SWAGGER Magazine

At Swagger, we recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with none other than Max Holloway—the legend himself! 🥋 We dove deep into life outside the octagon, uncovering what drives him, his vision for the future, and the journey that’s shaped him into the champion he is today. 💪 From personal motivations to how he handles challenges both in and out of the ring, Max shared it all. Want to know what fuels this UFC star’s relentless passion? Or what’s next for him? Stay tuned for an inside look at Max Holloway—the man behind the fighter. #MaxHolloway #Swagger #UFC #BeyondTheOctagon #ChampionMindset #Driven #AthleteLife #beyondthearena https://lnkd.in/gin9unpQ

Grit. It’s that thing every man needs when starting his own business. Because let’s be real, building something from the ground up isn’t easy. It’s long hours, setbacks, uncertainty, and countless moments of doubt. But grit? Grit is what keeps you going when everything else tells you to quit. Here’s what grit looks like in business: → When things don’t go as planned, grit is what helps you bounce back. It’s about learning from failure, not running from it. → Grit means showing up every day, even when it’s hard. It’s putting in the work long after the excitement wears off. → It’s staying focused on the long-term vision when the short-term looks rough. Grit isn’t overnight success—it’s grinding through the process. Starting your own business takes more than just skill or smarts. It takes grit to push through the challenges and keep moving forward when the road gets tough. If you’re in the trenches right now, remember this: grit separates those who give up from those who make it. Stay the course, and keep showing up. That’s where success is built.

Busy men—listen up. You’re putting in 60-hour weeks, taking calls late into the night, and grinding day in, day out to build something great. But ask yourself this: What’s the point of all the work if you can’t enjoy it with the people you love the most? Take the vacation. I’m serious. You’re not going to remember the client calls or the emails sent at 2 a.m., but you will remember the look on your kids’ faces when they build their first sandcastle. Or when your wife finally gets to relax after holding down the fort day after day. Those moments are priceless. The world won’t fall apart if you step away for a few days. But your family will feel the impact if you don’t make time for them. The business will still be there when you get back. But your kids? They won’t stay kids forever. Take the vacation. Build memories. That’s the real ROI.

Most men spend years chasing a career: → the next promotion →the bigger paycheck → the right title It’s all about meeting short-term needs. But here’s the problem: when you hit a rough patch, a career alone won’t keep you going. A calling, on the other hand, runs deeper. It’s not just about what you do, but why you do it. It’s the work that makes you feel alive, even when it’s hard. When you’re following a calling, setbacks become stepping stones, and challenges turn into opportunities for growth. The irony is that most men know they want purpose but get stuck focusing only on the next career move. The truth is, you can have a career and a calling if you start looking beyond the surface. Ask yourself what kind of impact you want to make, what lights you up, and what you want your legacy to be. Career or calling? Which one are you chasing?

Do men really need each other? Absolutely. But not for beers, barbecues, or banter. The truth is, most men walk through life feeling alone, even when they’re surrounded by people. → Because surface-level connections don’t cut it. Men need real support. - Someone they can call when the pressure is too much.  - A friend who knows the difference between “I’m fine” and “I’m drowning.” When men have a real community, people they can be vulnerable with, it’s a game changer. Why is it powerful? Because when you don’t have to pretend, you grow. → You show up better at work.  → You show up better at home.  → The weight of the world feels a little lighter when you’re not carrying it alone. Every man needs that: a place to drop the mask and find his tribe. Who’s your tribe? If you don’t have one, maybe it’s time to start building.

Rest is underrated, but crucial for staying sharp and focused. But let’s be real: some of the typical suggestions for getting rest don’t always resonate. Rest needs to feel active, hands-on, and purposeful. Here are a few creative ways to recharge: 1. Weekend Garage Projects: Fixing something, building, or working on that old car. It’s productive and gives the mind a break from the daily grind. 2. Nature Hikes: A good hike clears the head and gives you space to breathe without the noise of daily life. 3. Cold Water Plunge: There’s nothing like jumping into cold water to jolt the system and refresh both body and mind. 4. Slow BBQ Sessions: Tending to a grill over a slow burn is the perfect way to relax, stay focused, and enjoy a great meal afterward. 5. Weight Training for Recovery: Keep it light and slow, focus on recovery movements, and give your muscles and mind the active rest they need. 6.  Fishing Trips: Even if you don’t catch a thing, the time out on the water gives you space to reset. 7. Fireside Evenings: Sitting by the fire, enjoying a drink, and letting the day’s stress fade away. It’s simple but powerful. Sometimes, rest doesn’t mean slowing down completely but you need to find something that allows your mind and body to reset without feeling like you’re standing still. What’s your go-to way to recharge?

Men are at their best when they’re building something. It could be getting in shape, growing their wealth, or working on a new business venture. That feeling of being laser-focused on a goal, with progress as the daily fuel, is what makes us feel truly alive. It’s not about the end result—it’s about - the journey - the grind - the small wins along the way Whether it’s hitting a new personal record in the gym, growing a business, or reaching financial milestones, that forward momentum brings a sense of fulfillment that nothing else can match. Celebrate the small wins, embrace the challenges, and keep moving forward. In the end, it's the process of building and growing that makes all the difference. What are you working on right now that gives you that sense of purpose?

Landing the job of your dreams often hinges on nailing the interview. 4 simple ways to stand out and make sure you get the offer: 1. Do Your Homework Know the company inside and out. Research their mission, culture, and recent news so you can tailor your answers and show you’re genuinely interested in their success. 2. Show Off Your Value Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job. Share real examples of past achievements to demonstrate what you can bring to the table and why you’re the perfect fit. 3. Dress to Impress Look sharp and confident by dressing appropriately for the company culture. Paying attention to your appearance shows you respect the opportunity and helps you make a strong first impression. 4. Ask Smart Questions Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, company goals, or upcoming projects. This shows you’re proactive and truly invested in the role. These tips can help you leave a lasting impression and land that dream job. What's your go-to interview tip? 

In the late 2000s, Starbucks was teetering on the brink. The company had expanded too quickly, diluting its brand and leaving customers with a lackluster experience. Stock prices had plummeted, stores were closing, and layoffs were mounting. It seemed like Starbucks was losing its magic. Enter Howard Schultz, who returned as CEO in 2008. Schultz didn’t just see a company in trouble; he saw an opportunity to reignite the passion that had made Starbucks a household name. His mission was clear: get back to basics and bring the brand back to its roots. One of Schultz’s first bold moves was to temporarily close all U.S. Starbucks stores for a day to retrain baristas on crafting the perfect espresso. This move signaled a renewed commitment to quality. He streamlined operations, closing underperforming stores to focus on what mattered most—delivering a premium customer experience. But Schultz didn’t stop there. He embraced innovation by expanding Starbucks’ product lines and investing in technology like mobile ordering and payments. The introduction of the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program further fueled customer engagement. Under Schultz’s leadership, Starbucks not only bounced back but thrived. The company regained its stature as a leader in the industry, with stock prices soaring and customer loyalty stronger than ever. Schultz’s story is one of the best examples of the power of visionary leadership and staying true to core values. Even in the darkest times, we can turn things around by focusing on quality, embracing innovation, and leading with passion. Whether you’re navigating your business through rough waters or seeking new opportunities, Schultz’s example shows us that success comes to those who dare to lead with conviction and heart.

Leveling up your relationships doesn’t have to take months or years. Here are 5 changes you can make today to improve your connections and enrich your life: 1. Practice Active Listening Put down your phone, make eye contact, and truly listen when someone is speaking. Show genuine interest by asking questions and reflecting on what they say. This simple shift can dramatically improve the quality of your interactions. 2. Express Gratitude Take a moment to appreciate the people in your life. Whether it's a heartfelt thank you, a quick text, or a note of appreciation, expressing gratitude strengthens bonds and makes others feel valued. 3. Be Present Focus on being in the moment, whether you're with family, friends, or colleagues. Mindful presence shows others you value their time and company, enhancing your relationships significantly. 4. Set Boundaries Clearly communicate your needs and limits with kindness and respect. Healthy boundaries protect your well-being and encourage mutual respect, leading to more balanced and fulfilling relationships. 5. Initiate Meaningful Conversations Move beyond small talk by asking open-ended questions that encourage deeper dialogue. Discuss dreams, challenges, or aspirations to foster a more genuine connection. Make these changes today and watch your relationships transform. Which one will you start with?