The Toxic Champion MINDSET

[@JxmyHighroller]

Incredible analysis. Most people want winners and champions to be nice guys, moral role models. They want their motives to be as inspiring as their abilities. But the reality is most champions want to dominate for the sheer fact of dominating. They want to crush anyone in their way and prove a point in the process. From an outsiders perspective it’s borderline psychotic, but from their perspective it’s an absolute necessity.

[@vanillaice1335]

hog rider

[@gene-2289]

Damn, wild Jimmy appears on a weightlifting video, anyways l LOVE your videos and I don't even watch basketball. Much love man.

[@sterlingsilver5937]

I don't agree with your comment. I believe there are people that can experience a great amount of success while being moral and kind people, and there are others who can experience a great amount of success while being extremely ambitious and cutthroat. One thing that I think it's important to consider is a principle that there is a difference between things that we succeed because of and things that we succeed in spite of. Marshall Goldsmith addresses this in his book what got you here won't get you there. Being strong is a valuable trait to possess however that does not mean that a person has to be arrogant or have you attitude that they are willing to step on the neck of the next man in order to succeed.

[@marshalepine248]

Not necessarily

[@Samson484]

Competition drives everything. That’s how we move forward as a society. To say it’s psychotic is plain out stupid.

[@WeightliftingHouse]

People underestimate the role of genetics at the highest level, but they also underestimate how good the average person can get at anything with thousands of hours of deliberate work.

[@ioniordache8372]

This. So much this. People give up way to easily and don’t put any considerable amount of effort in anything they do. The average 30 year old guy can get stronger than 99% of the people he passes by on the street with a couple of years of dedicated training.

[@urigeheadmot1196]

Well said

[@x2lazy2die]

genetics don't only dictate physical traits.there is a genetic component to this just as there is for something like leverages. ofc there is a non genetic component to it as well but its disingenuous to say "if only u worked 110% everyday u'd b able to achieve it"

[@lmar2075]

the issue is the average person cant or wont do thousands of hours of deliberate work

[@qweasd9153]

@@lmar2075 of course they can. They aren't competing, they have many years of training. Obviously they not gonna make to the pro league but they are able to put enough hours through the years to master almost any hobby

[@rollerr]

I'm gonna quote the Bugez real quick. "THERE IS NO BETTER GIFT FOR STRENGTH THAN RAGE, AND ANGER"

[@alejandroaraiza2226]

It’s a mindset!

[@watsonkushmaster3067]

bugez is really big on external motivation...i dont think its all that good, but its a productive way for sure

[@AliCanTUNCER8]

You have to live it

[@TomassoTrekks]

I stub my toe when doing deadlifts then just go animalistic for reps.

[@jacobcho7836]

wow this is so true. Might have to get this tattooed.

[@fysics_nerd0.0073]

Extreme sucess is not achieved by happy, satisfied normal people, it is achieved by those who have something to prove, people think passion drives winners but really it is hate and rage

[@tjcogger1974]

That's not always necessarily true. I can think of plenty of examples where it's not. But it is the case a lot of the time.

[@ghengiskhan9308]

You're right but wrong at the same time as there are people who are exceptions to that.

[@НиколайТобиас]

My latest motivation in terms of beating genetics - Su Bingtiam seems like a dude with very intellegent and professional approach to training. He doesnt just outtrain other, he is analyzing and putting in hard work in needed directions

[@НиколайТобиас]

Actually for some reason in individual sports i cant think of a lot of GOATS who are speaking about this external motivation and training 16 hours a day. John Brzenk? No way. Khabib? Not really, he just has mindset of "mountain people" from Kavkaz, he is disciplined. Kirill Sarychev? No, pretty intellegent guy, not doing more than he should or breaking periodization and ruining his progress with it. Adam Ondra? No, incredibly positive guy with internal motivation, though, he is training the hardest and does have crazy dedication. Etc.

[@fysics_nerd0.0073]

@@tjcogger1974 definitly true

[@BaldOmniMan]

Off in the distance, the loud hum of garlic and honey whistles past your nose, and the loud screams of Eric Bugenhagen sounding: “ITS A MINDSET” bellow into your ears.

[@igee1605]

Loved Ur interview with alphadestiny, very insightful

[@cx2900]

you hear one of your neighbors whisper loudly, "honey they're doing foreplay in the road again!"

[@JameyPhoenix]

Something I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older. “Motivation” isn’t the thing that gets you far. OBSESSION is. You must be obsessed, and obsession usually is rooted in something “toxic”. Accepting that, not assigning a connotation to it, and rolling with it will get you closer to your goals than anything else.

[@okeythegoat2332]

Facts being need to switch the word motivation with obsession

[@mickeyari2628]

depends on what your goals are, obsession is a choice.

[@UnknownCartoonEditor]

Bingo. Obsession.

[@JameyPhoenix]

@Shimmy ShaiOkay this is going to sound weird, but finding the “toxic” part of your obsession is the first step. That thing that initially motivated you isn’t sustainable. Money comes and goes, fame waxes and wanes. The true obsession needs to be something inside of you, that ALSO could be used to help others. Being obsessed with the process means you can help people figure out their own process. Being obsessed with being the center of attention means that you can use your platform to affect real change some day. It starts inside of you and then blossoms into something beautiful. That beauty requires sacrifice. How to choose one goal from many? Well that it’s YOUR Journey my friend. I’d get curious as to the similarities to all of your goals and work from there. (Example: what does a politician, a programmer, and an athlete all have in common? Politicians serve people in the government, programmers serve people with their products, athletes serve people inspiration and entertainment. Maybe your “toxic” motivator is success money and fame but ultimately you’re attracted to serving the public in some way? Idk.) either way, you’re going to have to choose something and allow yourself to see it through, because the journey is where you discover what you actually want. I just spent 12 years working in the government to find out I want to be a Philosophy professor… lol. It be like that sometimes. The way you induce obsession is with something I actually learned from watching Kuo’s documentary on ATG: “Deliberate Practice”. Consistency wins where everything else fails. Your life, environment, etc has to reflect exactly what you’re chasing. Mat Fraser (best male CrossFit athlete of all time) says in his book he’d only ask himself one question about EVERYTHING in his life: “will this help me win the CrossFit Games?” From sleep to sex, if it didn’t help, he wouldn’t do it. Deliberate, daily, repetitive practice is what gets you there. Hope this helps, and stay obsessed my friend 👍🏾

[@bryanhawkins9418]

Yup the only way I added on any muscle mass was due my obsession.

[@pricerowland]

The gap between competitive and hyper-competitive is much larger than we think. I remember an interview of Lance Armstrong saying "Get your hate on, man."

[@japphan]

A great example of the toxic winner. Do whatever it takes. He was the same against the people who testified against him. Harassed them into oblivion, not because he needed to, but because he "had to win". If someone hurt him a little bit, he would do his best to ruin their lives, using his money and influence to do so.

[@7_k265]

Same for Shaq,he made up a story In his head and went off on the dude cause I think his dad told him he respected the player too much

[@adrianobernardiprado5033]

Lance's " hate" =💉💉💉 💵💵💵

[@mihailmilev9909]

@@adrianobernardiprado5033 everyone had drugs back then and still do man

[@cx2900]

@@adrianobernardiprado5033 "muh juice" you know the athletes that juice are competing against other athletes that juice, right? no one cares that you're on it until you win, and they'll never care about the fact the people you beat were on it too

[@ChrisWillx]

This video needs way more views. Crushed it.

[@joewhisney]

100%. So good.

[@JaMarrJ]

Beyond Crushed it! Has me fired up in 2022 as there are a bunch of people I can’t wait to prove wrong!

[@zuhung98]

100%, except most of us toxic people will keep this good knowledge to ourselves

[@siddhant1285]

Yo Chris you here !!

[@jorgesosa38]

I remember learning about this very phenomenon in an intro psychology class. I am paraphrasing here but what was taught to me was that there are 4 categorical types of motivation and that the one having to do with out-performing others statistically tends to outperform everyone on the bell curve. It all makes sense as to why the top of essentially every human heirarchy is a toxic, cutthroat culture of a few obsessed individuals clawing at eachother for the number one spot.

[@drjp4212]

That's enough reasoning for an overall mentality of no power concentration (political, economical, military or any other type of power), because power exerts attraction exactly on those worst possible humans.

[@jorgesosa38]

@@drjp4212 yea Its a complicated and often controversial topic, I think competition is great but I also don't want sociopaths at the top of every ladder I climb. Maybe that's nature's intention, maybe its something we have to control, I don't know. I definitely am an advocate for decentralized systems though, specifically in the context of finance.

[@spikeboy101]

The better way is to encourage not the top few to win, but so that more can win. Lifting each other up instead of tearing others down bc your fragile ego must be #1 all the time.

[@drjp4212]

@@spikeboy101 That seems impossible to me

[@spikeboy101]

@@drjp4212 Look at the world now compared to 100 years ago. The living conditions everywhere for everyone has risen past anything comprehensible 100 years ago. That's an example of everyone winning, not just the 1%

[@wright.boy_]

something worth considering is how much that “toxic winner” is caused genetically or is a product of environment: parents (or lack thereof), school context, social status, trauma, etc. It might be that someone with typical genes for this trait might develop this it given a particular environment or set of experiences.

[@joemacleod-iredale2888]

Most of the super-successful business people I have known have a similar self-focused, almost sociopathic attitude to winning where clambering over others and using people is the norm. I’m much happier with modest success and strong relationships so I’ll never ‘win’…

[@Meishach2112]

Michael Jordan's parents seem very kind, supportive, organized, etc. They are quite impressive people when being interviewed. A good number of people are psychotic or sociopathic, and that can be channeled for good or ill.

[@KM-04]

Spot on mate! The "toxic winner" trait may in and of itself be genetic - with an inclination to be expressed under certain environmental triggers!

[@leslie7872]

the "toxic winner" is all nuture.

[@NiquelBones]

im just gonna say that very few top tier athletes are born rich

[@freakied0550]

This is copied from a meme, I take zero credit: "You have to score a bucket on either Lebron James or Michael Jordan and you get 1 million dollars. Who you trying to score against?" I'm taking Lebron because I'll tell him my family needs help and I could really use the money, and he'll let me score. If I told that to Jordan he'd laugh, guard me like his life depended on it, and mop the floor with me."

[@SouthpawJoe]

Fucking hilarious but i think LeBron would still guard you tbh

[@TuringTested01]

Gay af

[@JackgarPrime]

The classic Jordan "Fuck Them Kids" situation.

[@Jonathan-A.C.]

@@TuringTested01 Bruh, why’re you talking about yourself? You need to be more positive bro, it’ll help out

[@jasonmaguire7552]

Nah, just tell LeBron that the money is for the CCP and he will lift you up to the ring so you can dunk the ball.

[@RamseyDewey]

This video speaks to me, man… and probably every one else who started training because of the bullies at school, and kept doing it into adulthood decades later because of all the naysayers. This is way more common than anyone will admit to, and almost nobody talks about it.

[@joewhisney]

Agreed! Would be interesting to see how things would be with more honesty around this area.

[@ovidiustefan2807]

Nice to see you commenting on diverse videos, coach

[@mamu7mich]

you're the man Ramsey! love your videos

[@kanutaro3426]

@Shoegaze Based Genre nice username

[@anishj3140]

I was bullied for being fat/obese and now I'm worshipped.

[@ijmwpiano]

Most of us have that little voice in our head that tells us we’re not good enough. Few of us feel the intense obligation to do something about it. Natural inborn talent can only be actualized through diligent and consistent practice. Even then, the beast within is only awoken though pain… Like a weapon of destruction forged from fire. The obstacles in life can either define, strengthen, or destroy you. The next step is always up to you.

[@lanroom2896]

@Shimmy Shai you just don’t have it in you simple as that some are more competitive then other naturally it’s can be caused by many different things like the environment they grew up in or how they view themselves “ego”

[@G-mansp3aks]

8:19 about the “Toxic Winner” gene that you speak of, I feel it’s more of a set of experiences that have led to a mindset rather than a gene. Some people who grew up being super accepted and included by those around them may not grow to have the same mindset of wanting others approval and respect like Kobe or Michael

[@kitschgod]

@Shimmy Shai that is sigma mindset bs

[@G-mansp3aks]

@Shimmy Shai i feel like that person would live a life of pleasing themselves and making themselves happy instead of doing things to earn acceptance. basically ur just a regular person at that point lol

[@bossgd100]

@@kitschgod 😂

[@kristianfagerstrom7011]

While the genetic influence on personality traits are pretty muddy waters, there are some pretty good documentation of the hereditiarity of some personality disorders. It could be genetic, it could be environmental, it could be a bit of both. Probably the latter.

[@aminotarobot7486]

"The Weight" sounds like a really great film, at risk of sounding critical it's rather similar to Whiplash but that's by no means a bad thing. As an avid lifter and aspiring filmmaker this is absolutely a movie I want to see!

[@Gilbertcerise1]

I love Whiplash and it’s definitely a film that I’ve used to give people an idea of what The Weight will be like in terms of a main character and filmmaking craft. With that said there’s a lot of differences in the story and relationships. Casey’s father is the antithesis of JK Simmons’s character, we go into PEDs as well as general corruption of the systems in place. Toxic winning/masculinity/whatever you want to describe it as is confronted and challenged.

[@chrism45]

I feel like making a sport movie and not making it a hero story is hard. The Fighter was a movie that surprised me by how little of the actual sport was important to how good it turned out.

[@Gilbertcerise1]

@@chrism45 If it was easy everyone would do it :) On a less wiseass note, you need likeable characters and a main character should have something about them you can relate to, but it’s not necessary to like the main character to pull off a good film. Whiplash is more of a straight up sport film than The Fighter but Neiman is a pretty unlikeable person in reality but we can empathize with him because he’s less of an asshole than Fletcher. For that matter, Raging Bull is a Shakespearean tragedy. Settings don’t always dictate story, they do dictate character to a degree, but several genres can be at play in a film. I’m hesitant to go into too much detail about the film because that would ruin the experience of seeing it for the first time. I will say that if you’re interested in my film to please check out the WeFunder and if you don’t like the film when you see it I’ll pay you back whatever it cost you to see it get made with an extra 25% on top.

[@Tesswrench111]

Well, whiplash is a sports film, so I guess that makes sense

[@Tesswrench111]

@@trtnec on the contrary, just change "drumming" and "jazz band", with a position and sport of your choice.

[@KeyvanJuanez]

This kind of conversation always reminds me of a famous sport psychology study that was cited frequently in my degree. It was ostensibly about doping in sports but I think speaks well to this kind of mindset and how it's not necessarily a healthy or happy way to go through life. Paraphrasing (it's been a few years), they interviewed a group of elite athletes and posed a series of hypotheticals. The first one was something like "If you could take a performance enhancing drug with a guarantee of never getting caught, would you take it?", and a huge majority said yes. The interesting one was where they asked "If you could take a drug and be guaranteed to win every event you enter for 5 years, and then drop dead, would you take it?" and IIRC 60-70% of those interviewed still said yes.

[@Mysticbladegod]

I absolutely loved your logic here. When someone sees a champion like a Kobe or Jordan, they never look beneath the surface and uncover any toxicity that may have been there motivating them. I've been a competitive powerlifter since 2015 and I've won a few titles. When I look at my journey and the weight I've lifted over the years, I reflect on what I feel in competition and in training. My biggest motivator isn't hate, or anxiety. It's joy. Pure joy. Gratitude. I absolutely love the fact that I'm able to lift and build my mind and body. I'm even more blessed to be able to share that joy with others. You don't need negativity to win. Just discipline, joy, and gratitude.

[@TheRichardson711]

I always wonder how many GOATs we miss out on because they never had the opportunity to try a sport, OR they never had the mindset to maximize they're talents. The same applies to this toxic winner idea, but in reverse. How many toxic winners ruined their bodies and relationships because they didn't have the physical gifts to handle such intensity.

[@spine_skull]

@@polakamkamalnath1000 what a story you have there my friend. pure, unadultered cope.

[@YourFitnessQuest]

Those are interesting insights about motivation. I'm a huge Jordan fan and loved the Last Dance documentary but I have to admit I was a little surprised to see how his competitive attitude made it hard for his teammates. It also showed how he took offense so easily and felt compelled to constantly prove himself. I've known others with this attitude and I agree it can be called a curse even though their effort and determination are admirable.

[@jonathanwilliams86]

Honestly, I've heard that Michael Jordan was an asshole

[@jordy51098]

Solid analysis mate. Loved it. I'm sure you've probably seen it already, but if not, you've got to watch Whiplash. I've never seen a movie that so perfectly exemplifies this trait you're speaking of, funnily enough it's about jazz drumming too. While I agree with everything you're saying here, I think it's also important to note that the 'Toxic champion' trait is not the only way to be the best. It's just one psychological mindset that some champions use as fuel. Roger Federer might be a good example of someone who works like a machine, has crazy talent and genetics, but is not at all toxic or egotistical. Lewis Hamilton is arguably another. That is not to say ego isn't important, these people do not give an inch when competing but it is possible to be an absolute demon while you're competing, but then switch it off when you're not. I find these people most admirable because they model a healthy approach that works for the everyday masses too, not just the genetically gifted. The danger I have seen in sports, mostly weightlifting for me, is there are sadly many people who have the 'toxic' without the 'champion'. People who aren't self aware enough to know they're not Naim or Ilya or Michael Jordan, but believe if they 'sacrifice' enough of themselves or others then they could be. Usually this manifests in just being a mediocre athlete, but justifying any toxic personality trait as 'necessary for my sport' and marytring themselves when they do it. "I didn't want to, but this is what it takes to be great." I knew a guy who didn't show up for his girlfriend who was giving birth to his child, because it was on the same day as a Club competition where he was aiming for maybe a 250ish Sinclair. Worse, he complained all week about how her pregnancy was disrupting his comp prep. Shock horror, he never got anywhere in the sport. The reality is that this trait only works when combined with that 1% of the 1% who also have the genetic capacity for greatness as well. If Michael Jordan didn't have the genetics as well, he'd just be an arsehole college basketball player nobody ever remembered.

[@dakkadakka7697]

This is the issue for me. it feels like people want to glamourize the way these athletes act and dismiss how horrible this mindset can be for a person and those arround them.

[@kristianfagerstrom7011]

Certainly. It's like all the successful people who "always knew" they'd succeed. There are countless others who also "knew" but despite that never succeeded, however, they're seldom featured in interviews or on the cover of a magazine.

[@churn_diesel]

The stories of what Jordan would use to motivate himself are legendary.

[@canyounot5598]

Hell yeah

[@stavroslv9184]

Narcissistic disorder. That's the reason. I have it and it was extremely hard to manage it. I had a personality breakdown caused by working all day thinking that i ll prove everybody wrong and no one would be able to doupt me. I was working so much that i got fever for a day. All that led me to the psychiatrist. It took me two years in order to find the balance and keep working on my craft, getting better and build a foundation on inner motivation, not externally caused hate and insecurity. If anyone reading this or you have a friend who does suffer or has symptoms of this dysfunction, give him the book "Laws of human nature-Robert Greene" and just tell him or her to read it. Its first chapter is narcissistic personality. If he or she does not want to read it just tell him he is not alone to this. This video was something i d never expected to get uploaded by a kind of channel like this. I felt sad that those People do this thing to their soul in order to reach the top. Congratulations to the ones that are in love with reaching and breaking their limits just for the shake of it, respecting every moment of it, living their life for themselves and feeling gratitude. Thanks for reading this. I did not got the time to think any word of this text as i am writing it out of pure desire to express my situation and help anyone else see this as it really is.

[@CFthorin]

Goggins definitely has this same mindset, though directed inward. Something that will always stick with me is, "your body doesn't know the difference between hate and love", both can motivate you equally and strongly. In physical competition using fear and anxiety towards winning is certainly something every athlete does.

[@hectortyseus8393]

Body doesn’t know difference between hate and love? What? Hate and love are very distinct emotions and they manifest itself in totally different way physically. Generally sport is toxic as hell and nobody admits it, a lot of athletes suffer physically, mentally, emotionally and financially after their careers are over. We usually only see the winners. I don’t think it’s something to aspire to. If you do a sport, do it for yourself, your own pleasure, for the love of being able to move your body and not because of the hate of others and to boost your ego

[@98ore]

@@hectortyseus8393 on a chemical level your body doesn’t know, it’s your consciousness that directs those chemicals into a concept of hate or love depending on what got your blood pumping. Something like that at least

[@hectortyseus8393]

@@98ore I don't get it, when you do something you love (an activity) the hormones being released are endorphins, during rage or anger mostly adrenaline and norepinephrine are released. They have physically very different effects. Not to mention long term psychological benefits of being motivated by love in comparison to destructive patterns of fueling your obsessions with hate, anger and the will to dominate.

[@adamj2683]

@@98ore on a chemical level the body ABSOLUTELY knows the difference between hate and love. Look more into oxytocin and how hormones work.

[@Jack81631]

As a weightlifter lifting for 6 years I felt what you said and salute your awesome content but your video editors editing skills are equally awesome, it really gave the feeling that you wanted the viewers to feel.

[@CleverSmart123]

I can identify well with this mentality. When I grew up, no matter how well I would do, there was always someone, my family would compare me too that was better. With my frame I often got underestimated in different sports I did, and I would practice for hours to prove them wrong. One of the effects of it were a lot of injuries as I trained through no matter the costs.

[@dennisrobinson8008]

They were good at demotivating someone but you kept going?

[@Jonathan-A.C.]

@@dennisrobinson8008 Basically yes. They would act in a negative manner, and he would take that and spin it positively

[@IsaacMorgan98]

The 1st dude I heard talking about this was George Leeman, he was open and honest about the fact that he hated that other people were stronger than him and that they could bully him if they wanted so he went absolutely all out in every session to be the strongest around. Not for admiration, not for world betterment but to feel safe from other people. He also talked about how he'd use self hatred from the death of his brother as motivation in a set to go harder. I think running from negative emotion will always be a stronger force than running to positive. You don't run as fast towards a cake as you do away from a tiger and people with that tiger will run regardless of their sprained ankle, pounding heart and racing mind. It's not just genetics that makes them more resilient, they're in pain and just can't show it cause if they do, the tiger is right on their heels.

[@kristianfagerstrom7011]

It may seem that way, but anoher thing to take into consideration is that running from may make you run fromn the sport altogether. In behavioural psychology we see that the sustainable habits are the ones that you desire to maintain.

[@adamj2683]

And running to save someone you love from a tiger will have you running even faster. Love wins. Find a way to harness love/compassion and it will drive you stronger than anything else.

[@xxl8813]

@@adamj2683 Are you sure about that? if you have no weapons would you run at the tigter? let's say and elephant was attacking your love ones would you?

[@Ahmed-vk8pv]

There has been a lack of videos of this caliper in your channel. I also like the casual react type vids but this is what made me subscribe in the first place.

[@MAB-nj8wf]

Zack, I'm going through some really tough times, and your videos are really assisting me through this mess. Love the content and the subject matter. Topics that have always been discussed, but your videos are right on point. Great work my friend.

[@tkburner253]

This video has made me realize something about myself, a quick history lesson about myself is I used to be a skinny fat kid and I had a huge crush on this one girl back in high school, long story short I asked her out several times and she kept rejecting me while also leading me on, we even made out a couple of time this was very confusing until one day I asked her why she was playing with my emotion like that, she then basically told me that she really like another dude and that I was her second option. Being labeled a second option really hurt me deeply so I started working out and improving myself and I have been very consistent with it for about 2 years now even through the various lockdowns I found a way to train and remain consistent, I'm currently in the best shape of my life and still working hard for more gains 💪🏾 my family always asks me how I find the motivation and drive to stay consistent with my diet and workouts, the real reason is I want to prove that I'm more than just a second option😤 also want to show all the people who made fun of me back then that they messed with the wrong guy, these are the thoughts that drive me to get up and go to the gym and grind

[@alekpitsch4041]

One similar person I look up to is Tom Platz. He has the same type of mentality as Kobe, Jordan, and others. He said in an interview, "I don't have something better than you. I don't have good genetics, I just wanted it more. I wanted it more."

[@EMPANAO321]

I always hate when people say "don't compare yourself with others" as if they are not humans or something, the only thing that really motivates me is comparing myself with others, feeling that i'm a faliure is the only thing that keeps me going

[@Sickdude420]

This is my favourite KZbin video. Ultimate motivation.

[@stuntmanmike5364]

I love this... the most dominant athletes in any sport, are not dominant because they are "nice guys". They are dominant because they are willing to go places where the common man isn't willing to go because they are willing to go scorched earth to achieve greatness. Nice guys don't go scorched earth.

[@JH-tc7wb]

I've often the conversation with my athletes, "You're good. You're really good, but it takes xyz to be great. Are you willing to do that/be that? If not, there's nothing wrong with just being good." Not everyone is willing to/has the motivation to pay the cost to be absolutely phenomenal. The few that do deserve to be lauded... and in some cases, deserve to be pitied.

[@drschwandi3687]

For most its not worth it to be phenomenal. You sacrifice a lot for it and for most with very little payoff.

[@KingKong-fj4dk]

Nobody deserves to be lauded if they can't be great without being a douchebag. It isn't Michael Jordans or Tom Bradys that the world needs. It's decent honest people who care more about others than they do themselves. When Jordan stands before God, God won't ask him how many basketball games he won.

[@JH-tc7wb]

@@KingKong-fj4dk We're not promoting these people because of who they are, but because of what they've done. Everything you're saying is sort of true, but I think that you're expecting something of people that just isn't realistic.

[@nightfighter7452]

You literally have to be obsessed, most people's brains aren't even wired to be that intense over one specific thing

[@zoarmhirr2964]

@@KingKong-fj4dk God also doesn't exist.

[@bartek-js2wq]

To be honest that's one of your greatest videos, it really spoke to me. Keep this up coach Zack.

[@sumtingwong8768]

Some psychology that comes to mind when this is brought up in regards to motivation is how the brain is wired to pay attention to negatives in life more than positives because you can only be so happy but you can be absolutely dead. Its what marketers and advertisers do: controversial, danger, loss of some kind, timers and deadlines, it grasps peoples attention. That being a well known fact you can reasonably assume the underlying most motivating factor in anyone success is that of losing what they already gained but also something else that is negative. Thats why its a "curse" its a negative 'energy' for lack of better words driving them On the other hand, the best predictor for life success is IQ (25%) and then personality trait conscientiousness (17%) so yes its also to a degree your genetics, because that trait determines how hard you work, along with someone who is highly neurotic (susceptibility to negative emotion) they would be driven by that negative feeling inside to do better. At the same time though they would be feeling more negative emotion than others, which would suck!

[@jermaineayivoh8263]

Genetics is definitely a term that is loosely thrown about as most people associate genetics with pure physical abilities. It is way more than just pure physical capability. The “mindset” as many people like to call it nowadays is also genetic. It’s an never ending, unexplainable burning rage, a pure fiery OBSESSION! Getting under a bar that has 700 pounds on it and wanting to squat down with it for example isn’t a sane rational thought that the average person has. It’s actually an insane thought by the standards of the average human being. But why do it ? Why strive so hard for something that isn’t going to make the world a better place ? Because it is just pure selfish, unadulterated desire to reach levels most people couldn’t even dream of. Because it is one of the only true and real desires in this lying and deceit filled world!! If you have a god given talent which is what most people are referring to when they talk about “genetics”, you can become good or possibly very good even if you don’t put a lot of work or effort into whatever it is that you are doing. However if you want to become great or even the best ? You have to couple naturally born talent with OBSESSION. There is no other way! It won’t be long before barbell will prove to have saved my life. To whomever this may concern or took their time to read this, maybe the barbell can save your life too IF you let it!

[@staszewaM]

Also, there is often a difference for example in regards of amassing wealth and climbing corporate ladder vs achieving something at sports/particular field (which is what you are talking about here). Obviously, especially in costly/expensive sports, coming from a rich family helps, but it won't help someone all that much in powerlifting/weightlifting. Whereas, coming from a billionaire family and either having all that money in the first place or being able to invest huge amounts of money and/or buy some firms for huge sums and then getting profits of that is in a way luck- coming from generational wealth, as it is pure luck since no one chooses who they are born as/into. That's what I often find funny about those 'grindset' videos for potential CEOs/investors- very often they are showing 'success' stories of people born into extraordinarily high generational wealth rather than 'slumdog' ones. It's not all that difficult to be a multi-millionaire when someone is born into a family with 150 million XD But yeah, that was a digression and I agree with your comment.

[@LoseControlForDeath]

actually this video and this comment helped me abit to change the way i think about myself, i guess i was born a bit more selfish in nature and tried to be much more humble in the past 5 years, and much more thoughtful, i find it difficult to motivate myself for anything and i want to progress further in my training and life in general, i guess i can try to go back to my selfish mentality i used to have until i was 16, to be the number one at something i pursued and demonstrate everyone that i'm worthy of something, and it gave me great satisfaction, it was the only period in my life in which i didn't suffer from insomnia

[@polynesianmovtgp7439]

Don't forget steroids

[@reedOsama]

@@polynesianmovtgp7439 steroids just add to the point, everyone can take steroids but they don't because they aren't willing to take the risk

[@hzpoker9611]

@@LoseControlForDeath I'm 26, and always avoided that toxic mentality, always avoided "try being better than the others" and the results: I'm fat, smoker, lazy, broke, accomplished nothing Everytime I got motivated to do something out of anger, and to prove something to others, I would stop myself and focus on doing it for myself, and guess what, I always lose motivation Been bullied my entire life, no one respects me, I look like a dumbass, and always avoided this toxic trait of "revenge" of the world, but this video made me change my mind Guess I'll have to let myself be what I am, and feel what I feel, without guilt. That last part of your text really caught my attention - " it was the only period of my life that I didn't suffered from insomnia" - It really shows that we can try to betray who we are and how we feel, but our consciousness will always charge you for it.

[@StanleySweet14]

This entire video can be summed up in the book Relentless by Tim Grover, the guy who was the trainer for Kobe, MJ, Duane Wade, Charles Barkley and others. He referred to this type of mindset as that of a cleaner, and it was an echelon above being a closer. It’s a mindset that’s egotistical, aggressive, and embracing of an athletes dark side. The moment a cleaner acknowledges others, and tries to tame his/her dark side, they begins to lose. Case in point Tiger Woods when he got caught cheating on his wife and the resulting fall out. From there his game tanked.

[@willcarroll9762]

Thank you for the book suggestion- thinking of buying it rn. The whole mindset is fascinating to me and at times something I wish I had.. other times I’m glad I’m not exclusively focused on being the best. Thank you!

[@jayrodr897]

Considering 90% of people misspell Dwyane Wade's first name, I'm kind of impressed you didn't do the typical 'Dwayne' error, and went into a completely different direction I don't think I've ever seen before.

[@oriijin5639]

@@jayrodr897 made me laugh dude

[@kebabrepubliken1]

As someone with a bachelor's and a master's in sport psychology, I would like to point out that the evidence is pretty clearly on the side of mastery orientation (e.g. focusing on self-improvement and mastery). Ego orientation (defining success as being better than others) is associated with way more negative outcomes than mastery orientation. For example, one problem with ego orientation is the big fish small pond scenario. You're happy as long as you win even though the competition might be trash. If you're in an uncompetitive environment you won't be pushed to become as good as you could have been. On the other hand, if you focus on mastery, you can be pissed if you win but performed worse than you know you could. As an anecdotal example, what would happen if Lasha only cared about winning. He would not have to hit numbers anyway near what he's hitting now. But, if he focused on becoming as good as he could be he might be more inclined to keep pushing way past the competition. Of course, you can be motivated by both, but the ego one is way riskier. And. Just like you said in the ''you're not Lu/Klokov videos''. This worked out great for Jordan and Kobe. But, there are countless of kids who stop the sport because they compare themselves with others, coast when the environment isn't competitive and then give up when they don't immediately succeed as they aren't used to working hard for success.

[@x2lazy2die]

u dont need someone to be better than u to be ego driven. its also an ego thing to stay the best as kobe has done just to show that u can't catch up since he's willing to do more. the small pond is now more of a lake connected to the ocean via youtube and social media

[@kebabrepubliken1]

@@x2lazy2die It's a terminology thing. In sport psychology according to the achievement goal theory when someone is ego-driven they define success as being better than others. It's not ego as focusing on yourself. What you're describing sounds more like mastery orientation (defining success as improving).

[@x2lazy2die]

​ @kebabrepubliken1 yes it does seem alot like a terminology thing. going back to lasha. if he truly wanted "mastery of the sport" he'd go higher (and we all know he's capable; from training, and almost never missing a lift). that being said. how does someone who wants to stay better than others not still be considered ego-driven even by that definition? that being said. i think alot of fields/terminology is based on averages and thereby by extension of standard deviation the masses which may or may not apply to the extremes.

[@kebabrepubliken1]

@@x2lazy2die To answer your question. Someone who focuses on being better than others is ego-driven. Someone who focuses on being the best that they can be is mastery-driven. It's hard to say with Lasha since I don't know him. You don't know his plans. He might be battling injuries and have a 5-year plan of hitting 500 and wants to play it safe.

[@Amar061]

A great example of this mastery-orientation is also Christiano Ronaldo, I think, who has been several times observed to be disappointed by himself, even tho his team may have won, and even sometimes thanks to him, but he didn't make a certain play and such.

[@AobeeBashir]

I've been labeled a failure and loser all my life, and the idea of proving everyone wrong is much more motivating than trying to save the world. I want to be the best, and I'll do whatever i have to to be the best at what I do.

[@jonathanbell8887]

Expand on this. This is INCREDIBLY interesting to me and I have studied this for over 20 years. Do more videos like this. Subbed

[@dikbashli]

Agreed

[@anonymous108]

Any recommendations content wise about this topic, after 20 years I’m sure you’d have a few.

[@fitimzenuni5036]

Nitzche and the will to power

[@andrewyang7385]

@@anonymous108 Also would appreciate book, video and other recommendations (and perhaps papers from the 20 year researcher)

[@NoahJankie]

This is one of the most unbelievably accurate videos I’ve ever watched. This 100% describes me, my way of thinking, and the way I operate on a daily basis. I’m fueled off rage, hatred of losing and others being better or doubting me, and can’t sleep well knowing I’m not dominating in everything I do. It is a curse. But damn it has pushed me to incredible heights at just 24. I’ve achieved an insane amount go things in a relatively short life span because of this curse.

[@lanroom2896]

Wouldn’t say curse if it helps you improve but at the same time you have to get to a point where it’s balanced and your happy with yourself if not it will always be “what can I do next “causing a infinite loop of wanting to be better and not accepting yourself for who you are

[@TheGudeGym]

It seems to me that to be the best you have one of 2 mind sets: the fear of being a failure and the anger of all the naysayers. Or the passion were you can’t imagine doing anything other than that thing like devotional kind of energy

[@Shifudragonturtle]

Well done 👏 👌 I tell people I lift to get in shape because for health reasons. But in actuality, it’s because of very shallow reasons…I want to be in better shape than all my friends by a mile, best looking at the beach and to also prove to all my friends and family that i have the dedication and discipline to do something NONE of them can and will ever be able to do.

[@kookurikapooh]

No wonder the best of the best usually are extremely, hyper competitive--with that bit of aggression. You see the Jordan's (even Kobe), Tyson's, and the Woods' of the sporting world and how they dominated with that competitive fire. Even on a personal experience: I was at my physical and mental peak back when my mind set was "angry" or hyper competitive. I trained and studied with aggression. Now that I have a family, I've mellowed out and I find it difficult to even scratch that surface even with ideal external conditions.

[@mangisunam3329]

This is so true. I personally am a very competitive person. I've come to realize it's cos I'm someone who takes everything personally, so much so that I try to give it all back to people whenever I get that chance. Through my wit and words and most of the time physical competition. I love the feeling of destroying my competition and pressing my foot on their necks even after they're beaten. I know that it's not a good trait to have. But when almost all your life you feel like you're being doubted. It comes out like that

[@muayboran6111]

Tell me about it… i’m ultra competitive. As someone who was bullied I quickly found my way to judo and I can’t turn that part of my brain off for a long time

[@xyaeiounn]

What a self-involved existence you lead. I work around people who spend their lives caring for others. The stats are terrible for their self harm. Enjoy your dominance at yo-yo tricks or bongos or whatever. Even if you earn millions doing it, the emptiness will gnaw at you until you die and become the same black grease as everyone else.

[@mangisunam3329]

@@xyaeiounn obviously it's only in real competition that I'm competitive. I'm not out here trying to out-bite my cat whenever he chews on my foot 🤦🏾‍♂️ chill with your psychoanalysis of me Jordan Peterson 💀

[@xyaeiounn]

@@mangisunam3329 Then you're not a very competitive person, just a quibbler who likes to think they are.

[@mangisunam3329]

@@xyaeiounn whatever makes you happy buddy. I'm won't be losing sleep over your opinions 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

Proving people wrong can take you to places you have or neverl will be again. It happened to me back in 2011-2012 after getting 5th, 7th and 7th in nationals for Discus, Shot put and Hammer throw, i gained 6 kilos of mass untill the next qualification rounds, and became a double gold medalist out of my desire to beat everyone else, and make up for the shitty performance i had the previous year. 3 days later after coming back home, i got insane back pain for 2 weeks, and i could never throw as explosively as i did back then, it was personal, even though it was just nationals from a country who has only ever sent 1 thrower to the Olympics, i did my best to make sure i could beat everyone, and when i needed motivation, i imagined myself in 3rd place going for the last throw, against the guy i disliked the most out of all the throwers, and it worked most of the times i used it.

[@5hydroxyT]

this is what makes sports a central feature of any great human civilization...it rewards those who can transform their anger, greed, and envy into physical and mental prowess for the purpose of victory. The toxic winner isn’t cursed with these ‘sinful’ traits anymore than the average human, they just have the mysterious inner capacity to channel it into the game. What a great, thought provoking video

[@jiteshjensondas277]

This is every piece of my mindset I need for making the volleyball team this year at 5'7.

[@amneenja5720]

your vertical is 90% muscular effort, and 10% pure spite, go get em

[@shadearca]

You can easily be a setter, setters are usually shorter than the rest of the team.

[@saddl.studio]

@@shadearca a short setter is a blocking liability

[@typer600rr]

@@shadearca you mean libero libero is usually the shortest guy. But 5’7 is pretty tall already just work on your vertical if you can grab the basketball rim with one hand you be spiking like crazy

[@hellobruh4209]

@@typer600rr how's he gonna grab a basketball rim with one hand at 5'7?

[@robiii696]

This personality trait is something I have and never realised until watching this video. To this day I always thought I was a bit arrogant and with a big ego, since the only reason I always want to win is to show everyone who doubted and rejected me they were wrong. Many times I don’t care about the prize, but that feeling of pride, knowing you are better than anybody when winning keeps me motivated to outwork everyone Amazing video and thank you for making me realise things about myself

[@nickg.2472]

Summary: Its not genetics that make the best of the best, it is the "hyper winner/ toxic winner that will do anything to win and prove others wrong" personality trait that does.

[@Fitfusion-z5v]

Genetics still do play a big role but 99% of the people don't even push themselves to their maximum genetic potential

[@okeythegoat2332]

Facts

[@jakea7569]

@Shimmy Shai You can't induce a personality trait beyond childhood? Why wouldn't you be able to?

[@damonn44]

A 5ft 2 jordan aint doing shit on the basketball court bro

[@lanroom2896]

@@damonn44 he could put his energy into other things this applies to more then sports maybe most dominant business man

[@alexgalant2922]

Didn't realize I had the toxic champion mindset until I saw the video. I've won IPF masters world championships in my 40s, 50, 60s, 70s. I've always gravitated to, and excelled at strength sports. It was because a was a littlekid- I onky grew to 5'2", and the other kids made fun of me. I've always admitted I've beaten lifters who were "better" than me, but my drive was beyond their drive. And, I wanted to show them I was better because I was tougher, trained harder, etc. Txs for the video. I'm a long term subscriber, and started as a weightlifter but was discouraged about continuing because a couple of top coaches said I wasnt flexible enough and should try powerlifting. Keep up the good work.

[@braehmz]

This isn't lunch time content, this is get the fuck up out of bed content.

[@thecraigfish8316]

ive always thought like this, and ive always hated it. but its not something you can jus get rid of. i wish i enjoyed things more and that i could just be happy, but all i can ever think of is winning and being the bst

[@ItsCjhoneycomb]

You are absolutely right here. When i was my strongest, when I was my most shredded... It was because of one thing... My girlfriend had broken up with me for not being "manly" enough and i wanted to prove to her with every fiber in my being that I was no less manly then any other man. And i did, She was dying to have me back in 6 months. Alternatively, married to another woman who doesn't care about and with 'seemingly' nothing to prove. I let myself get fat, lazy and complacent. When my wife cheated on me, I discovered I had something to prove again.. I lost 80 lbs in a couple months and moved on. She came back and I find myself slipping again... Thank you for making this video. I always realized I was externally motivated but I never realized what the trigger was exactly. Now that I know, I will never let myself fall off again.

[@sma9098]

It gave me chills when that drummer said that what was going through his mind while performing was the people who Doubted him. People can say that the people who doubted them is their motivation but to actually have those people and what they said running through your always while training is crazy to me.

[@vulpes122]

yeah it sounds like that to himself he'll always be a loser. These people that criticised him are living rent free inside his head!

[@jordanakisawyerr]

Zack. I love your channel, but I especially loved this video. I am an elite triple jumper looking to become the best in the world by the next olympics, having only begun athletics 3 years ago. The attitudes spoken about in this video are something I highly resonate with. I have an internal monologue in which I am competing against literally everyone. I don't care whether they are in my field or not. They are my competitor. I know that this isn't really the case but I use that script to drive me to work harder and smarter than anyone I will ever compete against. The only thing I thing you might have missed the duality of our drives. All the positive thinking is important as well but to be the best, I need to have a level of toxicity to disrepect my opponents. Keep up the great work and videos. I'll be supporting you for years to come! Jordan.

[@shadearca]

You can do it, man. Look at the Olympic gold medalist in the long jump from Tokyo Games. He was a guy from Greece doing parkour and an athletics coach just happened to pass by and see him. In three years he won the European gold medal and in six years he won the Olympic gold medal at the age of 23.

[@dennisrobinson8008]

talking about it before you're there is bad kharma. Reference many others.

[@jdh7144]

Loved this. Had my son watch it. He finished it, didn't say anything, but he grabbed his cleats, laced them up and went outside. He's been out there for awhile now. It's cold. He just told me, "500 more, I'll come in when I've done 500 more," Yes.

[@zacktelander]

That. Is. Awesome.

[@bestbeloved2704]

@@zacktelander No, it really isn't

[@kevinmorrison-HTC]

Zack, this is where you shine brother! Keep 'em coming.

[@TimboSlice_]

Great analysis. I've thought about these things for a long time and have had phases in my life where I had the absolute obsession to win... I was never happy. When the wins came, extreme happiness, but when it wore off a few hours later, back to how I felt before. Empty. It is better in the long run to compare yourself to only yourself and be happy with what you've accomplished in my opinion. There's a reason Jordan called his mentality a curse. Happiness comes from within, not from external accolades

[@tudor5555]

the best workout with my gym bro were the ones we where we were competing with each other. Teasing each other that one got one rep more than the other, or that my form was better and so on and so forth. We actually talked and agreed that this type of aggresive competitive factor can be used as a powerfull drive. Even if sometimes it pissed me off that he said that my bench is weak, he wasn't wrong but i wanted to show him that i can lift more. Competition is one of the best environnement for growth.

[@craigolack6126]

This video spoke to me like none other has. That thing inside of you that doesn’t want to win…but to force everyone else to lose. I hid from it for a long time. Finally listening to it and acting on it has pushed me into such a better place in life.

[@Gilbertcerise1]

If you take nothing else from this video, take the fact that Jeff met Bill Murray

[@zacktelander]

who's Bill Murray?

[@Gilbertcerise1]

@@zacktelander you’re blasphemin’ now boy. Btw everybody you should also invest in the film.

[@juanwayne66]

its awesome that you brought up jazz drumming and nekrutman. im a highschool jazz drummer and nekrutman is fucking unbelievable for how young he is

[@yomunty4422]

There is a quote from dave tate or Louie Simmons, i can't remember for sure, about Chuck Vogelphol and the legendary squat off between Dave and Chuck, that goes something like, he doesn't want to win, he just doesn't want to loose that much more It isn't about self improvement its about hating loosing that much more

[@him.rico6925]

Glad you pointed this out. In the fitness community in terms of physiques and strength, the word genetics is thrown around way too much. And me personally, I don’t feel like I have amazing genetics, maybe above average, but I feel like my hard work and consistent research on what I love doing, the discipline, the burning heart in me that just wants to be better than anyone else in the world in terms of bodybuilding pushes me to level most people would just give up on. And ever since ive applied all that was mentioned, I made insane amount of gains whilst in my first year of lifting I barely grew Because of my lack of work ethic. I’m currently 16. I feel like most people want top athletes to sugarcoat things for them, but no a lot of us athletes especially men, just want to be better than everyone else in our profession, our anger, our fears, our anxiety pushes us or even adversarys. some give up along the road and some keep going because they’re more determined than other people. Getting under the bar, ready to bench 400 is something insane for the average person, but for a determined lifter who seeks to improve no matter what, he’ll get under the bar getting ready to fucking do it no matter what, and if he fails, he’ll come back again after training even harder for it. I find failing a PR, a big reason to just push harder, that rage or unsatisfactory feeling you get when you fail a PR, drives you to just keep going more harder and harder, which is again insane for an average human who will most likely give up as soon as he feels even a little burn from his first few reps at the gym. People make too many excuses, I know I’ve made them in the past, and procrastination, self doubt, laziness, undisciplined undetermined, “oh I’m not motivated today” is a big factor that just makes these people not as great as people who are that consistent. Some people think it’s all about motivation, no buddy even on day you don’t feel like doing it, you have to get in there and do it, learn to be uncomfortable, diamonds are made in the harshest conditions fellas. I see people in my age, and all I see is lost people who don’t know what they’re gonna do with their life, no objective, no clue of what on earth they plan for the future, a lot of kids my age are more inclined to partying, or just having a good time. I myself don’t like that, because In your teen years, I feel like it’s a time where you should be deciding and exploring what you really wanna do in life, before you get out in the real world. It’s like sailing your boat in the ocean with no map, you’re just gonna get lost. A lot of people are addicted to being comfortable, inclined to believe that the world owes them something for just existing. I myself love reading, I love learning, I love working, I love seeking for knowledge, I find the things I do now would contribute a lot to the end of where I’m trying to be at in the next few years. Let’s get in some hard work ladies and gents!

[@brandonmartin5273]

Great vid Coach. This is the anti-PC discussion Mainstreet needs to have. I've spent my life trying to repress or diffuse my anger, rage, and domineering parts. Looking back, it seems to harness it, and guiding it might lead to better outcomes. Goes out with the myth of being "well rounded". Highly successful people aren't well-rounded. Well rounded is a goal meant to lead the masses astray.

[@alanbejarano4940]

Never diffuse anger by just neglecting it's existence. Instead channel your feelings through motivation to come up with an action towards the best version of yourself, or at least to change the way that emotion makes you feel

[@phoenixiguidez531]

This was so eloquently put. When I was in sports I had that same drive. Fueled by anger and anxiety. Each win just left me more upset than the last ahahaha. I’d made national team but I was so unhappy. I tried to write about it but I could never figure out how to put it into words. This is exactly what was in my mind. Thank you for this video, I called it Hollow Champion syndrome but toxic champion fits.

[@Drewstein69]

I love Whiplash, however, I haven't followed the drumming scene. With you showing Greyson, I don't know what it was but watching him drum gave me an emotional reaction I didn't expect. I'd need more time to process what it means, however, I want to thank you for this video. It's a really interesting way to look at toxic winners and what it means. Very insightful and for whatever reason, emotional resonating.

[@yattmanntatt3360]

Thanks man...I was demotivated lately. Just sleeping n repeat the same shit everyday. Lack of strength,discipline n everything. Just push urself n hardwork. Tq so much once again Zack. Yup u r right...be the best of U🔥

[@sidney-on-yt]

Zack you’re so good at this kind of content! Awesome video man, even more inspired to show everyone that 42 is not to old to dominate masters weightlifting division! ;)

[@Jrtowns1]

2 years ago I lost over 100 pounds in 12 months fueled by negative energy. I did to prove to other ppl I could, but as soon as I was acknowledged I stopped. MJ was unique in a way where he proved everyone wrong and kept creating doubters whether real or fake to stay motivated.

[@kansasdave1426]

I’ve always thought that it was bad of me to want to win purely out of spite, just to show the others they couldn’t beat me no matter what they did. That that was something I needed to hide and control. Deep down I’m petty as shit.. maybe I need to let that out more.

[@adambombdon7798]

Yo that drum fill was SICK “Anyone that ever doubted me” gave me chills

[@BartoszTabaka]

Great video! This is totally what I needed to see and I agree, people don't talk about this enough! Thanks Zack

[@KatonRyu]

Spite is such a powerful motivator. I'm usually a 'live and let live' kind of person, but the second someone says I can't do something, my instant response is, "Watch me." The more someone doubts me, the harder I'll push to prove them wrong. As a complete weeb, the best thing I've ever seen exploring this entire mindset is the manga/anime Blue Lock. The whole thing is about ego and showing that you're the best.

[@skater15153]

Man Zach this was one of the weirdest and best crossovers for me ever. I literally just watched a Greyson video (I'm also a drummer) and came to your channel and blamo there he was again. Greyson definitely comes off as a guy who is fanatical when it comes to drums. There's no other way to explain how he's so dominant at that age. This also hits for me. In my professional life I'm a software engineer and those thoughts you mentioned went through my mind. I had an English teacher who told me I'd amount to nothing. That I'd be a failure. I would work and code 3 days straight without sleep in my late teens and early twenties. I'd think about that stupid bitch and keep going so I could go back there and say fuck you I made it you worthless piece of crap. I got jobs at big tech companies while other kids my age were still in college after I dropped out. I'd have fantasies about telling that lady off and it drove me to the point of working harder than everyone else around me. Probably not healthy but no one in my teams outworked me ever. I think the hard thing is now how do I talk to my kids about this kind of thing? Hey sons, the way to be successful is to hate someone so much you work yourself into a pulp and dream about making them feel like total shit for ever doubting you haha. Maybe that is the way I guess.

[@ThomaConjugate]

I can relate to this, i remember when my school was nothing compare to national exam, so I decided not to go to school and studied with homeschool teacher. All the teachers from my school were warning me how many students in the past failed and shit, my mother was even against it and basically I was like almost alone, only my homeschool teacher was with me. In my head, I visualized what if I failed, those people or should I say mother fuckers will laugh at me, I will prove them wrong. I studied my ass off to the point where Im obsessed with it, 7 Am to 10 ish PM with maybe 1 hour of rest. In the end, I was the top one in math. Not healthy by any means because my father was sad how I fought against my mother, but in the end, it the vision that I saw and nobody understand it.

[@jrpabilonia3269]

Always thought i was weird but glad you made a video on this.I'm the crazy fuck who goes on silent competitions with friends without them even knowing it but its just something that clicks in my head and i don't necessarily silently hate my friends its just what fuels me, the "it feels good that i know i'm putting in more work than you" voice

[@urgamecshk]

Tyson talks about this when he ran at 5am

[@matthewpowers8881]

I think this idea perfectly captures the concept of compensating for an inferiority complex. I don't know if that's what's happening with these champions, it just seems to super neatly fit that psychological definition.

[@RohannvanRensburg]

Excellent analysis. I think what many kids miss when they talk about being the "next so-and-so" is the fact that most of these people are anomalies -- not necessarily genetically, but in terms of their disposition. They do this one thing to the near-pathological exclusion of all other things and as you point, often for very selfish or small-minded reasons, at least declaratively. Most people are not that single minded, nor would they ever be happy trying to be that single-minded. Your discussion of motivation was spot-on, and this goes for the elite levels of nearly everything. It should really be talked about more to young, aspiring athletes.

[@xyoungdipsetx]

Can you do one of these on bodybuilding? Like tom platz or Arnold or frank zane.

[@MrJay00013]

I noticed I have this mindset as well sometimes. Just wanting to dominate others

[@RagingEggs]

What separates guys like MJ and Kobe from the rest is, not just the physical gifts, but the mindset. Yes, Lebron is more gifted physically but he doesn’t have that killer instinct. MJ and Kobe didn’t just want to win and be the best, they wanted to embarrass you and put their foot on your throat while you’re down.

[@harleyzeth]

Same thing in boxing, Ali wanted to embarrass his opponent and torture them, and would rather die than lose. Then there's Tyson who's like an animal and tries to kill as soon as his opponent is hurt, yet he himself visibly fades and is less vicious when he gets hurt.

[@nick-ky7ql]

LeBron wouldn’t be the GOAT if he didn’t have that mindset you described , but I get your overall point

[@joalvarado8506]

MJ and Kobe are just salesmen trying to sell their “mindset”. MJ had a great team that helped him win. Same with Kobe. Athletes who needed help don’t really know what they’re talking about. If this were golf or tennis I’d get it, but it ain’t. Team sports aren’t a good place to find “killer instincts”.

[@droaks2]

There is only so much space in this world for these people. These people often have very hard times being a part of the community, because … they often feel rejected by the community and need to feel in some ways independent and supersede them. That is great, these are inspirational people, but that doesn’t change the fact that we live in a society.

[@claytonforde7520]

Pretty interesting stuff and well said. I was a "good" (D1) swimmer and I absolutely never had that type of motivation and I am glad that I didn't. I worked hard and swam as well as I could have and at the end of my career I was happy and at peace. However, it is no secret in the swimming community that Michael Phelps has that toxic motivation. He is by most accounts a self-absorbed jerk, but the stories of his training and mindset are legendary. Just something to consider.

[@cmja09]

Most people will deny it, but they care deeply about people's opinions about them.

[@dmanzawsome]

I dont know if the anxious toxic winner trait is actually helping them tho. Training harder due to emotions tends to result in terrible outcomes for most. I think these people are winning despite their attitude not because of it.

[@Gilbertcerise1]

⬆️ this is worth talking about more. I’ll just say Tim Duncan is the anti toxic athlete.

[@antoinegbeaulieu]

Thank you so much for bringing this topic up. Narratives people make out of Champions are either so romanticized, or tagged as a ‘’ gift from god’’. I once became a champion (2010), built myself up, driven only by proving bullies wrong. It drove me down, unhappy and sad, because all I had was this champion’s title that I could no longer defend (2012). Yes I was dominating and being seen as a champion, but all I could see was a black void if I wasn’t training my balls out, suffering every second of my existence, and that’s no way to live. I’m writing right now from Beijing (2022), participating in my first ever Olympics, after retiring from sport (2012-2015) after a burn out , then building myself up to now. Having a diverse set of motivations was the key for building strong fondations. Understanding that it wasn’t only about proving everybody wrong, and that my core identity could rely on other aspect of my ego. Not just the sheer domination. The black void’s still there, but I now have the power to ignore it sometimes, for my own good.

[@manuelnaim9206]

Excellent video

[@zacktelander]

I appreciate it. It's slightly different than my recent commentary content so I'm glad you like it.

[@seanpowell2705]

This video really hit me Zack. I've been doing calisthenics for about 7 years now and I've gotten really good. I only started it though because my strength was doubted by some kids at summer camp. Ive been working out to prove those same people wrong ever since. Everytime I get under the bar I see their faces. I appreciate this video and how you've made me realize what I've been working for is so selfish.

[@skadiman282]

Any tips to improve at pull ups? xD

[@totallegend2480]

@@skadiman282 hate yourself next to a pullup bar

[@gosstopher]

Interesting video. Of note, Kobe wasn't the best player on his own team in 3 of the championships he won and his egoism did cost the Lakers some playoff games. A strength of his was his absurd belief in his own abilities, so he was always taking the most insanely difficult shots no matter the situation, so his regular season and playoff season stat splits are very similar for this reason. However, when they're not going in, they're not going in, hence the reason Kobe Bryant has the most missed shots in NBA history.

[@mcfarvo]

Yeah, it was a double-edged sword for Kobe, that irrational belief in himself. He was sometimes the hero, but I remember him sinking his team many games when he wasn't sinking his shots. I've seen Kobe take a shot over three defenders out past the 3-pt arc when he could have tried for an Assist instead. It may be "too soon," but he liked to be in the pilot's seat even if it meant that he would crash and burn...with everyone else along for the ride.

[@themarathoncontinues4211]

He wouldn’t have won 5 championships without that drive. He didn’t have the raw talent of most of the NBA greats, he had the most SKILL out of everyone though

[@gosstopher]

@@themarathoncontinues4211 unreal player, no doubt. Backpicks has him 15th best player all time I think, or around there. So doubtless one of the greatest players of all time.

[@arthurz2275]

I’m not even going to lie so many people have said this “toxic” champion mindset is so bad and one needs to act more like this and that. I pretty much suppressed this mindset because of people saying this and that how it’s bad to think certain ways. But when I was watching this video I think back to times where I kept all of my “toxicity” or yk what not inside of me simply not to seem rude, I was maybe even selling myself short just to preserve my self image. But it never went away, my mindset, it still roared like a fire inside of me, and after this video like it really opened my eyes to no longer suppress my ambition and drive, to prove those who doubted and continue to doubt me wrong. I have 0 clue who’s going to see this comment, maybe even no one but 1 person, but I am saying this right here and now I’ve got something to prove and it’s going to happen before the end of my senior year.

[@SCESG400]

Hey Zack, great video as always. If you do happen to read this I want you to dabble into a certain sports athlete who was mega in the 80’s early 90’s you may not have heard of. Ayrton Senna, one of the most dominant and naturally god level talent in his discipline. From a young age he was destroying people twice his age in karting. Quickly growing through the ranks and eventually moving to Europe to chase after Formula 1 which is the equivalent of the Olympics to us in weightlifting. F1 is the pinnacle of racing. On his debut year, on the hardest circuit of the year, pouring rain with little to no visibility, absolutely embarrassed a file full of world champions and would eventually have won in equipment that was trash at best. The display of skill was unreal to the public and still is today when you understand the complexity of what you just saw. I’m many interviews when you hear him speak, you can clearly tell he genuinely believed that he had a god given right to win. No one was better than him; And to be fair nobody was. This also comes back to his childhood. The reason he was so good also came down to him purposefully going out in pouring rain and dangerous conditions and whipping around his go kart as a 8yr old absolutely on the edge. Which you can later see in his later years before his tragic death, that the egotistical mindset he always had lead to such dominance in an era full absolute studs. He’s one very intriguing person to look into mentality wise. I think even though is from a sport not many people are into or even understand. The words he speaks and self belief in himself is so empowering

[@urgamecshk]

I think a lot of Normies know who Senna is, the doc on Netflix about him is pretty good. Zacks commentary would be great

[@SCESG400]

@@urgamecshk sennas name is very unknown to Americans. The rest of the world however know him very well

[@MichaelZ89]

Im teaching classical guitar for a good decade now. If have seen it all, talented kids with no drive to get better, talentless with an amazing work ethic and the whole spectrum in between. I definitely would say that just being talented for something is by far not enough. You need to will and drive to push yourself to the maximum. My problem is, that people still think that you can become elite by just giving it your all, that is simply not true and is as naive as it can get... Looking forward to that film Zack

[@jodencro]

Great motivation video. Going to edit the profanity out so I can show student athletes.

[@zacktelander]

I apologize for that. However that one profanity was really to drive the point. I try to use them pointedly.

[@jodencro]

@@zacktelander I totally understand. Thank you for the great content Zack.

[@darthvader4339]

I think this psychology is more apparent in one-on-one competitions, especially combat sports. These fighters almost seem like they are throwing away their humanity to achieve greatness, when they fight they act like monsters, when they win they look so arrogant, and when they lose, they want to put themselves through hell and torture themselves for not being one step close to greatness. For example, in an interview with Mike Tyson, Tyson explains he doesn’t like the fighter he changes into because it not only brings confidence, drive, and power, but jealousy, hate, rage, guilt, etc. This ain’t a thing just in the movies or anime, it applies to even real life. These competitors act nice on tv and media, but inside they just want to win at all costs.

[@chriswilson5441]

early early i can snatch 105kg

[@joshcummins3916]

Very unique perspective. I come from a more religious household and we were taught that you called to dominate. Genesis 1:28 So no matter the job I want to be the industry leader in that field & no matter the sport you strive to be the best at that sport.

[@lhitman2222]

Potential is really important, but with hard work combined you'll be unstoppable.

[@tadeuszdolkowski]

We've got an insane need of "saints". We look up to whoever is successful in which ever endeavour we respect and aspire to, and then we try to expand this winning attitude as a mode to live by. That hurts nearly every body. And that's why, I think, few achieve that real greatness.