I’ve always tried to avoid problems. If a glass is near the edge of a table, I move it. If a parking spot is too tight, I find another one. But the other day, I had an epiphany—maybe avoiding problems isn’t always the best strategy. In fact, having a few challenges might actually help with muscle growth and overall success.
The Lesson from My 74-Year-Old Barber
Every two weeks, I visit Joe, my barber for over 20 years. He used to own a shop near a gym I worked at, but now, at 74 years old, he’s semi-retired and cuts hair at his house.
Joe is an incredible guy. He came to Canada from Italy at 20, worked day and night as a barber to support his family, and built a comfortable life. Now, he owns rental properties, manages second and third mortgages, maintains a large piece of land, and still trains at the local YMCA. He could retire completely, but he chooses to stay active.
One day, I asked Joe if he planned to relax now that he had some free time. His response was simple but powerful:
“You know, John Paul, I need some problems.”
That phrase hit me like a lightning bolt. Maybe problems aren’t something to avoid but something to embrace!
How Stress Can Build Muscle (or Destroy It!)
Stress itself isn’t the issue—it’s how you perceive it.
🔹 A negative mindset leads to catabolic (muscle-wasting) hormones. If you see every challenge as a disaster, your body will respond with a flood of cortisol, breaking down muscle and draining energy.
🔹 A positive mindset releases anabolic (muscle-building) hormones. If you treat challenges as opportunities, your body responds with growth. Alpha males, for example, tend to stay calm under pressure, which helps them stay strong and dominant—think Arnold Schwarzenegger in Pumping Iron.
2 Powerful Life Lessons from Joe
1️⃣ See Problems as Challenges, Not Threats.
Instead of thinking, Why is this happening to me?, ask, How can I solve this? This simple shift in mindset can transform stress into motivation and growth.
2️⃣ Stay Active—Physically and Mentally.
Dr. Charles Eugster, an expert in aging, says inactivity is a major cause of decline. Joe is proof that continuing to work, stay engaged, and move your body keeps you sharp and strong.
Final Thought: Do You Need More Problems?
I’ve already started to change. Today, I walked past a glass sitting at the edge of a table without moving it. Tomorrow, I might squeeze into a tight parking spot instead of looking for an easier one.
Because now, I understand that a few problems aren’t just inevitable—they’re essential for growth.
