Former NFL Lineman Eric Wood on Figuring Out What's Next

02/08/22 • 62 min

"I think there's so much value in being a dreamer and a visionary but that could be deflating at times too because you know, those are your visions. Those are three, 10 years out, well in a month from now, if you're not that much closer, that could be really deflating. And that's where having your daily process goals and, and just knocking out those daily wins. That's where keeping track of those can also be a tremendous asset as well."

When it comes to sports, there are a lot of highs and lows. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. And, every once in a while, you lose a game or competition that hurts more than the others because you had to go so far to get to that moment only to fall just shy of winning. In our conversation with former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Eric Wood, a lot of our conversation centered around this idea. The idea of dealing with unexpected, abrupt changes that you’re not quite ready for when they happen.

In this episode, Eric was kind enough to share the heart-wrenching story behind his career ending neck injury and what it took to figure out what was next for him. We explore the concept of how serving others helped him carve out a clear, meaningful path in life after a nine year career in the NFL. And he drives home a lot of the tips and insights he shares about how to achieve personal growth with a unique 30-day challenge that might help you achieve more of your goals this year.

Eric really brings it in this inspirational podcast conversation with us today. So get ready for a conversation that’s filled with ways to make meaningful progress in your life.

Timestamped Show Notes:

(3:51) What’s going on in your life right now?

(5:39) As a Bills fan, how did you feel about this last game?

(8:52) Using sports to get better at life...

(12:39) Facing injury and channeling the need for competition in other directions...

(16:28) “So for me, it was about taking in all that perspective and then figuring out what I was going to do moving forward.”

(17:25) Figuring out “the why...”

(21:05) The new monster contracts...

(22:41) How did you go from disappointment to helping others?

(28:25) “If you want to be recognized and you want to feel important, go out and serve others and bring value to others and lift others up and you will then feel that importance.”

(29:08) Finding the balance between serving ourselves and serving others...and the freedom in discipline.

(34:38) “The number one thing for self-confidence is to write down three things at night that were wins for you that day.”

(37:32) The 1% rule...

(41:59) What does it mean to be the best version of yourself?

(44:26) What does goal-setting look like?

(50:41) The power of accountability...

(51:49) What fuels your pursuit?

(54:00) Q&A after the episode

References:

What's Next? with Eric Wood - Anchor

Eric's conversation about goal setting with Jason Selk - Anchor

How UCAN helped Eric lose 60 pounds - UCAN