Send us a text

Ever felt like no matter how much you accomplish, it's never enough? You're not alone. Ambition—that driving force behind achievement—can sometimes lead us into what I call "the unintentional abyss of ambition," where periods of stillness or rest become sources of self-criticism rather than rejuvenation.

In this deeply personal episode, I share my own recent struggles with feeling insufficient despite evidence to the contrary. Drawing on Dr. Ben Hardy's powerful concept of "the gap and the gain," we explore why high performers often measure themselves against idealized standards (the gap) rather than acknowledging how far they've come (the gain). Through real examples—from marathon runners fixating on qualifying times rather than celebrating personal records, to my own tendency to overlook the transformative impact of my work because I haven't reached arbitrary numeric goals—we unpack this common mindset trap.

The most powerful moment comes from a community member who lost 30 pounds and completely transformed his relationship with discipline. His journey from believing change was impossible to creating sustainable healthy habits for himself and his family perfectly illustrates the power of living in "the gain." I also recommend Byron Katie's book "Loving What Is: The Work" as a resource for questioning the stories we tell ourselves and optimizing our way of being rather than just our external achievements.

Whether you're building a business, pursuing fitness goals, or working on personal growth, this episode will help you recognize when you're falling into the gap and give you practical tools to shift your perspective. Remember, you are special and amazing—don't let ambition blind you to that truth. Subscribe, share with someone who needs this message, and join my Unshakable Discipline community if you're ready to build sustainable discipline in all areas of your life.

Thank you for tuning in! If you feel led, please subscribe & share the show to others who you believe would benefit from it.
Keep in touch below!

• Join The Unshakeable Discipline Community!
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/ryanacass/
• Instagram | @ryanacass

Send us a text

The sweet spot of human potential often lies just beyond where most people are willing to venture. What happens when we deliberately seek out our limits, not just to discover them but to push past them? This profound question sets the stage for my upcoming participation in the 2025 Spartan Death Race—one of the world's most extreme and unpredictable endurance challenges.

My journey toward this event began in 2011 when, as a high school wrestler, I stumbled upon footage of participants diving into freezing Vermont ponds at 2AM to retrieve pennies needed to continue after already enduring 24+ hours of challenges. Where most saw pointless suffering, I recognized something magnetic—a rare opportunity to discover what exists beyond conventional boundaries. That fascination never faded, eventually leading to a conversation with Spartan founder Joe DeSena and ultimately, my acceptance into this legendary event.

Unlike traditional races with clear parameters, the Death Race thrives on uncertainty. The experience begins months before the starting line with monthly challenges designed to eliminate the mentally unprepared—finding logs weighing more than your body weight to drag through snow, solving puzzles while hanging upside down, completing 500 tire flips. Of roughly 100 selected participants each year (chosen from those with impressive endurance résumés including ultramarathon finishes and special forces experience), approximately half abandon their commitment before race day arrives.

What draws someone toward such deliberate difficulty? Two powerful motivations: discovering the better version of myself that exists on the other side of extraordinary challenge, and proving myself right about what I'm truly capable of. These lessons transcend the physical arena, building resilience applicable to every aspect of life. When we embrace discomfort rather than avoid it, we develop tools that serve us professionally, personally, and spiritually.

The greatest potential often lies just beyond what we believe possible. What difficulty are you willing to embrace to discover yours? Join me on this journey by following along, and more importantly, by finding your own version of "doing hard things"—whatever that means for you.

Thank you for tuning in! If you feel led, please subscribe & share the show to others who you believe would benefit from it.
Keep in touch below!

• Join The Unshakeable Discipline Community!
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/ryanacass/
• Instagram | @ryanacass

Send us a text

Dr. Hilary Cauthen, a clinical sports psychologist for Olympians and elite athletes, shares how fear of failure and evaluation often block peak performance—and how to reframe those fears for growth. In this episode, she reveals how shifting from “avoid failure” to “pursue success” unlocks freedom, focus, and motivation. We also explore how high standards and emotional authenticity can coexist in elite sport, and why trauma can serve as a hidden source of strength when properly integrated. Dr. Cauthen's simple "five minute mind" practice proves that mental mastery starts with stillness, not struggle.

3 Key Takeaways:

• Reframing fear unlocks performance breakthroughs.
• Vulnerability and excellence are not opposites.
• Mental fitness is daily maintenance, not a crisis response.

Thank you for tuning in! If you feel led, please subscribe & share the show to others who you believe would benefit from it.
Keep in touch below!

• Join The Unshakeable Discipline Community!
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/ryanacass/
• Instagram | @ryanacass

Send us a text

In a world addicted to motion and noise, stillness might be the most radical act of clarity. I share my journey of reclaiming presence through running, walking, and moments of quiet that helped me reconnect with my environment—and myself.

Stillness will allow you to hear more birds chirping, be more connected to those who you love most, and enjoy what is.

Lessons Learned:

• Stillness creates the mental space needed for clarity, creativity, and emotional processing.
• Movement (like running or walking) can be powerful gateways to mindfulness and presence.
• Rewarding your mind for noticing small details builds a lasting habit of gratitude and awareness.

Thank you for tuning in! If you feel led, please subscribe & share the show to others who you believe would benefit from it.
Keep in touch below!

• Join The Unshakeable Discipline Community!
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/ryanacass/
• Instagram | @ryanacass

Send us a text

Thank you for tuning in! If you feel led, please subscribe & share the show to others who you believe would benefit from it.
Keep in touch below!

• Join The Unshakeable Discipline Community!
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/ryanacass/
• Instagram | @ryanacass

Send us a text

You already have the answers, but you might not have the path. Or you know the path but can't help bumps in the road from turning into mountains.

Feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure of your next step? This episode introduces three powerful questions that can help you break through doubt, gain clarity, and turn challenges into growth. As midyear fatigue sets in, these tools will help you realign with your purpose and stay focused on what truly matters.

These 3 questions can be asked regularly to avoid setbacks, create clarity, and continue moving forward in any situation.

Thank you for tuning in! If you feel led, please subscribe & share the show to others who you believe would benefit from it.
Keep in touch below!

• Join The Unshakeable Discipline Community!
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/ryanacass/
• Instagram | @ryanacass

Send us a text

In an age dominated by AI, handwritten thank-you letters have become a powerful symbol of genuine human connection. Research shows we often underestimate the emotional value these simple gestures hold. While AI can automate many tasks, it can't replicate the authenticity of a heartfelt note.

I've come to find these letters to be therapeutic and love writing them every week!

Key Takeaways:

• ✉️ Handwritten notes create emotional impact that AI cannot replicate.
• 💡 We undervalue how meaningful our gratitude is to others.
• 🕒 Just a few minutes spent writing a note can create lasting connection and joy.

Thank you for tuning in! If you feel led, please subscribe & share the show to others who you believe would benefit from it.
Keep in touch below!

• Join The Unshakeable Discipline Community!
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/ryanacass/
• Instagram | @ryanacass

Send us a text

In this special 200th episode of Win Today, I take the guest seat while former guest Jamie Damsker hosts a powerful conversation about turning pain into purpose. Through stories of heartbreak, healing, and persistence, I challenge listeners to examine the limiting beliefs they’ve accepted as truth.

Just as this podcast has hit an amazing milestone, so can you, in any endeavor. Every week, this podcast serves as an invitation for the world to take one step towards their ideal life and break past what may be holding them back.

Key Takeaways:

• Your deepest pain can become your greatest gift when you rewrite your narrative.
• Limiting beliefs often dissolve when you ask, "What makes that true?"
• Consistency becomes effortless when it's part of your identity, not just a goal.

Thank you for tuning in! If you feel led, please subscribe & share the show to others who you believe would benefit from it.
Keep in touch below!

• Join The Unshakeable Discipline Community!
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/ryanacass/
• Instagram | @ryanacass