On this episode of The Art of Living Proactively (Harnessing the Power of Your Choices), Tony Winyard talks to Michael Kurkowski, a coach who focuses on physical training programs, nutrition programs, and mindset practices. Michael's approach prioritizes empowering his clients to take responsibility and become autonomous in their fitness journey. They discuss the lack of autonomy as a problem in the fitness industry, the importance of having a coach, and cultural attitudes towards celebrating success. Michael also emphasizes the importance of mental training, not just physical, rebuilding self-belief, and starting with small incremental steps towards goals. Listen in to learn how you can make lasting progress towards your fitness goals. About Michael I'm truly grateful to be able to do what I do everyday! After being an active athlete for most of my life, I found a passion for the health and fitness world early on. When I was 23 years old, I had a personal trainer, who taught me about functional movement training, and he asked if I was ever interested in pursuing a career in fitness.   This started my journey of 15 years from personal training, to managing a team of 15 coaches, then building a studio with a great friend, to pivoting during Covid and creating multiple online training businesses and two podcasts.   During the Covid Lockdown, I saw a major disconnect between how we were coaching our members and what they truly needed to succeed in their strength, regardless of what happens in life. We were teaching all the right things, but we weren’t making our members part of their own process, and showing them how to be self-sufficient.   This prompted me to dive deep into studying the mental, emotional, and spiritual side of strength, leading me to BioFeedback and Intuitive training.   Most health and fitness programs have been designed for the individual to mold their lives around the program. This is the exact opposite of what is sustainable for continuous progress and mastery in everyday life.   My goal is to help teach others that strength is not just one thing. It is a connection of all things in our lives, and everyone is capable of achieving it Full shownotes including a transcription available at: https://tonywinyard.com/michael-kurkowski/ [00:00:00] New proactive podcast on fitness and coaching. [00:04:00] Athletics sparked interest in fitness; career ensued. [00:08:15] Changing approach to remote work & coaching. [00:12:58] Kettlebell instructor mindset approach for success. [00:15:48] Coach helps clients obtain goals collaboratively. [00:19:23] Motivation: prevent where you don't want to be. [00:23:39] Coaches help get out of your head. [00:27:18] Strength is crucial. Hire a coach. [00:30:17] Strength is subjective, builds confidence. [00:35:07] Positivity outweighs negativity in environments. [00:40:17] Learning requires mental and physical effort. [00:44:27] Shifted coaching approach to promote autonomy. [00:49:37] Book inspires spiritual connection through fictional characters. [00:51:59] "Mastery key to life's challenges, spread message." [00:54:49] Goodbye. The Art of Living Proactively (Harnessing the Power of Your Choices) links: Website - tonywinyard.com Facebook Page - facebook.com/TonyWinyard.HabitsAndHealth Facebook Group - facebook.com/groups/habitshealth Twitter - @TonyWinyard Instagram - @tony.winyard LinkedIn - uk.linkedin.com/in/tonywinyard YouTube - .youtube.com/@tony-winyard How to leave a podcast review - tonywinyard.com/how-to-leave-a-podcast-review/ Details of online workshops to create habits for health - tonywinyard.com/training/ Are you in control of your habits or are they in control of you? Take my quiz to find out - tonywinyard.com/quiz Embark on an enlightening journey to discover the essence of proactive living in my podcast, "The Art of Living Proactively: Harnessing the Power of Your Choices". Your guide is none