What’s Holding You Back from Your Next Level?

In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nickolas Natali explores the powerful idea that “there is always another level” in every area of life. Drawing from his recent experience running the OC Marathon, Nickolas shares how endurance training taught him to break through mental and physical ceilings and embrace the discomfort of growth. He reflects on lessons from Patrick Bet-David about capacity — how it’s not just talent, but how you use your time, network, and resources — and how we often stay in arenas where we’re comfortable instead of pushing to the next level.

Nickolas opens up about his own journey in business and podcasting, describing how creating and refining systems means being willing to “suck” before you get better. He challenges listeners to look honestly at where they might be underperforming, even while receiving praise from their peers. Through personal stories, vivid metaphors, and motivating insights, this episode will inspire you to leave your comfort zone, embrace humility, and intentionally seek the next challenge.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or athlete, this episode is a wake-up call to stop coasting, start leveling up, and discover just how far you can go.

Takeaways

• There is always another level in every area of life — growth never ends.

• The “ceiling” you hit is often just a checkpoint, not the actual limit.

• Leveling up requires embracing discomfort and being willing to “suck again.”

• True capacity is more than talent — it’s how you use your time, network, and focus.

• Endurance sports can teach powerful lessons about mindset, grit, and resilience.

• External validation from peers should not cap your own potential.

• Growth often feels humbling and uncomfortable but leads to transformation.

• You must do the hard, uncomfortable work (e.g., speed sessions) to maximize potential.

• Systems in business (sales, content, operations) must be created, refined, and delegated — even when messy.

• Success comes from pushing beyond “winning in a small arena” and seeking bigger challenges.

• Reflect on where you might be playing it safe instead of stretching toward growth.

• Make a habit of doing one thing that makes you a beginner again each week.

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Intro & Idea Spark

01:00 Lessons from the OC Marathon

02:30 The Two Races in a Marathon

03:25 Patrick Bet-David’s Insight

04:50 Business Parallels

06:00 Training at Full Capacity

07:45 Getting Lapped by Seniors

08:15 Raising Your Vision

09:30 From Top 20% to Bottom 80%

10:35 Lessons from Past Episodes

12:30 Gary Vee & Kevin Hart Moment

13:05 Final Challenge

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