Here are a few short thoughts this week.
Money
1
We trust the word of a friend, neighbor, or coworker more than that of a stranger—even if the friend knows nothing and the stranger is a bona fide expert.
Trust transcends expertise. It’s more important than your credentials and can be created through any combination of three factors:
a) Community—proximity, association, or affiliation
b) Specificity—suited uniquely
c) Familiarity—repeated exposure
Somebody knows somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who shares a community with somebody is how the economics of the world go ’round.
-An excerpt from my book The Obvious Choice: Timeless Lessons on Success, Profit, and Finding Your Way (buy here)
Health
1
Warming up properly before you lift is one of those things everybody knows that they should do but most don’t; kinda like reading the 37-page long terms and conditions before signing every ounce of your privacy away to a Chinese tech company just because you want to see how you’re going to look in 50 years.
2
Work backwards from what you want. What do you want your body to look like? Imagine that is the reality now. What needs to be in place in order for you to get there. OK. Are you willing to do that? To show up to the gym? To eat that way? Be realistic. If you’re not, adjust the goal. If you are, then there’s only one question left–Are you going to do the reps? Or are you not going to do the reps?”
Relationships
1
My mom is the reason my wife Alison and I are married.
And it’s all because of one phone call.
We weren’t married yet. We weren’t even officially dating.
Alison had just passed her medical board exams and was leaving on a long trip to Southeast Asia, the kind of trip you take before you become a doctor for the rest of your life.
I drove her to the airport with her family. I went home and went to bed, sad that I wasn’t going to see her for months.
The next day, my mom called.
She asked how I was doing. I gave her the version of the answer that sounded okay (as most young men do).
She paused. Then told me about how, when she was younger, she chased after my dad to Europe when he went on a trip with his best friend.
She booked the flight, packed a bag, and just showed up.
She’d never told me that story before.
Then she dropped the mic:
“Jon, if you love her, you’d better get your ass on the flight.”
I booked the ticket that night. I was in Thailand two days later.
Alison and I have been together ever since. Dating for fifteen years, our tenth wedding anniversary is in July. We have three kids.
Here’s the thing I think about often.
I would not have gone if my mom hadn’t told me her story.
Which is a crazy thought to sit with today.
When she left that night, I just thought that was the universe telling me it wasn’t meant to be.
But life is so much better when you tell the universe to F-off and chase after what you want.
Pic is from a lifetime ago, on the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand. We went back a few years after that original trip for another four months after getting married. She’s pregnant with Calvin, our oldest, here.
2
The best thing you can do for your marriage is to make health and fitness something you build together.
Walk after dinner.
Work out side by side, even if the workouts look different.
Cook food together.
Sign up for the race together.
Remind each other to drink water.
Tell them they look strong. Mean it.
You can literally just do healthy things together. And the more you do, the deeper the connection.
If you enjoyed this, please consider forwarding a copy via the link below to somebody else today:
www.theptdc.com/articles/5-reps-Jun-19-2026
-Jon
Support the Community Made Kickstarter!
I’ve already bought my 50 copies
Few people have influenced my professional life as positively as Jayson Gaignard. I’ve been a member of his group, Mastermind Talks, since day 1 over a decade ago.
And that’s why I’m excited to share with you a Kickstarter he is running for his book, Community Made.
It’s the playbook for building a stellar peer group.
He’s already raised over $150k, and the Kickstarter ends in a few days.
Buy your copy(s) and support him here:
–> Community Made on Kickstarter
Promo
My Books
Below are my top 3 bestselling books. Each was written for a different audience. If you enjoyed this email, please consider buying a copy of whichever best suits you.
All books are available worldwide in all formats (hardcopy, kindle, and audio) wherever you buy books. Linked below is the Amazon USA link for your convenience.
Ignite the Fire: The Secrets to a Successful Personal Training Career – For personal trainers (Buy here)
The Obvious Choice: Timeless Lessons on Success, Profit, and Finding Your Way – For small business owners and coaches. (Buy here)
Unhinged Habits: A Counterintuitive Guide for Humans to Have More by Doing Less – For people looking for habits and self-improvement. (Buy here)
Forgot I had these promo pics made. May as well use them. Buy your copy here.
Coach. Author. World explorer. But mostly, Dad.
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