different parts of the world. It’s amazing how travel can open your eyes; not only to new cultures, but to new levels of appreciation, especially when …

Life doesn’t always unfold as planned. On our current cruise through the Far East, we were supposed to spend two days in Shanghai. But due to political tensions, China denied our ship entry, and we were redirected to Busan, South Korea. Many passengers grew angry and frustrated and actually blaming the cruise line for something far beyond its control. Yet …

I’ve only been in Japan a few days, and I’m amazed, not just by how clean everything is, but by how intentional and respectful the people are. Every interaction carries a quiet grace. Whether it’s giving directions, serving a meal, or simply acknowledging your presence, there’s a level of care that feels almost sacred. The bow says it all. It’s …

During a New York blizzard with over a foot of snow, 12-degree temperatures, and relentless snowfall, my strength and conditioning coach John Moljo put out a challenge: 999 calories on the air bike. Outside. In a blizzard. One sitting. John creates environments that demands more of you, not for ego, but for growth. I set a personal goal to finish …

Yesterday I summited two more peaks in the Catskills on my way to become a Catskill 3500’er. Trekking the 35 peaks over 3500 feet. On the summit, I could’ve just snapped a picture, checked the box, and rushed to the next trailhead. That would’ve been the “productive” thing to do. But instead, I stopped. I chose to have tea; Tah …

This past week was tough. Clients, friends, even members of my own family were rattled by the constant stream of negativity and chaos in the world. I had calls where voices cracked, conversations where tempers flared, and moments where it felt like the weight of everything was too much. And I get it. It’s human to feel upset, frustrated, even …

Over the last month or so, I’ve been taking my granddaughter Zoey outside to blow bubbles. She’d watch me do it, laugh, and try, but never quite got it. Previously she would just run and stomp the bubbles. But than that changed… Yesterday was the first time she figured it out on her own. She blew bubbles all by herself, …

There was a time when missing a training session would eat me up inside. I’d feel guilty, frustrated, and even question my commitment. In my mind, it was “all or nothing.” If I missed one day, I felt like I was falling behind. And those negative emotions are what stifle the progress. But over time, I realized that mindset wasn’t …