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There is no strength like dad strength. It is quiet, patient, and persistent. Some would say stubborn, dammit. Dad strength rarely makes the highlight reel. It exists in the in-between spaces....The times when nobody—except maybe your kid—is watching.
The Dad Strength Podcast was created to support and encourage the best in dads like you. Authors, entrepreneurs, artists, and experts from all over share their wisdom with us. We discuss 360º health, doing work that matters, and—of course—fatherhood. These conversations are fun, informative, and always emphasize action and understanding.
The Dad Strength Podcast is hosted by Geoff Girvitz. Geoff is a father, fitness expert, and curious fellow. Based in Toronto, he has been featured in Vice, GQ, and multiple exercise publications. He is known for innovation and real-world success in the fitness industry. Now, Geoff is pointing a wide-angle lens at health and parenthood. Workouts and nutrition are just part of the program. He will be looking at relationships, critical thinking, motivation, and discipline. In short, anything you need to earn the mug that says “*World’s Greatest Dad.”*
“I want to be Mr. Rogers for men over 30,” says Geoff. “There is so much noise and confusion out there.” We *all* need a community devoted to the best we have inside of us. The Dad Strength Podcast is here to make the world a better place through our roles as fathers and as men.
Today on Dad Strength
Better than a six-pack
The paradox of injury
Redefining optimism
A book, a quote, a dad joke
Better than a six-pack
The longest-running study of happiness, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, began in 1938 and is still running. Director, George Vaillant, pored over 75 years of research to determine the number one factor in general well-being: it’s cold plunges. Hold on. Sorry, I mixed this up with my Joe Rogan show notes. It’s relationships. Not career. Not status. Not shredded abs. The evidence shows that men’s relationships are the most important factor.
I should point out here that the study really just looks at male relationships – which is an artifact of when/where/how the study began. However, I would put my money on intimate relationships – in general – correlating extremely well with your physical and mental health.
One actionable item: one of the most powerful things you can do in any relationship is to articulate what you appreciate about a person in clear, descriptive, and – above all – honest language. It doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be real. Is there someone you can share this kind of feedback with right now?
One perspective: build the habit of interpreting the actions of others through the lens of hope and optimism. Interpret things in the best possible light. This is what humanistic psychologist, Carl Rogers, called unconditional positive regard.
One question: how are you investing in your relationships?
Speaking of relationships the Dad Strength calls can be a game-changer. Coming up on the next Dad Strength call (Tuesday at 3 PM EST): How you think about ambition.
Learn more at newsletter.dadstrength.com
The paradox of injury
It seems kind of backwards to get hurt doing exercise. Like getting beat-up from training in self-defence (which is supposed to keep you from getting beat up in the first place). On the other hand, what’s the alternative? Lock you in a tower? Cover you in bubble wrap? At the end of the day, the risks of activity remain lower than the risks of non-activity.
Living life to its fullest means some tolerance for risk… Something that, on your deathbed, you’ll think – “If I could do it all over again, I would make the same choices.” That being said, there are some ways to mitigate risk. Here are five:
Don’t try to make up for lost time. Instead, add volume progressively
Look for some sense of challenge in every single session but don’t white-knuckle your way through every single workout.
Let your body lead you, not a sense of comparison
Skills last longer than any changes to body composition. Invest in those skills
If a movement isn’t feeling right, you can always just stop. You have that freedom. However, you may also want to ask how little modification is required for the movement to feel challenging but good. Making these adjustments is an art form
Redefining optimism
Proposal for an updated definition of optimism:
Optimism is being open to the idea that this moment, exactly as it is, is perfect.
A Book
The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger M.D.
A Quote
“Some people are your relatives but others are your ancestors, and you choose the ones you want to have as ancestors. You create yourself out of those values.”
—Ralph Ellison, The Invisible Man
A Dad joke
Necromancy is a dying art.
Take care of yourself, man!
Geoff Girvitz
Father, founder, physical culturist
dadstrength.com