Why the Success of the Deadlift ETF Shouldn't Be a Surprise

If you haven't seen it yet, an ETF was created that tracks companies where the CEO lifts heavy weights and its doing very well! As the President of NJII and a battle-scarred entrepreneur, I know firsthand the value of discipline, resilience, and strength—not just in business but in life. As the legendary Ronnie Coleman once said, "Everybody wants to be a bodybuilder, but nobody wants to lift these heavy-a$$ weights." This quote speaks volumes about what it means to be a leader. Everyone wants the rewards, the success, and the accolades, but not everyone is willing to do the hard work required to get there. Lifting heavy weights is about overcoming challenges—physical and mental—that seem insurmountable. This is exactly the kind of mindset you need in business.

CEOs who lift weights aren’t just pushing for personal records in the gym; they’re building the perseverance and grit to push their companies forward. It’s no surprise that the companies led by these CEOs are thriving. After all, if they’re willing to put in the work to master their own bodies, imagine what they can do when it comes to mastering their businesses.

Tracking companies led by physically disciplined CEOs makes sense when you understand that consistent weightlifting requires the same characteristics that define great leadership: focus, time management, self-discipline, and resilience. These traits transfer directly to running a successful business, where challenges come just as fast as they do in the gym. These leaders know what it takes to push through obstacles, whether it's a heavy barbell or market volatility.

In my own life as an entrepreneur, I’ve found that my commitment to fitness fuels my business mindset and over the last twenty years I have lifted six days a week and have never missed one. It’s a daily reminder that success comes from incremental progress, from showing up day in and day out, and from having the grit to push through when things get tough as lifting heavy weights requires failing every single day. The Deadlift ETF isn't just a novelty; it's grounded in the real performance of companies that are being led by some of the most dedicated individuals in business. These CEOs understand that being strong doesn’t just mean having a great physique; it means being strong in mind, body, and spirit. That’s what drives success.

So, if you’re looking at the Deadlift ETF and wondering why it’s outperforming, just remember: this kind of strength—both mental and physical—has been built one rep at a time. It’s not a fluke; it’s the result of years of dedication, perseverance, and discipline. And just like lifting heavy weights, leading a company to success is about being willing to do the hard work when no one else is. In the end, whether in the gym or in the boardroom, the lesson is the same: stay strong, stay disciplined, and never stop pushing forward.