In this episode of the Be The CEO Podcast, hosts Tom Marino and Adam Hurd dive into two powerful ideas shaping business and mindset today:

1. Loving the process more than the destination
2. Why confidence is a decision backed by action

Drawing inspiration from Alex Hormozi’s philosophy and a thought-provoking post by Yousef L. Alame, Tom and Adam break down how business owners can simplify success, stay present, and overcome the paralysis of overthinking.

Key Takeaways

1. The Work Is the Goal

Inspired by Alex Hormozi’s quote:

“The man who walks because he loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination.”

Success isn’t about chasing an endpoint; it’s about loving the process.

When you focus on doing the work, the byproducts such as money, success, and freedom naturally follow.

Tom and Adam share personal insights on how business owners often create anxiety by obsessing over outcomes instead of breaking work into manageable steps.

2. The Destination Isn’t the Purpose

Reaching a goal can sometimes feel empty if you’ve tied all your purpose to it.

The key is realizing you’re not just climbing a single mountain; you’re a mountain climber.

True satisfaction comes from continuous growth and embracing the journey itself.

3. Thinkers vs. Doers

Based on Yousef L. Alame’s post: “Confidence isn’t a feeling, it’s a decision you back with action.”

Overthinking breeds doubt, while action builds evidence and confidence.

Adam and Tom discuss how thinking without doing turns people into statues: stuck, unmoving, and paralyzed by fear.

The cure for overthinking is one small action. Motion destroys doubt.

4. Real Coaching Insights

The hosts share a behind-the-scenes story of how taking one imperfect action reignited progress on a stalled course project.

They also discuss real client examples showing that massive action equals momentum, while inaction keeps you stuck.

The biggest lesson: Overthinkers are simply under-doers.

Favorite Quotes

“The work is the goal.”–Adam Hurd

“Confidence is a decision you back with action.”–Yousef L. Alame

“The destination represents the end of purpose. Doing the work gives you certainty.”–Tom Marino

“Overthinkers are simply under-doers.” –Adam Hurd

Next Move Session

Feeling stuck or unsure of your next move?

Book a Next Move Session with Tom and Adam at bethe.ceo

For only $97, you’ll get 45 minutes of expert coaching valued at $10,000 in insight.

Whether you build, install, clean, film, write, or produce, this is your chance to gain clarity and create momentum.

Tune In For

• Real talk about entrepreneurship mindset
• Practical ways to shift from anxiety to action
• Proven principles from The Atomic Game Changer
• How to simplify success and fall in love with the process

Connect with Atomic Business Coaching

• Website: bethe.ceo
• Book: The Atomic Game Changer
• Podcast: Be The CEO Podcast /Atomic Business Coaching Podcast
• Instagram & LinkedIn: @atomicbusinesscoaching
• LinkedIn:

In this insightful episode of Be the CEO, hosts Adam Hurd and Tom Marino dive deep into what it really means to “be the CEO” — not as a title, but as a mindset. They redefine CEO as Commitment, Effort, and Obsession, exploring how these three traits are essential for leading both your life and your business with purpose and passion.

Key Topics Covered

The True Meaning of CEO

Adam and Tom clarify what Be the CEO stands for:

• Commitment: Going all in on your goals.
• Effort: Consistently taking the actions required for success.
• Obsession: Caring so deeply about what you do that quitting isn’t an option.

They emphasize that leadership starts with being obsessed enough to stay committed, even when things get tough.

📈 The Power of Commitment: Lessons from MrBeast

The hosts discuss the journey of Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), who predicted his YouTube growth 10 years ago — and surpassed it beyond belief, growing from 8,000 subscribers to over 444 million.

Adam uses MrBeast’s story to highlight the difference between being interested in success and being committed to it.

“When you eliminate all other options, you eliminate the ability to fail.”

🧠 Interest vs. Commitment

Adam and Tom explore why so many people stay “interested” instead of “committed.”

• Interest fades when things get hard.
• Commitment pushes you through uncertainty and failure.
• Tom adds that wisdom comes from learning what not to do — often the most valuable lessons come from mistakes.

🚫 Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs

Tom introduces a powerful post that inspires reflection:

“Don’t limit your challenges — challenge your limits.”

They discuss how limiting beliefs can make people feel stuck, even when they’re actually just entering a new level of growth.

Tom shares how external voices once told him he couldn’t succeed — and how challenging those beliefs became the foundation of his success.

🔍 Learning, Growth & Self-Disruption

Adam and Tom connect the dots between learning and growth:

• Learning is the antidote to uncertainty.
• Challenging beliefs is how you evolve.
• “It’s better to have self-disruption than self-destruction.”

Adam emphasizes that by intentionally challenging yourself, you prevent sabotaging behaviors that hold you back.

❤️ No Limiting Beliefs?

Adam reveals something surprising — he’s never had limiting beliefs. He shares how optimism, curiosity, and problem-solving have guided his success.

Tom reflects on how different upbringings shape beliefs, and how exposure to the real world challenges the beliefs we inherit. Together, they explore how awareness and reflection turn limitations into learning opportunities.

💬 Final Takeaway

Tom and Adam remind listeners:

“You’re not stuck. You’re just entering a new phase of life or business that you haven’t experienced yet.”

Being the CEO of your life means constantly evolving — through commitment, effort, and obsession — and challenging every belief that stands in your way.

Resources &...

In this episode of Be the CEO, Adam Thomas Hurd and Tom Marino dive deep into two powerful ideas that define what it really means to be the CEO of your business, your time, and your life.

They tackle the long-debated concept of work-life balance versus work-life harmony, revealing why striving for balance can actually hold entrepreneurs back. The conversation then flows into embracing failure, why “failing faster” accelerates success, and how ego often stands in the way of growth.

Packed with humor, insight, and personal stories, this episode is a reminder that being the CEO isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention, leadership, and courage to evolve.

🧠 Key Takeaways

1. Be the CEO — Don’t Just Do, Lead.

Starting a business takes courage, but sustaining one requires stepping out of constant “doing” mode and stepping into leadership. CEOs direct their focus and energy intentionally rather than reacting to every demand.

2. Work-Life Balance Is a Myth.

Tom explains why balance implies a rigid, equal division that doesn’t work for entrepreneurs. Instead, aim for work-life harmony — a fluid rhythm where attention and intention shift throughout the day based on priorities and energy.

3. The Employee vs. Entrepreneur Mindset.

Employees strive for balance through strict boundaries — clocking in and out. Entrepreneurs must instead orchestrate harmony through flexibility, discipline, and conscious time management.

4. Fail Faster, Learn Faster.

Adam shares a post from Brad Lea that sparks a conversation about missed opportunities and the power of failure. Growth happens when you take risks, fail forward, and apply lessons quickly.

5. Ego Blocks Evolution.

Many entrepreneurs stay stuck because they refuse to fail or take advice. True CEOs embrace feedback, detach from ego, and stay open to change — even when it’s uncomfortable.

💬 Memorable Quotes

“It’s not about balancing work and life — it’s about directing your attention with intention.” – Tom Marino

“You have to be willing to fail. The faster you fail, the faster you learn.” – Adam Hurd

“Harmony enhances your life — balance restricts it.” – Tom Marino

🛠️ Resources & Links

• Connect with Adam Thomas Hurd on LinkedIn
• Connect with Tom Marino on LinkedIn
• Explore the Be the CEO community: bethe.ceo

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode inspired you to be the CEO of your business and your life, leave a review, share it with your network, or message Adam and Tom on LinkedIn to tell them what resonated most.