Do you need to have struggled in order to understand real hard work? NDO Champ shares his thoughts
In the latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, Mike O’Hearn sits down with bodybuilder and boxer NDO Champ, a man whose life story is as inspiring as it is harrowing. NDO Champ, whose real name is Robert Wilmote, reflects on his journey from the war-torn streets of Liberia to becoming a refugee in the United States, where he faced poverty, gang violence, and even time in prison. Yet, against all odds, he managed to rise above these challenges.
There are those who believe having truly struggled makes you better understand the value of hard work. Does that mean those born with privilege are unable to reach the same level of champion mentality than those without? NDO Champ answers this question by reflecting on his own path – and how he uses it to inspire others who didn’t necessarily have the same struggles.
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NDO Champ’s Early Life: A Journey from Liberia to the United States
NDO Champ’s early life was marked by unimaginable hardships. Growing up in Liberia during a time of civil unrest, he was exposed to violence and trauma from a young age. His family eventually fled to the United States as refugees, seeking safety and a fresh start. However, life in America was far from the dream they had envisioned. NDO found himself thrust into an environment of poverty, surrounded by crime and struggling to make ends meet.
As a young immigrant, NDO faced the harsh realities of life in inner-city America. The pressures of his environment led him down a dangerous path, involving him in gang activity and ultimately landing him in prison. However, it was within these dark moments that NDO began to cultivate the mindset that would later define him. Despite the dire circumstances, he refused to let his environment dictate his destiny.
Rising Above: Turning Adversity into Strength
During the podcast, NDO Champ reflects on how the adversities he faced played a crucial role in shaping the man he is today. He explains that it was these very struggles that fueled his drive to succeed. “It was those traumas and challenges that made me who I am,” he states. NDO believes that the hardships he endured forced him to develop an unbreakable willpower and a relentless work ethic.
Yet, despite the strength he gained from these experiences, NDO is clear that he would never wish such struggles on anyone else, especially his own children. He emphasizes that while his past made him stronger, it is not a path he would want others to take. NDO does not want his son or anyone else to have to go through what he did to find that champion mentality.
Instead, NDO hopes that others can draw inspiration from his story and learn to tap into their own inner strength without having to endure the same level of trauma. He wants his son, now a young adult, to adopt a champion mentality by learning from his father’s experiences rather than living through the same hardships.
Part of the American dream has often been the passing of success and wealth the new generations. Immigrants who came to the USA worked hard so their children would have it better than them – and so on and so on for each new generation.
However, it is also common in today’s world for past generations to resent the privelage that was given to future generations. Calling them lazy and not knowing the true meaning of hard work. It’s quite the catch 22. In some ways, NDO Champ is an encapsulation of that two-sided coin. This is partially why NDO tries to use his platform to provide motivation to those who didn’t have his struggles – to pass on his drive while keeping his struggles in the past.
The Power of a Champion Mentality: Overcoming Life’s Setbacks
One of the most powerful moments in the podcast comes when NDO Champ recounts the story of when he was shot in the leg. This incident, which could have ended his athletic career, instead became a defining moment in his life. Remarkably, NDO was back in the gym just three weeks after being shot, and shortly after that, he competed in a bodybuilding competition.
This story serves as a testament to NDO’s indomitable spirit and his refusal to let setbacks derail his goals. He uses this story to motivate his son, particularly when his son faces challenges in competitive sports. “If I can compete after getting shot in the leg, you have no excuse to give up when things get tough,” he tells his son. This story, NDO notes, often reignites his son’s drive, pushing him to perform with renewed motivation and determination.
NDO Champ’s philosophy is simple: treat every setback like you’ve been shot in the leg and work twice as hard to overcome it. This mentality has not only helped him in his athletic pursuits but also in his everyday life. Whether facing small challenges or major obstacles, NDO approaches each with the same level of intensity and dedication, striving for greatness in all aspects of his life.
The Importance of Accountability
Clark Bartram, who joins the discussion, distills NDO Champ’s philosophy into one word: accountability. He points out that when life is easy, it’s tempting to rest on your laurels or become complacent. However, when a challenge arises, you must hold yourself accountable for the outcome. This, Bartram argues, is the essence of what NDO Champ embodies—a relentless commitment to taking responsibility for his life, regardless of the circumstances.
Mike O’Hearn builds on this idea by discussing the difference between those who blame external factors for their failures and those who take ownership of their actions. “Some people will always blame the world for their problems,” O’Hearn says, “but the only thing you can control is how you react and how you move forward.” He stresses the importance of accountability, noting that it is the key to achieving success, even in the face of unfair situations.
Fatherhood and Mentorship: Passing on the Champion Mentality
The conversation then shifts to fatherhood, with both Mike O’Hearn and NDO Champ reflecting on how they apply these principles in raising their sons. Mike shares his approach to parenting, explaining that he wants to challenge his four-year-old son as he grows. Rather than simply offering encouragement after a failure, Mike plans to help his son analyze what went wrong and hold him accountable for improving.
NDO Champ agrees with this approach and shares how he applies similar principles with his own son, who is now over 18. He emphasizes the importance of treating his son like a man, setting high expectations, and holding him accountable for meeting those standards. “I’ll always express love and gratitude,” NDO says, “but I won’t let him off the hook either.”
For NDO, this tough-love approach is not about being harsh but about preparing his son for the realities of life. He wants his son to inherit the champion mentality that has driven him to succeed, but without having to endure the same level of hardship.
Wrap Up
As the podcast concludes, NDO Champ reiterates his desire to use his platform to inspire others. He acknowledges that not everyone can go through the same struggles he faced, but he believes that everyone has the potential to tap into their inner strength. By sharing his story, NDO hopes to help others find the motivation they need to overcome their own challenges and achieve greatness.
In The Mike O’Hearn Show, NDO Champ’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability, resilience, and the champion mentality. His journey from the depths of adversity to the heights of success is an inspiration to anyone facing their own struggles. And while NDO may not wish his past on anyone, he continues to use his experiences to motivate and uplift others, proving that even the darkest moments can be transformed into a source of strength.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever you download podcasts.
