SHOW UP

I met Dave at Terry Duncan's Gold's Gym in Ventura, California. I was fourteen years old. Neither of us knew it then, but one simple conversation would shape the rest of my life.

Dave was six years older than me. One day he walked over and asked if I wanted to become training partners. He noticed I had built strong legs but lacked upper body development. He was just the opposite. His upper body was ahead of mine, while his legs needed work. Together, we made each other better.

At first, I thought I had found a great training partner.

Years later, I realized I had found something much more valuable.

I found a big brother.

Up to that point, I had been raised by disconnected adults. Having someone consistently show up for me was something I didn't even know I needed. Monday through Friday, we trained together. One workout became another. One week became another. Then months turned into years.

Dave never gave long speeches about character.

He taught character by living it.

He showed up.

As a training partner, Dave taught me something that has stayed with me my entire life. When you show up for someone, they get better.

Think about that for a minute.

Whether you're spotting someone on a bench press, coaching a child, leading a business, teaching a classroom, or simply being present for a friend, your willingness to show up gives someone else an opportunity to become better than they could have been alone.

That is the power of presence.

Looking back now, I realize Dave wasn't just helping me build muscle.

He was helping me build character.

Without ever saying it, he taught me the three principles that continue to guide my life:

SHOW UP.
KEEP YOUR WORD.
DO GOOD WORK.

Those aren't just reminders for this brand.

They're reminders of a man who carried a torch long enough for me to light my own.

Today, Dave and I still call each other "Big Bro" and "Little Big Bro." Years have passed, but the lesson hasn't changed.

Someone showed up for me.

Now it's my turn to show up for others.

Thank you, Dave.

THE GENXJACK BLUEPRINT

SHOW UP

Presence

Before you can change anyone's life, you have to be there.

Not occasionally.

Consistently.

Presence says,

"You matter enough for me to be here."

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KEEP YOUR WORD

Trust

Presence creates opportunity.

Consistency creates trust.

Every time you do what you said you would do, you make another deposit into the relationship.

Trust isn't demanded.

It's accumulated.

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DO GOOD WORK

Influence

Now people listen.

Not because of your title.

Not because of your authority.

Because your actions have earned credibility.

Influence isn't something you possess.

It's something other people give you.

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PASS THE TORCH

Legacy

This is where I think something beautiful happened.

Legacy isn't what you leave behind.

Legacy is what continues because you were here.

Dave didn't simply influence me.

He influenced everyone I've taught since then.

My grandfather didn't simply teach me.

He shaped the teacher I became.

One torch.

Many lives.