Episode Details

How does someone go from retiring as an NFL player with over $300,000 in the bank to offering his time and services for free (and surviving off less than $25k per year) just so he can “get his shot?” If this story sounds crazy, then you’ve haven’t met Akbar Gbajabiamila.

Akbar Gbajabiamila is the host of American Ninja Warrior (alongside Matt Iseman) who is also a former NFL player for teams such as the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, and Miami Dolphins, as well as the host of the NFL network’s highest rated show ‘NFL Fantasy Live.’ Akbar is also the author of the soon-to-be bestselling book “Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams.”

Whether you’re an athlete who aspires to be or who has already competed on Ninja Warrior, a weekend warrior who enjoys the occasional Spartan Race or triathlon, or a sedentary office worker looking for something to inspire you to get back in shape, Akbar’s story is one of the most compelling and motivating I’ve ever come across. From the outside it might appear his path to stardom just makes sense and was pretty simple, but once you break down the challenges he’s faced since the very beginning of his life growing up in ‘the hood,’ you realize Akbar’s career path is anything but ordinary.

The biggest reason I’m excited about this interview and Akbar’s book is that it’s not just an inspirational story...it’s also a roadmap to help you overcome the mindsets, limiting beliefs, mental barriers, and outright excuses you might be making to stop you from pursuing something difficult and frightening.

Get ready to step outside your comfort zone...because that’s where the magic happens.

Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?

» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode

Here's What You'll Learn:

• How Akbar got his first job in television even though he wasn't a "hall of famer"
• Taking a monetary loss for the sake of your ideal career plan
• Realizing that the work you get paid more for might fail to fulfill you
• Learning to reject your circumstances and do what you can with what you have
• Counteracting the negative narratives that you've been give about the cards you've been dealt in life
• How to stop using the obstacles and low expectations in your life to keep yourself from improving
• Recognizing when you're afraid of being successful
• Learning how to accept and even take joy in failure without watering down how painful it is in the moment

Useful Resources Mentioned:

IAmAkbar.com

Akbar Gbajabiamila's Ninja Warrior Run for Red Nose Day

GO FAR Official Theatrical Trailer

Our Generous Sponsors:

This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.

Guest Bio:

Listen Now