Thursday, December 25, 2025

Hey Leader! 🙌

Last week, I shared the first Phoenix Lever: Embrace the Adversity.

Today? We tackle the second. And let me warn you, it’s the hardest, grounded in self-mastery.

Phoenix Lever #2: Forge Through the Adversity 🔥

Because rock bottom isn’t the end.

It’s the beginning of the forge, the crucible where character gets built, and greatness gets born.

But here’s the rub:

Most people never make it out.

They get stuck in survival mode. Clinging to comfort. Avoiding feedback. Living the same year over and over, 10X in a row.

Leaders don’t have that luxury.

To forge through adversity, you must embrace what I call Proximity-Driven Optimization:

1. Cultivate Curiosity: Your ego won’t fix the problem. Questions will.
2. Seek Guidance Through Proximity: Get close to someone who’s already walked the path. Borrow their belief. Implement their systems.
3. Optimize Through Feedback: Let it sting. Then let it shape you.

That’s the self-mastery loop of Forge.

That’s how you grow.

You don’t need 100 steps. You need one conversation. One mentor. One piece of feedback was acted on with courage.

And when you do? You emerge stronger, wiser, and more dangerous.

This week, ask yourself:

Where am I stuck?

Who’s already solved this?

What data/feedback am I avoiding?

Then get in proximity. 

Ask. Apply. Optimize.

Because the forge never feels good, but it always produces gold.

Bryce Henson
CEO, Fit Body

 

The 5 Immutable Rules of Leadership

1. Take Extreme Ownership: Everything is your responsibility—even when it’s not your fault.
2. Put Your Oxygen Mask On First: Lead yourself before leading others.
3. Wield Influence Through Moral Authority: People follow who you are, not what you say.
4. It’s Not About You—Never Was, Never Will Be: Elevate others, build legacy.
5. Turn Adversity Into Advantage: Pain is your power—use it.