Sabbath Ramblings: Vision

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Article-new, Articles, Mind-Spirit, Purpose, Sabbath Ramblings, Spiritual Growth & Disciplines, Spirituality

Happy Thanksgiving week.

As this week (at least here in America) was a bit out of the ordinary in terms of me sacrificing opportunities for hefty amounts of research and writing time to instead brine turkeys and mash potatoes, I still felt compelled to wax poetic for you on this lovely Sunday, as I have been doing the past several months. (You can read all previous such Sabbath Ramblings articles here.)

Today, let's talk vision.

Why vision?

Honestly, vision is something I struggle with. No, no, no—not my eyes (thanks to plenty of “Vision Gym” exercises, slightly high dose fish oil, daytime blue light blockers, eye-supporting superfoods in my morning anti-aging smoothie, etc.)

I'm talking about life vision. Probably the most difficult question that I get when I'm being interviewed for a podcast or something like that is…

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

The reply?

A gulp.

Silence.

Awkward fumbling for words.

Finally, an admittance that I'm the kind of guy who simply wakes each morning, does as extraordinary a job as I can with whatever God has placed upon my plate, then sits back and just kind of enjoys life (which has certainly brought me in some interesting and unexpected directions you can read about here).

Sure, I have a concrete purpose statement, which I think is crucial for maximizing your life's impact and lending some direction to your choices and priorities each day, but I've never really had a detailed business plan for Ben Greenfield Fitness, a five-year vision, a ten-year vision, or anything like that. I'll admit that at times I have experienced a gnawing sense at the back of my mind that I should have everything mapped out; but I've actually found that when it comes to my personal brand, keeping myself somewhat free, nimble, and open to the wide variety of opportunities and interests that pop up each day has allowed for a great deal of creativity, flexibility, and adventure in my life.

That all being said, I'm not a complete loafer. I have taken certain steps to build a legacy, provide for future generations, and protect my wealth—such as a family trust, a living will, investment accounts, real estate, gold, silver, cryptocurrency, and the like. I've also surrounded myself with an amazing team of financial advisers, accountants, and legal counsel to be able to ensure I'm not the guy needing to manage and make decisions for all those spinning plates, as Lord knows it'd be a pretty messy affair if that were the case. (Just ask my wife what my closet and desk look like!)

But…

….because I believe having some kind of vision and direction for one's life is important…

I'm now going go out on a giant, scary limb and attempt to answer that very question: Where do I see myself in five years? I've also inviting you, in the comments section below, to not only criticize, analyze, and give feedback on my vision, but to also share your own vision for your life. 


What Is My Vision?

Now, before I jump into sharing my personal vision with you, allow me to first share with you an old Yiddish adage: “Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht.”

For you non-Yiddy-ers out there, this simply translates to: “Man Plans, and God Laughs.” Proverbs 19:21 backs this up when it tells us: “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.”

That's right: Our best-laid plans in life can be upended by sudden and unexpected changes, twists, and turns which could be either disappointing or exhilarating. Relationship shifts, illnesses, injuries or accidents, natural disasters, mass viral pandemics and the like can quickly derail the perfectly prepared blueprint we thought we had mapped out for our lives—sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

So anytime you talk about personal vision for your life, it must be with a significant head-nod to God that He controls all, and an acknowledgment that, as I discuss in detail here, none of your plans for your life should be based upon what makes you happy and what you think is going to please you or make you successful, but rather based upon what makes God happy and what serves those around you. In other words, when you make plans for your life or map our your five-year vision, it should be framed in the others-facing, unselfish mindset of loving God and loving others above all. 

Now, back to the question at hand—a question I'm frequently asked and am now going to attempt to answer in as practical, succinct, and clear a way as possible…

…where do I see myself in five years?

In five years, I will still be a storyteller.

Yes, a storyteller.

My medium for telling stories will be, like it currently is, as a speaker, orator, podcaster, author, teacher, mentor, coach, and even documentary and television personality. In full humbleness, I must tell you that I fully recognize that God has given me a decent-sized platform and audience, a passion for learning at a rapid pace, an ability to be able to turn around to effectively teach and disseminate the information I have learned, and a confident, powerful voice combined with some decent writing chops. I'd be irresponsible to neglect, shirk, be ashamed of, or forsake those God-given talents. So, I will continue to speak and write on a variety of media platforms, very much like I'm currently doing.

But (and this is important!), although my current passions and interests in the realm of health will likely remain deep-seated in me, and I'll still be geeking out on optimizing the human machine, creating compelling nutritional formulations for my supplements company Kion, and continuing to invest in and advise for companies in the health, fitness, nutrition, biohacking, functional food, and wearables spaces, I will no longer be pigeon-holing myself solely into the health, fitness, nutrition, biohacking, and longevity arenas. Instead, I want to branch out (as you may have witnessed me already doing to a certain extent) into topics such as psychology, religion and spirituality, family and parenting, life-hacking, economics, and even politics.

See, there are many, many other aspects of “living a good life” that I'm supremely curious about and want to explore by ramping up my own knowledge via immersion in books, research, conferences, and other forms of education; many compelling and interesting guests outside of the domains of health and fitness who I want to interview on my podcast; and many stages I want to stand upon presenting inspirational messages that reach far beyond simply optimizing one's body and brain.

In addition, I anticipate my two primary “avatars” or audience members/listeners/readers as A) spiritually-minded folks, such as the large Christian community who already follows me, who need to learn how to better optimize their health, fitness, and diet while caring for God's planet in a manner that I feel religion has neglected for many years; B) life-hackers, biohackers, health enthusiasts, athletes, adventurers, and gym junkies who crave deeper meaning and fulfillment via union with God, salvation through Christ, and creative outlets that go beyond simply optimizing the body and brain.

Because of this, there are some significant changes that I anticipate needing to make in my own personal and professional development. For example, I need to become a better, more dynamic, more inspirational speaker (I look up to and admire guys like Tony Robbins, Brendan Burchard and Bo Eason in that respect) who can rock stages in a less didactic and more motivational way than I currently carry myself on stage, along with expanding my speaking topics platform currently presented here. I need to broaden my personal Rolodex to be able to begin reaching out to supremely interesting podcast guests who go beyond scientists, physicians, physiologists, and athletes—including world leaders, presidents, and other great thinkers, philosophers, politicians, economists, and inventors (folks such as Ray Dalio, Jordan Peterson, Naval Ravikant, Richard Branson, Oprah, Tony Robbins, Ray Kurzweil, Elon Musk, etc., etc.).

I also need to make significant alterations to my personal brand, including choosing a URL different than BenGreenfieldFitness.com (e.g. BenGreenfield.com, if it ever becomes available, BenGreenfield.life, etc., or any other options you may suggest in the comments section below) so that I am no longer painted into the fitness corner, and I need to change my own personal appearance and brand to go beyond simply being the cowboy who runs around half-naked in the forest hauling sandbags and throwing spears, to instead progress into the role of sage and mentor. Yes, that means I may be wearing a shirt, and possibly even what one might deem fashionable clothing, more often. After all, it's been a wild and adventurous ride in the health, sports, and fitness world for the past twenty years, but there are many, many other avenues I desire and have been called to explore, and I may need to put on my big boy pants to do so.

Will I continue to coach and consult with people about their health, fitness, nutrition, life goals, business, etc.? Yes, but only for a very limited number of clientele, and not as actively and near “full-time” as I've been coaching and consulting for the past twenty years. After all, I've trained up plenty of good coaches who I now mentor and continue to teach each month, and many people that come to me personally for coaching can just as effectively be helped by that army of coaches I've created via KionU.

On an even more personal and family level, while my wife Jessa and I currently don't have any plans to leave our lovely hometown of Spokane, Washington, my twin twelve-year-old boys River and Terran have expressed a deep desire to—after finishing their “unschooling” around the age of fifteen and taking a gap year to go explore America—pursue their creative writing and artistic passions by moving to nearby Moscow, Idaho to attend the small, liberal arts college New Saint Andrews. Considering that we have a vast number of extended family members and good friends who also live in Moscow, I'm currently in the process of building a small, off-grid family cottage on my father Gary Greenfield's property in that area as a sort of “second home,” where my boys can reside while they attend school and where my wife and I can stay during our frequent visits to Moscow. Incidentally related to that, should mandatory vaccinations, some kind of nutty civil war, or any other extreme social unrest derail my plans for my personal brand outlined above, my backup plan is to cross the border to Idaho and simply continue to write and podcast— including an expansion into fiction and songwriting in addition to my current areas of interest. (Writing fiction and making music will continue to be lifelong passions of mine regardless!)

In case that was a bit too much for you to decipher, here it is in a nutshell:

In the next five years, I'll continue to write, speak, podcast, invest, advise, mentor, formulate, and (in moderation) coach and consult, but will be expanding into a wide range of topics beyond fitness, focusing on becoming a more motivational and inspirational speaker, and simultaneously pursuing personal creative passions such as fiction and music while introducing you to many interesting minds and topics I haven't yet had a chance to interview or explore.


How You Can Help

Finally, I'm quite frequently asked in comments sections or in social media messages “how you can help” support what I'm doing, so I'd be remiss not to address that. Here is how you can assist me in my own personal revolution and development outlined above:

  • Give me any feedback or advice in the comments section below this article, including how you think I can serve the world best with my current skills, passions, and interests. Be as brutally honest as you'd like. After all, I tend to be a sucker for constructive criticism, and many of the decisions I make are not only based upon where I feel I can serve God best, but also where I feel I can serve you best. 
  • Introduce me to any groups, individuals, or mentors who you think may be able to help assist with or accelerate my speaking vision outlined above, particularly in the realm of stages such as churches, megachurches, positive psychology/inspirational/motivational events, publishers, podcasters, and other individuals who can get me in front of a massive audience where I can deliver my message of complete mind, body, and spirit optimization.
  • Spread the word about what I'm doing. If an article, podcast, book, video, or any other media I produce truly resonates with you, share it on social media or with a friend or family member. My ability to be able to take what I've learned and help the world with it has all largely been based not upon “ad buys” or gimmicky sales tactics, but simply by researching compelling topics and interviewing interesting people, teaching what I've learned, and having those lessons, tips, tactics, and strategies spread by folks like you via word-of-mouth. Don't underestimate your ability to help grow this movement one person at a time!
  • Let me know what kind of supplements, functional foods or drinks, formulations, and other compounds that can make your life better that you'd like to see me help develop via Kion.
  • Pray that God would smile favorably upon my desire to help others care for their bodies while discovering deep union with their Creator, that His hand of blessing would be placed upon all my efforts, and that he would open doors and create opportunities for me to make maximum impact with the life, the skills and the purpose He has bestowed upon me. 

Oh yes, one other thing: short term, behind-the-scenes—especially during the COVID “lockdown”—I've been holed away in my secret Batman basement in Spokane doing quite a bit of writing. Based on that, you can you expect coming down the pipeline over the next several months, three new titles: a book on spiritual fitness entitled Fit Soul, the new Boundless Cookbook, and a Spiritual Disciplines Journal. I've also pitched a couple Netflix documentaries on cooking, fitness, and biohacking; helped to develop a massive overhaul of the Kion brand that will be coming soon; and am also working (based on what you've just read above) on a complete personal rebrand of this very website. So, there are plenty of exciting developments in the works!

You can subscribe to my newsletter to stay up to date on all this.


Summary

It was weird for me to write this article. I felt a bit insecure, mildly narcissistic, and even somewhat scared that other people who are much smarter than me at building and running enterprises and brands would criticize every last word I've written. But I do have to admit it feels good to lay out my plans for the world to see, and hopefully get your feedback on what I've written here.

And now it's your turn.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

How do you make important decisions about your vision for your life?

What thoughts, comments, questions, or feedback do you have about my own personal vision?

Where can I, in my own vision for my articles, podcast, books, speeches or elsewhere, help you with your vision?

Leave your replies below. I appreciate and read them all!

Ask Ben a Podcast Question

33 thoughts on “Sabbath Ramblings: Vision

  1. Maddy Kim says:

    Hey Ben,

    I’ll aim to keep this brief.
    I’ve shared similar thoughts this year — in particular, what God wants me to do.

    To set a bit of context, 3 years ago I was stranded and homeless in a third world country because I made some wrong entrepreneurial choices.

    From 2 years ago up till recently, I was only able to breathe a sip of air 24/7, 7 days a week, which legit almost made me lose my mind. One of the most painful aspects to this, was that I was no longer able to provide for my family. In particular, my sick mother who raised me on her own.

    After an endless series of self experimentation and study, I’m about 95% recovered.
    This all happened over the course of this past year. So this year has been a complete blessing.
    Moreover, as I was slowly recovering, I learned how to build products — both through code, and through building up a nimble and capable team.
    More than anything, God has rekindled my relationship with him — but you know, I said I’ll keep this brief, so allow me to stop my story here.

    With the context set in place, let me get back to the question of what God wants me to do.
    This is the part where I assume there is a chance this may be of use to you as well.
    My thoughts on this matter are something like the following:

    1. God has blessed me incredibly, and in such a particular way. While I was unable to breathe for the past two years, I have become well aware what it feels like to have your spirit broken, helpless in a constant never ending state of anxiety and desperation, and to spin downwards through depths of darkness which was only conceptually perceivable with what I would see on television. And yet, I’m better now, and I’m incredibly blessed to be able to empathize with people who are in a dark place.

    2. I’ve been blessed with the ability to plant seeds, create opportunity streams, create solutions to complex problems, connect dots, challenge others to be the best version of themselves, hold myself and others up to no less than the standard of truth.

    With these two thought chains, I hear a resounding, go bold for God.
    In both relative and absolute terms, you and I have been blessed more than most, in more ways than one throughout all of history. Surely that’s a subjective claim, but you get my point. And from what you’ve shared, it definitely sounds like your path is expanding towards bolder avenues, and I sincerely wish you all the best.

    On a side note, would you be open to having a conversation in a few months time?
    I’m currently in my own physical recovery regiment, and I expect to be fully better in about 2-3 months from now. I’m also involved in several projects right now but expect these projects to be in a much more manageable state in 2-3 months time as well. I know you’re swamped, but I think there is a project that I think you’ll be interested in.

    Best,
    Maddy

  2. Douglas says:

    Hi Ben, very nicely articulated article here. Here’s my two cents:

    To me, I think that you’ve completed your dues on reading, writing, learning, interviewing on health and fitness. You’ve created and expanded upon many great ‘ideas’ and ‘concept’s which have truly resonated with your TWO primary avatars.

    But, I think your greatest achievement will be creating a visionary company ‘Ben’ and know what you truly stand for.

    Get clear on your guiding principles from all that you’ve learn’t, in such a way that the future generation will understand and resonate.

    Build a lasting legacy that promotes a way of life that uses exercise, food and behaviour to cure mental and physical diseases.

  3. Leonard Döhl says:

    That’s a great life vision to put into your Lifebook.

    When I listen to your Podcast I do notice a spiritual, caring and growth aspect of you coming forward more – great episodes on that were the ones with Naveer Jain and Marisa Peers (I like all the health episodes too because you’ve helped me work on my health during my time with leaky gut and optimize my well-being). I’m not familiar with USA much, but have you on the spiritual side considered a service for a church on occasion to practice your speaking level by connecting to God, the prayer and the people attending?

    I highly support doing documentaries. I watch a lot of documentaries – mainly in the health and environment areas (like “Alzheimer’s: The Science Of Prevention”, “Betrayal: The Autoimmune Disease Solution They’re Not Telling You”, and “Sacred Cow”). In all these documentaries I hear a lot of turn-around stories, clarifying the misconceptions or lies, explaining difficult concepts understandably to non-experts, and really connect in a profound and deep way. Is there maybe an area you’d think there would be the need for greater clarity, understanding, truth and/or answers to? You could consider on that, if no one has sought to answer that so far, to make your own documentary. There’s a lot to learn on how to do that, and it’d take a long time and investment – maybe something you can get mentoring in from people like Dave Asprey (who documented “Mold”), Tom O’Bryan (“Betrayal: The Autoimmune Disease Solution They’re Not Telling You”), Rob Herring (“The Need To Grow”), David Perlmutter (“Alzheimer’s: The Science Of Prevention”) Nathan Crane (“Cancer: The Integrative Perspective”) or Diana Rodgers (“Sacred Cow”). I felt that these were outstanding documentaries and some that might inspire you.

  4. Juan Nieves says:

    Hi, Ben….

    I see the long term plans less as goals and more as signposts. I don’t necessarily reach them.. but I’m moving towards them. :-)

    Every once in a while, I readjust.. and create new goals and a new vision.

  5. Vange says:

    Massive!
    As I read, I smiled within … deeply.
    The truth here, is that I have not followed you just for the latest up to date health article or talk.
    Although those of us who love health, have and do enjoy you, each time I heard you, my inner being would instantly know you were only a shallow version of who you ACTUALLY ARE and are becoming! Forgive my frankness.
    I have this for you..
    Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man!
    Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you.
    1 Sam 10 6&7.
    Go Ben! Go! Go for it!

  6. Scott says:

    Ben
    In contrast to what seems to be a large segment of your audience, I see the damage that disagreement between religion has done in the world and feel your references to Jesus and Christianity are unnecessary. It’s of course fine for you or anyone to find their faith anywhere they see or feel it, but my feedback to you would be, much like you say, “wearing a shirt” will open you up to a larger audience, as most of the world aren’t dedicated fitness enthusiasts, it may be worth considering, that if you would like to expand to a global audience, a more neutral faith based reference may be a better direction.

    Its intended as no disservice, as I’m sure your Christian followers will still know your faith and spread the wisdom you wish to communicate, but if you put yourself in the shoes of a devout Muslim or Hindu, would they potentially move away from following you due to the perceived difference in faith.

    Christianity covers probably 30% of the worlds people, but what of the other 70%.

  7. Emily says:

    – You should look into interviewing Dr. Fred Bisci! He is a truly AMAZING individual with a wealth of experience and wisdom in all things health, wellness, spirituality, healing, etc.

    – In terms of supplements, maybe like a CBD/arnica/magnesium recovery lotion/oil? That could be really useful and soothing!

    -And, maybe a raw cacao bar (no sugar). that would be yum!

    Thanks for all that you do, I love learning from you!

  8. Vincent Stefanelli says:

    Love the turn yours, and our, relationship with the Lord Jesus is taking in these trying times. Health is at the forefront of headlines lately and their is so much disinformation and out right lies being spread at the moment. Good to see good Christian people outfront in their walk and in their teaching on staying healthy. I think in the very near future we will have to speak up on some very controversial issues involving health and our rights. My buddy and his wife are involved in AIA in Boise, Idaho and see this being at the forefront more and more. The wheat is being truly separated from the chaff.

  9. Iain Jones says:

    I very, very rarely comment publicly but wanted to honor your request, Ben. I have followed you for years and sincerely appreciate your wise way of embracing your Christian faith and expressing it. You show such wisdom in how you approach this and I know the Lord will bless your efforts.

    I have nothing to add to your vision except a prayer that those who like to attack people of faith would hold back. May they see the level of trust you have built up with them and look to the message itself, rather than reacting strongly against someone who openly expresses their Christian faith, which unfortunately tends to be a standard response.

    May the Lord continue to bless your efforts. You are His beloved son and are doing so, so well with what He’s given you to work with.

  10. paul bird says:

    Hey Ben
    I believe vision is akin to property maintenance. There is work to be done ongoing and very small incremental progress. We have been improving our 1950s timber frame home here in Fremantle West Australian for over ten years and still have goals’ . Likewise me and my wife daughter and granddaughter push forward for daily spiritual, physical and mental improvement and maintenance. There is a community around us and the distant voices of yourself and other wise sages. Along with the help of the west Australian sunshine and sometimes chilly Indian Ocean.
    Your own vision of more variety of guests is going to be exciting. I would please implore that you think about that your speaking to the world not just Americans. All of the wonderful podcasters I follow seem to have the same idea that the information spread is only going as far as their borders.
    Love peace and happiness from West Australian.

  11. itsemonali says:

    I am agree to you. It’s all are very beneficial things for everyone. I have some speech about Healthy and Fitness.

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    1. Is the chiropractor experienced, and has he been treating patients for a long time? The more experienced the chiropractor is, the more effective the adjustments will be. Dr. Fish has been a chiropractor for 27 years and has adjusted thousands of patients.

    2. How much time will the chiropractor spend with me? Dr. Fish spends close to 1/2 hr to an hour with every new patient.

    3. Will the chiropractor do a thorough and complete examination and diagnosis? Dr. Fish does a complete and thorough examination prior to rendering a diagnosis and treatment.

    4. On the average, how many adjustments will be necessary before I can get relief? Most patients feel better after the first adjustment, but sometimes will require a secondary or more treatment; it all depends on the patient’s condition

    5. Doctor Thomas Fish is a chiropractor at Chiropractic Care Van in Santa Clarita, CA. If you are struggling with neck or back pain, headaches or migraines, carpal tunnel, sciatica, or any other health condition please call us today.

    How do you pick a good chiropractor?
    Learn more: https://chiropracticcarevan.com/

  12. Faith says:

    Ive been following you for at least a couple years now & lately have been really blessed by your Sabbath Ramblings. Fun fact: I was homeschooled back in the 80s & 90s like you.
    I love the Proverbs you quoted – God very recently laughed at my plans & im trying to get on board with His exciting change in direction!
    I think it’s awesome to see you get involved with the Church as a whole – they need help so much in the area of health & fitness. I saw another person recommend staying away from mega churches & I have to agree but also I understand they have the budget & equipment to get info like yours out to the masses. Praying for God’s leading for your business, your life & your family!

  13. Ben,

    No assumptions here but an observation. Much of what you share as your 5 year vision seems to be a natural progression toward expanding on the things that have already been driving your passions. It seems that as you have publicly and unashamedly declared that Jesus Christ is Lord … over all … your desires have become more centered on what He wants to do (and can do) through you. Right on. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

    I’m guessing that the desires of your heart are His desires transplanted in you. So get after it man!
    It’s a good 5-year vision. The challenge now is on how you start to map it out and then execute.
    Bear with me cuz likely you know much about goal setting strategies like S.M.A.R.T. (Smart. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time Bounded.) Would love to know what kind of a system you use.

    Whatever you do in laying out your plan, it could be really helpful for us to hear about it and track alongside you, even helping to hold you accountable? What do you think?

    BTW, I turned 70 this year and have lived a few lifetimes already but I’m just starting out in my second half. Wrote a book on WHAT EVERY MAN NEEDS TO KNOW … How to Master Faith, Family, Fitness and Finances. I’m now mentoring, coaching, discipling younger guys who are hungry to be the man that God made them to be and live out His purpose for their lives. And of course I point them your direction for a number of things.

    Thanks for all you do in contributing to our wellness in body, mind and spirit! Look forward to many more of your inspiring Sabbath Ramblings.

  14. Tyler Yocca says:

    Praying for you! As a word of encouragement, even before I read this article God was speaking to me about you being on a new platform. One where you are “evangelizing” in your sphere of influence. As a young (27) Christian male in the tech industry, who is also very interested in health & fitness, I’ve found your podcast, social media, writings & overall world view inspiring. I’ve listened to 100s of hours of your podcasts, wear an Oura ring and track HRV & read your Sabbath Ramblings every week. I’ve more recently enjoyed learning about your life as a father and spiritual leader of your family. With 2 (soon to be 3) young children, this area of life is especially timely and important to me.

    Someone I could connect you with is Alan Hirsch. He’s a writer and thought in the church world who has written books about “reactivating” the 5-fold gifts in the church (see Ephesians 4). My father-in-law, a successful entrepreneur, has been working with Alan for several years now on equipping the marketplace with Kingdom “tools”. The belief being the church should be a center that equips its members to engage the cultural of our day.

    One critique that may be useful in your rebranding of your personal site and Kion, would be a more clear separation between the content from both. Often I see similar articles posted on both platforms. To me, someone has followed you for some time, I look at Kion as “coming from Ben Greenfield”. So, it has a redundancy to it.

    I also find it difficult to follow your latest health “beliefs”. I certainly don’t hold changing your opinions of different “things” against you (it’s something I actually admire) but it does make it difficult to keep up. On the flip side, with the immense amount of free content you put out, I believe I am responsible for keeping up and disseminating new information from old in my own journey.

    I hope this has been helpful in some way to you. Always looking forward to see what comes next from Ben Greenfield. I will continue to pray for the work you are doing. Blessings!

    1. Ben Greenfield says:

      Awesome! And yes, I’d love to meet Alan!

      1. Tyler Yocca says:

        Thanks for responding!

        What’s the best way for me to contact you to facilitate an introduction?

        1. [email protected] and just let me know if you don't hear back!

  15. Jon Williams says:

    Ben,

    Thank you for all you have done and continue to do by learning and teaching everyone of your followers. I personally discovered you and your platform after watching the you on the Joe Rogan podcast. For the past two years I’ve delved into a lot more into my own personal fitness and longevity goals and have seen consistent improvement across the board. I’ve read Beyond Training and Boundless, two books that have greatly helped me on my journey.

    As far as your goal to rebrand I think many podcasts would love to have you as a guest. I personally follow Joe Rogan, Tim Ferris, Dan Crenshaw, Lex Friedman, Peter Attia, Eric Weinstein, Sam Harris, and Rich Roll most frequently. I think doing a podcast on the topic of vision and entrepreneurship should also be fascinating to listen to and hopefully could allow you to develop some ideas out loud with another person as a sounding board.

    Wishing all the best on your journey!
    Jon

  16. Randy Haacke says:

    Ben,

    Thanks so much for your courageous and inspiring sharing! It was fun – and meaningful – to read about your two primary audiences, as I recall you conveying this passion in a conversation we had a while back in the midst of an invigorating Frisbee golf outing! :)

    What a unique and powerful platform God has granted you to reach those living in both realms (pretty much all of us, to one degree or another) in order to optimize His life for nd through them!

    I’m excited to see what God continues to do through you to advance his life-maximizing purposes through your faithful heart and privileged platform!

    Randy

    1. Thanks Randy! And keep on changing the world with world vision!

  17. Bruce Colbert says:

    I was shocked to find out very recently that you are a Jesus follower. I’ve heard of and been around the margins of you work for years but never knew. I have seen a trend where God is placing Jesus followers into positions of authority and influence outside of church structures. You would be an example of that. Concurrently, he is tearing traditional church structures apart. I would give a strong warning against becoming involved with mega churches and celebrity pastors. The emphasis on buildings, budgets, and big shots has malformed communities of God into unhealthy a factories of perverted Christianity. (Check out investigative journalist Julie Roys for a mere handful of evidence of this). Lead from out front, Ben. Stay in the marketplace…let believers come to you and show them how to live and influence within the marketplace, that’s where discipleship happens best. And out of personal concern for you, stay far from the megachurch culture. It will mess with your walk, your marriage, and your family. I can’t suppose you’d have any interest in discussing these with me, but you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss further.

  18. Timothy Hess says:

    Ben,

    I love and appreciate your focus on faith in God. Have you considered connecting with FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)? I’m quite sure you would appreciate their mission and vision.

    1. Yes I used to be on their board but I ran out of time.

  19. Steve Johng says:

    Ben! I love that you opened up yourself like this! I struggle with the 3-5yr plan as well. I even had an exec pastor tell me it’s almost pointless to have that plan because you don’t know the future! (More on that in a sec)

    1. Thoughts on your vision: I like YOUR vision! However, is that The LORD’s vision? Time in prayer, reading fasting, etc…?

    2. My overall vision: inspire people to live with purpose through fitness. How that translates to a 3-5 year plan uhhhh….lol

    Lastly, I’m one of the Bootcamp instructors at Houston’s First Baptist church (mega church) and have connections for speakers. I’m the head personal trainer at a physical therapy clinic in the woodlands (part of Houston), and will be brining in my boss to give a talk on misconceptions of knee/lower back pain with Q and A.

    Would love to help connect you!

    Talk soon!

    God bless,

    Coach

    1. Awesome! I’d be happy for connection.

  20. Kathy says:

    Ben, this article is well written and well timed. I’m glad you went out on a limb and wrote the article. The old Yiddish saying hit the nail on the head for me. I think many of us have been examining our lives during this downtime caused by the pandemic. The article was very personal for me. I can’t wait to read other articles as you expand beyond your current fitness model.

  21. Elizabeth Fisher says:

    I’m glad to see you thinking of the future and I wish you good luck. I think your plan will be good for you and valuable for the rest of us. I am looking at some of the same issues since I retired – working on vision for the next act.

    I look forward to seeing the new website and direction that you will be taking. Thank you for sharing!

  22. Luke Pearson says:

    Ben,

    I absolutely loved this Sabbath Rambling on Vision. One of the most inspiring and meaningful articles I have read in a while. You have certainly made me want to more closely examine all of the areas you mentioned in my own life.

    I believe Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church In Atlanta would be a wonderful guest for you to interview on your podcast. He is the best communicator I know of, whether church or secular. I think the two of you would be kindred spirits.

    I am very intrigued by your book title “Fit Soul.” Looking forward to reading it when released.

    As a 57 year old male, my personal passions and vision are centered around Faith, Family, Fitness and Finances; growing in those areas in my own life and walking along side others as they seek to do the same.

    Grace & Peace,

    Luke Pearson

    Shreveport, Louisiana

    1. I'll have to check Andy Stanley out. Sounds interesting!

    2. Robert Aaron says:

      I second the Andy Stanley suggestion. I live in Atlanta and he would be a great resource. Also, look up a guy named Dr. Ken Boa, he is in Atlanta also and has several books.

      I would love to hear Father Richard Rohr would be a great one to have on your podcast. I believe the future of Christianity is re-establishing the original non dualist message that Jesus lived by.

      Robert

      1. Great suggestions, thanks!

  23. Mac Saydometov says:

    Ben!!!!! I love you brother!! Thai article may have definitely been “scary” for you to lay bare into public, as you said but oh what an inspiration to many, like myself. Thank you for your writings. I rarely comment on blogs versus social media platforms but this one is about VISION which is something like second nature to me. You are so gifted, and I love that you speak the truth about our vision needing to be about loving, empowering and serving others because that’s exactly what Jesus has done for us, not only for life here on earth but in eternity. It deeply encourages me to see influential servant leaders like yourself, Brendon Burchard (btw, spelling needs to be corrected in your article), Jim Kwik and many other incredible personal development Titans like Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar and John Maxwell speak openly about your faith in Jesus, that He is the driving force behind anything “good that we do for humanity”! That’s huge!!!!

    The only thing that scares ME when I see vision like yours above is that there are SO many areas that you could and would be good at, that sometimes there is a risk of not focusing on the “ONE THING” (if you’ve never read that book, I would highly recommend).

    To share my vision for the next 5 years, I am a homeschooling Christian entrepreneur mother of 2 who immigrated to the US through education and married another immigrant. We’ve seen God’s grace LAVISHED on us generously all these years. We would like to build a Christian “makeover academy” in Uzbekistan (where I was born) because the access to the Gospel is VERY limited there, plus we believe education in today’s format is simply outdated and ineffective. I am particularly passionate about raising a new generation of servant leader women who love impact, serving, wealth building, etc., yet upholding the role of being a godly wife and a godly mother as a top priority at the same time! So courses like communication, public speaking, fitness and nutrition will definitely be a part of that curriculum as much as character building! I DREAM that my children would catch that vision and empower others around them too!!!

    Blessings on you and your family!!! Thank you for your hard work in putting these articles together with consistency and faithfulness!

    1. I love your vision Mac! And yes, I HAVE read Gary Keller's One Thing book and it's great!

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