We can learn a lot from today’s guest, Karsten Williams, about resiliency, commitment, gratitude, and using past experiences to improve our personal and professional lives. 

Karsten Williams is a 6 times American Ninja Warrior finalist, Director of Ninja Warrior North Texas, former Alpha Warrior athlete and body transformation specialist. 

We delve into Karsten’s journey to becoming an American Ninja Warrior, from his not so successful first appearance in the show to almost a decade of competing in it. Karsten shared his mental and physical preparation before and after competing, his mother’s essential role in his education, and the resilience that helped him get to the sport’s top. We also talk about Karsten’s work with schools, the military, and the leap of faith towards entrepreneurship. 

Resources:
Connect with Karsten on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teamkarsten/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamkarsten/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/realteamkarsten
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamKarsten

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Full Episode Breakdown:
1:47 – Karsten talks about his passion for fitness and his American Ninja Warrior journey started.

6:35 – Karsten describes how it was the process from the moment he got accepted into ANW until he went to compete for the first time.

12:11 – Karsten talks about his first participation in ANW and how he handled the fact that he couldn’t talk about the show until it was aired several months later.

15:31 – Karsten talks about how long it took him to start succeeding in the competition after his first appearance in the show.

18:41 – Karsten explains the differences between regular fitness training and the preparation needed to compete as a Ninja Warrior.

24:40 – Karsten talks about his mother’s role in his education and how she helped mould his character, resiliency, and commitment. 

26:10 – Karsten talks about his work with young kids and schools.

32:08 – John and Karsten discuss the power of encouraging words, especially when boosting kids’ confidence.

32:57 – Karsten talks about his experiences at Alpha Warrior.

36:32 – Karsten describes how it was working with the military, and he narrates the sensations of being taken down by an attack dog from the canine unit. 

40:07 – Karsten looks back and reflects on his path, the things he accomplished, and the tools he got to keep his personal and professional growth journey.

44:53 – Karsten talks about the obvious and the not so obvious benefits of Ninja Warrior training.

50:17 – Karsten explains the main benefits of Ninja training from a fitness perspective.

56:13 – John and Karsten talk about the importance of celebrating our everyday victories.