1801 – Climbing Life’s Mountains with Eric Recker

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Dentist, Success Coach, Keynote Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, Eric Recker.

Dr. Recker's journey began with a childhood experience that is unfortunately all too common: bullying. The impact of this early adversity profoundly shaped his drive for achievement. As a second grader, he made a pact with himself to excel in everything he did, a decision that stemmed from a desire to prove his worth to those who had bullied him.

However, this relentless pursuit came at a cost. Dr. Recker faced burnout multiple times, a clear sign that his efforts to seek approval from childhood bullies were unsustainable. Through these experiences, he realized the need to help others who might be on a similar path, struggling with the ghosts of their past.

One of the most powerful concepts Dr. Recker shared with me was the idea of "winning the now." This philosophy centers on being present and defining success in each moment.

It's about reframing our perspective on losses, learning from them, and turning them into wins. Dr. Rucker's approach encourages us to step away from the constant pressure and urgency to achieve, which he aptly calls the "false sense of urgency."

Dr. Recker provided practical coping mechanisms to deal with these challenges. One such strategy is setting aside dedicated "worry time," a period during the day when you can process your concerns without letting them overrun your life. Another technique he advocates is the "brain dump," which involves decluttering your mind by writing down everything that's weighing on you.

Key Points from the Episode:

Dr. Eric Recker's personal journey of overcoming bullying and its impact on his drive for achievement
The concept of "win the now" and living in the present moment
Strategies for managing the constant pressure and urgency to achieve
Coping mechanisms for dealing with worries and anxieties
The "five-day knockback burnout challenge" as a resource to combat burnout
Dr. Rucker's coaching services, workshops, and retreats for high achievers

About Eric Recker:

Dr. Eric Recker, a dedicated dentist since 2002, leads a team of 18 professionals and has maintained a passion for his work over two decades. He has been married to Amy Recker since 1997, so he cherishes his family with two boys.

A native of Pella, Iowa, his upbringing in a rural community has shaped his character, fostering a love for learning and exploration. Eric, a pilot since 2018, has traveled to 12 countries and 46 states, reflecting his curiosity about the world.

Beyond his dental profession, Eric is a recovering triathlete, having completed over 20 races up to the Ironman level. As a Certified Elite Success Coach, he mentors and coaches high-achieving personalities, emphasizing the philosophy of #WINtheNOW.

With a history of biking across Iowa and scaling mountains, including Kilimanjaro, Eric remains passionate about helping people realize their goals and believes in a bright future.

Tweetable Moments:

01:34 - "I made a pact as a second grader on the sidelines of that field: I said, 'I'm going to be so freaking good at everything that I ever do that nobody's ever not going to pick me.'"

15:13 - "I'm in the business of hope. I want people who work with me to walk away with hope and a plan that there's going to be good days ahead."