Show Notes

During Episode 81 of The HyperFast Agent Podcast, host Dan Lesniak speaks with Charlie Engle, an ultra-distance runner who was the first person to run across the entire length of the Sahara Desert. Engle shares why he became an ultra-distance runner, how he approaches “impossible” goals, and how to push past boundaries so you can succeed in all areas of your life.

Episode Highlights:

  • Charlie Engle is primarily an ultra-distance runner. He has been clean and sober for 26 years.
  • It's the hard things that actually separate you from other people.
  • Struggle is an opportunity to differentiate yourself and find a way forward.
  • Engle describes selling cars in Monterey, CA and the limiting mindsets of those around him at that time.
  • When Engle got sober, he started running.
  • It’s the hard things that shape us.
  • Don't shy away from the difficult things in life because that's where all the good lessons are.
  • Engle talks about the advantages of giving our children less.
  • Ultra-running is a controlled opportunity for struggle and hardship.
  • We want situations to be perfect before we embark on things. That never happens.
  • Go out and find a challenge. Seek out challenges in your business and in your personal life.
  • Being present is a huge way to give yourself a successful path.
  • Enjoy where you are instead of focusing on the finish line.
  • Engle was the first person to run across the entire length of the Sahara Desert.
  • He took this challenge just like sobriety, one day at a time.
  • On most days, his plans fell apart.
  • Microtasking: taking big audacious goals and working backwards from there to the present day.
  • The story we tell ourselves is more important than any other story that we tell.
  • Engle describes how he decided to be the first to run across the Sahara.
  • He took full possession of what was possible.
  • Engle describes founding H2O Africa (now water.org) and participating in a documentary film around his Sahara experience.
  • Qualifications can be overrated.
  • People talk themselves out of opportunities.
  • Look for reasons why it will happen, not reasons why it won't.
  • He doesn't go after goals for the sake of having goals. They have to be meaningful to him.
  • Engle describes his next big adventure.
  • Connect your goals to bigger purposes.
  • Just keep going.
  • The formula for success is effort x time.

3 Key Points:

  1.  Struggle is an opportunity to differentiate yourself and find a way forward.
  2.  Be appreciative for what you're actually doing instead of thinking about the finish line.
  3.  The story we tell ourselves is more important than any other story that we tell.

Resources Mentioned: