
Manage episode 512247699 series 1313329
Brandon Cornthwaite’s story is one of discipline overcoming distraction. Growing up in South Africa, a country shaped by military rigor, Brandon’s journey took him from the world of elite cycling to a life in the military.
Throughout his varied career, Brandon discovered that maintaining physical fitness wasn’t just about health—it was key to unlocking energy, focus, and professional success.
Living with ADHD, Brandon dedicated himself to exercise as a way to boost cognitive performance, manage neurotransmitter balance, and avoid the need for medication. His commitment to staying active helps him harness his rapid-fire mind and translates to resilience and sharpness in his work and life.
Brandon is an industrial sales professional with more than 27 years of experience and a passionate advocate for blending fitness with high sales performance.
Brandon draws on his rich background—including his Red Seal in instrumentation and leadership roles within the ISA—to reveal how physical well-being and daily fitness routines can fuel focus, discipline, resilience, and long-term success in the demanding world of sales.
Whether you’re struggling to juggle work, family, and self-care, or looking for practical strategies to beat burnout and boost motivation, Brandon shares actionable habits for busy professionals.
This episode will inspire you to move more, eat better, rest smarter—and ultimately, sell at your very best.
Outline of This Episode- [00:00] The importance of meditation and daily movement.
- [04:13] Tailoring your fitness regime for active aging.
- [09:30] Recognizing signs of burnout and what to do about it.
- [11:08] Brandon’s morning routine.
- [15:20] Movement relieves stress and clears the mind.
According to Brandon, “Discipline will beat dopamine every time.” He draws a direct line between physical exercise and improved professional performance. Regular movement boosts blood flow and oxygenates the brain, leading to sharper cognitive performance and sustained focus.
Having been both an elite cyclist and ex-military, Brandon’s life is a testament to the value of discipline and routine. Comparing pushing through physical limits in competition to overcoming obstacles in sales.
In sales, as in sports, it’s discipline—not fleeting bursts of motivation—that sustains high achievement.
Meditation, Movement, and Mindful MorningsContrary to the belief that fitness is reserved for athletes or the endlessly energetic, Brandon insists that even small, intentional routines yield big benefits. His days start with meditation, a practice that sets intentions and centers the mind, improving focus for the day ahead.
Far from being “hippie,” as he jokes, meditation is an anchor—one he used even in elite sports to visualize winning and manage pre-race anxiety. Morning movement follows: a set of push-ups, squats, or a short round of resistance training gets blood flowing and primes the body and mind for productivity.
For Brandon, variety matters less than consistency. Coupling movement with meditation creates a one-two punch against stress, brain fog, and lethargy—common enemies among sales pros.
Sleep, Nutrition, and Active Recovery: The Overlooked Performance DriversSleep hygiene and active recovery are cornerstones of Brandon’s approach, prioritizing real rest was a game-changer for his health and work. His evening ritual includes warm-to-cool showers, which support recovery and improve sleep quality.
Nutrition habits deserve equal attention. With tempting fast food at every corner, Brandon recommends meal planning and prepping to ensure nutrient-dense food is always on hand.
Little tweaks, like carrying healthy snacks or picking up groceries instead of drive-thru takeout, reinforce a disciplined, intentional approach to health.
Countering Burnout, Fatigue, and “Screen Poisoning”Sales professionals frequently battle fatigue and burnout, exacerbated by sedentary remote work, endless screen time, and the stress of high targets.
Brandon calls this “screen poisoning” and suggests that scheduling mini-breaks—such as walks, stretches, or even standing meetings—can help offset poor posture, low energy, and mental drain.
He urges salespeople to recognize warning signs, including declining focus, irritability, frequent illness, and a lack of motivation. The remedy for Brandon is to take a walk, breathe, and step away.
He also suggests reaching out to communities and connections, whether coaches, colleagues, or friends, to maintain motivation and emotional health.
A fit, resilient sales professional is an unstoppable one. Small, daily habits—grounded in discipline, movement, recovery, and community—transform both your sales performance and your life.
Resources & People Mentioned Connect with Brandon Cornthwaite Connect With Paul WattsAudio Production and Show Notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com
108 episodes