Daymond John, the renowned investor shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, CEO of The Shark Group, and founder of FUBU, has not only conquered the business world but also faced and overcome personal health challenges. His journey is a testament to the importance of prioritizing health alongside professional success.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Growing up in Queens, New York City, during the 1980s, Daymond John observed his peers gravitating towards drug dealing. However, he chose a different path, recognizing the common sense in working a job, like his time at Red Lobster, while simultaneously building something of his own. This led to the co-founding of FUBU from his mother’s house in the early 1990s, eventually capturing the attention of prominent hip-hop artists, retailers, and investors.
A Wake-Up Call: Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
In 2017, at the age of 48, John received a diagnosis of stage II thyroid cancer. This prompted a significant shift in his perspective on health. He realized that health should have been a higher priority throughout his years of building a successful business portfolio.
The Importance of Health: A Lesson Learned
John acknowledged that many people, regardless of their socioeconomic status, often feel invincible, especially when they are young. He emphasized that poor health is often an economic issue, disproportionately affecting certain communities. The stress of entrepreneurship, if unchecked, can also lead to various health issues.
Entrepreneurs are more prone to stress, which can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other physical health challenges. John now advocates for prioritizing health as much as meeting financial goals. Since going into remission, he has been diligent about maintaining his well-being.
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John's Weight Loss Strategies
Following his cancer diagnosis and remission, Daymond John embarked on a weight loss journey, shedding 40 pounds through a combination of diet and exercise.
Cutting Out Alcohol
John identified alcohol consumption as a significant factor hindering his weight loss goals. He realized he was drinking two to four days a week, making excuses to continue the habit. By eliminating alcohol entirely, he saw an immediate positive impact, losing twelve pounds quickly. He now enjoys mocktails and appreciates the feeling of sobriety.
Embracing Movement
Traveling frequently, Daymond John found creative ways to incorporate exercise into his daily routine. He maximizes his time by walking while taking calls, averaging 23,000 to 32,000 steps a day. He also includes running two to three times per week, alternating between walking and running intervals. John tracks his activity using his Apple Watch and the fitness tracking app Strava. Additionally, he makes an effort to hit the gym two to three times per week for calisthenics, focusing on legs, core, and back. For recovery, he utilizes cold plunges and therapeutic massages.
Adjusting His Diet
Daymond John follows a low-carb to no-carb diet, prioritizing cleaner eating habits. He pays attention to his body's hunger cues, avoiding the habit of eating simply because it is a designated mealtime. While traveling, he schedules food deliveries in advance to ensure he maintains a healthy diet. Hydration is also a key component, aiming to drink 10 bottles of water a day.
Overcoming Challenges
The inconsistency of travel poses the biggest challenge to John's fitness routine. He navigates this by packing the right walking gear and finding alternative workout options when hotel gyms are not accessible or the weather is unfavorable.
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Goal Setting and Mindset
Daymond John is a firm believer in goal setting. He sets 10 new goals for himself every seven years, including six 6-month goals, one 2-year goal, one 5-year goal, one 10-year goal, and one 20-year goal. He reviews these goals every morning and night. His ultimate health goal is to be able to walk his three daughters down the aisle as his healthiest self.
The Three Pillars of Success
John emphasizes that the three pillars of success are knowing your "why," setting appropriate goals, and doing your homework to accomplish those goals. These principles apply to all aspects of life, including health, family, faith, and business.
The Importance of Community
John surrounds himself with people who add value to his life and the world. He sticks with people he can have meaningful conversations with and learn from. He also makes a point to cut off or change the dynamic of relationships with people who bring tension, conflict, or disrespect into his life.
Daymond John's Daily Diet
- Pre-Breakfast: Synthroid medication, Prevacid, and a baby aspirin
- Breakfast: Green juice, black coffee, and egg whites with onions, spinach, and avocado. He also takes multivitamins, a hoodia supplement to curb his appetite, and psyllium husk.
Financial Literacy and Giving Back
Daymond John is also passionate about transforming financial education in schools. He believes that a lack of financial literacy can lead to unhealthy choices and limited opportunities. He has written a book called "Little Daymond Learns to Earn" to promote financial literacy among young people.
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