Podcast Summary: Modern Wisdom Episode #866 - Jesse James West on Staying Disciplined When Times Get Tough

Introduction

In episode #866 of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson welcomes YouTuber and athlete Jesse James West to discuss the challenges of maintaining discipline during difficult times. The conversation delves into Jesse’s personal journey, his struggles with sports, mental health, and his relentless pursuit of fitness and content creation. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from their in-depth conversation.

1. The Foundation of Relentlessness

Jesse James West attributes his relentless work ethic to his father, a blue-collar man who juggled multiple jobs without complaint or excuses.

Jesse James West [02:37]: "The relentless part comes from my father 100%. He ingrained in my head being relentless through his actions throughout life."

Growing up, Jesse was immersed in sports from ages 11 to 18, where he learned the value of continuous hard work and striving to be the hardest worker in the room. This foundation shaped his identity and motivated him to inspire others.

2. Balancing Multiple Aspirations

Despite excelling in lacrosse, Jesse discovered a passion for bodybuilding and content creation early on. Starting YouTube at 12, he juggled his commitments between sports and his burgeoning online presence.

Jesse James West [04:49]: "I have aspirations outside of lacrosse that just kept getting bigger and bigger. Creating content has always been a deep desire from a young age."

This dual focus led to tension with his father, who was firmly invested in Jesse’s lacrosse career. Jesse navigated these conflicting pressures, ultimately realizing that his true calling lay elsewhere.

3. Struggles with Lacrosse and Mental Health

At 15, Jesse committed to Lehi University on a $200,000 scholarship, a decision that placed immense pressure on him. Balancing rigorous training with academic expectations became untenable, leading to severe anxiety and depression.

Jesse James West [12:37]: "I genuinely thought I was just a depressed person... But I realized that I am the only one that can carry the damn boat."

After enduring hardship for nearly a year, Jesse made the difficult decision to quit lacrosse, a move that was initially met with resistance from his father and coaches. This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point in his life, allowing him to prioritize his mental well-being and pursue his true passions.

4. Overcoming Fear and Building Resilience

Jesse emphasizes the importance of daily habits in overcoming fear and building resilience. Practices such as ice baths, cold plunges, and challenging oneself physically help in desensitizing fear and fostering mental toughness.

Jesse James West [18:43]: "Doing those little things that you can accomplish and get over fear add up and build habit and building blocks."

He advocates for confronting discomfort regularly to prepare oneself for larger life challenges, ensuring that resilience is ingrained through consistent practice.

5. Extreme Fitness Challenges and Lessons Learned

Jesse shares his experiences with extreme fitness challenges, including running a full marathon in 30 days without proper preparation and participating in Liver King’s Barbarian Crucible. These endeavors taught him profound lessons about physical and mental endurance.

Jesse James West [55:22]: "Running a marathon is wildly different. It's just a matter of willpower, conditioning."

His marathon experience highlighted the limits of physical endurance and the critical role of mental strength in overcoming perceived barriers.

6. Mental Health and SSRIs

Openly discussing his mental health journey, Jesse has been on SSRIs (Zoloft) since age 15 to manage anxiety and depression stemming from sports pressure. He emphasizes that taking medication is a personal choice and counters the stigma often associated with mental health treatments.

Jesse James West [46:10]: "I'm on an antidepressant since I was 15... I want to almost normalize, like, hey, if you're on this stuff..."

Jesse advocates for a balanced approach to mental health, combining medication with daily practices like breath work and cold exposure to maintain stability and well-being.

7. Reflections on Parenting and Mentorship

Jesse reflects on the complex relationship with his father, acknowledging both the positive influence and the toxic pressure that led to his struggles. Over time, they rebuilt their relationship, understanding the balance between support and overbearing expectations.

Jesse James West [32:05]: "John had to become a new man and accept things, and I had to learn that I have to say what I want in life."

He draws parallels between his father and Liver King, recognizing the value in pushing oneself while advocating for personal needs and desires.

8. Perspectives on YouTube Policies and Fitness Content

The conversation shifts to YouTube's decision to limit fitness content recommendations for teenagers, aiming to reduce the development of negative self-beliefs. Jesse critiques this move, arguing that it’s counterproductive and overlooks the broader influence of various content types.

Jesse James West [89:21]: "If YouTube's watching, this is dumb because you can be influenced by literally anything."

He believes that adaptive strategies and personal responsibility are more effective than blanket restrictions, highlighting the resilience and agency of his audience.

9. Concluding Insights: The Power of Self-Belief and Discipline

Throughout the episode, Jesse James West underscores the significance of self-belief and disciplined practice in achieving personal growth and overcoming adversity. His journey from a pressured athlete to a content creator and fitness enthusiast serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and self-advocacy.

Jesse James West [37:06]: "Do what you're meant to, not what you're supposed to."

This mantra encapsulates his philosophy of pursuing authentic passions rather than conforming to external expectations, inspiring listeners to seek fulfillment through genuine self-expression and relentless effort.

Notable Quotes

• Jesse James West [02:37]: "The relentless part comes from my father 100%."
• Jesse James West [12:37]: "I am the only one that can carry the damn boat."
• Jesse James West [18:43]: "Building habit and building blocks."
• Jesse James West [46:10]: "I want to almost normalize, like, hey, if you're on this stuff..."
• Jesse James West [37:06]: "Do what you're meant to, not what you're supposed to."

Conclusion

Episode #866 of Modern Wisdom offers a profound exploration of discipline, resilience, and self-advocacy through Jesse James West’s personal experiences. From overcoming immense pressure in sports to embracing mental health and extreme fitness challenges, Jesse provides valuable insights into navigating life’s toughest moments with unwavering determination. His story serves as an inspiring guide for listeners striving to stay disciplined and authentic in their own journeys.