4-Minute Friday

December 15, 2023

Hello and welcome to 4-Minute Friday where I share, in four minutes or less, the latest things I’m doing to enhance my health, save money, and make day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable.

All comments and follow-up questions can be posted directly below, on my Facebook page or emailed to me at zach.griffith1@gmail.com!

What I learned last week: Chris Williamson & James Smith

Last Thursday I had the fortunate opportunity to see a live show hosted by podcaster Chris Williamson and personal trainer-author-influencer James Smith in Chicago. I paid a little extra for VIP tickets to sit front row and get the chance to meet James before the show and man was it worth it.

“My gosh, look at these massive blokes.” - clean version

Chris kicked off the show with a conversation on human psychology and motivation followed by James discussing a plethora of topics encompassing limiting your self-doubt and establishing true confidence.

Although I could write a thesis on it, here are my biggest takeaways from each of them.

Chris’ big schtick is centered around the idea of ‘doing the thing’. This unspecified ‘thing’ can apply to whatever it is in your life that you’re putting off and avoiding. It’s likely something you’ve muttered the words ‘I’ll start tomorrow’ about for quite some time. Maybe it’s establishing an exercise habit, giving up video games and reading more, or even starting a business.

Like Chris says… talking about doing the thing isn’t doing the thing, making a to-do list for the thing isn’t doing the thing, telling people you’re going to do the thing isn’t doing the thing, reading about doing the thing isn’t doing the thing… the only thing that is doing the thing is doing the thing.

Watch this video HERE to supercharge your Friday morning.

Following this, James began his segment with a 10–15-minute comedy bit before getting serious and both were equally impressive. The way he commanded the room for over 45 minutes was really cool to see.

The main concept I gleaned from him is finding ways to leverage your self-consciousness.

As a young personal trainer, he was terrified of others questioning his expertise which led him to study hours upon hours. After that, he was worried he didn’t have the ‘look’ of the personal trainer and dedicated years to the gym and to clean eating to build his physique.

He was self-conscious at each step of the way.

Yet, instead of sitting in his emotions and feeling sorry for himself, he found ways to leverage them as motivation to fuel his drive to do better.

No wonder he’s traveling the world and inspiring millions. He’s walked the walk.

I highly recommend investing in experiences that are not only extremely entertaining but also highly educational. Walking out the door with a handful of insights you can apply to your life is a great feeling. I sure did after this one.

Follow them on social media!

Chris Williamson - @chriswillx

James Smith - @jamessmithpt

Hack for preventing winter sickness: Humidifier

It’s well known that sickness is more common in the winter… but why?

Well, after listening to a podcast this week by Dr. Andrew Huberman, the research points to a couple of different reasons.

Because of the cold weather, people are in closer proximity during the winter months as we spend more time indoors. Of course, this leads to an increase in the passage of germs from one person to the next and sickness ensues.

What I didn’t know, however, was that humidity also plays a big role in this uptick.

When it gets colder outside, the air tends to be drier as we all know too well from ashy skin and chapped lips.  Coupled with this is drier air indoors as furnace systems decrease the humidity in the air as they heat it up.

This often has consequences.

When our nasal passages are dry due to the combination of less humid air indoors and outdoors, we are more likely to get sick. This is because the humidity in our nasal passages is critical for trapping invaders (germs) and contributes to the immune system’s ability to fight them off.

What’s a simple way to prevent drying of the nasal passages? A humidifier in your room.

I just purchased this one (link) on Amazon for $40 and am already noticing benefits with dry skin and nasal passages. I’m hoping this leads to a sick-free Winter!

Social media page I’m gleaning insight from: Alex Hormozi

Alex Hormozi is an entrepreneur, investor, and author that I stumbled upon this past year. On his social media pages, he provides a plethora of business knowledge while also being incredibly motivating.

He believes in a straightforward approach to life.

No 2-hour morning routines, barefoot walking in nature, or reading every self-help book under the sun.

He believes in finding your avenue of interest and like Chris Williamson says… doing the thing. Day after day.

Find his Instagram page here: @Hormozi

What else?

• It’s that time of year again where the UV index of the sun is low and we’re spending more time indoors. This likely means you aren’t producing enough Vitamin D and would benefit from supplementation. Check out my post here to get detailed recommendations! 

• I’ll be releasing a post soon on the importance of leveraging motivation to develop a disciplined fitness practice – truly one of my favorite posts to write yet… stay tuned!

If you enjoy this weekly bite of information, please share it with a coworker, friend, and/or family member! 

Find whatever your thing is and do it today. Do the same tomorrow.

DISCLAIMER

-       This is NOT Medical advice. Consult your medical professional before starting any supplement, diet regimen, or workout program.