I’ve mentioned in prior posts the integration of more functional exercises into my training over the past eighteen months or so, however it’s really in the last six months that I’m starting to see the payoff. I’m lifting and sustaining heavier loads, more volume, and longer sessions in the gym.

Wednesday Morning, 5:45am, Amsterdam.

A city I’ve come to know well over the past year through work, lies dark and almost dormant.

I get myself up, splash water on my face, throw on my shorts, top and jumper and lace up my trainers. It’s time to go to war again. Here we are again my friend, I’ve missed you.

I’ve never really been one for New Year’s resolutions. I don’t have anything particularly against them, I’ve just always favoured consistency over focusing on the switch of year as a reason to reset. I understand why people leverage the new year to re-align, establish goals, and map out the next twelve months, however for me, clarity of direction and persistent action hold more importance than the date on the calendar.

I’ve mentioned The Investors Podcast network before when reviewing Richer, Wiser, Happier, and The Intrinsic Value Podcast sits under the same umbrella while maintaining its own dedicated feed.

Among the podcasts I listen to regularly, Talking Billions hosted by Bogumil Baranowski is one of the more recent additions, although it’s been a good few months now since I discovered it. In that time, it’s quickly become one of my favourites.

I first read Extreme Ownership not long after its release just over a decade ago. I can’t recall exactly how I came across Jocko Willink for the first time, though I strongly suspect it was through a guest appearance on a podcast.