Becoming Harder to Kill
Friends:
We’re quickly branching out to talk to a wider range of experts that can help us make our second half the best half.
Enter Scott Jagodzinski, a multi-time successful CEO, and Founder of Argent Alpha, the company helping to make men over 50 “harder to kill”.
I told Scott when we first met that his tagline sounds like an action movie I want to be in. Don’t we all?
Argent Alpha’s approach is holistic, prioritizing both mental and physical well-being. Scott argues that while most men focus on the physical aspects of fitness, a mental shift is crucial for sustainable results. He emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, believing in one's ability to change and learn - to use his words “you can gut out a new program for 90 days, but what about day 91, what about year two?”. Scott encourages men to focus on possibilities rather than constraints and approach goals with enthusiasm.
Jagodzinski outlines the minimum effective steps for transformation
Your Destination: Define your "future self" – who do you want to be?
The Alpha 5: Establish standards in five key areas: mindset, sleep, nutrition, fitness, and hydration.
GPS: Implement recurring accountability drivers (RAD) to track progress and ensure you stay on course.
Nutrition and Protein
Jagodzinski advocates for a macro-driven approach to nutrition, with protein at the center of the plate. He recommends consuming one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight, starting at 70% of that number and gradually increasing. While he personally believes in the benefits of animal protein, he encourages individuals to experiment and find what works best for them, citing the success of a vegan member who achieved remarkable results.
Diagnostics and Measurement
Regular body scans are crucial for tracking progress and understanding body composition. Jagodzinski also recommends blood work to assess hormone levels and biological age, but emphasizes that these are secondary to establishing healthy habits in the Alpha 5.
Sleep
Jagodinsky highlights the importance of quality sleep, recommending the 10-3-2-1 rule:
10 hours before bed: Stop caffeine
3 hours before bed: Stop eating
2 hours before bed: Stop liquids
1 hour before bed: No screens
He also suggests magnesium and melatonin supplements to aid sleep.
Creating Your Legend
Jagodzinski encourages men to think beyond physical fitness and consider their legacy. Why are you putting all the effort into mental and physical health, to what end? He uses a eulogy exercise to help men define their "worthy ideal" and focus on what they want to contribute to the world.
I hope you’ll tune in to Episode 15 to get the finer points on all of the above, and more.
All the best,
Jon