Next Level University

If “Seeing Is Believing” Resonates With You… Listen To This (2300)

• Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros

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Long-term growth requires a different standard of belief. In today’s episode, Kevin and Alan explore why most people struggle to sustain momentum, even when they want meaningful results. This conversation challenges the idea that motivation is enough and reframes belief as something earned through action, proof, and consistency over time. Drawing from years of experience, real patterns, and hard lessons, they unpack what actually drives long-term performance without burnout or shortcuts.

If you are focused on self-awareness, discipline, and becoming someone who can handle bigger outcomes, this episode will recalibrate how you think about growth. Press play and raise the standard you operate by.

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

Website: http://www.nextleveluniverse.com

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

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Show notes:
(2:21) Proof, opportunity cost, and sustained effort
(6:33) Short-term urgency Vs. Long-term outcomes
(7:00) The problem with detaching from outcomes
(11:02) Identity shifts through earned success
(16:20) Self-worth, earned results, and belief integrity
(18:06) Certainty, formulas, and paying the price
(22:39) Understanding as the engine of belief
(24:13) Failure as feedback, not identity
(28:45) Becoming the version capable of the goal
(33:50) 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.

Kevin Palmieri

(0:00) Momentum is something you hear us talk about a lot, and obviously there are many many many benefits to momentum, but I think one of the biggest benefits is when you start to see something as possible, you start to get the good feelings associated with seeing that thing's possible, and you understand grinding for more of that is actually worth it because you actually can get it.t it. (0:21) There's something to the proof that helps us push harder, I'm convinced of that.d of that.

Alan Lazaros

(0:26) Longest opening by Kevin ever, that's all I got. got.

Kevin Palmieri

(0:29) Welcome to Next Level University. (0:33) I'm your host, Kevin Palmieri.ieri. (0:34) And I'm your co-host, Alan Lazarus.arus.(0:37) At NLU, we believe in a heart-driven but no BS approach to holistic self-improvement for dream chasers.

Alan Lazaros

(0:44) Our goal with every episode is to help you level up your life, love, health, and wealth.

Kevin Palmieri

(0:50) We bring you a new episode every single day on topics like confidence, self-belief, self-worth, self-awareness, relationships, boundaries, consistency, habits, and defining your own unique version of success.

Alan Lazaros

(1:06) Self-improvement, in your pocket, every day, from anywhere, completely free. (1:13) Welcome to Next Level University.

Kevin Palmieri

(1:18) Next Level Nation today for episode number 2300. (1:23) Alan said, should we celebrate and do a special for 2300? (1:26) I said, I think we should only celebrate 500 episode increments at this point, right?(1:30) We've switched places.aces. (1:32) We have switched places. (1:32) Super grateful for each and every one of you, for sure.(1:34) Always, always, always. (1:36) And we'll celebrate when we get to 2500.2500. (1:39) If seeing is believing resonates with you, listen to this.(1:43) So I said this right before. (1:47) I said, how do I do this in an aligned way? (1:49) I don't want to flex or I don't want it to be that.o be that.(1:52) We have noticed a pattern that I am way more willing to do activities to avoid losing something new than I am almost to gain them in the first place. (2:05) So we used this example before. (2:08) When I was looking for a new car a couple of years ago, I went to Alan and said, hey, I want to get this car.(2:13) This is how much I think it's going to be per month.onth. (2:15) What do I have to do in order to make that happen? (2:17) And he said, go get X amount of clients and then it'll be sustainable.able.(2:21) And then I just went and got a bunch of clients.

Alan Lazaros

(2:24) Could have done that the whole time. (2:26) Behind the scenes, I talked with someone, I forget who it was, probably Amelia. (2:29) And I was like, it's crazy.razy.(2:32) I should do that more often. (2:34) You got so motivated so quickly.

Kevin Palmieri

(2:37) It's not even that.that. (2:38) I just think it's almost like when you dangle a very meaningful carrot, but you're guaranteed you can get the carrot if you just do the thing.the thing. (2:48) It's not a carrot on a treadmill.mill.(2:52) It's a carrot, but there's like steps and you just have to climb a certain amount of steps and then you get the carrot.he carrot. (2:57) There's something to that.that. (2:58) So we were talking about how we close the year really strong.(3:02) And again, we're staying humble and we're grinding and we're working really hard.ng really hard. (3:05) And this is the best quarter I've ever had. had. (3:07) And it's been great.reat.(3:08) It's been awesome.some. (3:09) A bunch of new clients. (3:10) Amazing.(3:10) Great people. (3:11) Been working with amazing humans. (3:12) Awesome.(3:13) And I said, isn't it interesting how I've known we're going to move for the last month and a half and the last month and a half has probably been the best month and a half I've ever had. I've ever had.

Alan Lazaros

(3:23) I don't know why it's that way, but that's kind of how I'm firing on all cylinders more than normal.rs more than normal. (3:31) No, not really. (3:33) Is there any tangible uptick?(3:34) Cause I remember, and I say this playfully obviously, but when you were looking for a place, you spent eight hours researching on a Sunday. (3:41) And I remember thinking, brother, if you just put that into the business, you haven't worked a Sunday and however long, excuse me, I work an hour every Sunday.nday.

Kevin Palmieri

(3:49) Mother, mother goose.

Alan Lazaros

(3:51) I was really hoping you'd say it.y it. (3:53) I really was. (3:54) But I remember thinking to myself, that's a lot of research on a Sunday when you could just do that every Sunday.nday.(4:03) I'm obviously joking, but the principle is the same.same. (4:08) And again, I think that when we're winning, I have to override being lazier.zier. (4:20) And so the question for the listener, the meaningful moment here is, which one motivates you more, the fear of losing or the desire to achieve a goal?

Kevin Palmieri

(4:30) I think I have to just make sure I don't burn myself out. out. (4:35) Honestly, I think that's like last night.ight. (4:39) What time did I finish?(4:41) I think I finished at like six, but I was, I was talking to Taryn and I was like, yeah, I'm going to, I might shut it down a little bit early tonight.ight. (4:47) And she's like, what do you mean?mean? (4:48) Like why?(4:49) And I said, cause I'm going to get up at either four or five tomorrow.rrow. (4:51) And I'm probably gonna work like a, I don't know, 12, 13 hour day tomorrow of like just back office stuff.ice stuff. (4:57) And then I said, then the next two days are going to be incredibly long.(5:01) I'm trying to preserve, trying to stay in the right place here because I'm getting sick and Taryn was sick. was sick. (5:07) So this is the opportunity cost conversation, brother.

Alan Lazaros

(5:12) Uh, this is the principle. (5:13) And again, I'm not making it wrong that you do this or that you're wired this way. this way. (5:16) Cause I think a lot of people are.(5:21) You invested eight hours straight researching for a new place on a Sunday. (5:25) Yeah. (5:26) You could have done that to get more revenue anytime you wanted.(5:29) Here's my point.oint. (5:30) Opportunity cost. (5:32) You got your mindset on something and when you do, you go all in on it, but it's, you only do that when it's a short term goal.term goal.(5:38) I've noticed like the car or the home something or get three client, this client, you're really good when the client's right there and they just need to launch or whatever.ch or whatever. (5:48) You'll do whatever you're, you're, you're, you have a sole focus.u have a sole focus. (5:51) What I think a lot of people struggle with, what I've noticed you struggle with is doing that for something 10 years out. out.

Kevin Palmieri

(6:01) I have you for that. (6:02) I think that's what it is.t is.

Alan Lazaros

(6:04) I'm not saying that's right.7;s right. (6:06) The opportunity cost agreed. (6:09) But what if, what if the way you're ignited right now was always, I think I would, that's the, I think I would die like it.e like it.

Kevin Palmieri

(6:18) It's like unhealthy.lthy.

Alan Lazaros

(6:21) It's like, I'm telling you, or you would come close to burning out and then learn not to burn out. burn out. (6:27) You'd learn how to sustain it.n it. (6:28) But the opportunity cost conversation is brother.(6:33) Okay. (6:33) Your dream car. (6:34) We'll use this as a metaphor.phor.(6:35) Your dream car is 250, whatever, thousand dollars, right? (6:39) Okay. (6:40) You're going to get that car eventually.ally.(6:42) It's just a matter of time without a question.tion. (6:44) Like I'll consider myself a failure if you don't.on't. (6:47) Okay.(6:47) It's going to happen.ppen. (6:49) Now I know that if you're not attached to that outcome, you don't notice the opportunity cost of the time you're wasting.x27;re wasting. (6:58) So there's something here.here.(7:00) It's like how many months out can you tether to an outcome?come? (7:07) And by the way, everyone out there who has heard this crap on the internet about detached from outcome, that's the dumbest shit ever.ever. (7:14) You, you need to attach to an outcome, but the outcome can't be a human being.eing.(7:19) And it can't also be you're devastated if it's not exactly what you expected.t you expected. (7:23) So when I say attached to an outcome, what I mean is Kevin's dream car. car. (7:27) Maybe it's not that car. car.(7:28) Maybe it ends up, maybe you get there and you're like, you know what?what? (7:31) I actually want this other one. (7:32) It doesn't have to be that exact outcome, but it has to be getting to a place where you can afford that car. car.(7:39) You have to attach to that outcome in advance and take responsibility for everything that comes with that in advance. (7:47) Does that not land?

Kevin Palmieri

(7:48) No, I don't.27;t. (7:49) I haven't thought about that car. car. (7:51) And I mean, I see it every day, but I'm not thinking about it.t it.(7:54) I'm attached to that outcome.come. (7:55) That's why it's going to happen.to happen. (7:57) I'll tell you exactly.ctly.(7:57) Yeah. (7:58) But no, no, I'm attached to when I got this car, I already in my mind was like, all right, cool.cool. (8:06) I'm good for the next one. one.(8:08) However, whenever that happens, like, I don't know when that's going to happen, but like, I don't know how to explain it. to explain it.

Alan Lazaros

(8:11) It's like, um, when you get that car, it will be because I attached to you getting that car. car. (8:17) I think, and I know that sounds no, no, no, no, but I have attached to it.

Kevin Palmieri

(8:22) That's what you don't know.27;t know. (8:24) No. (8:24) Yeah.(8:24) But, um, um, I'm, for me, it's like, if I am as successful as I want to be and feel like I need to be in order to have the level of impact I want, that car is just a byproduct of it.uct of it. (8:37) Agreed. (8:38) That's new for me.r me.(8:40) Oh, that part's new for me.r me.

Alan Lazaros

(8:45) I took it in a way. (8:46) Isn't that what a leader does?does? (8:47) They, they attach to the goals and the dreams of their team.(8:50) I want all of us to achieve our goals and dreams.

Kevin Palmieri

(8:52) Not just me. (8:53) Imagine if I get my dream car and you're like driving the Well, I think, I think they attach, they attach, uh, big, meaningful goals to smaller, personal, meaningful goals.oals.

Alan Lazaros

(9:08) The bridge though, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, quarters, years, decades, lifetime beyond your own lifetime. (9:15) So reverse engineering that AMG GTR in order for you to get that car, we have to do certain things and not do other certain things for the next decade for that to happen. (9:31) Okay.(9:31) And I actually think it'll be sooner than that, but whatever.ever. (9:35) If you don't know that and you're not attached to it, you're not going to be putting in the hours on the Sunday while I am.day while I am. (9:45) No, I don't think so.k so.(9:46) I think that that's alarming for me because no, no, I'm saying 24, seven, three 65. three 65. (9:53) I'm saying, I don't think that's the way I don't think that's, but, but if we do attach it to something that you can, that's right there, you will, I have to be the way I operate for the decades is the way you operate when it's right there.operate when it's right there. (10:09) You're like, so what if me, I can be on the zero yard line and still operate as if I'm on the goal line.goal line.(10:17) And what if for you, you have to see the, you have to be in the red zone. (10:20) This is a football metaphor, but you have to be able to see the end zone. (10:27) That means that all I have to do is help you set an end zone that you can see, feel that for years.(10:37) I know, but dude, you got to understand. (10:39) I know.

Kevin Palmieri

(10:39) Well, I think one of, and the reason we're talking about this is because I, my belief is more people are probably more people are wired like me for sure.sure. (10:47) Yeah.

Alan Lazaros

(10:48) So that's why like, how much I work is not predicated on whether or not I'm going to move.g to move.

Kevin Palmieri

(10:54) No, no, I know, but it's not for me either.ther. (10:57) I don't know how to explain it.n it. (10:58) It's just, I, this is going to sound so fucking stupid.upid.(11:02) I'm just different now. now. (11:04) I don't know how to explain it.n it. (11:06) Something has shifted and I just feel different now.(11:11) So I say yes to things that I normally would be hesitant to say yes to. (11:15) And I believe I can figure it out more. (11:17) And, and like, for some reason, even though the pressure is heavier than it's ever been, it's not as bad as it used to be.sed to be.(11:24) Like something happens. (11:25) I don't know how to explain it.n it.

Alan Lazaros

(11:27) Yeah. (11:27) It sounds like some of the, some of the interesting work that I've done in the IFS internal family system stuff.tuff. (11:35) It's yeah.yeah.(11:36) I can tell I'm different now. now. (11:38) Yeah. (11:39) But you don't know how to explain it.n it.(11:40) Okay.

Kevin Palmieri

(11:40) So I know my, it could be because you're on the sun, the closer you get to the sun, you probably get some gamma radiation, right?ight?

Alan Lazaros

(11:46) So that you're becoming a no, but when you say I'm different now, try to try to explain why, because, and the difference is, is, you know, you're upgrading your lifestyle.your lifestyle. (12:00) Yeah. (12:01) Because I believe in myself more because you have reached a level that you, because I have to believe you I have proof.

Kevin Palmieri

(12:10) I have proof that I should.

Alan Lazaros

(12:13) Yeah. (12:13) I have proof. (12:13) Here's the problem with that.that.(12:15) What if that, and again, this isn't the case you've done great.one great. (12:18) You've done awesome.some. (12:20) What if, so by that rationale, some people are getting things that they didn't earn and then believing in themselves more when they shouldn't.dn't.(12:29) Well, yeah, but if they lose it, then they'll, but they might not lose it.e it.

Kevin Palmieri

(12:34) Well, that's, I think that's more, we, there was a time a couple of years ago where I was like, dude, I'll get rid of the car.rid of the car. (12:41) Like if that's going to help us in business, like just say the word, I'll go fucking trade it in right now.right now. (12:46) I'll get rid of it.f it.(12:46) I think that's like the detached from outcome part of, I don't want to go backwards.backwards. (12:52) I'm again, you can't say this and be humble, but I'm humble enough to, if I have to, if that's what it takes, like whatever, I'm willing to go backwards. willing to go backwards. (12:58) It's not the end of the world.orld.

Alan Lazaros

(12:59) I don't want to, I don't know because when I said I was willing to do that, that told me that told me that you're willing to sacrifice to get to the next level.the next level. (13:12) Of course. (13:13) But you have to give up the current level to go to the next level.(13:16) You have to.

Kevin Palmieri

(13:18) Yeah. (13:19) But that giving up sometimes feels like going backwards.

Alan Lazaros

(13:24) I think you have to go backwards to go forwards in something. (13:30) This is the law of trade offs. (13:31) So you have to trade something off.(13:33) Yeah. (13:34) But let's get a good tangible example.mple.

Kevin Palmieri

(13:37) Real quick. (13:38) What I, said to Alan behind the scenes was, I think because for you, you know, it's going to happen.ppen. (13:43) So it's already worth it for me when I get the thing.hing.(13:47) It's like, oh, it's definitely worth keeping.h keeping. (13:49) So I'm going to make sure I do everything I can not to lose this.this. (13:53) I think it's that experiencing is believing and then getting something that you never thought you were going to get facilitates this level of growth.owth.(14:05) That is like, if you want to keep this, you now will become an, you have to become an elevated, evolved human being.

Alan Lazaros

(14:12) And I appreciate the honesty in this conversation, because I do think that a lot of people, I have a client who's been very vulnerable and it has helped me tremendously.usly. (14:24) So people say things like everything's created twice, once in your imagination.tion. (14:27) And then once in reality, that's I say, like, okay, I don't need to experience driving that car to know I can help you get that car. that car.(14:40) To me, it's just a math equation.tion. (14:42) I already know how much it's worth.orth. (14:43) I know how much it's going to cost per month.onth.(14:45) I know what the insurance will be. (14:46) Like we just have to make that much money extra in order for you to afford that car. (14:50) I still think it's going to be a terrible idea.idea.(14:52) I think the better use of capital would be very different, but we also, I think it's important for you to achieve your dreams, right?ight? (14:57) That's great.reat. (14:59) So, and there's a fucking fine line there.here.(15:02) Of course. (15:02) I mean, what's after that?that? (15:04) You're going to get a fucking million and a half dollar car? car?(15:06) No, like absolutely not with, you know, unless it's your own thing.hing. (15:10) Okay. (15:11) But at the end of the day, if I don't need to see it to believe it, the problem with this thinking is how the hell would you ever get that car? car?(15:25) Like you're not going to stumble upon an AMG GTR. GTR. (15:28) And if you do, it's because of generational wealth that had nothing to do with you. you. (15:32) I don't have that.that.(15:33) Yeah. (15:33) Well, that's my point is I think some people who do get really nice things.ings. (15:36) So I'll share this.this.(15:38) There, there's one person I'm thinking of.inking of. (15:39) I'll keep it anonymous who, who through generational wealth has a much nicer, a much nicer life than he ever could have created on his own with his own capabilities.ties. (15:51) That's my truth.ruth.(15:51) His, his lifestyle and his income and his life is like way beyond his awareness to actually, and his skills to create it himself. (16:02) He has inflated self-worth and I think he almost has to because how could he not? (16:11) It's like when you're a kid and you get really nice things when you didn't really earn any of it.earn any of it.(16:16) How can that not mess your identity up a bit when you didn't build it yourself?self? (16:20) I actually think building it yourself is what people really want because what we really want inside is self-belief and self-worth. (16:27) But if you think about it, right, you didn't, even when you buy that car, it's not like it was all you.s all you.(16:33) You didn't build this country.ntry. (16:34) You didn't build the economy.nomy. (16:36) You didn't do all the work yourself.self.(16:37) Like you had guidance and mentors and all. (16:40) So I wonder if anyone is self assigning optimally or accurately. (16:46) I think it's hard to.d to.

Kevin Palmieri

(16:48) Yeah, it is. (16:49) I think it's hard to self assign everything accurately because you don't, I don't know.on't know. (16:54) I don't know.know.(16:55) I don't have an answer.swer. (16:55) I'm not saying my way is optimal.imal. (16:57) I think it's always a conversation of using the way you're wired to your advantage as much as you can and then rewiring what you can to your advantage as well.e as well.(17:07) I have you, you're very different than I, and I'm very different than you. than you. (17:11) So if anything, it works really well for us.

Alan Lazaros

(17:13) Yeah, for sure.

Kevin Palmieri

(17:14) Would it on my own? (17:15) No, I don't think it would.ould.

Alan Lazaros

(17:17) But this comes down to having optimal goals based on your current level of self-belief. (17:22) I think that because yeah, if you don't believe it's possible, there is no opportunity cost to you not getting it.etting it. (17:29) Whereas when you actually have it, there's an opportunity cost to losing it.g it.

Kevin Palmieri

(17:34) Even like the 10 year thing, like you'll have that in 10 years, probably faster.ster. (17:37) Like, I don't really believe that yet. yet. (17:38) I don't know.know.(17:39) Seriously. (17:40) I don't know the numbers.bers. (17:41) What if I showed you the exact numbers?(17:43) Then I believe it. (17:44) Okay.

Alan Lazaros

(17:45) That's why you have so much certainty, I think.hink. (17:47) Yeah. (17:48) That's why. why.(17:49) Well, I can show you the numbers and how many clients you'd need and all that stuff.tuff. (17:53) It's an eventuality.lity.

Kevin Palmieri

(17:54) But just for the point of this conversation, that's the hard part.part. (17:57) If you already had the awareness to do it, you would already have the certainty and you wouldn't need the experience.ence. (18:05) That's the difference.ence.(18:06) You already have the awareness. (18:07) I don't have the awareness on how to do it.o it.

Alan Lazaros

(18:09) But if you don't have certainty that it's going to happen, you won't do all the horrible things necessary.ings necessary. (18:14) And I don't mean horrible as in like out of integrity.rity. (18:16) I mean, why would you pay a price for a promise that's not certain?tain?

Kevin Palmieri

(18:22) I a thousand percent agree because you believe the uncertain promise is better than any of the certain promises you had before that. (18:30) But what are the chances of that?

Alan Lazaros

(18:32) Like, let's say a very high for me.r me. (18:34) Let's say I said you had to work 60 hours a week every week for the next decade.cade. (18:38) And I'm certain mathematically you can get that car. car.(18:41) I've already signed up.d up. (18:42) I signed up for that long before I believed I could get the car. (18:45) Okay.(18:46) What's something you wouldn't sign up for that for? that for?

Kevin Palmieri

(18:52) Um, I don't know.know. (18:53) The world's fanciest cigar.igar. (18:58) You get it.

Alan Lazaros

(18:59) Yeah. (19:00) Not worth it, right? (19:01) No.(19:01) Yeah. (19:02) This all comes down to like motivation theory and I'm way more successful than I ever thought I was going to be.o be.

Kevin Palmieri

(19:10) Like there's something, but nobody else is going to tell you that they're not going to say that they're going to say, and like Alan actually is not bullshitting when he says it, but like I've, I've met a lot of people like, yeah, I knew this was going to happen.this was going to happen. (19:20) No, you fucking didn't.27;t. (19:21) I talked to you a long time ago.(19:22) You never, you never knew this was going to happen. (19:24) And I, yeah, for sure. (19:26) And that's why I think it gets to people's heads.7;s heads.(19:27) Like I'm saying publicly, I'm way more successful than I thought.I thought. (19:32) Like that's, there's something, there's something to that.ething to that. (19:36) What did you think?(19:37) I was all jeffed. (19:39) I don't know.know. (19:40) I looked at people that were like 50 and I was like, okay, cool.(19:43) That, that's cool.cool. (19:45) That's a thing that'll happen.ll happen. (19:46) That could happen.(19:47) Maybe that'll happen.ppen. (19:48) I never had any strategy though. (19:49) It was like, I thought that's just what happened.ened.(19:51) You got older and as you got older, you got more successful. (19:55) That's the way it works.orks.

Alan Lazaros

(19:57) I'm sorry.orry.

Kevin Palmieri

(19:58) Sometimes I feel like such a dick. (20:00) No, you're good.good.

Alan Lazaros

(20:01) No, no, no. (20:01) That doesn't, what about, what about the statistics?tics? (20:05) You think that usually happens or does the majority of people end up broke at the end of the day?(20:08) Joke's on you. you. (20:09) You think I studied the statistics.

Kevin Palmieri

(20:12) I don't.27;t. (20:13) If I studied the statistics, I would have more certainty. (20:16) I didn't.27;t.(20:16) Okay. (20:16) Well then that, I know we're going to jump.jump. (20:23) It's almost like you don't, you don't study the statistics.the statistics.(20:26) You don't need, you don't know, you need to know for whatever reason.er reason. (20:30) Like, it's like a blind spot.spot. (20:31) If I knew, if it, if it came with an instruction manual, I'd be able to figure it out. out.(20:38) But if it doesn't come with an instruction manual and I don't know the instruction manual exists, I'm just going to assume I can't put it together.7;t put it together.

Alan Lazaros

(20:44) Yeah. (20:44) But that, why do you have the assumption the instruction manual doesn't exist?xist? (20:47) You're not the first person to buy that car. car.(20:50) Yeah, but, but it's always been, well, they're different than I am.than I am. (20:53) Why? (20:54) What?(20:54) No, they're not. not. (20:55) I, I know someone who can afford that car tomorrow who's less than you for sure.sure.

Kevin Palmieri

(20:59) Yeah, yeah. (20:59) But, but some, but I think because some of them have already worked through all this stuff that I'm trying to work through.ough. (21:04) Some, not all of them, some of them just lucky sperm club for sure.

Alan Lazaros

(21:08) But yeah, exactly. (21:10) There is a, there's a formula for everything.hing. (21:12) Yeah.(21:13) Right. (21:14) You might, it might take different amount of time, different strengths and weaknesses, different things you have to work through, different blind spots, but there is no like outcome that is technically impossible if you find the formula and run it long enough. (21:29) Like, okay.(21:30) So I'll give you an example.mple. (21:31) I could build a spacecraft that goes to Pluto, but I can't do it in this lifetime.time. (21:38) Right?(21:38) That doesn't mean it's impossible to do.ble to do. (21:40) It just means I decided not to do that. (21:42) And I maybe don't have enough years to do that.that.(21:45) And again, that's a bad example.mple. (21:46) Cause we probably can do that in this lifetime, but do you know what I mean? (21:49) Like everything manifestation is an equation.(21:51) Every success is a formula. (21:53) It's a straight up formula, but it's very complicated.mplicated. (21:56) It's definitely.tely.(21:57) Yeah. (21:57) Yeah. (21:58) The fundamental principles I think are simple, but the, the, but I mean, getting marrying a wonderful woman like Amelia is a formula, but think of how many things, how many, I don't even know how many inputs there are in that.that.(22:15) Oh dude. (22:16) Lifetime. (22:16) That took me 30 years.(22:18) Yeah. (22:19) That to be, to be the man.

Kevin Palmieri

(22:21) That's why I'm telling you I'm, I'm convinced more than ever.nced more than ever. (22:24) Seeing is believing experiences, experiencing is believing. (22:27) And even that isn't enough.ough.(22:29) It gives you like a taste of what it could be like, but you still have to have the self-belief to, to believe that you're capable of doing it and then keeping it.g it.

Alan Lazaros

(22:38) Last piece. (22:39) I think, and this is what my masterclass is built on, by the way, as a matter of fact, I already prepped for it. (22:44) Let me show everybody real quick.(22:49) I'm on my remarkable right now. now. (22:50) One second. (22:51) All right.(22:52) The masterclass is on how to set and achieve your most important goals in 2026. (22:58) And I wrote this down literally. (23:00) What's the point?oint?(23:01) The purpose of these next little masterclasses is to create a deeper understanding inside of you. (23:06) And then I wrote, but why? (23:08) Because deeper understanding catalyzes the success cycle.(23:10) Here's the success cycle.ycle. (23:13) More understanding leads to more belief. (23:17) More belief leads to more goals.(23:19) More goals leads to more necessity. (23:21) More necessity leads to more action and more action leads to more success or failure. (23:26) And this is the key.(23:27) If you do fail, AKA the outcome is worse than you expect, which it probably will be because success is a brutal game. (23:34) This is the danger zone where most people give up. (23:37) The key is to never give up and to just instead go back to the drawing board.(23:42) Just because I didn't know how to marry someone like Emilia doesn't mean it's impossible.7;s impossible. (23:45) It just means I haven't figured it out yet. yet. (23:48) Right?(23:49) And I really do treat success like a formula. (23:52) Like I went and I was on a RTC call recently, last piece. (23:58) And I was with Emilia and she was doing some deep work with this client.(24:01) And I was thinking to myself, like, what's the difference between us?n us? (24:05) And Emilia drew out an acorn. (24:07) Okay.(24:07) Bear with me for a second. (24:08) She drew out an acorn. (24:09) She said, when Alan fails, he doesn't think it's him.x27;s him.(24:13) He thinks he has the wrong formula. (24:16) Whereas when she fails, she thinks it's because she sucks.ucks. (24:20) Like brother, if you don't get the car, it's not because you suck. you suck.(24:23) It's because you haven't figured out how to get the car yet.e car yet. (24:26) It's not because you can't and it's not because you're not good enough.;re not good enough. (24:29) It's because you just haven't figured it out yet.t out yet.(24:32) So you just go back to the drawing board, re-strategize, give it a shot. (24:35) It's the scientific method over and over and over and over and over and over and over again.gain. (24:38) Okay.(24:39) That said, if anyone wants to join the masterclass, January 1st, 5 p.m. It's literally tomorrow at 5 p.m. Totally free.free. (24:47) It's actually, it was actually yesterday at 5 p.m. Is that true?true?

Kevin Palmieri

(24:52) Yeah.

Alan Lazaros

(24:52) All right. (24:53) There is no masterclass, but if you want to go to the next one, if you want to go to the next one, you will get deeper understanding, which means you will believe in yourself more. (25:02) Do you agree with me, Kev, real quick?(25:04) The deeper understanding of the formula gives you belief. (25:09) Yeah. (25:10) Okay.(25:11) So you understand how to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks, right? (25:14) So now you believe you can do it, right? (25:16) Yes.(25:16) Everything is that. (25:18) Yeah, but it's just more complicated.ated. (25:20) Yeah.

Kevin Palmieri

(25:20) And it's not really.ally. (25:22) Well, let me fuck you up with the truth. (25:23) There's a drastic difference between 10 pounds in 10 weeks and 10 million in 25 years.ears.(25:28) Those are very different things. (25:30) The genuine principle is the same though.

Alan Lazaros

(25:33) I know, but principles are the least favorite people in the school. (25:38) I don't want to hear it.r it. (25:38) There are some people who I know who believe more in their ability to net 25 million than to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks.(25:45) And you want to know the difference? (25:47) They understand how to do it with the finances. (25:49) They don't understand how to do it with fitness.ness.(25:50) So belief is an inside game of deeper understanding. (25:54) And that's why I'm always giving deeper understanding.rstanding. (25:56) And Kevin for nine freaking years is like tactics, baby.(25:59) Tactics are not the solution, my friend. (26:02) They both are. (26:04) Deep understanding matters more.

Kevin Palmieri

(26:06) Not if you don't do it, it doesn't.sn't. (26:08) Fuck no. (26:11) Give you homework for a reason, son.(26:15) You know what I mean? (26:18) You did your homework. (26:19) I didn't.27;t.(26:19) That's the difference.ence. (26:20) That's why I'm Jeffed.;m Jeffed. (26:22) Most of the time.(26:25) This is a thing I could talk about this for days. (26:27) This is one of my favorite things in the world to talk about for sure. (26:31) For sure.(26:32) Because I do. (26:33) That's why I think belief is such an important piece of this whole thing is because even like it sounds so simple, like try hard and believe in yourself.self. (26:40) When you get knocked down, get up.(26:42) It's like, I understand, but that's takes a long time to build that muscle when you get knocked down.cked down.

Alan Lazaros

(26:47) We're only going to get one done.done. (26:48) So let's stick with this for a second.cond.

Kevin Palmieri

(26:49) Yeah.

Alan Lazaros

(26:50) When you get knocked down. (26:51) So let's say you try to get that car and then you fail.fail. (26:54) Do you think you're bad or you're not good enough?od enough?(26:58) Or do you think, yeah, for sure. (27:01) Okay. (27:03) Instead, why not just say, I don't have the formula right yet? yet?(27:06) Well, that's like, yes, if it was that easy, I'm going to take it this way. this way. (27:10) If I'm a cook and I'm trying to make, I don't know, tiramisu.know, tiramisu. (27:15) Yeah.(27:17) If I, if I screw it up, do I think it's because I'm a terrible cook or do I think it's because I did the wrong recipe?e wrong recipe? (27:24) I feel like you, yeah, but you've had a growth mindset for so long.long. (27:28) That's, that's all it is.all it is.(27:29) That's a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset.dset. (27:32) Yeah. (27:32) Well, which one's more accurate?rate?(27:33) The recipes off doesn't mean you suck.suck. (27:36) It means you ran the wrong formula. (27:38) You ran the wrong recipe, but accuracy and emotion don't always, they don't always work like they're supposed to.re supposed to.(27:44) I know, but they're working for you more like they're supposed to than ever, because I was having these conversations and like making sure I challenged you because you thinking you're not good enough to have that car is a limiting belief by definition. by definition. (27:57) Cause of course you could.

Kevin Palmieri

(27:59) Well, it's hard.hard. (28:00) It's hard to imagine that that's just a hard thing to imagine.o imagine.

Alan Lazaros

(28:04) There's an asterisk.risk. (28:05) You have to work hard. (28:06) You have to learn every day.(28:07) You have to build a business. (28:09) You have to learn how to build a business. (28:10) You have to deal with me.(28:11) You have to, there's a lot of half dos, but if you're willing to pay the price, the promise can happen.an happen. (28:17) There's very little exceptions to that.that.

Kevin Palmieri

(28:20) Well, maybe that's the right, the right answer is there is a version of you that is capable of it.f it. (28:25) No, I think that's probably a better big price tag. tag.

Alan Lazaros

(28:28) There's a big, not just the money I'm talking about.ing about. (28:30) You have to invest a decade.

Kevin Palmieri

(28:31) There's a lot of evolution.tion. (28:33) A lot of the limiting beliefs are going to have to go. (28:36) A lot of the, like that, that might be a more accurate, at least for me, I think that would land is like, there is a version of you that is possible and capable of that.

Alan Lazaros

(28:45) Nice.

Kevin Palmieri

(28:45) Are you willing to become that version? (28:48) That's a different question.tion. (28:49) If you don't think it's going to be worth it, you're definitely not going to do it.going to do it.

Alan Lazaros

(28:51) Yeah. (28:51) And here's a cool twist on the other side of this coin.coin. (28:54) You now can't do it.o it.(28:58) That I are now. (28:59) Yeah. (28:59) Nope.(29:00) Yeah. (29:00) If you aren't willing to evolve and improve, you can never get that car. car.

Kevin Palmieri

(29:05) Yeah.

Alan Lazaros

(29:06) And that's okay.okay.

Kevin Palmieri

(29:07) Imagine if I don't think I can evolve and improve in my mind, I can never get it.t it. (29:11) Like that's the, that's the paradox.e paradox. (29:14) Yeah.(29:14) That sucks for sure. (29:15) That's, that's where, that's where we get stuck is, well, I, I can't imagine I'll ever get to that place.l ever get to that place. (29:22) I'm not even going to try that.that.(29:25) Yeah.

Alan Lazaros

(29:26) That's, I think that's where a lot of us get stuck.get stuck. (29:28) That's why the quote of try, fail, try, fail better.tter. (29:33) Those are very motivational, but they're also true.true.

Kevin Palmieri

(29:36) Well, it was created by somebody who has insane self-belief. (29:39) They just don't know.know.

Alan Lazaros

(29:40) You know, it's like, Oh, thanks.anks. (29:42) Success is going from failure to failure without losing any enthusiasm.

Kevin Palmieri

(29:46) That is like accurate, but it doesn't land.land. (29:51) Yeah.

Alan Lazaros

(29:52) Well, you lose some enthusiasm.

Kevin Palmieri

(29:53) It's the same thing as like, eat less and exercise more and you lose weight.ight. (29:57) Like, yeah, sure. (29:57) That's the way it works, but that doesn't land for a lot of people.of people.(30:00) Yeah. (30:00) Because it's not, it doesn't connect to the existence you've had.ou've had. (30:05) I've, what if I just fail over and over and nothing happens?pens?(30:08) That's what it's, that's what it's felt like my whole fucking life. whole fucking life. (30:10) What's going to change now that until you get it and then it's, Oh, I can do it.can do it. (30:15) So now I got to hang on to it.(30:16) Yeah. (30:17) Failing with intention, I guess, is different than failing just unintentionally.

Alan Lazaros

(30:23) One thing that's become very clear and is you believe very highly in your ability to do inputs, to do the tactics.tics. (30:33) For sure. (30:34) What I've found is self-efficacy has two things.ings.(30:37) It has, one of them is I believe I can do a process. (30:40) I can, I can do a podcast episode. (30:44) There's a big difference between I can do, I can start a podcast versus I can have a top 1% podcast.cast.(30:51) One of them is an outcome, like a by-product that you choose in advance and commit to and attach to. (30:56) The other one is I can do this thing. (30:59) And what I've noticed is there's a huge bridge there.dge there.(31:02) And if anyone needs help with this in 2026, my coaching is entirely success coaching at this point. (31:09) Yes, it's business coaching, but I can also help you in your career, building wealth, health, wealth, and love.love. (31:15) And really what it comes down to is a success is a formula it's inputs, outputs, measure, adjust knowledge, skills, attitude, and, and identity.tity.(31:23) And I, I know how to reprogram the computer metaphorically to get you successful. (31:29) I've been doing that live on the show right now. now. (31:32) I, I feel like that is what I was born to do.(31:37) So if you want to help, like I will help you reprogram into the version that is possible. (31:42) Well, that's it, right?ight?

Kevin Palmieri

(31:43) It's like, maybe you don't have the knowledge.knowledge. (31:45) Maybe you don't have the implementation.tion. (31:48) Maybe you don't have the accountability.lity.(31:50) Like that's what you get with a coach.oach. (31:51) And again, that is like, that's what I've gotten for however many years it's been.it's been. (31:55) Right.(31:56) Like I'm good at the, tell me what to do and I'll do it.;ll do it. (31:58) Like, I don't really need to get checked in on that.that. (32:00) Like that's always been my jam, but I don't, I'll just do the same shit. the same shit.(32:03) I'll just keep doing it.g it. (32:04) So like, and then somebody will be like, Hey man, you, the hole's dug. dug. (32:09) Like go dig another hole.(32:10) It's like, oh, okay, cool.cool. (32:11) Done with this one. (32:11) All right, I'll go dig another one. one.

Alan Lazaros

(32:13) If you do have work ethic, like Kevin, humility to learn, I will help you absolutely achieve far.

Kevin Palmieri

(32:19) For sure. (32:20) Yeah. (32:20) You can be, you can be again, I'm not pumping my tires, but you can be very successful if you just are willing to work, do the same thing every day and just be humble and say, Hey, what do I do next?next?(32:30) Like you are, there's a lot that is possible for that type of human, for sure.sure. (32:36) For sure. (32:37) Especially with a great coach like Alan.(32:38) Again, I, I am not self made by any stretch of the imagination. (32:41) I definitely could not have done this on my own and I can't do what I want on my own. own. (32:45) Right.(32:45) So that's, that's the piece of it too.of it too. (32:47) That's the, the humility in action for sure.sure. (32:50) All right squad.(32:50) Of course, of course I'm losing credibility by the minute on these podcast episodes lately.tely. (32:54) It's essentially like, tell us where you suck.suck. (32:58) Kev, tell us, no, tell us what's wrong with you. you.(33:01) I love it. (33:02) These are my favorite episodes in the world. (33:03) Genuine.(33:04) Good. (33:04) Yeah. (33:04) No, I hope you don't feel that way. way.(33:05) No, this is what I was made to do. (33:07) It's really cool to see what's possible. possible. (33:09) This is what I was, this is the reason I'm supposed to be a podcaster.ster.(33:12) These episodes where it's like, this is exactly what I want to be doing for sure.sure. (33:18) Yeah. (33:19) Same.(33:19) You dig? (33:20) I feel that way lately too. (33:21) Cool.(33:22) I'm glad.glad. (33:22) I'm glad the show has gone in maybe a different direction than it has in the past, but it's most aligned.t aligned. (33:26) It's been probably ever, I would say. say.(33:29) Yes. (33:29) All right, cool. (33:30) If you're trying to make your own aligned, successful, fulfilling podcast, I think those are, those are three really good words to describe what the journey could be like.like.(33:37) The next round of the Next Level Podcast Accelerator starts Tuesday. (33:40) So if you're listening to this on Friday, yes, you did miss the meetup, but you did not miss the opportunity to sign up for the Next Level Podcast Accelerator, which starts on Tuesday.sday. (33:49) We'll have the link in the show notes for that.that.(33:50) As always, we love you. (33:51) We appreciate you. (33:51) Grateful for each and every one of you.(33:53) And if you are as committed as you say you are to getting to the next level, make sure you tune in tomorrow because we will be here every single day to help you get there.

Alan Lazaros

(34:00) Keep leveling up to reach your full potential. (34:03) Next Level Nation.

Kevin Palmieri

(34:04) Thanks for joining us for another episode of Next Level University. (34:08) We love connecting with the Next Level family.

Alan Lazaros

(34:11) We mean it when we say family. (34:13) If you ever need anything, please reach out to us directly. (34:16) Everything you need to get ahold of us is in the show notes.(34:20) Thank you again, and we will talk to you tomorrow.

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Alan Lazaros

Host
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Kevin Palmieri

Host