Overcome The Limits Of Your Mind - 7X World Champion Phil Heath (4K) | Modern Wisdom 673

Added: Aug 30, 2023

Origin of the Nickname 'The Gift'

Phil explains that the name was given to him by an old roommate who recognized his potential in the sport of bodybuilding. Initially, Phil was hesitant about the nickname, fearing that it would be perceived as arrogance or conceit. However, his roommate saw beyond the surface and believed that Phil possessed the qualities of a true champion. He saw Phil's intelligence, education, physique, and ability to connect with audiences, which set him apart from other bodybuilders. The nickname 'The Gift' was chosen to represent Phil's ability to give to others and help them achieve their own triumphs.

Importance of Self-Belief and Embracing One's Talents

At the age of 17, Phil was asked if he would make it into the NBA. He responded by saying that he didn't know about the NBA, but he knew he would be a professional at something. Despite his small stature and unconventional physique for basketball, Phil had unwavering self-belief. He attributes this belief to the support and encouragement he received from his family, coaches, and friends. They saw his potential and instilled in him the confidence to pursue his dreams. Phil emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and embracing one's talents, even in the face of doubt and adversity.

Overcoming Adversity and Facing Fears

Growing up in Seattle, Phil was surrounded by talented athletes, some of whom went on to become professionals. He faced the challenge of standing out among his peers and overcoming the fear of failure. Phil credits his competitive nature and the guidance of his coaches for pushing him to excel. He recalls a basketball coach who pushed him to his limits, demanding more from him and instilling in him the belief that he could achieve greatness. Phil learned to face his fears head-on and not be afraid to be who he truly is.

The Power of High Standards and Giving Oneself Permission to Be Great

Phil believes in setting high standards for oneself and giving oneself permission to be great. He encourages individuals to challenge themselves and strive for excellence in all areas of life. Phil emphasizes the importance of pouring into oneself and being willing to pour into others. He believes that everyone has a gift and that it is their responsibility to develop and share it with the world. Phil's own journey in bodybuilding has taught him the value of perseverance, self-belief, and the willingness to take risks.

Dealing with Pain and Using It as a Driving Force

Phil shares personal experiences of dealing with pain, both physical and emotional. He recounts the night he found out about his father's passing while he was guest posing at an event. Despite the devastating news, Phil chose to continue with his commitments and fulfill his responsibilities. He explains that pain is a part of life, and it is essential to give oneself time to process and reflect on difficult situations. Phil believes that pain can be a driving force for personal growth and resilience.

The Pursuit of Personal Excellence and the Importance of Stamina

Phil discusses the concept of stamina and its significance in achieving personal excellence. He believes that stamina is often overlooked in discussions of peak performance. Phil encourages individuals to develop stamina in all aspects of life, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and continuously pushing oneself to improve. Phil believes that by embracing stamina and pursuing personal excellence, individuals can become unstoppable in their pursuits.

The Rivalry with Kai Greene

Heath goes on to discuss his rivalry with fellow bodybuilder Kai Greene, which he believes is the greatest rivalry in bodybuilding, even surpassing the rivalry between Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman. He explains that their rivalry was fueled by their desire to win and the constant chatter between their respective camps on social media. While they initially wanted to be friends, the intense competition and social media scrutiny made it difficult for them to establish a friendship.

Psychological Warfare and Playing the Villain

Heath acknowledges that Kai Greene used psychological warfare to try and gain an advantage over him. He recalls an incident in 2014 when Greene flipped his hair and made provocative gestures during a press conference. Despite some people criticizing Heath for accepting Greene's behavior, he explains that he expected it and used it to his advantage. He embraced the role of the villain and created merchandise that capitalized on this image. Heath believes that being able to handle the scrutiny and play the villain made him a stronger competitor.

Impressions of Chris Bumstead

When asked about his thoughts on Chris Bumstead, a popular bodybuilder in the Classic division, Heath expresses admiration for him. He recalls hearing about Bumstead when he was just starting out and believes that Bumstead has a bright future ahead of him. Heath commends Bumstead for his transparency and vulnerability, which has endeared him to fans. He believes that Bumstead has a responsibility to be a leader for the younger generation of bodybuilders and hopes that he will use his platform wisely.

Minimal Drug Use and Focus on Training

Heath reveals that he took a minimal approach to drug use throughout his career. He explains that he wanted to build a solid foundation and rely on his training rather than relying heavily on performance-enhancing drugs. He emphasizes the importance of time in the gym and believes that drugs should be used as a finishing touch rather than a primary focus. Heath also discusses his concerns about the long-term effects of drug use and the importance of maintaining good health after retirement.

The Impact of Drug Use in Bodybuilding

Heath expresses frustration with the coughing and other side effects he experienced from using certain drugs, questioning the necessity of it all. He also questions the use of insulin, stating that he is already winning and doesn't understand why people feel the need to use it. Heath believes that people use drugs in order to achieve a leaner and more muscular physique, but he argues that they often suffer from a desire for roundness and fullness in their muscles. He believes that this desire for anabolic properties leads people to use drugs, but he questions whether it is worth it.

The Importance of Knowing Oneself

Heath emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself in order to achieve success. He believes that understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses is crucial in determining the best training approach. For example, he explains that he is not a powerlifter and therefore does not focus on lifting extremely heavy weights. Instead, he focuses on volume and intensity, using exercises like incline presses, dumbbell lateral raises, and hack squats to target specific muscle groups. Heath also discusses the importance of emotional regulation and self-love, stating that the words we tell ourselves have meaning and can impact our success.

Training Principles for Success

Heath shares his training principles that have contributed to his success in bodybuilding. He emphasizes the importance of intensity and being intentional with each exercise. For example, he explains that he focuses on the mind-muscle connection and proper form when performing exercises like dumbbell lateral raises and preacher curls. He also discusses the importance of volume and repetition, explaining that he would often perform sets of 20 reps for exercises like squats and leg presses. Heath believes in pushing oneself to the limit while also being mindful of potential injuries and the need for proper rest and recovery.

Avoiding Pitfalls and Making Smart Decisions

Heath discusses the importance of avoiding pitfalls and making smart decisions in life. He shares personal anecdotes about individuals who made poor choices and suffered the consequences, such as Len Bias, a basketball player who died after using cocaine. Heath emphasizes the need for discernment and understanding the potential consequences of one's actions. He encourages individuals to play life with their eyes open, observing the mistakes and successes of others and learning from them. Heath also discusses the importance of emotional regulation and making choices that align with one's long-term goals and values.

The Value of Introspection and Self-Reflection

Heath highlights the value of introspection and self-reflection in personal growth and success. He discusses the benefits of being an only child, stating that it taught him to be his own first responder and to take responsibility for his own actions. He emphasizes the importance of self-love and understanding the impact of the words we tell ourselves. Heath also discusses the concept of reverse role models, where individuals can learn from the mistakes and negative traits of others in order to avoid making similar choices. He believes that introspection and self-reflection are key to building a strong personal legacy and making choices that align with one's values and goals.

Leaving a Legacy

Heath emphasizes the significance of leaving a legacy. He mentions the idea of people walking past his grave and remembering him as someone who made a positive impact on their lives. He wants to be remembered as someone who helped others and made a difference. Heath believes that true legacy is not about material possessions like watches or cars, but rather about the impact one has on others' lives.

Dreaming and Declaring Goals

During the podcast, Heath encourages men to start dreaming again and to declare what they truly want in life. He believes that goals should go beyond material possessions and should instead focus on leaving a lasting impact. Heath encourages listeners to think about the jewels they want to leave behind in people's minds, something that can imprint on someone's soul. He emphasizes the importance of having goals that contribute to a true legacy.

Upcoming Documentary 'Breaking Olympia'

Heath announces that he has an upcoming documentary called "Breaking Olympia." The documentary has already won awards at the Florence Film Festival for Best Documentary and Best Director. It is being co-produced by Seven Bucks Productions, which is owned by Danny Garcia and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The documentary is expected to be released either at the end of this year or the beginning of next year. Heath mentions that it has been picked up by a Hollywood studio, which is a significant achievement.

Working with Transcend and Raising Money for Veterans and First Responders

Heath mentions that he is working with Transcend, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) company. He explains that Transcend produces medications for people and also works with veterans and first responders. Heath expresses his appreciation for their commitment and mentions that he serves on the board for the foundation. He helps raise money for those in need, particularly those who have been affected by conditions like PTSD and TBI.