The Cost of Holding On: Identity, Growth, and the Endurance to Evolve

In part one of this two part series, Taylor Thomas explores the modern definition of resilience, and why it’s about flexibility and recovery as much as toughness. We’ve all heard that grit and toughness are the keys to success. But what if grit, by itself, isn’t enough? In this episode of Endurance Minded, drawing from psychology, sport, and business, Taylor breaks down how to build resilience without burning out, and why the strongest leaders and athletes are the ones who know how to bend without breaking. To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle The Business of Coaching Newsletter - https://taylor75.substack.com/  

In a world obsessed with overnight success and viral moments, it’s easy to forget that the most impactful wins come from the long game. In this episode of Endurance Minded, Taylor Thomas explores why sustainable success, in sport, business, and life, will always outlast short-term sprints. Drawing from lessons in endurance training, entrepreneurship, and leadership, Taylor reveals the mental shifts and practical systems that keep you consistent when motivation fades. If you’ve ever felt pressure to get results now or doubted whether slow progress was worth it, this conversation will help you reframe your approach, avoid burnout, and build something that lasts. To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle The Business of Coaching Newsletter - https://taylor75.substack.com/  

Why do we cling so tightly to identities that are holding us back? In this episode of Endurance Minded, Taylor Thomas unpacks the hidden cost of staying attached to roles, titles, and habits that no longer serve us. From athletes afraid to train differently, to business owners stuck in outdated ways of working, many of us struggle to evolve, not because we can’t, but because we’re afraid of who we’ll be on the other side. Taylor explores why growth requires letting go, how to identify when you’re outgrowing an identity, and what it really takes to redefine yourself. This episode will resonate with anyone navigating change and offers a powerful reframe for building long-term endurance, not just in performance, but in life. To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle The Business of Coaching Newsletter - https://taylor75.substack.com/

Leila Entezam, LMFT, MBA, a Neuro-Emotional Performance Coach and author of The Heart of Peak Performance: Emotional Mastery for High-Performing Men, a #1 new release in mental health on Amazon. As a thought leader in neuro-emotional intelligence (NEI), Leila integrates neuroscience, psychology, and peak performance strategies to empower high achievers to master their emotions and elevate their performance. To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle  

David Amerland is a multidisciplinary author exploring the evolving relationship between human behavior, technology, and personal wellbeing. From bestselling marketing books to practical health guides and thought-provoking fiction, David Amerland's work helps readers understand and adapt to a rapidly changing world. Order David’s Book “Built to Last” HERE. To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle  

In this episode of Endurance Minded, Taylor challenges the traditional boundaries of endurance and health. It’s time to move beyond VO2 max and finish lines, and into the endurance it takes to build a business, lead a team, raise a family, and stay connected to what truly matters. Drawing from insights in The Business of Coaching newsletter, Taylor explores how endurance is more than a physical trait, it’s a mindset and skillset that underpins resilience, leadership, and long-term fulfillment. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone navigating life’s many demands, this episode will help you redefine what it means to be truly healthy and enduring. Check Out the Business of Coaching Newsletter - https://substack.com/@taylorjthomas To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle  

The hardest part of any endurance effort, whether it’s in sport, business, or life, is the middle. When the initial motivation fades and the finish line still feels far away, it’s easy to question the process. In this episode, we explore what it takes to stay committed when progress isn’t obvious. We’ll break down mindset traps, identity challenges, and tangible ways to stay grounded and resilient in the “messy middle” of growth. To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle

In this episode of Endurance Minded, I’m joined by Alfredo Borodowski to explore the concept of “Strengths Blindness”, how the very traits that drive our success can also become our biggest blind spots. We dive into the psychology behind self-awareness, why high performers often misjudge their own strengths, and how leaders and athletes alike can develop the clarity needed to grow without burning out. To receive your own top 5 strengths from Alfredo, text “positive” to 333-7777. To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle  

You’re doing all the right things—training hard, building your business, staying “dialed in.” But what if that constant need to be on is actually holding you back? In this solo episode, Taylor breaks down the hidden cost of hyper vigilance and why high performers in sport and business need more than just discipline to grow. We’ll dig into nervous system regulation, the difference between expansion and contraction, and how to build sustainable performance that doesn’t burn you out. If you’ve ever felt fried but convinced you’re just being “committed,” this one’s for you. To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle  

On this episode we bring back on of our most popular episodes from 2023. It’s important to reflect and recognize that while times and scenarios change, core principles for growth do not. Originally titled, “Recognizing Seasons In Your Life” this relaunch provides clear and actionable guidance on how to recognize the season you’re in, lean in, and make the most of it. To apply to the Growth Circle, TEC’s Business Accelerator Program for health and fitness entrepreneurs, click the link. https://app.thomasendurancecoaching.com/the-growth-circle