Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change

Summary

In this motivational video, Bernard reflects on his journey from a competitive powerlifter to a successful doctor, emphasizing the power of self-concept in shaping one's life. He shares his experiences, including setbacks from a car accident and the discipline required to excel in his studies and career. Bernard encourages viewers to define their vision of themselves, identify their goals, and adopt daily rituals that align with those aspirations. He stresses the importance of consistency and the choice between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret, ultimately inspiring viewers to pursue their dreams and embrace their potential.

Takeaways

• 🏋️‍♂️ Personal Vision: Bernard's initial vision of himself as a competitive powerlifter in 2006 was pivotal to his progress and daily rituals.
• 🔄 Change Over Time: Bernard's self-perception evolved from a powerlifter to a medical professional, illustrating that one's vision of self can change with time and experiences.
• 🚫 Avoid Self-Limitation: People often impose limitations on themselves by believing they are not good enough, which hinders their progress and success.
• 🏥 Life-Altering Incident: Bernard's accident and the subsequent recovery period significantly altered his self-image and future goals.
• 🎓 Post-Accident Shift: After the accident, Bernard's focus shifted from powerlifting to pursuing a career in medicine, showing adaptability in the face of adversity.
• 👨‍⚕️ Career Transition: Bernard's parents' insistence on finding a job after graduation led to a change in his self-concept and the beginning of his journey towards becoming a doctor.
• 💼 Balancing Work and Study: Bernard worked up to 80 hours a week while studying to be a doctor, highlighting the importance of discipline and hard work in achieving goals.
• 💡 Self-Discovery: Bernard encourages finding one's identity through trying different projects and hobbies, which can lead to self-discovery and personal growth.
• 📝 Self-Assessment: Writing down one's self-perception and necessary actions to achieve desired goals is a crucial step towards self-improvement.
• 🔑 Consistency is Key: Consistency in daily rituals and actions is essential for achieving long-term goals and realizing one's vision of self.
• ⏳ Time and Discipline: Bernard emphasizes the importance of using time wisely and embracing the pain of discipline to avoid the pain of regret later in life.

Q & A

What was Bernard's initial surprise at the gym?

Bernard was surprised that despite going to the gym only once or twice a week for the last few months, he was still able to bench press 365 pounds.

How did Bernard's perspective on his bench press ability change over time?

Initially, Bernard was disappointed that he was not progressing beyond his 300-pound bench press from 2006. However, by 2016, he was not disappointed but rather surprised and pleased that he could still lift 365 pounds.

What was Bernard's vision of himself in 2006?

In 2006, Bernard saw himself as a competitive powerlifter, dedicating his daily routines to powerlifting and making continuous progress.

How did Bernard's daily rituals contribute to his powerlifting goals in 2006?

Bernard's daily rituals in 2006 were centered around powerlifting, including preparing meals, packing protein powder, planning his training sessions, and doing early morning cardio.

What common issue did Bernard observe in people who were not achieving success?

Bernard noticed that many people had self-imposed limitations, believing they were not good enough for certain goals, which led to inaction and lack of success.

How did Bernard's self-image change after being hit by a car?

After being hit by a car, Bernard's self-image as invincible and one of the strongest people was shattered. He lost 60 pounds in 16 weeks and had to reevaluate his identity.

What was the turning point for Bernard's career path?

The turning point for Bernard's career path was during his senior year of college when he was hit by a car and was unable to compete in Nationals. This led to a shift in his focus and identity.

How did Bernard's parents influence his decision to find a job after college?

Bernard's parents insisted that he find a job after graduating college, stating that studying to be a doctor was his choice and not theirs, which led to a change in his self-concept.

What was the result of Bernard's efforts to find employment after college?

Bernard managed to secure three jobs, which allowed him to support himself financially while studying to be a doctor.

How did Bernard's identity evolve as he pursued postgraduate training?

Bernard's identity evolved from being a powerlifter to Dr. Bernard, focusing on his medical career and engaging in activities that contributed to his professional growth.

What advice does Bernard give to people struggling with their identity and success?

Bernard advises people to write down who they think they are and what they need to do to achieve their goals. He emphasizes the importance of finding what works for the individual and being consistent with it.

What is the main message Bernard wants to convey to his audience?

The main message Bernard wants to convey is that one's vision of themselves dictates who they become, and it's important to change daily activities to align with that vision for success.