New Goals, Hard Lessons, and Intentional Momentum: What I’m Doing in October (and How You Can Use It to Crush 2025)

Introduction: Learning from the Journey

One of the most effective ways I’ve found to accelerate personal growth is to study the actions of other high performers. Seeing how they approach challenges, set goals, and make adjustments can give you a framework to improve your own life. I’ve learned this from observing leaders in different fields and from working with the Men of the Argent Alpha community.

As I continue my journey, I want to share my personal actions, reflections and challenges—not because I have everything figured out (far from it), but because I hope that by giving you a window into what’s working for me, you’ll find inspiration to push forward in your own life. Each of these six lessons comes from what I’m currently working on, experiencing or thinking about this month. And while my specific circumstances may not mirror yours, I believe these principles can be universally applied to help you grow, achieve, and continue to become harder to kill.

1. Planning for 2025: Why I Started Early

Most people start planning for the new year when December rolls around. For me, that's too late. I kicked off my 2025 planning in September. Why? Because I know how important it is to build momentum heading into the end of the year—not lose it.

The fourth quarter is a minefield for those of us who want to maintain progress. The holidays hit, travel plans pile up, family gatherings demand your time, and the excuses to let standards slip are endless. It’s easy to rationalize: You’ve worked hard all year—don’t you deserve a break?

But here’s the thing: every situation presents a choice. Am I going to let the lower standards of those around me pull me down? Or can I set the tone, lead by example, and invite others to raise their standards? Will I get pulled down, or will I pull others up? I’m committed to the latter.

Instead of slowing down, I’m doubling down on the habits and standards that have served me well throughout 2024. I’ve used this planning period to reflect on what’s working, where I need to upgrade, and how I can lock in the progress I’ve already made. By the time December arrives, I want to be coasting on discipline—not relying on motivation, which tends to disappear when holiday distractions creep in.

This isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about identifying the habits I want to carry with me into 2025. The holiday season is the perfect training ground for mental resilience. Can you maintain your standards when everyone around you is looking for reasons to cut corners? If you can hold the line now, you’ll enter 2025 with a full head of steam.

What You Can Do
You don’t have to overhaul your entire life, but I encourage you to pick one area where you know you tend to slip when the holidays roll around. Is it nutrition? Sleep? Maybe it’s sticking to your workout routine. Whatever it is, commit to maintaining that habit for the next 90 days. No breaks, no excuses. Set yourself up for success before 2025 even begins. And once you’ve identified that habit, write it down, track it, and evaluate it before the year ends. Momentum isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you build.

2. Adapting My Training Program for Q4

Every quarter, I take a hard look at my training program. I ask myself: is this still aligned with my current goals? Am I pushing the boundaries, or am I just going through the motions? In Q3, my focus was endurance training to prepare for Argent Alpha Live III, which included a 4-hour event designed to test both physical and mental resilience. But now that the event is behind me, it’s time to shift gears.

For Q4, I’ve transitioned to a legs/push/pull/upper routine with progressive overload. Why? Because I want to build on the base I’ve already established and drive real strength gains. Endurance work has its place, but if you’re not periodically shifting your training to focus on different aspects—whether it’s strength, power, or mobility—you’re missing out on serious growth potential.

Progressive overload is the key to that growth. It’s a simple principle: you need to increase the demand on your body over time if you want it to adapt. For me, that means making sure I’m either adding weight, increasing reps and/or sets or adjusting the time under tension in every session. If you’re showing up to the gym and doing the same thing you’ve always done, your body’s not going to change. It’s about consistent, incremental improvements that compound over time.

What I love about this approach is that it keeps me on track and ensures I don’t get complacent. Every week, I can see progress—whether it’s in the numbers I’m lifting or how my body feels. And that’s a huge motivator to keep going.

We are also doing a Q4 “Greasing The Groove” challenge. More on that at the end of this newsletter.

What You Can Do
Take a look at your own training routine. Are you still doing the same thing you were doing three months ago? If so, it might be time to mix things up. A simple change in your split, incorporating progressive overload, or adding a new form of training could be the spark you need to break through a plateau. Don’t wait until January to reassess—do it now and make the last quarter of the year your strongest one yet.

3. Dialing in My Body Composition Goals

In Q4, I’ve set a very specific body composition goal: lose 10 lbs of fat and gain 3 lbs of muscle in 92 days. I know exactly where I’m starting because I had my InBody scan on September 30th. I’ve shared my results with one of our Argent Alpha coaches for added accountability, and I’m checking in every two weeks with another scan.

The reason I’m getting scans every two weeks is simple: feedback loops. The shorter they are, the quicker you can make adjustments. If I waited until the end of Q4 to check my progress, I’d be flying blind for three months. But by scanning every two weeks, I can spot trends early and pivot if needed. Whether it’s tweaking my nutrition, adjusting my training, or even just managing recovery better, I can make the changes I need to stay on track.

I’ve also dialed in my nutrition to support this goal. I’m focused on maintaining a slight caloric deficit, but not so much that it cuts into muscle gains. Protein intake is high—roughly 200 grams per day—to make sure I’m fueling muscle repair and growth. This balance is crucial. Too many people either cut too hard and lose muscle along with fat, or they eat too much and don’t lose fat at all.

Adjusting my training and nutrition is non-negotiable if I want to hit my body composition goals. It’s not just about doing more—it’s about being intentional. Every element matters: eating enough protein to build muscle, keeping a slight caloric deficit to drop fat, and using regular feedback to make sure I’m on track. This is a game of constant refinement. Success comes from making small, smart adjustments along the way, not waiting to course-correct at the end. The goal is to stay locked in, ready to pivot when needed.

What You Can Do
Set a clear, measurable goal for your body composition over the next 90 days. Whether it’s losing fat, gaining muscle, or both, write it down. Then, create a system of accountability. It could be regular InBody scans (find one near you), working with a coach, or just tracking your progress on a weekly basis. The more frequently you check in, the quicker you can course-correct if needed. And don’t forget about nutrition—it’s the cornerstone of body composition changes. Make sure you’re eating to support your goals, not undermine them.

4. Navigating a Setback: My Left Knee Injury

Life has a way of throwing curveballs just when things are going smoothly. For me, that curveball came in the form of a left knee injury. And here’s the kicker—this is my good knee. After years of progress and rehab on my right knee, I didn’t see this coming. I won’t sugarcoat it—I gave myself a solid two-day pity party. But after that, it was time to get back to work.

The easy choice would have been to let the injury derail me, especially with the holiday season approaching. There’s a real opportunity to get off track this time of year if you aren’t intentional. But I’ve made the conscious decision to not let that happen. Instead of slipping into frustration or inactivity, I’m choosing the Gain. I’ve shifted my focus to upper body and core workouts, added mobility work, and started physical therapy for my knee.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is to resist the urge to jump straight into solutions before fully defining the problem. Too often, we rush to fix something without really understanding what’s broken. Right now, my priority is to assess the exact issue with my knee so that when I do pursue treatment, it addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms.

The temptation to focus on what’s wrong—what I’ve lost or can’t do—is real. But that’s the Gap talking. I’m focusing on the Gain by putting my energy into solutions, maintaining progress, and staying on track. My body composition goals, training routines, and nutrition are all in place, and this injury isn’t an excuse to let things slide. Instead, it’s a chance to adapt and come out stronger.

What You Can Do
When life throws a setback your way, resist the urge to jump straight into action without defining the problem. Take time to understand what’s really going on. Don’t dwell on what you can’t do—focus on what you can control. Make intentional choices to avoid backsliding, especially during times when it’s easy to slip. With the right mindset, setbacks become opportunities for growth, not excuses for going off track.

5. Perspective Shift: The Birth of My Third Grandchild

This month, we welcomed our third grandchild into the world—a baby boy. It’s moments like this that really force you to stop, take a breath, and reflect on what matters most. It’s a chance to pause, look around, and consider where you’re investing your time, energy, and resources.

At our September live event, we used Donald Miller’s Eulogy exercise, and the timing couldn’t have been more appropriate. The birth of a grandson has put everything into a new perspective. The exercise asks you to reflect on how you want to be remembered. As I think about my grandson’s future, I can’t help but consider the legacy I’m leaving behind. How do I want him to remember me? How do I want his parents—my son and daughter-in-law—to remember me?

It’s a humbling and powerful reminder that every decision we make, every action we take, is part of the story we’re writing about our lives. The question is: is it the story you want others to read when you’re gone? This has been a time of reflection for me, and it’s caused me to reevaluate where I’m putting my focus and energy.

What You Can Do
Take a few moments to reflect on your legacy. How do you want to be remembered by those closest to you? Are the actions you’re taking today aligned with that vision? If not, what can you change? The Eulogy exercise is a great way to get perspective on how you’re living your life and whether you’re investing your time and energy in the areas that truly matter. Don't wait for a major life event to make this reflection—start today.

6. Applying 10x Thinking: Eliminating the 2x Activities

One of the books I’m currently diving into is 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. I first read it over a year ago and loved it, but I didn’t translate the ideas into action at the time. This time, I’m approaching it differently—actively applying what I’m reading as I go. The core idea behind 10x thinking is straightforward: growing incrementally (2x) means doing more of the same, whereas a 10x mindset forces you to eliminate everything that doesn’t truly move the needle.

The concept of 10x is centered around identifying and removing those tasks and activities that take up 80% of your time but only produce 20% of your results. Those 2x activities are the ones we fall into out of habit, obligation, or comfort. They’re the things that might make us feel busy but don’t actually move us closer to our goals.

For me, that means taking a hard look at my calendar and asking, “What can I eliminate, automate, or delegate?” It’s about clearing the deck of the activities that don’t bring real value and expanding the 20% that does drive results. I’ve started to shift my focus to the high-leverage actions that will help me 10x my results in 2025. This isn’t about working harder or even working more; it’s about working smarter and cutting out the clutter.

The tricky part? Letting go of the tasks that feel important but aren’t. It’s not always easy to delegate or eliminate things that have become part of your routine. But if you want to 10x your results, it’s a necessary step.

What You Can Do
Take a look at how you’re spending your time. Are you caught up in tasks that take up most of your day but don’t contribute to significant progress? Identify the activities that fall into this 2x category and ask yourself: Can I eliminate this? Can I automate it? Can I delegate it? Focus more energy on the 20% that truly drives your results and start to create a framework for 10x growth in 2025.

Next Steps: How You Can Take Action Today

The six lessons I’ve shared this month reflect the journey I’m on, but the principles behind them are universal. Here’s how you can start applying them in your life right now:

1. Start Planning for 2025
   Don’t wait until January to get your act together. Pick one habit or process you want to improve or maintain for the rest of the year. Commit to it, track it, and evaluate your progress before 2025 even begins. Momentum is built, not stumbled upon.

2. Review and Adjust Your Routine
   Take a moment to reflect on your current fitness, work, or personal routine. Are you still doing what you’ve always done? Is it working? If not, now’s the time to make adjustments. Think about how you can push the boundaries and start the new year in a stronger position.

3. Set Clear, Measurable Goals
   Whether it’s body composition, career milestones, or personal development, clarity is key. Write down your goal and check in regularly—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—so you can make the necessary adjustments. Short feedback loops will keep you on track.

4. Turn Setbacks Into Opportunities
   We all face challenges. The key is to define the problem clearly before rushing into solutions. Use setbacks as a chance to shift focus, adapt, and improve in areas you might have neglected. Remember, it’s not about what happens to you, but how you respond to it.

5. Reflect on Your Legacy
   Take time to consider how you want to be remembered. Are your actions today aligned with the legacy you want to leave behind? If not, make changes now. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but long-term perspective matters.

6. Apply the 80/20 Rule
   Look at your to-do list or calendar. What are the tasks that take up most of your time but deliver the least return? What can you eliminate, delegate, or automate to free up time for your high-leverage activities? Focus on what truly drives your progress and start shifting your 80/20 to 10x your results.

I hope sharing these lessons from my own experience helps you reflect on where you are and where you want to go. Whether it's improving your fitness, refining your daily habits, or setting yourself up for 10x growth, the key is taking action. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll see the momentum build.

It’s time to be the example—show those around you what real leadership looks like. If you’re over 50, coasting isn’t an option. Argent Alpha is about reclaiming your health, mastering your habits, and sharpening your mindset. This isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. Get your mojo back. Find your swagger. Make the second half of life your best half.

Stop waiting. Start leading.
Join us at argentalpha.com and let’s make the years ahead your strongest yet.

Greasing the Groove (GTG) Challenge: Q4 Overview

Our Q4 challenge uses the Greasing the Groove (GTG) method, developed by Pavel Tsatsouline, to build strength through frequent, sub-maximal practice. Each month focuses on a different movement, allowing you to practice efficiently without burning out. This isn’t about grinding out reps—it’s about consistency and reinforcing movement patterns. Every month, we offer an optional challenge for our members, giving them a structured way to push limits, stay consistent, and build momentum.

How the GTG Challenge Works Each Month

Choose a difficulty level—A, B, or C—based on your current fitness. You can always start with Level C and move up to B or A as you build confidence and strength. It’s a great way to ease into GTG while staying consistent throughout the challenge.

Spread the reps into small sets throughout the day, keeping each set at 33-50% of your max reps (e.g., if your max pull-up set is 10 reps, aim for 3-5 per set). Take at least 30 minutes of rest between sets to stay fresh.

We recommend starting with 4 days per week and seeing how your body responds. If you feel good, gradually increase until you’re greasing the groove daily. The key is consistency, not exhaustion—listen to your body to avoid burnout.

Levels Overview

• A Level: Advanced

• B Level: Intermediate

• C Level: Beginner

October: Pull-Ups

• A Level: 38 reps/day

• B Level: 25 reps/day

• C Level: 13 reps/day

November: Push-Ups

• A Level: 75 reps/day

• B Level: 50 reps/day

• C Level: 25 reps/day

December: Air Squats

• A Level: 113 squats/day

• B Level: 75 squats/day

• C Level: 38 squats/day

How to Approach the Challenge

• Link reps to daily habits: Do a set whenever you finish a task or take a break.

• Modify if needed: Use scaled versions like banded pull-ups, incline push-ups, or box squats.

• Stay consistent: Start with 4 days per week and increase frequency if it feels good. Listen to your body and adjust as needed to maintain momentum without overtraining.

Why GTG Works

GTG trains your nervous system to perform movements more efficiently. Frequent practice reinforces muscle memory, making each rep smoother and stronger over time. By staying sub-maximal, you’ll avoid fatigue and improve without interfering with other workouts.

Why Join the Challenge?

This challenge is more than just reps—it’s about building discipline, staying consistent, and entering 2025 stronger than ever. Whether you’re just starting or looking to fine-tune your performance, GTG will help you raise your standards and become harder to kill.