Inspired by a Naval Ravikant quote that differentiates status games vs. natural games, this episode examines how that distinction shows up on a daily basis in all our lives. In this episode, we explore how to recognize which game you’re playing, why status is so addictive, and how to align actions and choices with the scoreboard that is the most sustainable and fulfilling.For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/
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Drownproofing
In Navy SEAL training, there’s a brutal exercise called drownproofing. Your hands and feet are bound, you’re dropped into deep water and told to survive for five minutes. The harder you fight, the faster you sink. The key to surviving is surrendering the urge to swim to the top. In this episode, we explore what drownproofing can teach us about letting go of control and why the instinct to fight through every struggle often keeps you stuck.For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/
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How Social Support Shapes Our Brain
One of the most precious gifts you can extend to others is your presence. In this episode, we explore stories of human connection, from an unexpected moment of silence on Theo Von's podcast to a daycare teacher who helped a child breathe and calm down. Backed by neuroscience, these moments reveal how a loved one or friend's presence can soothe pain and reduce our threat responses.For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/
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The Necessity for Darkness
Today's message is inspired by a quote from the American philosopher and writer, Robert Pirsig, and illustrates why we all need to create more idle space in our lives. We discuss the danger of overconsuming information, a reflection from Los Angeles Lakers' head coach on turning your mind "off and on," and how intentional pauses can help you internalize what you learn. It will help you reframe rest as part of performance, not the opposite of it. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/
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Guarding a Concrete Slab
What happens when you keep doing something long after its purpose is gone? In this episode, we explore the parable of soldiers guarding a concrete slab and how we are all prone to cling to old habits, beliefs, or traditions. You’ll walk away reflecting on the systems, standards, or judgments you've been repeating in your own life and how curiosity and courage can help you break free from them. For more practical tools and mindset stories like this, you can subscribe to my free newsletter here: https://winningwithwords.beehiiv.com/If you’re a coach or leader striving for more clarity, consistency, and fulfillment, feel free to reach out anytime to see how I can best serve you: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-brandon-40169573/
The Threshold Lab is where “aha” moments and insights go to lift weights. Each episode cracks open a fundamental principle from the world of high performance and aims to transform how you think, work, and lead. Think of it like unlocking a door you’ve passed a hundred times, only to find it opens into a whole new way of thinking. If you're into mindset, growth, and the occasional mental mic drop, you're in the right lab.Zach Brandon is a coach, speaker, and thought leader blending principles from psychology, coaching, and high performance to empower others toward personal and professional excellence.
New Zealand