03.17.2024

Mental Wellness and Peak Performance With Cory Chadwick

Tune in to the latest episode of Fireside Chat, where we uncover the secrets of industry pioneers. Now streaming on YouTube and Spotify.

Most sales professionals find themselves restrained to a traditional approach to mental wellness — which often feels inaccessible or irrelevant to many, leaving them without the support they need. Others feel stuck in a cycle of stress and burnout, struggling to maintain consistency and find balance in their personal and professional lives.

The truth is that without practical and relatable mental health strategies, individuals will continue to neglect their mental health and jeopardize their overall happiness. Cory Chadwick’s insights into mental fitness reveal how integrating mental wellness into daily life can unlock one’s full potential, making peak performance and personal fulfillment realistic, achievable goals.

In our discussion with Cory about mental fitness, we’ll delve into the following topics:

  • The importance of daily actions and consistent self-care
  • Personalized mental fitness strategies and the power of showing up for oneself
  • What transformative impact mental wellness has on personal and professional success
  • Why self-realization is vital for achieving mental fitness
  • The power of human connection in fostering mental wellness.

Join Cory Chadwick in this episode as he shares a treasure trove of practical strategies for unlocking our true potential. This one is a must-listen for anyone seeking to elevate their mental wellness and overall life quality!

Introducing Cory Chadwick: The Mind Behind The Mental Gym

Cory Chadwick’s journey is a vivid illustration of the remarkable synergy between personal passion and professional expertise. With a background spanning the fields of mental health and personal development, Cory has charted a course that is both unique and deeply impactful. His venture, The Mental Gym, serves as a guiding light for anyone aiming to enhance their mental fitness and thrive professionally.

From his early days, Cory was driven by a curiosity about the human mind and its potential for growth. This curiosity evolved into a mission of empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential through mental resilience and proactive well-being. The Mental Gym — a platform where mental wellness transcends traditional boundaries—emerged from this vision and has since become a pathway for those seeking a more fulfilling life.

In many ways, Chadwick’s approach to mental fitness is revolutionary. He doesn’t just address the symptoms of mental strain but looks to build a culture of mental strength that anticipates and mitigates challenges before they arise. His work is not just about helping individuals cope with the present but also about equipping them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Unlocking Mental Wellness: Highlights from Cory Chadwick

1. The Choice for Mental Wellness

Through his work with The Mental Gym, Cory Chadwick brings to light the simple yet profound truth that the key to mental wellness lies in taking small positive actions. The path to mental wellness is rarely about grand gestures and mostly about the small, daily choices we make. It’s about making tiny adjustments in how we think, decide, and act — which over time add up to significant changes in our mental state and overall happiness. This can include everything from regular exercise and meditation to being mindful of our diet, such as understanding the differences between fructan vs fructose tolerance of your body and how they affect our mental and physical health.

As he beautifully puts it:

“So the third one was to be proactive, to get mentally fit, and that just made a lot more sense to me. So one little step at a time, one little adjustment, one little improvement at a time. I started really just upgrading and rewiring how I thought and made decisions and behaved, and all those little adjustments just create a tremendous compounding effect.”

This insight is a call to action, urging everyone to recognize that mental wellness doesn’t happen by chance but by choice. Each small decision to manage stress better, to choose a positive outlook, or to engage in activities that nourish your mind contributes to a stronger, more resilient mental state.

A helpful analogy is to think of mental fitness as another muscle in your body. Just as physical strength takes consistent, small efforts to build, so does your mental strength. The daily practice of choosing activities that support your mental health can transform your mental landscape completely.

Also, while each daily practice might seem insignificant on its own, it can be part of a transformative journey that turns your life around. Cory’s approach demystifies the process of achieving mental wellness, making it accessible and achievable for anyone.

2. How Mental Fitness Boosts Performance

Achieving mental fitness might be the most underrated hack for anyone looking to unlock peak performance, both in their personal life and professional career. Through small incremental improvements in your mindset and mental stability, you can smoothly navigate your path toward success and reach the pinnacle of your potential.

Cory shares a powerful observation:

“And we see dramatic improvements in happiness, and fulfillment, and quality of life, productivity and engagement, because it’s all related. These things are all kind of happening at the same time. And so for some people, depending on how far along they are already to start with, maybe they just need a few little tweaks in how they think, make decisions, and behave, and it sets them off on a completely different trajectory.”

This statement encapsulates the essence of mental fitness’s role in enhancing performance. A few little tweaks here and there can catalyze profound shifts in how we approach our goals and challenges. For instance, altering how we respond to stress, the way we prioritize tasks, or even the manner in which we talk to ourselves are all efficient ways to unlock new levels of productivity and satisfaction.

Our mental fitness influences our thinking and how we see the world in complicated ways that we can’t fully comprehend. Mental stability profoundly affects our mood and motivation, acting as the fuel that propels us to pursue more in life. When we’re mentally stable, we’re more likely to approach challenges with a positive outlook, set ambitious goals, and persist in the face of adversity.

Cory’s insight suggests that the journey to greatness in any discipline begins with a ripple effect that enhances every area of our lives. Once we set in motion a cycle of positive mental transformations, the effect will extend beyond our immediate goals, enriching our entire existence.

3. Good to Great: Reaching Your Potential

No matter where you are in your sales career, the journey from good to great is full of challenges and opportunities. Chadwick challenges us to envision a life where we don’t just exist at a comfortable average but strive to reach our fullest potential — a life where we live at our “10.”

He articulates this aspiration with clarity:

“And so what happens is on a scale from one to 10. People just kind of settle in around a five, six, some higher performers, maybe around a seven type of thing. But is that what you want? And we’re all about living your 10. And 10 doesn’t mean perfect, and it doesn’t mean every day’s a perfect day. It’s not that at all. It is showing up at your best. It is living your best life, and that’s what people want.”

Cory’s message is a fundamental reminder of the untapped potential that resides within each of us. His insight encourages us to shift our mindset from one of limitation to one of limitless possibility. It’s an invitation to dream bigger, to aim higher, and to embrace the journey of continuous improvement. This mindset shift is crucial, for it is only when you dare to envision yourself at our “10” that you begin to unlock the strategies, habits, and choices that will propel you toward that ideal.

Of course, the concept of “living your 10” goes beyond just achieving success by conventional standards. It’s about defining what true fulfillment and excellence mean on a deeply personal level and pursuing that vision with unwavering commitment. It’s recognizing that greatness is a dynamic, ever-evolving target, one that challenges us to grow, adapt, and push beyond the boundaries of what we thought possible.

4. Self-Realization: The First Step to Transformation

At the heart of any transformative journey lies a moment of self-realization. At some point, we’ve all reached that pivotal point where we paused, reflected, and acknowledged that we yearn for more. Throughout our talk, Cory Chadwick emphasizes the significance of this initial step toward achieving greatness — especially when it comes to mental fitness.

Cory encapsulates this moment of awakening with precision:

“Yeah, the first step, and it is the most important step is just recognizing that you want more, that there’s another level that you have to get to and you want to get there. This is for individuals, for teams, for organizations, it’s the same thing.”

This moment of self-awareness is crucial because it shifts your perspective from passive to active, from dreaming to doing. It’s the spark that ignites the flame of change; the first domino that sets off an intricate chain reaction leading to growth and improvement. The realization that the status quo, no matter how comfortable or familiar, is not where our story ends is fundamental in our quest to tap into untapped potential.

Chadwick encourages us to acknowledge this moment of realization whenever it comes because it is then when all the action starts. Once you have the desire and mindset, the rest is only a matter of figuring out the details and how you want to do it.

The next steps that follow are different for people across the board. Some choose meditation to center themselves, a few love to take a walk to clear their brains, while others prefer journaling to get their ideas organized. The methods may vary, but it is self-realization that’s the foundation upon which you can build a strategy for personal and professional development.

5. The Impact of Authentic Connections

In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions and fleeting encounters, the craving for authentic human connections has never been more evident. Real, meaningful interactions with our peers and loved ones help us create a more compassionate, understanding, and supportive world — a world in which we thrive and find genuine fulfillment.

Chadwick touches on this fundamental truth with an observation:

“Because the truth is, we tend not to talk about real stuff. We talk a lot about surface level stuff and people crave real. We’ve seen this over and over and over again. People genuinely crave real. They crave this environment where they can just be honest and real with each other, and not have to filter what they say. And not be judged for it, not be judged for not having all the answers and not having it all figured out.”

This perspective sheds light on the essence of what it means to connect on a human level. Beyond the small talk and the everyday pleasantries lies a deep-seated desire to share, to be understood, and to understand. It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe to express their thoughts, dreams, and vulnerabilities without the fear of judgment.

The significance of such authentic connections cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to mental wellness and growth. In a supportive environment, individuals are more likely to open up about their struggles, seek help when needed, and offer support to others. This mutual exchange of genuine emotions and experiences fosters a sense of belonging and community, which is vital for mental fitness.

Moreover, authentic human connections act as a catalyst for personal growth, challenging us to be better and to reflect on our thoughts and actions. In the presence of people who understand and accept us for who we are, we find the courage to step out of our comfort zones and explore new facets of our personalities.

6. Where Personal Fulfillment Meets Professional Achievement

The way we are present at work and conduct business has undergone significant transformations, especially with the advent of hybrid work environments and sophisticated technology. Such changes have prompted a reevaluation of how personal well-being and professional success are intertwined, making the distinction between the two increasingly fluid in today’s economy.

Cory articulates this connection with a simple viewpoint:

“I think we’ve learned to think about these things like they’re separate things, like work and personal are separate things… What if they’re actually the same thing? What if who you are and how you show up is who you are and how you show up?”

This statement encapsulates a holistic view of success—one that doesn’t segregate life into separate domains of ‘work’ and ‘personal.’ Cory Chadwick points to a fundamental truth that when we take care of our mental health and invest in our happiness, we’re not just better equipped to handle the stresses and challenges of our professional lives but also more efficient in our jobs, resilient, and open to creativity.

The point is that the key to professional success is not just about the hours we put in at the office or the strategies we employ in our businesses. It’s equally about our personal well-being and how mentally fit we feel on the inside.

Furthermore, this intersection of personal and professional wellness underscores the importance of adopting a proactive approach to mental fitness. Just as we might train for a marathon or learn a new skill for our job, investing in our mental health is a deliberate choice that enriches all areas of life. After all, our own well-being might just be the most powerful tool we have for achieving success.

7. Crafting a Unique Path to Mental Fitness

In the journey to mental fitness, there is no place for cookie-cutter solutions that overlook our individual needs. Different people have different personalities, characters, and life experiences. They might be dealing with varying mental challenges, each requiring a personalized approach to healing and growth.

Cory draws a parallel that many can relate to:

“I think about this very much like physical exercise where we’ve got gyms, different types of gyms, different ways of exercise, and the important thing is that you find the right thing for you. Like I mentioned, CrossFit. CrossFit isn’t for everybody. Running isn’t for everybody. Yoga isn’t for everybody, but for the people that it’s for, it’s the greatest thing in the world. They’re like, ‘This is my thing. I’ve found my thing.'”

As the analogy beautifully illustrates, tailoring mental wellness practices to fit individual needs and preferences is vital for effective growth. Cory’s perspective invites us to explore and identify what truly works for us on a personal level, encouraging a journey of discovery that respects our unique dispositions, challenges, and goals.

The significance of this tailored approach lies in its ability to foster a deeper, more meaningful connection to our mental wellness practices. When we engage in activities that resonate with us, we’re more likely to maintain consistency and experience tangible improvements in our mental state. This personal resonance is crucial because it transforms mental fitness from a chore into a cherished part of our daily lives.

For some, mindfulness meditation offers a way to center thoughts and reduce anxiety. Others may find expressive writing or journaling helps in processing emotions and gaining clarity. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, can also significantly impact mental health by releasing stress and improving mood. Art therapy, practicing gratitude, or even spending time in nature are additional examples of how diverse the tools for mental wellness can be.

8. The Continuous Journey of Personal Development

The principle of showing up for oneself and engaging in even minimal actions toward improvement sets the stage for greater achievements. To overcome the inertia of inaction as well as the barriers we place before ourselves, it’s crucial to enter a cycle of continuous effort and improvement, leading to exponential growth over time. As we commit to simple, achievable tasks, we not only cultivate a habit of consistency but also foster a mindset geared toward growth and resilience.

Cory’s message underscores this idea with a powerful reminder:

“And it’s that we always say the win sometimes is just showing up. People talk about exercise, physical exercise a lot. ‘I don’t have time to exercise.’ Do you have time to do five pushups? Because if you do five pushups a day, that’s going to add up to a lot in a year that you wouldn’t have done otherwise… And as you get into that momentum of showing up and doing something, you realize you show up a lot more and a lot better, and you’re doing more and more.”

This passage highlights the profound impact of taking even the smallest step towards our goals. The journey to self-improvement doesn’t require grand gestures or monumental efforts all at once. It’s the daily commitment to “just do”—no matter how small—that builds the foundation for significant progress over time.

Indeed, showing up can be the hardest part at first, especially when starting from zero. The initial steps are often the most daunting, as we confront our habits of procrastination and the comfort of the status quo. However, as we begin to show up in small ways, we start to break down the mental barriers, making it progressively easier for ourselves to show up even more in the future. This momentum is a powerful force, propelling us forward, and making each subsequent effort a little easier than the last.

Final Thoughts: Integrating These Insights into Your Life

In this Fireside Chat episode, we delved into the transformative insights of Cory Chadwick on mental wellness, emphasizing the importance of daily actions and consistent self-care. We explored personalized mental fitness strategies and the power of showing up for oneself, as well as the significance of building a supportive community. Cory’s idea of integrating mental wellness into every aspect of our personal and professional lives should be the cornerstone of your approach to holistic well-being.

We encourage you to transform the techniques you learned here into actionable steps and take them to heart. A great place to start is by identifying small, manageable actions and incorporating them into your daily routine — one step at a time. Whether it’s committing to a few minutes of mindfulness each morning, setting aside time for physical activity, or simply acknowledging and celebrating your progress, every step counts.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this enlightening Fireside Chat episode. We’re excited to bring more industry leaders and experts to share their knowledge and unique insights with you. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations that will empower you to take your next steps with confidence and clarity!

Vito Vishnepolsky
Vito Vishnepolsky
CEO and Founder at Martal Group