In this episode of Next Level University, Kevin and Alan unpack a question that hits harder the more you grow: what if getting to the next level means learning how to disappoint people? They talk openly about the skills that do not feel good to build, like saying no, giving hard feedback, protecting your time, and facing the guilt that can come with all of it. Through stories about sports, leadership, friendship, and business, they show how external success often creates internal pressure. They also explore the difference between under-committing, over-committing, and building relationships you can actually sustain.

This episode will help you think about the one skill that could change everything for you and the hidden skill you may need to build right after it. Press play for a real, honest look at growth that most people do not talk about.

_______________________

Track the Work. Earn the Results. To know more about the "Next Level Fitness Accountability Group," reach out.

• Kevin: https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/
• Alan: https://www.instagram.com/alazaros88/

_______________________

NLU is not just a podcast; it’s a gateway to a wealth of resources designed to help you achieve your goals and dreams. From our Next Level Dreamliner to our Group Coaching, we offer a variety of tools and communities to support your personal development journey.

For more information, check out our website and socials using the links below. 👇

Website: http://www.nextleveluniverse.com

Instagram:
Kevin: https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/
Alan: https://www.instagram.com/alazaros88/

Facebook:
Alan: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
Kevin: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri.90/

Email:
Kevin@nextleveluniverse.com
Alan@nextleveluniverse.com

LinkedIn:
Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri-5b7736160/
Alan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

_______________________

Show notes:
(1:25) Why uncomfortable skills often lead to real growth
(3:50) Internal skills vs. external skills
(5:31) Leadership and the weight of letting people down
(7:42) Building relationships you cannot sustain
(9:34) Why shared goals shape stronger friendships
(16:44) Finding your most important skill
(18:17) Every new skill creates a new challenge

Send a text to Kevin and Alan!

🎙️ Hosted by Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros

Next Level University is a top-ranked daily podcast for dream chasers and self-improvement lovers. With over 2,100 episodes, we help you level up in life, love, health, and wealth one day at a time. Subscribe for real, honest, no-fluff growth every single day.

In this episode of Next Level University, Kevin and Alan break down a hard truth most people miss. Success and health are not always the same thing. You can be disciplined, driven, and productive while still building from fear, insecurity, and old wounds. The source of your ambition shapes the quality of your life. Drawing from their own journeys, years of coaching, and thousands of episodes, Kevin and Alan unpack the difference between playing not to lose and playing to win. They break down how identity, self-awareness, and emotional maturity shape performance, fulfillment, and long-term consistency.

This episode will help you look deeper at what is really driving your goals and whether your progress is creating peace or just more pressure. Press play, then take an honest look at the engine behind your ambition.

_______________________

Learn more about:
Book Alan’s Business Breakthrough Session. Your first 30-minute coaching call is FREE. Learn how to prioritize success and let your quality of life become the byproduct - https://calendly.com/alanlazaros/30-minute-breakthrough-session

Track the Work. Earn the Results. To know more about the "Next Level Fitness Accountability Group," reach out.

• Kevin: https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/
• Alan: https://www.instagram.com/alazaros88/

_______________________

NLU is not just a podcast; it’s a gateway to a wealth of resources designed to help you achieve your goals and dreams. From our Next Level Dreamliner to our Group Coaching, we offer a variety of tools and communities to support your personal development journey.

For more information, check out our website and socials using the links below. 👇

Website: http://www.nextleveluniverse.com

Instagram:
Kevin: https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/
Alan: https://www.instagram.com/alazaros88/

Facebook:
Alan: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
Kevin: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri.90/

Email:
Kevin@nextleveluniverse.com
Alan@nextleveluniverse.com

LinkedIn:
Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri-5b7736160/
Alan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

_______________________

Show notes:
(1:29) Success cannot be a trauma response
(4:39) Fulfillment reveals what is driving you
(7:00) Workaholism as a coping mechanism
(11:13) Playing not to lose vs playing to win
(15:52) The drive to five framework
(17:30) How insecurity becomes identity
(20:34) Neediness, value, and aligned sales
(24:24) Constructive pressure and mature decision-making
(29:29) Outro

Send a text to Kevin and Alan!

🎙️ Hosted by Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros

Next Level University is a top-ranked daily podcast for dream chasers and self-improvement lovers. With over 2,100 episodes, we help you level up in life, love, health, and wealth one day at a time. Subscribe for real, honest, no-fluff growth every single day.

Clarity changes everything. In today’s episode, hosts Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros break down why so many people stay stuck, not because they lack ambition, but because they are building their future on vague standards, borrowed beliefs, and unclear priorities. They explain how clarity shapes self-awareness, decision-making, identity, and long-term growth, and why progress becomes harder when you keep chasing goals that are not truly your own.

If your life feels full but off course, this episode will help you think with more precision, choose with more intention, and stop mistaking movement for momentum. Hit play before your old habits start pretending they know what’s best.

_______________________

Digital Asset:
The 5 M's of Motivation - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SNYQ2RuPg6fgqGA5Og9a7xFmX2lR3y7x/view

Learn more about:
Book Alan’s Business Breakthrough Session. Your first 30-minute coaching call is FREE. Learn how to prioritize success and let your quality of life become the byproduct - https://calendly.com/alanlazaros/30-minute-breakthrough-session

Join our private Facebook community, “Next Level Nation,” to grow alongside people who are committed to improvement. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/459320958216700

The “Next Level Dreamliner” is a productivity journal that turns clarity and accountability into consistent action. Grab your copy 👉 https://a.co/d/9fPpxEt

_______________________

NLU is not just a podcast; it’s a gateway to a wealth of resources designed to help you achieve your goals and dreams. From our Next Level Dreamliner to our Group Coaching, we offer a variety of tools and communities to support your personal development journey.

For more information, check out our website and socials using the links below. 👇

Website: http://www.nextleveluniverse.com

Instagram:
Kevin: https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/
Alan: https://www.instagram.com/alazaros88/

Facebook:
Alan: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros
Kevin: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.palmieri.90/

Email:
Kevin@nextleveluniverse.com
Alan@nextleveluniverse.com

LinkedIn:
Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri-5b7736160/
Alan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

_______________________

Show notes:
(3:59) Choose the paradigm at the center of your life
(14:01) Pick your primary sport and accept the trade-offs
(18:14) Identity and elimination create real clarity
(22:05) Know what truly motivates your decisions
(25:32) Get clear on your craft and long-term future
(30:36) Measure fulfillment and regret
(43:35) Outro

Send a text to Kevin and Alan!

🎙️ Hosted by Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros

Next Level University is a top-ranked daily podcast for dream chasers and self-improvement lovers. With over 2,100 episodes, we help you level up in life, love, health, and wealth one day at a time. Subscribe for real, honest, no-fluff growth every single day.