For any task, you need the right tool to get the job done — for instance — a hammer for a nail, a screwdriver for a screw. Having the right tools and information makes success easier.

Tim and Steve discuss staying open to new tools, people, and experiences that push you to improve.

“Don't speak negatively about yourself, even as a joke. Your body doesn't know the difference. Words are energy and they cast spells, that's why it's called spelling. Change the way you speak about yourself, and you can change your life.” — Bruce Lee

Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman dive into what it truly means to live in a “ready stance.” Drawing from lessons in martial arts, they explore how readiness isn’t just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. The conversation expands beyond the dojo, reminding listeners that in today’s chaotic world, no one’s coming to save you — you must be prepared to rely on yourself.

Tim shares how the simple act of standing in a ready position, practiced for decades, evolved into a mindset of self-awareness and focus. Steve connects this to everyday life — staying alert, calm, and grounded no matter what’s coming your way.

Whether you’ve trained in martial arts or not, this episode is about cultivating awareness, confidence, and readiness in every part of life.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle

In this 400th episode of Attack Life Not Others, Tim and Steve reflect on 8 years of podcasting and over 600 episodes:

• They share lessons from their martial arts journey, including how tragedy reshaped teaching to focus on resilience, awareness, and positivity

• They address recent feedback from last week’s episode, reaffirming their commitment to honest conversations that uplift, challenge, and inspire

• This milestone episode is a celebration of growth, leadership, and the power of speaking from the heart

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier

Mindset and action are what Tim and Steve discuss, opening with the quote from Carl Jung: “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”

Their message is clear: real growth requires consistency, effort, and a willingness to struggle. Change comes gradually, but only when mindset and actions truly align.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” — Vincent van Gogh