Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

How This NFL Running Back Trains His Mindset for Resilience On and Off the Field On this episode of "The Jeff Fenster Show," Austin Ekeler breaks down his game plan for success in football and beyond.

By Jeff Fenster

Key Takeaways

  • Austin Ekeler's path to the NFL exemplifies the power of making the most out of every opportunity, no matter how small it may seem.
  • Ekeler's seamless shift into the business world highlights his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

In a world where the glitz and glamor of professional sports often overshadow the harsh realities of life after the game, Austin Ekeler stands out as a beacon of adaptability and foresight. His story, detailed in a captivating conversation with Jeff Fenster on his podcast, is not just one of athletic prowess but of strategic planning and execution in the realm of business.

Related: How Giving Your Time and Resources to Others Can Unlock Opportunity and Wealth

Austin Ekeler's narrative begins in the rugged, competitive landscape of college football, a world where thousands of hopefuls dream of NFL stardom, but few make it. Ekeler's relentless work ethic and determination set him apart, propelling him from a promising college athlete to a distinguished professional in the NFL. However, what makes Ekeler's story particularly compelling is not just his success on the field but his visionary approach to life beyond it.

The Athlete's Mindset in the Business Arena

Ekeler's transition from the NFL to becoming a successful businessman didn't happen by chance. It was the result of deliberate actions, constant self-improvement, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His journey is a testament to the fact that the qualities that make one successful in sports—discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure—are equally valuable in the business world.

In his conversation with Fenster, Ekeler emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities. This principle guided him through his NFL career and into his business ventures. By always being prepared to take advantage of every situation, Ekeler demonstrates a proactive approach to life that many aspiring entrepreneurs and athletes can learn from.

Lessons in Perseverance and Adaptability

Ekeler's story is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced, ever-changing world. It highlights the necessity of adaptability—both on the sports field and in the boardroom. His ability to pivot from a career in sports to successful entrepreneurship showcases a level of agility that is commendable and rare.

Related: Gary Vaynerchuk on the Power of Authenticity and Accountability

Moreover, Ekeler's emphasis on continuous improvement is a crucial takeaway for anyone looking to make their mark, be it in sports, business, or any other field. The mindset of never settling, always striving for better and viewing every failure as a lesson rather than a setback is what has made Ekeler a role model for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs alike.

A Blueprint for Success

Austin Ekeler's journey from the NFL to the business world is not just a story of personal achievement; it's a blueprint for success that emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience, and the ability to adapt. His insights, shared candidly with Jeff Fenster, offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of career transitions.

As we look at Ekeler's evolution, it's clear that his achievements are no stroke of luck but the result of a strategic approach to life's challenges. His story inspires us to pursue our goals with fervor and to remain adaptable in the face of change, reminding us that the principles of success remain constant across all arenas of life.

Related: How to Empower Yourself to Unlock Your Full Potential

Austin Ekeler's narrative from NFL stardom to business success is a vivid illustration of how skills honed in one area can translate into another, proving once again that the qualities of determination, adaptability, and continuous improvement are universal keys to success.

About The Jeff Fenster Show

Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.

Subscribe to The Jeff Fenster Show: Entrepreneur | Apple | Spotify | Google | Pandora

Jeff Fenster

Founder, Everbowl

Jeff Fenster is an award winning entrepreneur, best selling author, podcast host and expert in relationship capital.

His entrepreneurial success is vast - ranging from a quick serve restaurant chain, payroll and HR company, digital marketing agency and a construction company. But no matter what venture Jeff pursues, he lives by the principle of putting people first.

He was named a Empact100 Showcase Top 100 Entrepreneur in 2013, 2019's Top 40 Executive Under 40 by the San Diego Business Journal, and a Top Entrepreneur to Watch for 2020 by Thrive Global.

Jeff’s acclaimed podcast, The Jeff Fenster Show, features successful entrepreneurs, celebrities and athletes sharing their insights and stories of success. Today, Jeff speaks around the country on entrepreneurial mindset, authentic networking and vertical integration.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Jeff Fenster Show

How Adopting a 'Miracle Mentality' Can Transform Your Life

How Faith Powers This Entrepreneur's Ability to Persevere and Grow

'Say Yes When Others Say No': The Content CEO Shares His Secret for Success

A Sudden Tragedy Inspired This Entrepreneur to Develop a Plan That Transformed His Life. Here's How It Can Help You, Too.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Mark Zuckerberg Sounds Off on Developing AI: 'I Don't Think AI Technology Is a Thing That Should Be Hoarded'

Meta's CEO spoke about AI's future during an interview with YouTuber, Kalloway.

Business News

Wells Fargo Analysts Tested 75 Bowls at Chipotle — and the Portion Sizes Were Wildly Inconsistent

Zachary Fadem and a team of analysts ordered the same bowl 75 times at eight different NYC restaurants.

Business News

Warren Buffett Just Changed Up His Will and Locked Out the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Buffett still donated over nine million Berkshire Hathaway shares to the foundation, but the contributions will only continue during his lifetime.

Franchise

A Buddy's Franchise is Built for Success in a Recession Resistant Industry

Over the past six decades Buddy's has refined a proven operating model and established relational equity with its customers. With best-in-class training, support and service, franchisees have peace of mind knowing that they are being set up for success.

Marketing

Here Are the SEO Metrics That Matter in 2024

Explore the crucial SEO metrics for 2024 that every digital marketer needs to focus on for enhanced search engine visibility and performance.

Business Process

The Key to Preparing Your Business for an Eventual Investment or Sale

How an investment teaser can help diagnose (and fix) flaws in your business.