I've been thinking about our formal education, high school and college, and how it often falls short in preparing us for real life. I've pinpointed five classes I wish I'd been taught. Class 1: Intro to Adulting Class 2: Fundamentals of Energy Management Class 3: Principles of Decision Making Class 4: Learning 101 Class 5: Unlocking Creativity But if traditional education doesn't cut it, I'm launching Beyond the Apex University, a community of lifelong learners. Get in t...
Nov 09, 2023•11 min•Ep. 317
Ever wake up feeling stuck, low on energy, high on anxiety? It's normal and I’ve been through those too. Even when life's optimized, these days happen. So, what's the secret to getting back on track? It's all about overcoming that massive hurdle called "activation energy". Once you push past that, the rest becomes easier. Last week, I had a rough start. Instead of wallowing in it, I took a tiny win…heading to the gym. Just putting on my shoes and getting there was e...
Nov 08, 2023•7 min•Ep. 316
I've got a fresh idea for you…the Failure Scoreboard. Here's the scoop: the faster you fail and learn, the quicker you'll hit success. Instead of waiting to weigh your achievements, track lead indicators daily…actions within your control. Then, at the end of each week, log what didn't work. Create a Failure Scoreboard. Every failure is a step toward winning. Try it out and let's journey towards success. LEAVE A REVIEW if you liked this episode!! Let’s Connect On Social M...
Nov 07, 2023•6 min•Ep. 315
A decision journal can help you do three things... Build your decision-making skills: Decision making is a crucial skill that shapes our lives and careers. By using a decision journal, you can approach decisions more objectively, considering pros, cons, likely scenarios, and outcomes. Gain self-awareness through reflection: Hindsight bias is a common pitfall when analyzing decisions. We tend to justify our choices based on the knowledge we have now, rather than what we knew at the time. A decisi...
Nov 06, 2023•6 min•Ep. 314
Success doesn't always mean having it all figured out. You'd be surprised how many uber successful entrepreneurs admit to feeling like they're just figuring it out as they go. Persistence and tenacity are often more important than intelligence or talent. Don't underestimate the power of stick-to-itiveness and the willingness to keep showing up, even when it seems daunting. Imposter syndrome is common even among those who have achieved great success. Remember that waiting for ...
Nov 05, 2023•7 min•Ep. 313
Today I want to dive deep into the intersection of different philosophies and how they relate to our expectations in life. There's a power in embracing the delta between our expectations and reality, and finding solace in knowing that you control your actions, not the outcomes. We may experience negative emotions when our expectations are not met, but the key is to focus on what we can control – our actions. By accepting that we cannot control the outcomes, we can empower ourselves to keep ...
Nov 04, 2023•6 min•Ep. 312
Have you ever been on the treadmill at the gym and you look over at another person whose speed is turned up higher? And it made you want to break your pace, and start going faster yourself? You've fallen into the comparison trap. We all do it, and it happens a lot more than you think. The good thing though is that there are plenty of ways to avoid this trap. LEAVE A REVIEW if you liked this episode!! Let’s Connect On Social Media! youtube.com/anthonyvicino twitter.com/anthonyvicino instagra...
Nov 03, 2023•6 min•Ep. 311
Let's talk hustle culture. Hard work is crucial, but let's not confuse "massive action" with spinning our wheels. The key is consistent, tiny actions. Here are three: Three to Three: Forget the endless to-do list. Focus on your "three to three." Three crucial tasks a day; quality over quantity. Track Net Worth: Daily tracking keeps you in the money game. It's simpler than it sounds and brings results. Don't List: Identify your time-sucking distractions and...
Nov 02, 2023•9 min•Ep. 310
We're hosting a live workshop on storytelling, and you're invited! But before I dive into the details, let's talk about why storytelling is so important. Throughout history, the most influential figures weren't the strongest or the smartest…they were the best storytellers. Think about it. Whether in religion, politics, or culture, the power of narrative shapes our world. Disney, for instance, wields immense influence through its stories. Now, storytelling has played a crucial...
Nov 01, 2023•9 min•Ep. 309
I want to share a simple, yet powerful concept. We all seek a great life, right? But what if a great life is just a sequence of great days? I stumbled upon Stoicism in my quest for life's meaning, particularly Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations." These ancient philosophers contemplated the same questions we do today. They were looking for fulfillment and purpose. One lesson that resonates deeply is to focus on the present. What if today was your last day? How would you make it gre...
Oct 31, 2023•9 min•Ep. 308
Here's a simple way to turbocharge your productivity. Think of your tasks as $10 tasks or $1,000 tasks. $10 tasks are things you could pay someone $10 an hour to do, like laundry or dishes. $1,000 tasks are high-value, unique to you, like content creation. Now, consider your aspirational hourly rate. Focus on tasks that match that value. It's a game-changer for your to-do list. LEAVE A REVIEW if you liked this episode!! Let’s Connect On Social Media! youtube.com/anthonyvicino twitter.c...
Oct 30, 2023•8 min•Ep. 307
Let's talk work. I used to hate it. The very word work was like a four-letter curse. My perspective on work started to change when I ventured into entrepreneurship and realized work can be fun and fulfilling when it moves you closer to your goals. Do you find yourself counting the years until retirement? I challenge you to reframe that notion. Retirement isn't about quitting work; it's about retiring from work you despise. If you're stuck in a job you hate, remember that you ...
Oct 29, 2023•9 min•Ep. 306
Hey, folks, it's your friendly reminder, but I need it just as much as you do. If you're listening, it's likely because you're searching for advice or insights to improve your life and business. You might be here for advice, but remember, just listening isn't enough. You need action. Collecting information is fine, but connecting the dots is where the magic happens. It's not a lack of information holding you back. It's a lack of execution. Take a moment to thin...
Oct 28, 2023•4 min•Ep. 305
Back in my late twenties, I dived into productivity systems. I started with the classics, reading books, watching YouTube videos. Work wasn't exactly thrilling as I had a love-hate relationship with it while working those W-2 jobs. That all changed when I started my first business. I viewed work differently…it was a path to living my best life. Here's the thing: your tools and systems must evolve. I found myself picking up new tools, using them for a while, and then feeling they no lon...
Oct 27, 2023•8 min•Ep. 304
Let's talk about starting your entrepreneurial journey and gaining expertise from the ground up. Instead of diving into an expensive MBA program, consider learning on the job. Work with experts, shadow them, and build your skills. When it comes to marketing, don't be tempted by shortcuts. Authentic mastery takes time and practice. Sometimes, all you have to do is just go do it. One key skill is storytelling, and I'm hosting a live workshop soon to show you how it's grown my Y...
Oct 26, 2023•7 min•Ep. 303
Today, let's dive into a captivating aspect of human psychology and how we relate to money. Money can be a heavy subject…it's often associated with stress and taboos. But here's the deal: we can change the way we perceive it. It's all about reframing our expectations. We tend to adapt quickly to new financial situations, so here's the key. Approach money with a "must-win" attitude, not as optional. When you see it as a necessity, you play the Money Game differe...
Oct 25, 2023•10 min•Ep. 302
Today, I'm diving into three invaluable lessons I've learned from reading stacks of money, finance, and investment books. Why am I so into books, you ask? Well, it's because they make you think. They require your full attention. 1. Money is a game. You need to understand the rules, and the first rule is to stop attaching your self-worth to your net worth. Money is a tool, not a measure of your goodness or badness. 2. To win the money game, you've got to understand the rules. ...
Oct 24, 2023•17 min•Ep. 301
I recently came across the term "mushroom employees." It's a not-so-great approach where you keep your team in the dark and don't provide the nourishment they need to grow. In the past, when working for others, I often felt like a mushroom employee…no idea about the big picture and stuck with less-than-ideal tasks. The result? Poor work and eventually wanting to leave. Good leadership means offering a vision where your team's aspirations fit. Even if they don't want...
Oct 23, 2023•9 min•Ep. 300
Let's chat about a common question I get: should you write a book? Writing a book can be fantastic, but there's a catch. Your book must be good, no shortcuts allowed. If you're searching for an easy way out, a bad book won't help your brand. Realize this: writing a book takes time, possibly a year or more. It's a marathon, not a sprint. If you can't stay motivated for the long haul, don't bother. Also, prepare for the possibility that your first book may not ge...
Oct 22, 2023•10 min•Ep. 299
Today we're diving into the art of winning the money game. I'm no natural entrepreneur. I've come to realize that I'm more of a right-hand person…supporting those go-getter business minds. Don't get me wrong, being a number two can be just as rewarding. Not everyone needs to be a CEO. Now, if you're hustling up that corporate ladder, here are two power moves for you: 1. Don't wait to be told: Show some initiative. Waiting around for orders won't get you fa...
Oct 21, 2023•8 min•Ep. 298
I recently discussed cheap dopamine, like what you get from video games. I'm not saying you should quit, but it's crucial to understand the price you're paying. Video games are designed to be addictive. They can mute your emotions and motivation outside of the game, and that's when it becomes dangerous. My advice? Use them intentionally. They have benefits…but proceed with caution. Make them a tool, not a master. If life isn't where you want it to be and video games are ...
Oct 20, 2023•8 min•Ep. 297
Around five years ago, a partner said, "You can't save your way to profitability." It clashed with the idea that saving is king. The truth is…saving matters, but you can't save your way to abundance. When you're making $40,000 a year, saving a lot won't make life feel abundant. The key is to earn more. Going from $50,000 to $100,000 made a real difference for me. At Invictus Capital, we were super efficient with expenses, but it wasn't enough. Increasing revenu...
Oct 19, 2023•8 min•Ep. 296
It's been roughly eleven years since my life took a wild turn, and I've been reflecting on my biggest regret from that time. It might sound strange, but what I really regret is not documenting that period of my life. I didn't write, take photos, or capture moments like living in a decked-out van or showering next to a CrossFit class. I recently saw an entrepreneur sharing their journey, and it hit me. We're often so focused on the destination that we forget to appreciate the ...
Oct 18, 2023•7 min•Ep. 295
Today, we're taking a little detour into the awesome world of creativity. Sure, it might not seem directly linked to flow and hyperfocus, but trust me, it's a secret weapon. Creativity isn't just artsy stuff; it's about mixing info in new and useful ways. And in your brain, there are three cool squads running the creativity show: Executive Attention, Default State, and Salience. Now, why should you care? Well, these networks are guided by a brain region called the anterior ci...
Oct 17, 2023•9 min•Ep. 294
I've got a wealth strategy that might change the game for you. Instead of the risky path of starting a business from scratch, consider buying an existing one. Starting from zero is tough. Most new businesses struggle. But running a business is one of the best ways to build wealth. So, why not buy one that's already successful? The best part is…many business owners want to retire, and their companies are up for grabs. This is your chance to acquire a thriving business with a proven trac...
Oct 16, 2023•9 min•Ep. 293
Think about it - our brains are question-answering machines. We evolved from survival-based questions to questions about thriving and purpose. But here's the catch, the quality of our life is directly linked to the quality of the questions we ask ourselves. So, here's the secret sauce: Dig deeper. Question everything you believe, challenge those limiting beliefs holding you back. Next, recruit your subconscious mind. Before bed, write down a question, and let your dreams work their mag...
Oct 15, 2023•8 min•Ep. 292
I've found that the key to success lies in execution, not just in planning. It was so easy for me to get trapped in overthinking, trying to perfect every detail before taking action. But here's the truth: inspiration is perishable. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to fail. Successful people have a bias towards action. They understand that a bad plan can be made to work with enough energy and execution. It's about the determination and gusto we bring towards our goals. ...
Oct 14, 2023•6 min•Ep. 291
Sales is a numbers game. It's all about getting in front of enough people and pitching your product. But, even if you think your product is the best, there are people out there selling absolute garbage and making millions. So how do you get in front of more customers? There are different techniques to explore, from organic social media to cold outreach and paid advertising. It's all about finding what works best for you. It's important to remember, most businesses fail because of ...
Oct 13, 2023•7 min•Ep. 290
Here's my super simple trick that I use to decrease my anxiety and increase my energy. Walking. Yup, it's that simple. I came across a fascinating study that showed a direct correlation between daily activity and our mental well-being. Taking just 5,650 steps in a day can boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and improve your overall life satisfaction. But here's the kicker: the average American only takes about 4,774 steps a day, falling short of this energizing threshold...
Oct 12, 2023•5 min•Ep. 289
Let's talk side hustles. Side hustles are a great way to dip your toes into the water of an industry, letting you get a feel without a whole lot of risk. I want to tell you about one of my business partners, Ryan, and our company Escape Climbing. Before founding Escape, Ryan was a high school student with a passion for rock climbing and had the power of perseverance and resourcefulness. He started by building his own climbing wall in his farm's barn and crafting polyurethane holds, and...
Oct 11, 2023•10 min•Ep. 288
