Master the Art of Accountability with Guinness World Record Holder Andrew Weiss

Can making a few small tweaks in your life lead to big-time success?

Join me, Dai Manuel, as I chat with Andrew Weiss, a Guinness World Record holder, dynamic podcaster, and accountability coach. 

We'll explore Andrew's journey from a regular job in Oregon to becoming a global figure in podcasting and coaching and his transition into the virtual work world. This move requires flexibility, independence, and determination.

Teamwork takes on a new meaning in virtual work. Andrew shares insights into the need for regular check-ins, personal connections, and shared goals when leading a virtual team. He also discusses how tiny, consistent actions lead to significant wins, overcoming limiting beliefs, and establishing good habits.

We'll discuss the power of including others in our goals, upcoming projects, and personal milestones. 

Tune in for inspiring tales, helpful advice, and engaging insights to help you unlock your potential. 

Remember, it's all about those small changes and shared accountability.

Connect with Andrew

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• Facebook 
• Twitter 
• YouTube

Transcript

Dai Manuel: 0:08

Welcome back to another episode of the 2% Solution podcast, where we explore the tiny changes that spark significant life transformations. Today, we have a truly inspiring guest joining us. He's a Guinness World Record holder, a dynamic podcaster and an accountability coach who is all about helping people break through their limiting beliefs to achieve and unlock their full potential. Please welcome Andrew Weiss. Imagine deciding to transform your life and, within just a few years, becoming a world record holder, but as well a sought-after coach. That's exactly what Andrew did. We'll dive deep into his journey, from working a regular job to embracing virtual work, full time, hosting massive events and coaching individuals to reach their goals 10 times faster.

Dai Manuel: 0:58

If you've ever wondered how accountability can change your life or how to stay focused in the face of endless distractions, this episode is for you as much as it's for me, too. Get ready for some practical tips, inspiring stories and powerful insights that will motivate you to make those small but impactful changes. Don't miss this conversation and if you find value in today's episode, remember to share it, because sharing is caring. With friends, family, co-workers, subscribe to our podcast and leave a five-star review. And enough of that, let's get into it with Andrew. Welcome back to the 2% Solution podcast, where we explore the tiny change that sparks significant life transformations. And today I've got someone that I'm so happy to introduce. He's become a friend of mine, but also he's become also indirectly a mentor of mine, especially in the podcasting and speaking space, leadership space, and his name is Andrew Weiss, and the cool thing is he's a Guinness World Record holder. He's an esteemed podcaster, innovative accountability coach, dedicated to helping individuals shatter their barriers and achieve unparalleled success. Welcome to the show.

Andrew Weiss: 2:10

Andrew, thanks for hosting Dai. Can't wait Going man. They've been going good. Yeah, things have been picking up in the podcasting space. We just hosted our 10th anniversary event of PodFest with over 2,000 podcasters in one location, and so I've been involved avidly in the podcasting space for about four years now. It's been, and I have my own show for the past couple of years and it's just so awesome to be a part of that momentum, part of that journey, and then, of course, coaching my clients on accountability and sales, seeing the success of them, and so just writing the momentum waves and soaring and or making sure that I'm going to soar in 2024.

Dai Manuel: 2:54

I like that. I like that. Oh well, congratulations. Yeah, I've been following along and I was so disappointed I couldn't make that event. I had something else that was going on, but I'll be there next year.

Andrew Weiss: 3:08

You better my work then I'm gonna try to get there in person too, because I want to connect with all these cool people, especially you man. I have a bro hug man, of course. Oh, definitely a hugger.

Dai Manuel: 3:13

Oh yeah, get this shaking stuff out of you all about the hugger you know what?

Dai Manuel: 3:17

I gotta ask you this question because I I know I don't know the full story, but I also know it's a pretty cool story and I think it's a great way for us to sort of set things up, to introduce my audience to you specifically, and so can you walk us through your journey all right from Oregon to becoming a world record holder and a champion of change. So take it away. Tell us what the heck is that story all about?

Andrew Weiss: 3:40

Well, in 1994, I was born and I won't start there what uh?

Andrew Weiss: 3:50

yeah. So the Guinness World Record thing was super awesome, um, so back in 2020 of January, I'm like, wow, I want to throw this awesome event together. And then everyone knows what happened in 2020 the pandemic. Um, and so I had to put the in person event virtual because you, you know, entrepreneurs were always adapting, always problem solving and if there's a will, there's a way. And my virtual event was called Bite the Fluff because I was tired of going to these events where speakers would talk but not actually give any value or just be a full on pitch fest the whole time. And you're just like. I thought I was here to get value. And so it was a successful event and based on my entrepreneurial endeavors doing my own events.

Andrew Weiss: 4:31

One of the speakers from the event was impressed by it that he knew Chris Kermitsos, the founder of PodFest, and PodFest was the last huge event with 2000 people of March 2020, before the world literally shut down the next week. Um, so poor Chris is going. You know what am I going to do? I run these in-person events. The pandemic is here. Oh, let's do a virtual event. And Chris is a go big or go home kind of person. He went to Guinness and he said what would it take to break a Guinness world record? They said you need 5,000 people and I got introduced to Chris. I got brought on the team and, after inviting my brother, my mother and my next door neighbor, at the end of the week we had 5,003 people for Guinness world record my gosh.

Dai Manuel: 5:19

No, no, continue, continue, cause I think this is just fascinating, like I mean, how do they do that? Because I mean to go from a place where they had 2000 in person and I imagine, yeah, there's quite the community, but how is that done?

Andrew Weiss: 5:31

yes, uh, so, yeah. So podfest started around 2013 with just 15 people and had a similar philosophy of you know how can we create a community styled event where people come and support each other and want to see each other succeed? And the word of mouth just rapidly grew the event to that 2,000-person mark and then to go from 2,000 to 5,000, it's kind of Chris describes it as lightning in a bottle. Like when else in the history of the world is everyone going to be literally forced to stay at home and have nothing else to do but go on your computer and catch other people? And so, by kind of capturing this lightning in a ball, a moment where we knew everyone would be online, we already had this community of 2000 people. If we just tell them to each bring a friend to our Guinness World Record breaking event, then we could break that record and, of course, so, yeah. So, diving into that a little bit, actually, we'll go into crowdfunding a little bit, because you know it's so unfortunate. You see all these articles all the time of people having massive success, huge accomplishments, but they don't talk about how they got there Totally and what that actually takes. Everything gets deemed an overnight success. Oh, they got lucky and, oh, they're a genius. That's how they were able to make this happen. But I'll kind of pull back the curtain a little bit and talk about some behind the scenes.

Andrew Weiss: 6:52

So the first thing we did was a crowdfunding campaign where Chris and I each wrote down a list of about 100 to 200 people who we personally wanted to invite to the event and say, hey, we want to put together this event. And we hosted a call with about 200 people and told them all to say, hey, we want to put this together, this huge event, but there's a lot of expenses involved with, like the software, with being able to do staff or make sure it's successful. And everyone was able to pitch in money right then and there. So we knew we had a viable event that we could actually put on. So, with crowdfunding advice, um, what you want to do is really type up something before you just dive in and cross your fingers that it works. Um, and I wrote a great email about that and I'll do a um option for people to get a free resource at the end of this call today if you want to thank you, um, but uh, the answer is so in order for have a successful games for record breaking events. Uh, you have to really have a group call to get as many people as possible behind your mission and vision.

Andrew Weiss: 7:52

Um, we had ambassadors. We had the speakers sharing the events. We made them speaker graphics card. We had paid ads going on Facebook all the time to help recruit people that way. Um, and we'd also have a 10 D cards as well. So not only would the speakers be promoting the event, the attendees would be promoting the event.

Andrew Weiss: 8:08

Um, we had different tier levels of, like, a free pass gets you access, like the first couple days, then a paid path, you access to premium content. Then, like a vip, premium access gets you like recordings and inner circle stuff. Um, and so, yeah, the answer is, uh, and Guinness, you know their business too. So you have to budget to actually pay Guinness for that Guinness world record. And, uh, they're a little more expensive than we thought they would be, but, you know, having that Guinness world record is definitely very something to be proud of.

Andrew Weiss: 8:36

Um, and so, yeah, the answer is I'm happy to keep diving into more things accordingly, but, uh, understanding that takes a a lot of planning, preparation, people behind you, community behind you and just kind of going above and beyond to be ruthless about recruiting and promoting and spreading awareness. And oh, also partnerships too. You know we're able to partner with Buzzsprout, with Libsyn. They're able to help bring in their communities to the event as well. So really work on your partnership game. And yeah, just a lot of ways to help thrive and hopefully it gives people a headstart on things.

Dai Manuel: 9:09

I think it's fantastic and thank you for sharing that. I mean talk about value right at the gate with you, but I know that's your way of operating. This is what you're all about delivering value and I respect that so much, and I know my audience will too. And that free resource yes, please, yes.

Andrew Weiss: 9:24

I want to do Okay, yeah, of course it's an easy yes.

Dai Manuel: 9:28

But you know, speaking of the pandemic, because I mean that's quite the accomplishment you guys achieved and I know it's only been a big pivot for a lot of people. You know, with the pandemic and a change in just how we work, how we share what, how we connect, hey, we couple of years there was like what the heck is going on, Right, and but I know there was a moment for you where you really embraced this idea of virtual work as well, as you started embracing coaching full-time. I mean, can you, can you sort of speak to that a little bit? Because being somebody that's also very event, in person events, you know focus and I was that kind of guy too.

Andrew Weiss: 10:05

It was a tough couple of years there, man, yeah, seriously, yeah. So that's the thing is, you know, as as entrepreneurs, you always have several irons in the fire. So on top of helping out flood baths, I also run my own coaching practice too, and I'm also I just got hired to help help out the Oregon business Academy. So for those in the Northwest who want want to help professional skills, the high school students over the summer, we offer that as an opportunity. Um, but sorry, the question would. That was a question again. Yeah, yeah I was.

Dai Manuel: 10:33

I was thinking for you because you've really embraced this idea of virtual work, because I also know you network with people all over the world and and was that a natural process like what brought you?

Dai Manuel: 10:43

because I know there's been a lot of people that have really, you know, not embraced the virtual work Like this be fair right, like I mean, we're online a lot, we're looking at a lot of screen times. I mean there's a lot of inactivity typically when we're on screens. So I know it was a really challenging I mean, especially for myself, someone that's very active, to go to lockdown and not have that activity oh man, my mental health is extremely challenged. But I've been someone that's been supporting, you know, online work for gosh. Almost a decade I've been doing so. That wasn't the stretch, but the stretch that I didn't have the option to do anything else. But I know that you've embraced that and that you run multiple businesses, all online virtually. And I'm just wondering was there a pivotal moment that you embraced that sort of lifestyle? Because I don't think it's something that we all just wake up and think I want to do today. I want to be a guy that works online all the time.

Dai Manuel: 11:28

You know, and so I'm just curious how has that been in your journey, you?

Andrew Weiss: 11:32

know to where you are today.

Andrew Weiss: 11:34

No, that's a good question. And so, out of college I worked for the same nonprofit that brought me back on, actually, and after three years working with them, I decided you know what I want to be a full-time entrepreneur. And, funny enough, I knew that the incentive for working virtually is some of the best out there, because you can work from anywhere in the world, you can usually set your own hours for the most part, and I just you know Dr Benjamin Hardy, he talked about this is one of the top success traits of entrepreneurs successful entrepreneurs the thing called the point of no return, where you just make that decision in your life. You are never going back to that, ever again. Another saying for it is burning the ships.

Dai Manuel: 12:17

Cortez.

Andrew Weiss: 12:18

Yeah, cortez, he came to America and he burned the ships behind him. I don't know if it's true or not, but I'm just kind of emphasize the point that we're not going back. It's uh, live, live or die or fight or die, kind of thing. Um, so yeah, so it was like september 2019 and I'm going. You know, I quit my job. I didn't really have too much of a plan, but I'm like I just bet on myself and I had a few months of savings saved up and I'm going. You know what? I I'm just going to figure this out in the next three months, or bust kind of thing, and that's actually what allowed me to put together the virtual summit. And, of course, I've learned a lot from that virtual summit the fight to fluff, but then to eventually be hired on to work with Podfest and be able to work full-time, virtually with them, outside of our once a year in-person events, virtually with them outside of our once a year in-person events. I think that that really helped with.

Andrew Weiss: 13:04

That is just deciding in my life. I want to work virtually full time because I want to be able to have that location flexibility. I want to have flexibility on hours. I know it's not for everyone. And yes, when I go to the massage parlors and they're massaging me, they go oh, you have such soft hands, do you work in IT and soft hands do you work in it? And and, uh, I'm going.

Andrew Weiss: 13:26

Oh, I, I guess I, yes, I work on my computer all the time. I'm not on the farm all day. So, uh, there is that, uh, but but yeah, you know you'll be the answer. It's. It's not easy. And going back to what we talked about earlier, like it's too bad when they show the success from people like, oh, look look at these people running these full time virtual businesses and they're so amazing, but they don't talk about a lot of work, a lot of stress, a lot of trial and error to get to that point. But of course, you got to believe in yourself or join a program that can help you, get a mentor coach like that, like me, who can help you just kind of understand that it's possible in the first place and then burn your ships and make it happen at all costs.

Dai Manuel: 14:07

Oh, I love that attitude. And we guess, you know, as I don't remember, if Ben Franklin or whoever said that you know it's your attitude, or do I yeah? The attitude determines your altitude right.

Dai Manuel: 14:21

And I just always love that quote. You know, and, and it's so right. You know, with the right mindset, it's amazing how resilient we can be in the face of adversity. You know, and, and, and I'm curious, you know, with what you've accomplished and just going through some of these experiences over the last five years, it was taught you about teamwork. Taught you about teamwork is I, you know, working a virtual business.

Dai Manuel: 14:43

It's not your atypical, or we're all working in the same brick and mortar structure. I'm like I'm oh yeah, there's Joe and oh yeah, there's Susan. You know, like I'll go to have a quick talk with them. I mean, it just doesn't work quite that way anymore. I mean, even with Slack and the Mondays and all the other productivity tools and communication tool, it still is a virtual connection. And I'm wondering how's your approach to teamwork and ultimately also pushing the limits? Cause you know, sometimes it's it's challenging, right, like to to, to amass and get everybody going the same direction, especially when we're all so spread apart. So I'm curious, like, what's your sort of approach with that? Because I mean, now you've got some pretty significant events under your belt, right and, and I imagine, trying to manage a team, my goodness, especially when it's all virtual, like there's challenges within them, you know. So if you could just speak to that experience, that'd be great.

Andrew Weiss: 15:29

Yeah, definitely, um, so, yeah, we, we definitely have a great team with Podfest and, uh, some of our models for our team meetings is each we meet every week, uh, no matter what, for the most part as a group, help prepare for the event and then, of course, meet extra outside of that. And, you know, part of life is, yes, we have to work with. The more we can enjoy work, the better, and the more you can enjoy your fellow co workers, the better, essentially, in many ways. And so we definitely, with each meeting, we talk about you know what's going on in our personal lives for a minute or two, and then, after we all talk about some personal stuff and laugh around a little bit, then we get into the professional things and then, as far as teamwork management, I mean, we use text, we use Slack, we use email One of my favorite tools for email management, you know, running these events with 2000 plus people getting unlimited inquiries from speakers, attendees, co workers, stuff like that.

Andrew Weiss: 16:26

I use a superhuman and I think it's it's called the tools, called superhuman AI, about 30 bucks a month. I know it sounds expensive, but for me it just makes life so much easier for managing things Because it automatically sorts emails that are from real people versus emails that are like subscribed emails, kind of thing. And then I have a super human, along with another tool called text expander, had these keyboard shortcuts. So, for example, like, if you want to do some intro messages or response messages, like, instead of typing out hi die, how you doing, how's your day going, we'd love to connect with you soon you can just type like H1, and it'll type all that out for you. It's a help save you some time when reaching out to things.

Andrew Weiss: 17:12

So when it comes to teamwork, virtually I'd say yeah, make sure you have consistent check in meetings. Don't just make it all about work. You know it's okay to talk about other things outside of that to help make the meetings more fun. And then, of course, have the camaraderie with meals together once you do meet in person. We haven't done a Podfest retreat yet. That'd be kind of nice.

Dai Manuel: 17:36

I love it.

Andrew Weiss: 17:37

It's calling yes, exactly that's what I'd say for teamwork Just make it so you meet. It's calling oh, yeah, yes, exactly, um, but uh, but yeah in the uh. So that's what I'd say for teamwork is just make it you meet consistently, have some fun with it. Um, make sure you use great tools to help expedite your, your processes and things like that. Um and uh. Then yeah, obviously, work with people who not only are good at their job but are fun to work with too.

Dai Manuel: 18:03

Oh, absolutely, I mean, at the end of the day, definitely I really appreciate, because where you're actually hinting at here, and I think it's, it's we all pick up on the vibe, but it's like we want to be friends. Oh yeah, you know, it's not just being friendly, it's actually developing a relationship. And yet I remember when I first got into business and sales and running my first company you know some of my mentors, but also some of the upper management, you know like that they were often saying you know you get really personal with your staff, like I don't know if I'd recommend that and I'm like I don't know any other way to do it, because that's just who I am as my personality, but I also find the level of respect and connection is just such well, it's more fun for me as well, right, and those involved, but it's also, I find, that the accountability and this is actually a nice segue, because I know this is a superpower for you. Now, okay, yeah.

Dai Manuel: 18:54

And I know it didn't all necessarily come to that, naturally, you know. But but through experience, and the purpose of the show, you know, is really talking about those habits that have allowed us to to achieve the certain successes that we've achieved in our lives, and it's always about what we do consistently and frequently.

Dai Manuel: 19:09

But it doesn't have to be a huge amount of time nor energy, but you still got to put it in there, and so this is my question to you, Andrew how did you discover the power of the go-to do? More importantly, how does it shape sort of your coaching, but also your leadership philosophy?

Andrew Weiss: 19:26

Yeah, that's a great question. So, as someone who's been involved with personal development since I was 16 and uh, you know to kind of go into my my, my story a little bit to me when I was in eighth grade, I thought life was so amazing. I was, uh, one of the starters for the basketball team. I was one of the lead roles in the school play. I was president of the school. Life was great. Then I get to high school and I get cut, not just from the A team but from the B team. I couldn't get elected, even fifth place for student governments, governments and the uh, or fourth place even at the school, and I couldn't even sing well enough to be put in the ensemble for the school play. And on top of that, it was 2008, it was the recession, the economy was terrible, home life, school life sucked, everything was bad. I'm like this all sucks, um, and I kind of decided that you know, and that one of my friends, josh, but made a good point about this he goes. You know, people can choose to either be bouncy balls or they can choose to be eggs that when you hit the pavement are you going to splatter all over and go. What was me Everything's awful, I can't do anything. Or are you going to be a bouncy ball that bounces back? And I love the quote out there. I forget who said it, but success is about how high you bounce once you hit bottom. And that quote definitely stuck with me because I'm like, okay, I'm definitely feeling like I'm at the bottom of my life, like everything's off, everything sucks.

Andrew Weiss: 20:55

So I dug into personal development and I wanted to figure out you know, why is this such a huge, multi-billion dollar industry and yet there's so many people who are out there who still aren't reaching their goals, are sad, they don't have good love relationships, they don't have personal relationships, professional relationships, what's going on out here? So I kept researching what are the best ways to do goal setting and I discovered, at least for me. You know I'm very shiny object syndrome. Yeah, you know I get distracted easily. And you know, for me, I'm also very good at fighting loopholes and things and I like to break the rules from time to time. And so when I heard about you know, people being like OK, to be successful, all you have to do is set your alarm for six in the morning and then get up at 6am every day and that's all it takes. And or all you have to do is do 10 phone calls or go to the gym three times a week and that's all it takes. And I discovered that, yes, that's good advice, but what's what happens if you don't do those things? Oh, you feel less bad, like, oh, then you could just do it again tomorrow, kind of thing. And for me, I'm like you know, I'm kind of like those who are Pirates of the Caribbean fans.

Andrew Weiss: 22:11

When Orlando Bloom hits the axe on the table and he goes that's not good enough, I was going that's not good enough. Where's the accountability? Like what if people are actually serious about their goals and they don't want to have excuses anymore? What can be done about that? And from learning from Dr Benjamin Hardy, I've learned that, like what you said, just a 2% difference, 1% difference stacked up over time, compound interest not only applies to money, but applies to overall life success as well. To money, but applies to overall life success as well.

Andrew Weiss: 22:45

And so, for example, a favorite example I like to use is you know, one of the clients I helped.

Andrew Weiss: 22:47

He was in bad shape.

Andrew Weiss: 22:49

He was, I think, like 100 pounds overweight.

Andrew Weiss: 22:51

He was eating candy all the time and I said hey, what are the tiniest tweaks you can make in your life that you think would really help you? He goes well, I guess I could stop eating candy. And I just want to run one mile every day for the next 60 days and I'm going. Okay, that's not bad, it's just one mile and you're eating renting candy. That sounds great. And of course, just by making those two tiny tweaks, after 60 days he had lost over I want to say, 30 pounds and he had cut out his candy habit. So like he still has a refund of time, but not as much as he did. And in the accountability in place was if he had candy or if he didn't run his one mile per day, he'd have to give $500 to everyone else in our group accountability program. So on top of having the incentive of, yes, I want to get in better shape, yes, I want to be healthier, I also don't want to lose, because I'm being lazy and I know I'm better than that.

Dai Manuel: 23:49

How did you come up with the $500? And I'm just curious was that a number that he chose, or was that a number that was assigned? Because I, you know? I mean, you guys are a billionaire. What's 500 bucks, right?

Andrew Weiss: 23:58

Yes, no, yes, how much bucks, right, yes, no, yes, how much pain is that creating? Yeah, so it's about 10 of your monthly income, um that you're doing. And so he's like, okay, it's not worth losing uh 10 over me wanting to have this extra candy bar, um. And, of course, you find people of similar economic pain points too that, like you said, a billionaire and a uh, minimum wage worker.

Andrew Weiss: 24:21

Paul, you can't put the same amount in a group for it to be effective, um, but, but the power of the accountability is just like understanding that, yes, internal is great, but external also can help a lot too. Uh, because it's not just the, because, on top of that, you know the people in the group who are going, who are pushing each other, that when you're feeling lazy and and don't want to do it one day, but you see other people in the group doing their work and putting their hours in, you're like, okay, I got to get motivated to do that too, kind of thing. And I found that this plan is foolproof because, a, you're setting the goals that you want to set in the first place and you're holding yourself accountable. Other people are holding you accountable and it proves to you that you're not going to let the pain of loss hold you back anymore from your desire for gain, because unfortunately, psychologically speaking, that's humans natural response to things that they'd rather not lose something than gain something.

Andrew Weiss: 25:17

Yes, and so being able to say, okay, you know what I? I really want that new car. I'm ready to finally lose. Spending too much time on Netflix or spending too much time, you know, messing around when I know I should be working on you know, promoting my brand, figuring out how to learn how to read this book on. You know how to make more money faster kind of thing, or how to build relationships better kind of thing. And so I know this is a long-winded answer. Keep going.

Dai Manuel: 25:45

This is great. I love it because I know you're an accountability expert, but I also know you've applied over a decade of your life to just learning this, but also, more importantly, helping others really master it.

Andrew Weiss: 25:59

Go, go, yes. So to kind of summarize everything, I'll use this example, another example too. So let's say you want to write a book and you go, you Google it and you go, okay, average book is 300 pages. And you're going I don't want to write 300 pages, that would take, that would take forever. That sounds awful. But if you go, okay, you know what I can manage writing five pages a day, for example. I'm like you know, I have a very busy schedule. I'm a single mom with three kids and I work a full-time job. But you know what, if I get up early in the morning or during my lunch break or once the kids go to bed, I can dedicate time to just writing five pages per day. And if you do that for 60 days straight, congratulations. That's a 300 page book.

Dai Manuel: 26:47

You're so simple yes.

Andrew Weiss: 26:49

And on top of that, if you're going, okay, you know what? I don't want to have excuses for being too tired or having a bad day or the weather is awful outside for me not writing my five pages. So I'm going to join this accountability group where I put money into the pot and I only get the money back if I put in my 60 days of work, or five pages per day. Oh, and, by the way, if other people don't put in the work, I get the incentive of getting their money too. And oh, by the way, I'm tracking myself daily.

Andrew Weiss: 27:18

So, rather, at the end of the week, going, what did I actually accomplish this week? You're able to look back at your daily entries and going, oh my gosh, I already wrote five times five, 25 pages this week. I'm on a roll. So it's just all these factors involved that combat the human psychology of wanting to make excuses, of not wanting to do things, of pretending like we want something but then not actually taking access toward it. Then I'm actually taking access toward it. That's what this accountability system is for. That's why it's been so successful to help me, um, help other clients, get to 10 K months, lose a bunch of weight, write books, write great websites, sell companies and just really stay on track, more than they ever thought they could.

Dai Manuel: 27:54

I think it's so fantastic. I love everything you're throwing down, my man, because I I too I know there's times where in the past I've struggled with accountability, but but it's, it's funny. It's not accountability the others, it's accountability to myself yes and, and I know that that's why I need other people to hold me accountable you know, because as much as I, like to think I'm a self-starter.

Dai Manuel: 28:14

I know what to do, I can get this done and there's been periods of my life I've been able to sustain that output. But also there's been times when I don't have that external accountability with anybody and it's amazing how quickly I can let myself off the hook oh yeah, very it's, and that's the thing like obviously everyone needs grace and forgiveness and stuff, but uh, you know, you know the bills under exactly, exactly it is.

Andrew Weiss: 28:41

It's just like uh, you know, I was hosting a client calls on wednesday they're talking about like man in. Uh, you know, four years ago I was unstoppable. I was doing this three times a day. I was doing that, I was going to the gym, I was managing all these clients, but now I'm not doing much and they're like I guess I need to up my accountability because I know that person exists and I I want to bring that person back and accountability is one of the best ways to do that.

Dai Manuel: 29:06

Oh gosh, well said, I needed this conversation more than anything else. So many things going on, right, and I appreciate that you suffer from the shiny object syndrome too. Yeah, because, man, it's a tough one, right, and because I've been experiencing that it's amazing as the podcast grows in reach. It's a tough one, right, and because I've been experiencing that it's amazing as the podcast grows in reach. It's amazing how many more opportunities start to present and I'm like, oh, it sounds like fun, it sounds good, but really trying to exercise the no and this is actually my question to you, because I know that a lot of people struggle with this Because that's the thing, right, you start to get accountability, you start to do the thing that you said you're going to do and now we're following through and doing them. Awesome, good things start happening, but with that often comes other opportunity.

Andrew Weiss: 29:47

Yes, and how do you stay the course dude? Well, well, I do want to speak to that for a moment because, um, that that's the power of of staying disciplined in one area of your life is that you start to build confidence for other areas of your life too. So, if you have the, if you know that, you're like okay, I really got to get back to going to the gym, but I don't feel like it. Maybe next year when I could restart my resolutions, or maybe next month when I can start afresh. Maybe then I'll get started tomorrow yeah exactly.

Andrew Weiss: 30:20

It carries over quickly. But if you've been consistent about saying you know what, I'm going to be more self-disciplined. I need to grow with the person going to the gym consistently, that confidence of knowing that you're great at setting your mind on things and going to do it translate to other areas of your life too. Because you're going okay, I'm confident enough to start going to the gym more often. Maybe I'm confident enough to ask for a raise at work. Or maybe I'm confident enough to ask this partner if they can collaborate together. Or maybe I'm confident enough to ask this girl out because she's looking pretty cute today, because our brain will give us unlimited reasons not to do things. But the more you can incorporate self-discipline and confidence building and habit building, then the more support and power you have to back up other areas of your life too, and so that's why things like these are so essential.

Andrew Weiss: 31:07

And then go back to your question about being distracted. I mean, yeah, that's subjective, because you know, yes, we it's okay to change your goals within reason, but you definitely want to review your why behind everything. What's your mission and your vision for your life? Does it align with this? Um? And if it doesn't, then maybe if you have to say no to certain opportunities, but if it's an opportunity you wouldn't expect but you know benefits you, then you know you can reward yourself for all the hard work you've been putting in to earn the opportunity in the first place.

Dai Manuel: 31:35

So give yourself some credit there yeah, that's thank you, uh, and also, you know, to come back, I didn't mean to make light of grace, because you're absolutely right that grace and self-forgiveness it's. I mean, we're all human and yeah, we have our our days and we have a great days and we have those days we're like, oh man, I'm going back, yeah yeah and.

Dai Manuel: 31:55

But it is that natural resilience and I believe that's like a muscle that we can develop and and we can strengthen over time. And like I remember times where I would have a pity party of myself. You know something wasn't working or I got another, damn no, and just that that part of me just like, oh, and just it's heavy right and and it's easy just to just to unplug and make excuses because it is the path of least resistant, but mental health wise, it's probably one of the worst things we can do for ourselves.

Andrew Weiss: 32:23

Like speaking from my own experience.

Dai Manuel: 32:24

You know, like I just um, because inaction creates a whole lot more inactivity, um and I. So I have a question with you on this, because I know you work with a lot of people in this mental space, cause it really is all mental, you know. I mean you got to reason through it and get to a place where it's like, okay, now I'm doing action. But it all starts with that and, and I'm curious, you know what? What are some of the common limiting beliefs that you tend to run up against when you're working with these groups or communities and individuals? You know your individual clients with this accountability piece, and how do you work with people to overcome those?

Andrew Weiss: 33:06

Because, like I know, that's an ongoing struggle for so many of us, you know, and so if you could speak to that, I know well, selflessly speaking, I'm going to do a lot of that.

Dai Manuel: 33:12

But I know, yes, oh, yeah, okay, go, andrew talk.

Andrew Weiss: 33:16

Yeah, so you know, obviously you could have a 10-hour podcast on mental growth and psychology and all that. So what I want to bring up is some great insights that you just gave to me, jason Allen Scott, and we talked about imposter syndrome and why do we always hold ourselves back in so many ways and and things like that? And one of the things going back to us talking about earlier is like our brain will give any excuse to tear us down or hold us back unless we have evidence to refute that and dispute that essentially. And so one of the things that Jason talked about I think was a great way of approaching things is imposter syndrome usually comes from us not having the experience yet that we need to have. So, for example, you know, out of college I worked with a nonprofit. I gave over 1000 presentations in three years and I was going to different middle schools and high schools five days a week, sometimes speaking from 8am to 4pm to dozens and hundreds of students. And imposter syndrome wise, the first few speeches. Of course I'm gonna be like I don't know what I'm doing. I hope they like me. I hope I know what I'm talking about. We'll see how it goes. But after 10, 20, 30, 100 presentations and reps, of getting in front of various students and schools. My brain's going. Andrew, just try and have imposter syndrome right now. I dare you, because there's no trace of it anywhere. You have the experience, you have the credibility, you've done it several times over.

Andrew Weiss: 34:54

Of course you could do this, and this is also another great teaching from Dr Benjamin Hardy too is that actions cause thought and it's not always the other way around, like if you're having a quote unquote bad day, you're not feeling good and it's very easy to talk yourself out of the gym. But rather than letting your thoughts get the best of you saying you know what, I'm just going to do two push ups or five push ups or 20 push ups right now, and you start doing those push ups and you start going oh, I guess I'm pretty strong, I guess I'm pretty cool, I guess I'm good at that, various things. And by getting those physical reps and it starts to create more mental reps for you and really making sure that you become mentally stronger as well. And going back to the author example, like, yeah, if you haven't written a book before, of course you're gonna have imposter syndrome around it, but if you just start writing a book, spending time with people who have written a book, you know you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with, and a great example of this is that if you want to write a book or start a podcast or create a blog or start a business and you tell people who haven't done those things, they'll be like okay, that's cool, I guess. Well, good luck with that, I suppose. And then, hearing their response, you'll doubt yourself and you go oh, I guess the book isn't needed. I guess a podcast shouldn't be started. I guess that business? I guess I don't need that extra money with the business.

Andrew Weiss: 36:22

But if you talk to podcasters, book writers, bloggers, business owners you're like I want to do this. They'll be like oh my gosh, that's amazing. How can I help you? How can I support you? Where can we get you going here?

Andrew Weiss: 36:33

Going back to your environment and the accountability behind it is so crucial.

Andrew Weiss: 36:37

That's really taking note of who you're telling things to, who you're spending time with.

Andrew Weiss: 36:42

That's so essential for your own mental capacity and just for the world at large, because what you're doing matters, your mission, your vision, your voice matters, and it's up to you to get the word out there, because people need you.

Andrew Weiss: 36:56

And that's what I help advocate for is, just, you know, when I was in college or high school, I remember seeing this presentation where these scientists or these economic advisors were trying to talk to this the Congress, the Senate about how important this bill is, how important this opportunity is, because they didn't know how to communicate properly in their little anchor, with how they spoke and how they talked and all that the Congress people were like they don't know they're talking about because of the way they delivered it. And so I'm really passionate about helping people realize that, yes, your voice matters, yes, your opinion counts, and if you know that you know something that someone else needs to know, go out and do it because they need you. And, like, if you know that you know something that someone else needs to know, go out and do it because they need you, and that's why I help advocate for it.

Dai Manuel: 37:41

Oh, you know it's, uh, it's. You're absolutely correct. You know, like I really believe a lot of what you're saying but more importantly, I feel it. You know because I've seen that I've also had the chance to have great mentors and coaches in my life that have helped bring that into me. You know, and I know you've had similar experiences and you know the nature of the show. Today we're in the 2% solution. Yeah, we've covered so much amazing insights from some just your experiences, your connections and just what you've learned and what would you like to share with the audience today. That sort of fits this 2% solution around the theme of accountability and overcoming limiting beliefs, like what would be an activity that you'd invite them to try for a week, week and a half, two weeks, you know, or heck, I always say hey, if it's working, keep doing it. What would be something that would be a great use of? That 2% or 30 minutes daily, say, for the next 10 days, that they can start experiencing some of what we were talking about today?

Andrew Weiss: 38:37

Yeah.

Andrew Weiss: 38:37

So I'd say, if there's something in your life that you've been putting off, procrastinating on, um, whether that's, yeah, doing an online course, starting a book, getting in better shape, um, you know, I don't know the uh financial things of your audience but, um, even if they just take a $100, give it to a friend and say, don't give this back until I do 30 minutes of writing on my book every day for 30 days straight, essentially, and put that time in your calendar so it's more consistent, easy to hold, whether it's the morning, afternoon, evening like most people know they're scheduled to bed and just do those 30 minutes every single day for the next 30 days, including the weekends too, just to get that extra momentum as well.

Andrew Weiss: 39:21

And then, after 30 days, you can decide if you want to keep doing it every day or doing it five days a week, but tell that friend, don't give this back until I complete this. Oh, and if I try and find an excuse to get out of this, then give this money to a charity that I despise or to a to a person I despise, because you know if you're a democrat, you would hate for a hundred dollars to go to republicans if they don't need it, and if you're a republican, vice versa, so uh, just because you chose to be lazy, so yeah, pick, like like I've been talking about, pick something that you're is important to you.

Andrew Weiss: 39:56

have a dedicated 30 minutes of like the smallest momentum you can make consistently over 30 days, and then have at it, go do it and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed, see you thrive and I know Dai has amazing opportunities for that and I have opportunities for that too. So catch with us about being a group of people who want to see you thrive and then go out and do it.

Dai Manuel: 40:16

So cool. Ah, well said, well said. And you know, I know we're getting close to the end, I can't believe how quick time is flying. But I wanted to ask you, you know, because I think there's also always that challenge of integration, you know, because it takes a certain willpower to commit to doing things and doing things consistently. But you know, like as much I was joking with this.

Dai Manuel: 40:37

I'm like, yeah, go Google how long it takes to form a habit. You're going to get a million and one different answers. Everyone's going to say this is science backed Right. And I'm like, well, what study did you do? Well, you know, me and some buddies, we were in the backyard and we had to study and anyways, um, I joke.

Dai Manuel: 40:53

But I always just say it doesn't matter, don't worry about how long it takes, just keep doing it Right, because it actually gets to a place where you just stop thinking about it. It's just part of who you are, you know, because, like, really, an integral identity keys even. You know, like I'm active every day, every day, yeah, sure, I'm going to the gym every day, but I do like to move my body with purpose daily. Oh, yeah, I don't think about it and that's like a habit of mine and I'm curious what, what? So it's twofold question here. It's one. It's like how do you integrate a lot of what we've talked about, especially this idea of principles around accountability, into daily routines and habits? And then, second to that, what's one that you do? You?

Dai Manuel: 41:32

know, I'd love to hear about. What is that thing? That is really the piece that you're working on. You know what I mean For you right now, where you're presently at in life, right now. So, uh, take a crack at the first one, and then I want to hear how you're using it.

Andrew Weiss: 41:45

Yes, uh, I'll do a reverse order slot and I think what I'd advocate for, um, yeah, 30 minute walks per day, minimum.

Andrew Weiss: 41:53

Um, for us, uh, virtual all-night entrepreneurs who, quote unquote, don't have an excuse to leave the house sometimes, that definitely go on a minimum 30 minute walk, no matter what. Um, I also make sure I go to the gym three or four times a week and those are non-negotiables unless running a crazy event, uh, or on vacation, um kind of thing. Um, but, yeah, accountability wise, uh, with my group, I'm making sure that I'm writing daily, creating content and making sure that I am constantly reaching out to people to build relationships and make connection and just really, yeah, each month it has different habits and goals I want to help form. So, for example, I'm working on a mini course right now of creating an environment that will force you to be successful, whether you want to or not. Essentially, so, for the next two weeks, I'm going to work daily on that, because it's a mini course, it doesn't require a whole whole thing, essentially.

Andrew Weiss: 42:51

So, yeah, just kind of going back to the theme that we talked about is, you know, I've learned that I don't have to worry about, you know, writing a book or creating online course or starting a podcast ever again, because, to kind of give people a visual. You know, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Um, that I know. If I just take consistent at something for a long period of time, it's going to guarantee success.

Dai Manuel: 43:19

And uh, that's what we're all looking for, and for happier, healthier lives. Absolute, I mean. Well, on all said, and I, I uh, yeah, I think it's. It's one of those things where I I don't want us to overthink it, you know, cause I do find that we can get into that sort of mental masturbation phase right, where we're just sort of mentally play around with it and you know, and sometimes you just got to get it in your own head.

Andrew Weiss: 43:38

Yeah.

Dai Manuel: 43:39

What do you, what do you do to get out of your own head, to get out of your own way? At times, you know, like cause. It is part of that limiting beliefs cycle, right, but it's not always limiting beliefs, it's just I just start overthinking things, right? Or? Or I remember Tim Ferriss analysis, paralysis, right, I remember you coined that term 20 years ago.

Dai Manuel: 43:56

But I'm curious is there anything that you can add to that to help with that? Because I think when we talk about this idea of radical accountability and really overcoming limited beliefs, there is that certain aspect right where we can overthink it or overplan, and so I'm just curious is there any words of advice?

Andrew Weiss: 44:15

for people that fall into that category, like me, yes, no, definitely. I mean Martin Luther King. You know it's still Black History Month. I like what he said. You know, if you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But at all costs keep moving essentially and just keep going. And you know, going back to someone who keep moving essentially, um and just keep going. And you know, going back to someone who, quote unquote gets bored easily and distracted easily.

Andrew Weiss: 44:41

I, I've always figured out you know how can I make things more fun. Every chance I get Um, like whenever I'm doing the dishes, I'm like, ah, this is not fun at all. But if I put on some music and be able to jam out while I'm doing the dishes, you know, it makes a little more fun. Same for exercise. You know a lot of people think, oh, I have to go on a run, I have to lift weights to stay in shape. And the answer is yes and no. You know I love playing basketball. I could play basketball all day, every day of the week. I love playing.

Andrew Weiss: 45:15

I know a pickleball, for example or tennis kind of thing, and so find the exercise that's fun for you. And yes, I like lifting weights because I feel like Superman and getting stronger, or the joke is among men that we're always thinking about the Roman Empire, and so I'm thinking, okay, if these Roman soldiers could be training eight hours a day, every day of the week, I can handle 30 minutes of training. Right now I'm lifting these weights, and so that's what I would say is going back to getting out of your own head is maybe think about how can I think, how can I make things more fun, how can I reward myself more? One of my clients, she's a writer, and she's like I'm writing three, four hours a day and I don't know if I want to do it again tomorrow and I'm going well. How are you incentivizing yourself? How are you making it exciting for you? And another perspective on this I was listening to a podcast with Tony Robbins and it's a reminder that life's about how we interpret it, and he talked about how there's two types of people in the world.

Andrew Weiss: 46:14

That if you're walking on the sidewalk and you see a bunch of ants and like a giant ant mound, like one person would go ew, that's so gross. Those ants are getting everywhere. I hope they don't bite me. Ah, what are they doing out here? Oh my gosh, that's so nasty and another person would look at it and go, wow, this is one of the most successful species in the history of the world. There's like a million ants per person on the earth. Like this is so fascinating to see how they come together. I wonder what they're creating. I wonder what their funnels look like, kind of thing, um, and so, yeah, going back to like it's a, it's a perspective on things like we can either make workouts, uh, difficult and awful and terrible, um, or we can figure out how can we make them more fun. And so when, yeah, when it comes to getting your own way, take small steps, make it more fun and maybe, uh, getting more people involved to help you do it, so you don't have to do it alone either.

Dai Manuel: 47:10

Well said. Oh, man, you know it's one of my five F's, right? It's fun. So I really appreciate you saying that, because I think it's life's way too short not to be at least smiling at least once a day. Yeah.

Andrew Weiss: 47:22

Exactly.

Dai Manuel: 47:25

I don't care how challenging it can be, there's always an opportunity to have a smile or share a smile, you know. So thank you for sharing. You know that was really insightful and, man, today's conversation has been great and you know I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you before we leave today. I got two questions left. One's really just about you. What are you excited about right now? What are you working on? I mean, of course, you got the mini course you're working on, but what else? What's the rest of 2024 looking for you?

Andrew Weiss: 47:51

Yeah, no, we're super excited. We have a AI and creator tools summit coming up in April. That'll be virtual, oh yeah. And so for my resource, I gave a presentation at the recent podcast called AI and accountability on how to create content that wins consistently, and if you go to subscribe page dot com slash driven, you'll get my complimentary slides that talk about all the top AI tools to help you with your content creation journey. And so, yeah, looking forward to 2024. We have our summit coming up in April. Geez, we've always loved helping more clients with their accountability and their sales. And yeah, our 11th anniversary of PodFest will be January 30th 2025 in Orlando. January 30th 2025 in Orlando. And then our Oregon Business Academy will be in June in Oregon, end of June, end of July. So, yeah, and I also got invited to five weddings this year.

Dai Manuel: 48:48

Well, I forgot. Yeah, you're at that age right? You're like not 30 yet, or are you 30 now?

Andrew Weiss: 48:52

Yeah, I turned 30. You're celebrating at 30, right? Or are you turning 30? April 30th is my golden year, oh man.

Dai Manuel: 49:01

What a big year for you, man.

Andrew Weiss: 49:02

Very big year.

Dai Manuel: 49:03

That's fantastic. And also I got to say you and your wife, you guys look great together. I see those photos popping up for your wedding and just you guys look great, and so I can imagine you got a lot of plans together throughout the 2024, supporting one another cause. I know you support her, as she supports you, which, oh, of course, every power couple should.

Andrew Weiss: 49:23

Oh, and this is uh, and this is the first time we're actually officially working together too with the, with the pod fest team, and so, uh, I'm excited for that. Uh, fingers crossed.

Dai Manuel: 49:36

We don't kill each other by the end of it, but it's uh, it's it should be fun.

Andrew Weiss: 49:39

I'll have to have you back after that just say, hey, how did it go?

Dai Manuel: 49:41

yeah, yes, yeah exactly, my wife and I, we do a lot of work together as well. Oh good, there's there's days where it's great, but then there's days where it's like you know, and it's like it's like, well, wait a minute, you know you leave that. No, I'll leave that. You that you know, I I mean my whole space and uh, anyways, it's well, I'd love to have you back to talk more about that, and of course but you know the the, the last thing, and I always like to give my guest last words.

Dai Manuel: 50:04

So would you like to leave the audience with today? You know it can be on theme with what we talked about or just anything. Just an invitation, I mean. Please, the floor is yours.

Andrew Weiss: 50:14

Yeah, I think this is kind of like the Lewis Howes or Tim Ferriss banner option, like, if you could broadcast any message to the world, what would you?

Andrew Weiss: 50:24

say I would say, yeah, going back to, you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with, and so really select and seek who you want to spend time with, and also recognizing too that for the most part, people out there want to help you, want to see you succeed. If you never ask, the answer is always no. So it never hurts to ask and yeah, life's more fun when you find the right kind of people to spend it with.

Dai Manuel: 50:54

So, choose those people wisely and life will fall into place. Oh, andrew, I was going, mike. So, uh, man, it's been just a wonderful conversation. I really appreciate you coming on the show and I had such a great time being on yours. And I just feel like it's full circle because at the time when I was on your show, I I was sort of thinking about having a podcast, but I never really went in and went all in with doing it. And I knew, after having our conversation and watching what you were doing and a number of other people, like Jason Stott, you know, and it was just like, nah, I'm doing this, man, I'm getting it, and uh, it's been such a wonderful journey. And, uh, I just want to say thank you for the inspiration to, to, to really get started. You know you really supported me with that, whether you know it or not.

Andrew Weiss: 51:33

So, that's so good to hear, that's awesome to hear. And, yeah, for those listening, please start a podcast. I highly recommend it. It's a, it's such a huge opportunity growing industry. And I don't know about you, di, but you know, when you get 50 messages a day saying, can I pick your brain, can we schedule a time to book a call, you're like, no, I don't want to do that. But if they're like, can I bring you my podcast? You're like, I guess. I guess I could do that.

Dai Manuel: 52:00

The connections I've been making, you know, and just people I never thought I'd have a conversation with, where it's yeah, we're having an opportunity to have a go, so a hundred percent, everything that Andrew's saying is a hundred percent, totally accurate. And uh, and it's amazing because people they do want to talk about their story right.

Dai Manuel: 52:14

They want to be heard, they want to be seen, and a podcast is such a wonderful media for that, you know. So, um again, thank you, thank you for all that you do for this industry, all that you do for your clients, your communities, your world.

Andrew Weiss: 52:38

No-transcript so and I know it's constantly expanding.

Dai Manuel: 52:43

I just look at you right now and it's it's just really inspiring. So, uh, thank you, Thanks for leading the charge, my man.

Andrew Weiss: 52:50

Thank you. No, this has been awesome.

Dai Manuel: 53:01

So thanks for hosting today. Appreciate it. Woo, that was enlightening man Andrew's. Uh, I told you he was awesome. Right From setting Guinness World Records to coaching people through life-changing transformations, andrew's literally shown us the power of accountability and consistency.

Dai Manuel: 53:17

Remember his advice start with small, consistent actions and surround yourself with a supportive community. These steps can make a world of difference in achieving your goals. Andrew shared some incredible insights into staying disciplined, integrating new habits and leveraging accountability to overcome limiting beliefs. Whether it's committing to a daily walk, setting aside time for focused work or joining an accountability group, these strategies can help all of us stay on track and make those 2% improvements that lead to significant changes over time.

Dai Manuel: 53:50

If you enjoyed this episode, please share with your friends, subscribe to the 2% Solution Podcast and, if you're feeling generous, leave us a five-star review. Your support helps others discover this podcast, and if we could just impact one more person every day, I sleep like a baby, but I know you're going to feel great too, because you're spreading the good vibes and the good health information to all those out there that are, just like us, part of the 2% Collective people looking to make big improvements with small daily actions. So if you haven't be sure to check out Andrew's resources, connect with him through the links in our show notes, and thank you again, as always, for tuning in, and we'll catch up with you in the next episode.