Jason Khalipa on Fitness, Family, and Finding Your Focus

✍️ Episode Overview:

In this inspiring episode of the Five Core Life podcast, host Will Moore sits down with Jason Khalipa, a former CrossFit Games champion and successful entrepreneur. Jason's journey takes an unexpected turn when his daughter is diagnosed with leukemia, leading him to reevaluate his priorities and embark on a mission to help others facing similar challenges.

Jason shares his experiences as a professional athlete, business owner, and father, offering valuable insights into balancing life's demands and maintaining focus on what truly matters. He discusses the importance of blood donation and bone marrow registries, emphasizing how these simple acts can save lives.

Read More: How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur

The conversation delves into Jason's approach to goal-setting, his transition from competitive CrossFit to running a global fitness company, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Will and Jason explore the concept of "as many reps as possible" (AMRAP) and how this fitness principle can be applied to various aspects of life to achieve greater success and fulfillment.

Listeners will gain practical advice on managing priorities, building a resilient mindset, and making a positive impact in their communities. This episode is a testament to the power of adaptability, focus, and giving back, offering inspiration for anyone looking to level up in life's five core areas.

📖 Chapter Summaries:

1. Jason's Background and CrossFit Journey (00:00 - 03:54) Jason introduces himself, discussing his background in CrossFit and his journey from competing professionally to owning a global fitness company, NC fit. He touches on his family life and the balance he strives to maintain between his professional and personal responsibilities. You should read our blog on how to find balance in life.

2. Facing a Life-Changing Diagnosis (03:55 - 07:20) Jason opens up about his daughter's leukemia diagnosis in 2016 and how it shifted his priorities. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for life's unexpected challenges, highlighting the value of financial stability, physical fitness, and strong relationships when facing adversity.

3. The Power of Giving Back (07:21 - 10:34) Discussing his philanthropic efforts, Jason shares about Ava's Kitchen, an annual fundraiser for families fighting pediatric cancer. He also stresses the critical importance of blood donation and bone marrow registration, explaining how these simple acts can save lives.

4. Rebranding and Moving Forward (10:35 - 12:42) Jason discusses his decision to disaffiliate from the CrossFit brand, providing insight into the factors that influenced the move and its impact on his business. He underscores the significance of aligning business decisions with core mission and values, emphasizing that staying true to these principles fosters long-term success, integrity, and trust within both the team and the broader community. By prioritizing authenticity over brand association, Jason Khalipa has been able to maintain a strong, values-driven approach that resonates deeply with his audience and clientele.

5. Writing "As Many Reps as Possible" (12:43 - 15:46) Jason discusses his book "As Many Reps As Possible," explaining how his daughter's illness inspired him to write about prioritizing and focusing on what's truly important in life. He shares insights on balancing multiple responsibilities and being fully present in each aspect of life.

6. Goal Setting and Future Plans (15:47 - 18:52) The conversation shifts to Jason's approach to goal setting and his vision for the future of NC Fit. Will challenges Jason to write down specific goals for each of the five core areas of life, introducing the concept of his upcoming gamified goal-setting app, which is designed to make personal development more engaging and accessible. This innovative tool aims to help users track progress, stay motivated, and achieve goals in a fun and interactive way.

7. Overcoming Failure Habits (18:53 - 23:41) Jason reflects on his personal growth, discussing how he's worked to improve his management skills and overcome the need for universal approval. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and finding internal fulfillment rather than seeking validation from others. Read More: How can Managing your Personal Life Help with Reaching your Goals?

8. Building the Right Team (23:42 - 27:34) Will and Jason Khalipa discuss the challenges of building and managing a team, touching on the importance of having the right people in an organization. They share insights on hiring practices and maintaining a positive company culture.

9. Adapting to a Post-COVID World (27:35 - 30:15) The conversation turns to the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce, particularly in the hospitality and fitness industries. Jason and Will discuss the challenges of staffing and the shift in work-life balance expectations.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

1. Prepare for life's unexpected challenges by building financial stability, maintaining physical fitness, and nurturing strong relationships. Jason's experience with his daughter's illness highlights how these factors can provide crucial support during difficult times. In addition to these, cultivating a resilient mindset and practicing stress management techniques can further fortify your ability to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.

2. Blood donation and bone marrow registration are simple yet powerful ways to potentially save lives. Consider registering with Be The Match and participating in local blood drives to make a significant impact. Additionally, spreading awareness about the importance of these contributions can inspire others in your community to get involved and support this life-saving cause.

3. Practice being fully present in each aspect of your life. Jason's "As Many Reps As Possible" mindset encourages focusing entirely on the task at hand, whether it's work, family time, or personal development. By eliminating distractions and setting clear intentions, you can enhance your effectiveness and deepen your engagement in every moment.

4. Regularly reassess your priorities and be willing to make significant changes when necessary. Jason's decision to step back from professional CrossFit competition after his daughter's diagnosis exemplifies the importance of adapting to life's circumstances. This proactive approach ensures that your actions remain aligned with your evolving values, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

5. In business and in life, surround yourself with the right people. As Will mentions, it's crucial to "get the right people on the bus and the wrong people off" to create a positive and productive environment. Building a team or support network with diverse perspectives and complementary skills can significantly enhance your chances of success and personal growth.

6. Don't seek validation from others; instead, focus on being true to yourself and your values. Jason's insight on overcoming the need for universal approval is valuable for personal growth and mental well-being. Cultivating self-confidence and inner peace can empower you to make decisions that align with your true self, rather than conforming to external expectations.

7. Embrace the concept of micro check-ins to continuously assess and improve various aspects of your life. This practice can help prevent major issues from developing unnoticed. By regularly evaluating your progress and making small, incremental adjustments, you can maintain momentum and ensure that you're consistently moving in the right direction. Read More: Small Changes Lead to Big Results

8. Consider writing down specific goals for each of the five core areas of life: mindset, career and finances, relationships, physical health, and emotional health. This structured approach can help maintain balance and focus. Regularly reviewing and updating these goals allows you to stay on track and make informed decisions that support your long-term vision.

9. Be open to change and adaptability, especially in the face of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to pivot and find new ways of working or conducting business can be crucial for long-term success. Embracing flexibility in your approach can also foster innovation and resilience, enabling you to thrive in an ever-changing world.

10. Recognize the power of giving back to your community. Jason's fundraising efforts and advocacy work demonstrate how personal challenges can be transformed into opportunities to help others. By using your experiences and resources to support those in need, you can create a lasting impact and build a legacy of compassion and generosity.

11. Strive for work-life balance by being intentional about how you allocate your time and energy. The post-COVID shift in work expectations offers an opportunity to reassess and prioritize what's truly important. By setting clear boundaries and practicing self-care, you can achieve a harmonious balance that supports both your personal and professional well-being.

12. Don't let perfectionism hinder progress. Will's admission about his book-writing process reminds us that it's often better to take action and refine along the way rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. Embracing imperfection as part of the creative process can lead to greater productivity, innovation, and satisfaction in your endeavors.

13. Understand that managing people effectively may require developing new skills or delegating to those who have complementary strengths. Jason's recognition of his own management challenges highlights the importance of self-awareness in leadership. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, you can build a stronger, more cohesive team that drives collective success.

14. Consider the long-term impact of your daily habits and choices. Jason's focus on micro check-ins and continuous improvement can lead to significant positive changes over time. By being mindful of your actions and consistently striving for growth, you can cultivate a lifestyle that supports your overall well-being and long-term goals.

15. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Jason's journey from CrossFit champion to cancer advocate demonstrates how life's difficulties can lead to new purpose and impact. By facing adversity with resilience and an open mind, you can uncover hidden strengths and discover new paths to personal fulfillment and meaningful contribution. Read More: How to Change Yourself in 30 Days

🥇 Golden Habit:

Definition: A 'Golden Habit' is the optimal habit to relieve a pain point/replace a bad habit because it's personalized to your DNA, goals, and lifestyle in order to maximally reduce the friction to form it.

The Golden Habit should be:

- DESIRABLE: Should be enjoyable and rewarding. - PRACTICAL: Must easily integrate into one's existing routines. - IMPACTFUL: Expected to significantly enhance well-being.

This Episode's Golden Habit: Daily Micro Check-ins

Jason mentions his practice of daily micro check-ins as a key habit for maintaining balance and continuous improvement in his life. This habit involves regularly asking himself how he's doing as a husband, father, entrepreneur, etc., and identifying areas for improvement. (Time stamp: 17:17)

Why it's a Golden Habit:

- DESIRABLE: It's a quick, rewarding process that provides immediate feedback and a sense of control over one's life. - PRACTICAL: Can be easily integrated into daily routines, such as during morning or evening reflection time. - IMPACTFUL: Helps prevent major issues from developing by addressing small concerns early on.

Related Core Area:

This habit primarily aligns with the Mindset Core, as it fosters self-awareness and proactive personal growth. However, it has ripple effects across all five cores by promoting consistent reflection and improvement in each area of life.

🚀 READY PLAYER ONE?

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🫅 Bio - Jason Khalipa:

Jason Khalipa is a former CrossFit Games champion and accomplished entrepreneur. As the owner of NC fit, a global fitness company, Jason has expanded his influence beyond competitive athletics to impact lives through health and wellness initiatives. His journey took an unexpected turn when his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia in 2016, leading him to reevaluate his priorities and become a passionate advocate for pediatric cancer awareness and blood donation.

Jason's experience as a professional athlete, combined with his business acumen and personal challenges, has shaped his unique perspective on life balance and goal achievement. He is the author of "As Many Reps As Possible," a book that applies fitness principles to everyday life, encouraging readers to focus intensely on their priorities. Through his work with NC fit and various philanthropic efforts, including the annual Ava's Kitchen fundraiser, Jason continues to inspire and support others in their journey towards health, resilience, and purposeful living.