Real life superheroes exist.
They may not fly or shoot lasers from their eyes, but their superhuman capabilities manifest when they stretch the boundaries of physical and mental capabilities. Their stories inspire us, propelling us to transcend what we perceived as our limits.
One such modern-day superhero is Nick Bare, who defines his own superpowers not by physical feats but by the values he embraces and refines.
In Nick’s own words, “When I think superpowers, I think of being able to fly, shooting webs out of the wrist, running at the speed of light... But I encourage you to think of superpowers not as something that you physically have - but a characteristic or value that you can refine and focus on. We get to choose our superpowers."
From launching Bare Performance Nutrition in a tiny apartment to achieving a staggering $40 million in revenue in 2022, Nick Bare's ascent over the past five years encapsulates his boundless work ethic.
His journey, comprising marathons, IRONMANs, ultra runs, triathlons, and bodybuilding competitions, has been candidly shared with his growing YouTube audience, currently boasting 1 million subscribers.
Dive into this article to uncover Nick Bare's Superpowers for Success.
LESSON 1: You don't have to control everything. You don't have to be perfect.
Nick Bare's relationship with food has been a tumultuous one, originating from his formative years. "My disorder initially impacted me mentally more than physically. Eventually, all I thought about was eating less and exercising more," he candidly shares. This confession provides a window into the psychological battle countless individuals face daily.
In middle school, like many teenagers, Nick was influenced by the societal standards of beauty and body image. Despite being active and athletic, a constant pressure to look a certain way led him to an unhealthy relationship with food. It began with minor alterations to his daily diet, progressively cutting down on portions, even depriving himself of school lunches. What started as a quest for perceived health and aesthetics, turned into an obsession. Nick recalls a typical middle school lunch where he would manipulate his meals: "I remember depriving myself of the school lunch progressively... Until I got to the point where I had no orange, no bread - just the turkey and cheese from the sandwich and a bottle of water." His perception of a "win" was going to bed hungry.
The dangers of an eating disorder are not just physical but deeply psychological. It was not only about the food or the calories; it was about control. Nick felt a sense of mastery and power over being able to deny his body its basic necessities. But the human body has its limits. The day he could not muster the energy to get out of bed for a baseball game was a wake-up call. The subsequent hospital visit and realization that he had been compromising his health were turning points in his life.
His journey towards recovery wasn't instantaneous. After an emotional confrontation with his parents and doctors, Nick made a conscious decision to get better. A significant step was allowing himself to consume more than what he had restricted himself to. That symbolic act of eating two Pop-Tarts, something seemingly simple, was monumental in his path to healing.
However, years later, his foray into bodybuilding threatened to resurface old habits. The stringent dietary restrictions and calorie tracking brought back memories of his days battling the eating disorder. Recognizing the dangers, Nick once again made a commitment to find a balance.
Nick's story is not just about an eating disorder; it's about the broader lesson of understanding and accepting oneself.
His reflection captures this: "You don't have to be perfect. But you can be consistent. You don't have to control everything. You just have to make responsible food choices."
Today, Nick champions a balanced life, enjoying meals with loved ones, and promoting a healthy relationship with food. His journey is a testament that recovery is possible and serves as a beacon of hope for many grappling with similar challenges.
LESSON 2: Go one more.
Nick’s philosophy of "Go One More" isn't just about physical mastery, completing one more set; it's a testament to mental tenacity. Nick Bare's journey in marathon training is an embodiment of this spirit. Every marathon he embarked on wasn't just a race; it was a lesson in perseverance, humility, and self-awareness.
Starting with his 1st Marathon in 2018, where he clocked 3:57:00, to his 2nd attempt in 2019, which unexpectedly took longer at 4:15:00 - Nick's experiences seemingly showed regression. With the time of 4:15:00, and self-doubt creeping in, it's easy to see how someone could internalize the narrative, "I'm not a runner…"
Yet, his subsequent actions demonstrated what "Go One More" truly means. After completing an Ironman triathlon, he set his sights on a sub 3-hour marathon. When he clocked in at 3:24:00, falling short of his goal once again, he confronted a crucial question: What was holding him back? On introspection, he realized the biggest adversary wasn't his training regimen, nutrition, or gear. It was his mindset. Nick himself and his subconscious beliefs were the impediment.
The mantra "Go One More" is an antidote to self-imposed limitations. It's an urging voice when every fiber of your being screams for respite. It's the motivation to try once more, even when previous attempts have met with failure.
After realizing this profound insight, Nick went for a sub 2:50 marathon and achieved a time of 2:48:11, proving that mental barriers often eclipse physical ones.
Now, as he trains for a sub 2:45:00 - it's not just about shaving off a few minutes from his time; it's about pushing boundaries, challenging perceptions, and constantly striving to improve. It's about understanding that every failure isn't a full stop but merely a comma in the journey.
Nick Bare's marathon experiences are a metaphor for life. We all have our marathons, our challenges where we strive, fail, learn, and strive again. The essence of "Go One More" is understanding that growth isn't linear. It's fraught with setbacks and failures. Yet, every setback is a setup for a comeback, as long as one has the determination to "Go One More."
LESSON 3: Have courage.
Why is modern society, with all its advancements and conveniences, still grappling with widespread unhappiness and a sense of unfulfillment? Nick attributes a significant portion of this collective sentiment to a pervasive lack of courage. But it's essential to understand what he means by 'courage' here. It's not about jumping out of airplanes or facing down lions. It's about the small, daily acts where one steps out of their comfort zone, challenges the status quo, or takes a path less traveled.
Lack of courage often stems from a fear of failure, judgment, or the unknown. It's what holds someone back from starting that dream project, leaving a job that no longer fulfills them, or simply expressing themselves authentically. It's the voice that says, "What if I fail? What will people say?" Courage, in Nick's philosophy, is the act of acknowledging these fears and then deciding that the pursuit, the dream, or the aspiration is worth the risk.
Taking the first step towards any change is often the hardest. Whether it's the first day in the gym, the first class in a new course, or the first word on a blank page, it requires courage. But as Nick puts it, "Courage is the action to make a change." It's about taking that initial leap, even when the outcome is uncertain.
However, courage is not a one-time act. It's a cultivated habit. Every day, every challenge presents an opportunity to choose courage over comfort. And the beauty of this choice is that it's like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
In Nick Bare's life, this courage has manifested in numerous ways, from confronting his eating disorder, pushing his limits in marathons, to building a successful business. Through all these endeavors, one principle stands out: "Real courage is a superpower." It's the driving force that propels one towards their goals, dreams, and aspirations.
In essence, Nick's message is clear: Figure out what YOU truly desire in life, not what society or peers dictate. And once you have that clarity, muster the courage to take daily steps towards that vision. It might be daunting, and there will be setbacks, but in the end, it's this very courage that paves the path to genuine fulfillment and happiness.
Nick Bare on Hybrid Athlete Training
Being a hybrid athlete goes beyond impressive feats of strength and endurance. It's about an all-encompassing lifestyle aimed at optimal strength and performance outcomes.
Nick elaborates, "It’s a lifestyle for optimal strength and performance outcomes. An opportunity to push yourself beyond what you thought was possible, allows you to dive deep and do something hard - transforms you mentally, emotionally, and physically."
Train Like Nick Bare
Ready to embark on your hybrid training journey? Follow Nick's steps to develop your own training program.
- Set Personal Goals: Identify what you enjoy. Need more cardio? Find a method that resonates with you.
- Determine Training Frequency: Aim for a minimum of 3 times a week for both strength and cardio.
- Embrace Progressive Overload: Adjust your training with exercise selection, sets, and reps. Ensure you’re tracking your progress.
Equip your home gym with Better Body.
Nick Bare's journey, from confronting personal struggles to pushing physical boundaries, offers more than just a narrative of success.
It provides a roadmap for anyone looking to navigate the challenges of life with resilience, determination, and authenticity. Through lessons on self-acceptance, perseverance, and courage, Nick exemplifies that the true essence of being a 'superhero' isn't about achieving superhuman feats, but about continuously striving to be a better version of oneself.
As we journey through our paths, may we take these lessons to heart, embracing each day as an opportunity to "Go One More" with courage and conviction.
