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Bryce Henson

[LL] Leadership Lesson: Prioritize and Execute – Or Risk Drowning in the Sand 150 150 Bryce Henson

[LL] Leadership Lesson: Prioritize and Execute – Or Risk Drowning in the Sand

Leaders! 🙌

If everything is a priority, nothing is.

Last week, we covered Jocko Willink’s second leadership law: Keep it Simple. This week, we unpack the third law—Prioritize and Execute.

I reinforced this with Jocko’s world-famous “GOOD” video. No matter the adversity, a strong leader reframes it and says: Good. Let’s go.

But reframing isn’t enough.

Once chaos hits—and it will—you must be able to sift through the noise and decide what matters most.

That’s why in our EOS leadership system, we don’t try to fix everything every quarter. We choose 3-5 Rocks. 

Why? Because Rocks move the business. Pebbles are nice-to-haves. Sand is noise.

Steven Covey illustrated this brilliantly: If you fill a jar with sand first, the rocks won’t fit. But if you place the rocks in first, everything else settles around them.

Your time. Your team’s energy. Your budget.

It’s the same jar—but only when the main thing stays the main thing do you move the mission forward.

So here’s your takeaway:

Leadership isn’t about managing chaos. It’s about controlling it.

Set the rocks.

Clarify the targets.

Then execute relentlessly.

That’s Jocko’s third law.

Prioritize.
Execute.
Repeat.

Do this, and you don’t just lead—you win.

Bryce Henson
CEO & Visionary

P.S. Next week, we’ll wrap the series with Jocko’s final leadership principle—and it might just be the hardest one to master.

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.
[AIYA]: The One Word That Got Me Running Again 150 150 Bryce Henson

[AIYA]: The One Word That Got Me Running Again


Happy Monday Mindset!

Last fall, I was mid-run on the treadmill—my go-to form of meditation—when my legs locked up like a vice.

Tightness. A sharp pull. 

And boom—I was limping off.

The body sent bad news. 

But worse, so did my mind.

Because running is where I clear the mental clutter. 

Where the ideas flow. 

It’s sacred.

And I knew—if I ignored this, I was projecting myself into long-term pain. 

Literally and figuratively.

So I did what I always do when faced with adversity:

I got curious. I asked questions. I sought guidance.

I hired a stretch coach.

The first few sessions? 

Brutal.

But I kept showing up.

And to anchor my focus, I chose one word for 2025: Flexibility.

Not just physical. 

But mental. 

Emotional. 

Strategic.

Fast forward: over 100 stretch sessions and one weekly yoga practice later


I’m back. 

Running without pain. 

Lifting without fear. 

Free again.

Not because it was easy. 

But because I faced the friction and leaned in.

That’s the power of coaching. 

That’s the power of momentum. 

That’s the power of deciding you’re not going to be a victim of your own circumstance.

And THAT is what turning adversity into advantage looks like.

Remember:

Turn adversity into advantage.

Bryce Henson
CEO, Fit Body

PS—This story (and dozens more) will be in my upcoming book Turn Adversity Into Advantage, coming early 2026 so get ready!

Language of Leadership: Why Simplicity Is a Leader’s Superpower 150 150 Bryce Henson

Language of Leadership: Why Simplicity Is a Leader’s Superpower

Leaders! 🙌

I recently shared Jocko Willink’s viral video “GOOD”—a mindset shift that finds strength in setbacks.

Today, we dive into step 2 of his 4 Laws of Combat Leadership: Simple.

Sounds easy. But as any business owner knows—especially in franchising—it’s anything but.

Business is complicated.

Running an international fitness brand across two countries? Add a few layers.

Then throw in the franchising model?

That’s a different beast entirely.

You’re not just marketing or coaching—you’re navigating federal regulations, state-by-state compliance, and franchisee operations
 on top of delivering results to clients.

It’s a pressure cooker for confusion if your leadership lacks clarity.

I learned this the hard way in 2020.

When COVID hit, it wasn’t just a national shutdown.

It was 40 different shutdowns—each state with its own restrictions, timelines, and protocols. One week, we were open in Florida. Closed in Michigan. Masked in Illinois. Unclear in Arizona.

And Canada?

Shut down for a year.

It was chaos.

And in the middle of that, I discovered something I now treat as gospel:

Complexity kills execution.

That’s why the best leaders simplify.

When plans are overly detailed, when communication is convoluted, teams freeze. Confusion breeds hesitation, and hesitation destroys momentum.

Your job as a leader?

Boil it down.

Get clear.

Then communicate with simplicity.

Not because your team isn’t smart—but because pressure creates fog. And clarity cuts through it.

Here’s today’s takeaway:

Simple scales. Complex fails. đŸ’Ș

Make simplicity your standard. Your team will move faster. Your business will grow smoother. 

And you’ll be the kind of leader people trust when things get tough. đŸ’Ș

[AIYA]: The Ripple Effect of Mentorship 150 150 Bryce Henson

[AIYA]: The Ripple Effect of Mentorship


Happy Monday Mindset!

Last week, I had lunch with Diego, the son of my longtime friend and early mentor Brian.

It was one of those full-circle moments that made me pause.

I met Brian on my 21st birthday in Santa Barbara—what started as a wild weekend turned into a life-changing relationship. 

He became a mentor throughout my entire twenties, shaping the man I am today.

Brian’s the real deal—California roots, college in Iowa, fluent in Spanish, Peace Corps vet, and founder of Dream Volunteers—a nonprofit impacting communities around the globe.

He even sponsored my NASM personal training certification, launching me into fitness and is featured in my first book, Turn Adversity Into Advantage, which releases in early 2026. 

Get ready! đŸ’Ș

Without him, there’s no Fit Body CEO story to tell.

Fast forward 21 years:

I’m mentoring his son.

Diego’s a bright young man, crushing his second summer sales internship and asking the right questions about becoming a fitness coach. 

I gave him the playbook.

Why does this matter?

Because the most successful leaders—those who win long-term—never walk the path alone.

They seek guidance. They receive. And then, they give.

That’s the secret.

Mentorship isn’t a luxury. It’s oxygen.

You got where you are because someone ahead of you reached back. And someone’s behind you, waiting for your hand.

So here’s the mindset shift:

Seek out wisdom. Apply it. Then pass it on.

If you’re winning, look around—who can you help?

Because the ripple effect is real.

And when you lead others with the same generosity you were given?

That’s how you live the life you were destined to live!

Remember:

Turn adversity into advantage,

Bryce Henson
CEO, Fit Body

Language of Leadership: Cover and Move—The Foundation of Team Success 150 150 Bryce Henson

Language of Leadership: Cover and Move—The Foundation of Team Success

Team! 🙌

Last week, I shared Jocko Willink’s “GOOD” video—a masterclass in reframing adversity.

This week, we dive into the first principle of his 4-part leadership framework: Cover and Move.

In the SEAL Teams, “Cover and Move” is a tactical maneuver—one unit suppresses while the other advances. But in our world, it’s the heartbeat of elite teamwork.

Here at HQ, that means we operate as one squad. 

Not Marketing vs. Operations. 

Not Sales vs. Support. 

Just one mission, moving in one direction: to grow Fit Body and serve our owners at the highest level.

I learned this lesson young—as captain of my soccer team. 

Truth? 

I was the least talented player on the field. 

But I knew people. I knew who to pass to under pressure. 

I knew how to rally the group. I knew that our win wasn’t about the best player—it was about playing as one unit.

That’s the mindset I bring into HQ leadership today—and it’s what I ask from each of you.

If a teammate drops the ball, don’t point fingers—cover them. If you’re winning in your lane, don’t coast—move forward and bring the squad with you.

Teamwork isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s our advantage. Because at HQ, when we move as one, we’re unstoppable.

Let’s continue leading by example—and remember: we live and die as a team.

 

[AIYA]: I Snapped — What Happened Next Will Surprise You 150 150 Bryce Henson

[AIYA]: I Snapped — What Happened Next Will Surprise You

Happy Monday Mindset,

Last month, I flew to Arizona for a high-level speaking conference.

It was recommended by my speaking coach, and I attended with my good friend Erin King, one of the most in-demand corporate speakers on the planet.

Erin recently rocked the house at our Fit Body World Conference in Atlanta with her message on energy. 

Her keynote? 

Unforgettable! đŸ”„

Now, back in Arizona—after battling some insomnia, my doc prescribed sleep meds. With no Uber’s available, I jogged two miles under the scorching sun to pick them up between conference sessions. 

Not ideal, but doable.

When I arrived, the pharmacist told me there was a system glitch. 

My doctor had called it in 12 hours prior, and I called before leaving to confirm

Turns out, when I arrived, nothing had been done. 

Add in the heat, the lack of sleep, and —and boom. I snapped. Raised my voice at the front desk lady.

Not my proudest moment.

As I waited the 30 minutes for the script to be filled, I had time to reflect.

Yes, I had reason to be frustrated.

But no, I had no right to lash out.

When the meds were ready, I took a deep breath, looked her in the eyes, and said, “I’m sorry for snapping. That wasn’t okay.”

Her entire demeanor shifted.

You see, I learned this in my 12-step journey: “When we are wrong, we promptly admit it.”

Hard to do in the moment. But necessary. 

That is a strength. 

That’s real leadership.

Because adversity isn’t just about what happens to you. It’s about how you respond when you’re the one in the wrong.

Adversity is your advantage—even when you cause it.

Turn adversity into advantage,

Bryce Henson
CEO, Fit Body

Language of Leadership: “GOOD.” 150 150 Bryce Henson

Language of Leadership: “GOOD.”

Family! 🙌

At this year’s Fit Body World Conference, our keynote Shawn Stevenson dropped a truth bomb:

Relationships are ROI. 💡

And one of the most powerful forms? Virtual mentors.

One of mine has been retired Navy SEAL Commander Jocko Willink.

While we met in person twice in 2019, Jocko’s been mentoring me for four years—through books, podcasts, and especially his iconic YouTube video: “GOOD.”

If you haven’t seen it, look it up. It’s 2 minutes of absolute fire. đŸ”„

Here’s the punchline:

Didn’t get the promotion? GOOD. More time to prepare.

Lost a client? GOOD. Room for a better one.

Team drama? GOOD. Time to grow as a leader.

This is tactical optimism at its finest.

Not sugarcoating the hard stuff—but using it to sharpen your leadership blade. ⚔

And it aligns perfectly with my core philosophy:

Turn Adversity Into Advantage. đŸ’Ș

So here’s your Mindset Coaching for the Leadership Lesson of the Week:

Next time something breaks, backfires, or blows up


Say “GOOD.”

Then step up and lead.

Because leadership isn’t forged in comfort.

It’s shaped in chaos.

Make it a GREAT week!

-Bryce Henson

CEO, Fit Body

PS – Click HERE to watch Jocko’s “GOOD” video. Then turn adversity into advantage—starting today.

 

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.
[AIYA]: Trailblazers Get the Glory—And the Scars đŸ”„ 150 150 Bryce Henson

[AIYA]: Trailblazers Get the Glory—And the Scars đŸ”„

Happy Monday! ☀

Last week, history was made.

Jen Pawol became the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball game. ⚟

By Sunday? She was calling pitches behind home plate—front and center.

I was lucky enough to witness it live in Atlanta with my mom and brother, who stayed an extra day post Fit Body World Conference.

And let me tell you…

She wasn’t just calling balls and strikes.

She was rewriting history. đŸ–‹ïž

But here’s the part most people don’t see:

Being first isn’t easy.
It’s not glamorous.
It’s brutal.

It’s criticism without cover.
It’s pressure without precedent.
It’s knowing that even on your best day, someone’s ready to tear you down.

But the truth?

Trailblazers take the shots before they get the spotlight.

And that’s what makes them legends.

Every great advancement—whether it’s Jackie Robinson breaking barriers, Elon Musk being ridiculed, or my mom working two jobs to keep us fed—starts with someone willing to go first.

To be doubted. Mocked. Dismissed.

But they go anyway.

That’s the cost of being a pioneer.

So here’s your reminder this week:

If you’re catching heat—it might mean you’re forging a new path. đŸ”„

If you feel resistance—it’s likely because you’re rising.

If you’re being tested—it’s because you’re being trusted.

You’re not being punished.

You’re being prepared. đŸ’Ș

Turn adversity into advantage,

Bryce Henson
CEO, Fit Body

[TAIA] When the Clicker Dies and the Font Shrinks 150 150 Bryce Henson

[TAIA] When the Clicker Dies and the Font Shrinks

Happy Monday Mindset!

This weekend in Atlanta, I stood on stage at our 2025 Fit Body World Conference, delivering the keynote on our future as the wellness brand for adults 40+.

The stakes were high—500 owners, coaches, and leaders in the audience—our biggest conference in franchise history.

I shared a deeply personal story about my Grandma Josie—the woman who took my family in for 10 years after my parents split and saved us from a homeless shelter.

She became the inspiration behind Fit Body Forever, the program that will be a cornerstone of our brand for years to come.

It was a big win. I landed about 70% of what I wanted to say.

But here’s the behind-the-scenes truth


The font on the projector was so small I could barely read my notes. The clicker glitched, then died halfway through. Suddenly, I was flying blind in front of the largest crowd I’ve ever addressed in our brand’s history.

In moments like that, you’ve got two choices:

  1. Panic, freeze, and fumble.

  2. Lean in, trust your preparation, and speak from the heart.

Because I’d rehearsed relentlessly, the message was already in me. Without my notes, I wasn’t delivering a “perfect” talk—just a real one. 

And the audience felt it.

Here’s the leadership lesson: Adversity is never convenient—but it’s always an invitation.

In business, your “clicker moment” will come. Maybe it’s a campaign flop, a tech failure, or a key team member leaving unexpectedly.

Your instinct will be to wish it away or scramble for a quick fix.

Don’t.

Instead—lean in. The setback is the setup. The obstacle is the opportunity.

That day on stage, the lack of a clicker stripped away polish and pushed me to speak with presence. And ironically, that’s what made the talk land even stronger.

Your Monday challenge: 

The next time adversity strikes, stop asking “Why me?” and start asking, “How can this make me better?”

Because when you do—adversity stops being your enemy. It becomes your edge.

Make it a GREAT week!

Bryce Henson
CEO, Fit Body

Language of Leadership: Growth Requires Discomfort 150 150 Bryce Henson

Language of Leadership: Growth Requires Discomfort

This past weekend, I flew to Arizona for a high-level speaking conference with my friend, who’s like a sister, Erin King  — who you’ll hear keynote this weekend at the Fit Body World Conference in Atlanta.

It was recommended by my coach Mike Ganino, who’s helped me level up my storytelling and stagecraft over the last year.

And let me tell you—total game changer.

I learned how to structure a talk that lands, how to open with fire, and how to close with impact. Tactics, tools, and reps I didn’t know I was missing.

Here’s the kicker


Until last year?

I had zero formal public speaking training.

Everything I’d done was grit, trial-and-error, and feedback from trusted peers. Which worked—until it didn’t.

And that’s the leadership lesson:

Growth always requires discomfort.

Always.

If you’re not regularly putting yourself in uncomfortable, unfamiliar environments—then you’re not leading. You’re repeating.

This weekend reminded me:

The gap between good and great is often just the willingness to look awkward in pursuit of mastery.

So whether it’s public speaking, team building, or scaling your business


  • Get in the room.
  • Get uncomfortable.
  • Get coaching.
  • Then get better.

Leadership isn’t just about showing up confident.

It’s about having the guts to show up as a beginner when the mission demands it.

That’s what real leaders do.

To your growth,

-Bryce Henson

CEO, Fit Body

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Bryce Henson, CEO of FIt Body Boot Camp

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