In my late years at university at Maties, I picked up the nickname The Boltcutter. We were playing against UCT, and I was playing like a man possessed—tackling people in half, literally, with huge force. It got to such an extent that a good friend of mine playing for UCT (Dallen Stanford—ex-USA Sevens player and current World Rugby commentator) nicknamed me The Boltcutter during the game, which brought on a few laughs.

I was, however, brought down to size straight after the game when I lost the down-down boat race (a beer-downing game tradition between teams). Dallen changed my name very quickly. I’ll never forget him saying, “He may have been the Boltcutter on the field but turned into the plastic scissors in the pub.” Very funny at the time, but it became an analogy I’ve used for all these years afterwards.

Are you going to approach this difficult task like a bolt cutter—strong and unstoppable in your path—or like a pair of plastic scissors that can’t get the job done and won’t even make an impression?

I’m by no means saying that every aspect of your life has to be approached in that strong manner, but imagine taking on most of your work challenges, health challenges, and even relationship challenges with the conviction of a bolt cutter. Imagine the outcome of those sliding doors scenarios. It’s so easy to take the plastic scissors route—to hide in the background, not challenge your business partner or manager on something you believe in, or simply avoid getting out of bed in the morning to exercise and move.

I want people to believe in their own ability. I want people to open doors—or even bash them down—because they are happier, healthier, and more confident in themselves. I want relationships—be it partnerships or marriages—to grow stronger because the Daily J has ignited something within. I want people in our community to believe they have the choice to be the boltcutter, not the plastic scissors, because our pillars of behaviour change (Exercise, Nutrition, Community, and Leadership) are strong, clear, and precise.

So after reading this, I challenge you: go out and change your mindset. Approach your next difficult action like a bolt cutter would—and chuck the plastic scissors away for good.

Huge love and high 5s,
Johno