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November 18, 2024 • 1hr 43min
#866 - Jesse James West - How To Stay Disciplined When Times Get Tough
Modern Wisdom
Jesse James West is a YouTuber and athlete known for his fitness content and extreme challenges. This episode explores the mental and physical challenges of pursuing fitness goals, dealing with criticism, making difficult life decisions, and finding balance while pushing yourself to achieve more.
#866 - Jesse James West - How To Stay Disciplined When Times Get Tough
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Key Takeaways
- Early influences and mindset development came from Jesse's father pushing him in lacrosse and sports from a young age, instilling a relentless work ethic
- Making difficult life decisions requires advocating for yourself and your needs, even when facing pressure from others
- Physical and mental resilience can be developed through challenging experiences like Navy SEAL training, extreme fitness challenges, and pushing past perceived limits
- Content creation success came from authentically sharing his journey and maintaining belief in himself despite criticism
- Balance is crucial between pushing yourself to achieve goals while maintaining mental and physical health
Introduction
Jesse James West is a YouTuber and athlete known for his fitness content and extreme challenges. This episode explores the mental and physical challenges of pursuing fitness goals, dealing with criticism, making difficult life decisions, and finding balance while pushing yourself to achieve more.
Topics Discussed
Early Life and Father's Influence (02:33)
Jesse discusses how his father shaped his work ethic and relentless mindset:
- Blue-collar background - father worked multiple jobs, owned rental properties, and never complained
- High expectations set from early age about work ethic and getting things done
- Tough love approach that pushed Jesse to excel in sports and other pursuits
- "If there's something that needs to get done, you don't wait, you do it now" - lesson from his father
Early Sports Career and College Recruitment (08:00)
- Early commitment to Lehigh University for lacrosse at age 15
- Intense pressure from having to negotiate with college coaches as a teenager
- Growing maturity from having to handle business meetings and recruitment at young age
- "I'm literally negotiating with a 45-year-old coach at 15 years old"
Dealing with Criticism and Judgment (24:49)
Jesse shares experiences facing mockery and criticism in high school:
- Public ridicule at school events and parties
- Using criticism as motivation to succeed
- Maintaining composure and not letting others see the impact
- "If I can't handle this, I don't deserve what I want" - mindset developed during these experiences
Making Difficult Life Decisions (32:02)
Discussion of leaving college scholarship and changing life direction:
- Emotional toll of pursuing something that didn't align with true desires
- Support from family, particularly mother, in making tough decisions
- Learning to advocate for personal needs and desires
- "Do what you're meant to, not what you're supposed to"
Physical Challenges and Resilience (54:33)
Jesse discusses various extreme physical challenges:
- Marathon training in 30 days with no prior running experience
- Navy SEAL training experience at college
- Liver King challenge - described as most physically demanding experience
- "When you think you're truly done, you have 40% left in the tank" - lesson from Navy SEAL training
Mental Health and Medication (46:05)
- Experience with SSRIs since age 15
- Managing anxiety through various methods
- Perspective on mental health treatment
- "I used to feel ashamed that I was on it and not tell anybody"
Bodybuilding Competition Experience (1:14:45)
- Rapid preparation - 8 weeks versus typical 16 weeks
- Physical and emotional challenges of extreme leanness
- Impact on relationships and daily life
- "I literally felt nothing. Like I was a corpse."
Working with Fitness Legends (1:32:12)
Experiences working with notable figures in fitness:
- Ronnie Coleman - observations about his current condition
- Wim Hof experience - spiritual and physical breakthrough
- Interactions with other fitness personalities
- "I always go into my shoots or meeting people with just like, what's up, bro? There's no difference."
Conclusion
The conversation highlights the importance of balancing ambition with well-being, making authentic life choices, and developing resilience through challenges. Jesse's journey demonstrates how early influences and difficult experiences can shape success, while maintaining the importance of staying true to personal values and goals.