F = M*A

My mentor tells me this is life in an equation. Everything he’s ever accomplished comes down to this^.

“It’s all math and physics, Jake. Nothing more. Remember that.”

Force = Mass * Acceleration

Your force is the progress you make in life. Whatever goals you set or whatever dreams you have, it takes force to achieve them.

And how is force achieved? It’s a combination of your natural gifts and the effort you put in.

THAT’S IT.

Life really is that simple.

When looking at my own life, I can see the equation clearly at work in athletics.

I was never the most talented person in the country or even in the conference…shit I probably wasn’t even close to the most talented person in my event group on my track teams!

I looked around and saw a fuck ton of talent I didn’t have. These guys were bigger, they were faster, they were stronger, and probably even smarter (which is not a crazy feat but you get the point).

My competition had a shit ton of Mass (M) at the end of the day. They were blessed with gifts that were not even close to common among the population.

But I knew there was another side to this equation. I knew if most people saw me in a crowd, they wouldn’t have necessarily guessed I was a high-level athlete. But…I knew I could outwork the Mass (M) eventually.

I knew if I put up enough Acceleration (A), my Force (F) would eventually add up to accomplish those lofty goals.

So what did this radical Acceleration (A) look like?

Well…I oriented my whole life around the sport, I pushed my body in training to where I couldn’t move my legs, I was constantly asking questions of my coach to better understand the events, I didn’t drink a drop of alcohol during off-season and season, I studied nutrition and what advantages I could create for myself by consuming the right foods, I made sure I got 9 hours of sleep per night, I was in the training room DAILY for rehab and treatment, I studied film like a maniac, I filmed my own training sessions to see where I could improve, and I spoke to the most successful athletes I knew for their advice.

I did it all.

Anything I could find that I thought could give me any kind of advantage against the competition, I did it.

And I had some success. These things eventually added up. I offset my lack of Mass (M) with a sick work ethic nobody could ever take away from me.

I look back to the times when I was at the NCAA National Championship. I look to my left, I see someone who’s 6’7’ 245 lbs. I look to my right and see someone who’s 6’6” 230. All fast as hell and incredibly powerful…

Then I look at myself…I’m the smallest guy in the field. 6’ (in the morning) 170 lbs.

But by God did I do everything within my power to lineup against some of these guys and compete my ass off (and manage to beat some).

That’s the difference. I had no care in the world for the Mass (M). I stopped caring what God gave me and solely focused on what was in my control.

I accepted who I was and accepted the work needed to get to my goals would be sickening…

Now, the question I ask is, “Where is my true Mass (M)?”

What are my real gifts? How can I identify where my natural abilities lie and combine this with my insane Acceleration (A)?

And that’s what I feel my 20’s has been and will continue to be about. Let’s take this discipline and work ethic we have built, try a few different things, and see where our true talent lies.

If we can do that, the potential to what we can achieve is limitless.

I’m starting to see where that Mass (M) is hidden and how I can uncover it to create something huge…but it’s all a learning process.

Stick around to hear more about that process…I’m beyond excited to continue to share this journey of my 20’s and the lessons I pick up along the way. And if you made it this far in the newsletter, shoot me a DM or a text so we can talk through this equation…I’d love to hear your experience.

Much love <3