Guard the Door to Your Mind

Two failed relationships, a lost Navy career, $70K in debt, and a gym shut down by Covid. Norse Mentality is back with a new name, Stacking Victories, and the first episode dives into defeat. We discuss why it's inevitable, how to handle it, and how every setback builds you into someone stronger.My good friend Jon Parker and I get honest about our own rock-bottom moments, from Jon's divorce and exit from the Navy to my separation during the most uncertain year of my business. We break down what resilience really means, why physical exertion is one of the best ways to break a negative mental loop, and how jiu-jitsu, lifting, and business teach you to take a loss and keep moving forward.Free 90 Day Assault workbook: https://www.andrewclifflewis.com/workbookShop Norse Fitness: https://norsefitness.co/Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewclifflewisStrongman Coaching with Jon: https://www.instagram.com/_anomalystrengthsystems(00:00) Why we rebranded to Stacking Victories(01:34) Why defeat and failure are inevitable(02:39) Divorce, leaving the Navy, and $70K debt(06:17) Hitting rock bottom and what it teaches(07:23) Separation and a Covid gym shutdown(10:05) How setbacks build mental toughness(12:57) What resilience really means(13:45) Exercise to break negative thought loops(15:37) Journaling and talking through struggles(17:22) The run that pulled me out of self-pity(19:47) Handling failure in lifting and jiu-jitsu(22:15) What business teaches about failure

Struggling to find your purpose or overcome the weight of failure? This episode is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. In today’s world, it’s easy to feel lost. The daily grind often feels meaningless, and many of us tie our purpose to our jobs, only to find they lack the fulfillment we crave. On top of that, we have to deal with the inevitable failures and setbacks we all face, and it’s no wonder so many feel stuck, unmotivated, and unsure of their path forward. Andrew and Jon tackle these challenges head-on in this Q&A session, diving into: - How to discover your true purpose beyond the 9-to-5 grind. - Why failure is your greatest tool for growth—and how to use it to your advantage. - Practical strategies for building resilience, leveling up in life, and helping others along the way. Through personal stories, actionable advice, and a focus on constant self-improvement, this episode is packed with insights to help you take control of your life. Life is a game, and every challenge is a chance to level up. Join us as we explore how to navigate the ups and downs, find fulfillment by helping others, and keep evolving into the strongest version of yourself. By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to face life’s challenges with purpose, determination, and confidence. FREE Tactical Guide for Improving Habits & Discipline: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.norsementality.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Norse Fitness Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.norsefitness.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (15% OFF Code: Podcast15) Find Andrew on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/andrewclifflewis Find Jon on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/longarmanomaly

In this episode of the Norse Mentality, we get into the details of Jon Parker’s path to becoming a strongman, tracing his journey from early days in middle school weight rooms to serious lifting at Norse Compound. Jon talks about why he moved from powerlifting to strongman, the mental and physical challenges along the way, and how training with the right people shaped his approach to strength. You’ll hear about the real impact of community, what it’s like to break personal records, and why a solid environment matters as much as lifting itself. If you’re curious about the mindset, techniques, and decisions that go into serious lifting, this episode covers it all. Find Jon on IG: www.instagram.com/longarmanomaly ------ FREE Tactical Guide for Improving Habits & Discipline: ⁠www.norsementality.com⁠ Norse Fitness Website: ⁠www.norsefitness.co⁠ (15% OFF Code: Podcast15)

In this episode of Norse Mentality, I sit down with Jack Donovan—author of The Way of Men and Fire in the Dark—to explore the art of self-creation and modern masculinity. Donovan shares his personal journey of evolution, emphasizing how self-awareness, experimentation, and authenticity have shaped his path. We dive into the themes of Fire in the Dark, where Donovan explores the power of creating meaning in a chaotic world. He discusses how mythology, symbolism, and personal narratives can help guide men toward purpose, giving them a point of orientation when life feels uncertain. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of primal competition and brotherhood. From open mat sessions to deep, philosophical discussions, Donovan reflects on how modern men are reconnecting with ancient traditions of self-discovery and personal challenge. We explore three essential masculine archetypes—the Sky Father, Striker, and Lord of the Earth—and how embodying all three can lead to a more grounded, balanced, and fulfilling life. If you're looking to uncover deeper meaning, cultivate discipline, or strengthen your sense of purpose, this conversation provides practical insights to help guide your path. Follow Jack on IG: www.instagram.com/starttheworld Learn more about the Order of Fire: www.instagram.com/theorderoffire/ Jacks Website: www.jack-donovan.com/ ------ FREE Tactical Guide for Improving Habits & Discipline: www.norsementality.com Norse Fitness Website: www.norsefitness.co (15% OFF Code: Podcast15) Find me on IG: www.instagram.com/andrewclifflewis

In this episode of the Norse Mentality, Andy & Cody explore purposeful living, seizing opportunities, and embracing life to the fullest. Delving into the ethos of acknowledging mortality and overcoming complacency, we navigate the pursuit of greatness and a fulfilling life. Unveiling the regrets tied to unfulfilled aspirations, we emphasize the importance of living with intention, appreciating life's fleeting nature, and crafting a meaningful existence. Tune in as we unravel the keys to a purpose-driven life, and share tools for shaping a life of significance. Norse Fitness Webstore: ⁠www.norsefitness.co⁠ (15% OFF Code: PODCAST15) Follow Andy on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/andrewclifflewis⁠ Follow Cody on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/cody_whitley⁠ Follow Norse Fitness: ⁠www.instagram.com/norse_fitness⁠ www.facebook.com/norsefitness⁠ www.tiktok.com/@norsefitness⁠ ⁠www.youtube.com/norsefitness

In this episode of the Norse Mentality, Andy & Cody challenge the conventional wisdom that constant happiness is the ultimate goal. While modern culture encourages the pursuit of constant joy and comfort, they take the opposite approach and dive into the transformative power of embracing the full spectrum of emotions. They explore the reasons behind our natural instinct to avoid discomfort and the profound impact of acknowledging and working through negative emotions. In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigate the uncharted territories of emotional resilience and discover the hidden strength that comes from facing the darker corners of our psyche. Norse Fitness Webstore: ⁠www.norsefitness.co⁠ Follow Andy on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/andrewclifflewis⁠ Follow Cody on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/cody_whitley⁠ Follow Norse Fitness: ⁠www.instagram.com/norse_fitness⁠ www.facebook.com/norsefitness⁠ www.tiktok.com/@norsefitness⁠ ⁠www.youtube.com/norsefitness

In this episode of the Norse Mentality, Andy & Cody dive into strategies for goal setting, managing expectations, and fostering personal growth. While setting clear goals is crucial, it's easy to get trapped in unrealistic expectations. Life is unpredictable, and factors beyond our control often impact our journey. In this episode, we focus on practical ways to manage these setbacks, building mental resilience and fostering a growth-oriented mindset. Discover how to overcome setbacks, embrace the journey, and prioritize progress over perfection. Your success story starts with your response to challenges and the effort you put in. This podcast equips you with the tools needed to level up your mindset, navigate obstacles, and keep moving forward, no matter what life throws your way. Dive into the world of goal setting, mental strength, and personal growth. Norse Fitness Webstore: ⁠www.norsefitness.co⁠ Follow Andy on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/andrewclifflewis⁠ Follow Cody on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/cody_whitley⁠ Follow Norse Fitness: ⁠www.instagram.com/norse_fitness⁠ www.facebook.com/norsefitness⁠ www.tiktok.com/@norsefitness⁠ ⁠www.youtube.com/norsefitness⁠

In this episode, Andy & Cody explore personal growth while addressing the emotional challenges that often come with it. They dive into strategies for navigating and overcoming loneliness, isolation, and solitude on the path to self-betterment. Discover how self-validation, self-care, and building a supportive tribe of like-minded individuals can aid you in achieving your goals and enhancing your emotional well-being during the self-improvement process. Join us as we discuss the importance of self-discovery, resilience, and personal triumph in the context of self-awareness and understanding the challenges that accompany self-improvement, including coping with personal growth loneliness. Norse Fitness Website: ⁠www.norsefitness.co⁠ Follow Andy on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/andrewclifflewis⁠ Follow Cody on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/cody_whitley⁠ Follow Norse Fitness: ⁠www.instagram.com/norse_fitness⁠ www.facebook.com/norsefitness⁠ www.tiktok.com/@norsefitness⁠ ⁠www.youtube.com/norsefitness⁠

In a world of constant distractions, finding solitude for reflection becomes crucial to climbing the highest peaks of success. Join Andy & Cody as they explore the art of balancing doing and being in this episode, unveiling success strategies and productivity tips that will empower you to conquer your goals. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness, learn effective goal conquering techniques, and gain valuable insights into achieving personal growth and self-improvement. By the end of this podcast, you'll be armed with an arsenal of tools for daily use, making sure that you strike the perfect balance in life and achieve victory. Norse Fitness Website: ⁠www.norsefitness.co⁠ Follow Andy on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/andrewclifflewis⁠ Follow Cody on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/cody_whitley⁠ Follow Norse Fitness: ⁠www.instagram.com/norse_fitness⁠ www.facebook.com/norsefitness⁠ www.tiktok.com/@norsefitness⁠ ⁠www.youtube.com/norsefitness⁠

In this episode of the Norse Mentality, Andy & Cody explore the art of self-discovery, the power of mindfulness, and the keys to effective personal growth. Discover how self-awareness lays the foundation for your self-improvement journey and the importance of making the right choices when faced with flaws. Learn to avoid the fixation trap that can hinder progress and damage your self-image. Dive into the role of your mind in shaping your reality and harness its power for positive change. Embrace simplicity as we discuss the benefits of taking effective action in the present moment. Norse Fitness Website: ⁠www.norsefitness.co⁠ Follow Andy on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/andrewclifflewis⁠ Follow Cody on IG: ⁠www.instagram.com/cody_whitley⁠ Follow Norse Fitness: ⁠www.instagram.com/norse_fitness⁠ www.facebook.com/norsefitness⁠ www.tiktok.com/@norsefitness⁠ ⁠www.youtube.com/norsefitness⁠