Mike Thurston: Fitness Journey, Social Media Influence, and Introversion
Added: Jan 12, 2024
In this podcast episode, Mike Thurston discusses his journey of dedicating time and effort to going to the gym and building a business. He delves into the reasons behind his commitment to fitness, citing his desire to feel more confident and attractive, especially as a skinny kid who was picked on in school. He also reflects on an incident where he was mugged and felt powerless, leading him to seek a more imposing physical presence.Key takeaways
Social media has both positive and negative impacts on body image and confidence, but can also be a platform for personal growth and improvement.
Confidence is derived from various aspects of life, including financial stability, physique, relationships, and communication skills.
Dealing with criticism and negativity on social media can be challenging, but focusing on creating valuable content and avoiding reading comments can help maintain mental well-being.
Consistency in fitness and personal development is key to opening doors, building confidence, and achieving success.
Prioritizing health, routine, and personal growth is essential for long-term well-being and success, even as ambitions and priorities evolve.
The Role of Social Media
The role of social media in his fitness journey is also highlighted, with Mike sharing his initial motivation to showcase the hard work he put into his physique on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. He acknowledges that social media has become a significant factor in influencing body dysmorphia and unrealistic male body image standards. However, he also recognizes the positive impact of social media in helping him improve his confidence and social skills through creating content for his audience.
Confidence
The idea of confidence being derived from various aspects of life is explored in the conversation. Mike attributes his confidence to a combination of factors, including financial stability, physique, experiences in relationships, and the development of speaking skills through YouTube.
The Challenge of Beign an Introvert
Mike shares his introverted nature and the need to recharge after social interactions, despite developing more social confidence over time. He delves into his desire for self-improvement, especially his wish to be more extroverted. He also touches on the challenges of hosting live shows and meet-and-greets, which can be energetically taxing. He reflects on his experiences during these events and the level of energy required to engage with a large number of people.
Dealing with Criticism
The conversation extends to the challenges of dealing with criticism and negativity on social media. Mike discusses the impact of online criticism on his content creation and mental well-being and shares strategies such as avoiding reading comments and focusing on creating valuable content for his audience.
The Importance of Consistency
Mike discusses the importance of consistency in fitness and how it has positively impacted his life. He emphasizes the value of maintaining regular training and making efforts to improve physical appearance, which has opened doors and contributed to his confidence and success.
Overcoming Discomfort and Nervousness
Mike delves into the experience of public speaking, particularly the nerves and discomfort associated with it. He shares his experiences of performing live shows and the pressure of delivering engaging content to the audience. He reflects on the importance of confidence in the material being presented and the impact of consistent practice in overcoming nerves.
The Importance of Therapy and Relationships
The conversation shifts towards the topic of therapy, with Mike expressing his belief in the benefits of therapy for personal growth and self-improvement. He discusses the significance of seeking professional guidance, particularly in the context of relationship coaching and communication. Mike shares his struggles with communication in relationships and the need for continuous learning and growth in this aspect.
Sam Sulek and Social Media Influence
The conversation then turns to the topic of social media influencers, with a specific focus on Sam Sulek. They explore the factors that contribute to Sam's popularity, highlighting his relatability and authenticity as key elements. They discuss the impact of relatability and likability in the success of social media influencers, as well as the potential challenges of maintaining humility and authenticity in the face of widespread adoration.
The Impact of Growth
The discussion continues with a reflection on the concept of "enoughness" and the challenges associated with the pursuit of success and growth. Mike discusses the impact of growth on personal life, relationships, and the need for balancing ambition with contentment. He shares his experiences of finding peace and fulfillment in moments of simplicity, despite the drive for continuous improvement and achievement.
Ambitions and Priorities
Thurston explains that he has reached a point in his life where he has accomplished many of the things he set out to achieve. He reflects on his changing desires and how they have shifted from partying and social activities to prioritizing personal growth, business development, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He also shares the struggles he faces in finding motivation and inspiration, especially as he is already financially comfortable.
Importance of Routine and Health
Thurston emphasizes the significance of maintaining a good routine and prioritizing health. He expresses the benefits of feeling physically and mentally well, which allows him to perform optimally in his various pursuits, such as podcasting, creating content for YouTube, and managing his clothing line. He also acknowledges the impact of sleep and nutrition on his overall well-being and productivity, highlighting the necessity of consistent sleep patterns and a balanced diet.
Monk Mode and Personal Growth
Thurston mentions the allure of Monk Mode, where he is continuously in an optimal routine without any external disruptions. This allows him to gauge the impact of different lifestyle choices on his performance and overall well-being. He shares his aspirations to surround himself with ambitious and inspiring individuals, as their drive motivates him to reach new levels of success in his career and personal development.
Reflections on Achievements and Goals
Reflecting on his journey, Thurston discusses how rapid increases in status and achievements can create a sense of pressure and anxiety as he constantly strives to maintain his current level and achieve even more. He acknowledges the tendency to compare oneself to an ideal and the challenge of finding a balance between being content with accomplishments and striving for further success without feeling dissatisfied.
Future Projects and Growth
Thurston shares his upcoming projects, including the release of new products for his clothing line and the launch of a fitness course focused on building and monetizing a YouTube platform. He expresses his desire to scale his business and improve the quality of his production, which involves managing staff, studios, and other aspects of the business.
Challenges and Reflection on Lifestyle
Thurston also discusses the challenges of maintaining a healthy balance between work, relationships, and personal pursuits. He outlines the struggle of feeling compelled to sacrifice time with friends and a significant other due to career-focused goals. He cites examples of successful individuals like Matt Does Fitness, who have achieved a balance between work and family life, inspiring him to seek a similar equilibrium in the future.
Future Focus and Self-improvement
As Thurston looks to the future, he emphasizes the need to focus on priorities that will improve his long-term well-being and success. He acknowledges the evolving nature of his desires and the shift from materialistic aims to seeking personal growth and fulfillment. He also reflects on the significance of avoiding instant success and instead prioritizing slow, consistent progress to ensure a lasting sense of achievement and satisfaction.
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