013 | Steve Safranek’s Journey from the Gridiron to the Yoga Mat: The Unexpected Path to Contentment

About the Guest

Steve Safranek is a yoga instructor, personal trainer, and the owner of a fitness studio based in Omaha, Nebraska. Previously an executive at Target Corporation with nearly 20 years of experience in retail and sales, he made a remarkable career shift to focus on fitness and wellness. Steve is also a published author of the book The Sh!t No One Wants to Hear: How to Accept and Embrace the Uncomfortable Truth in Our Lives. His journey includes an intriguing pivot from being a linebacker for the University of Nebraska to becoming a health-conscious vegan while working for Frito Lay.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks chats with Steve Safranek, a former retail executive turned fitness entrepreneur and author. Steve shares his remarkable transformation from the high-pressure world of retail management at Target to embracing fitness and wellness as a passionate yoga instructor and personal trainer. This episode delves into his journey of self-discovery, illustrating how he navigated life’s unexpected changes with perseverance and bravery.

Steve recounts his shift from a secure career in retail to embracing a purpose-driven life in fitness, a decision spurred by his yoga practice. The podcast touches on Steve’s background, from his college football days to his role at Frito Lay, where he faced the irony of being a holistic-minded vegan at an ultra-processed food company. Through candid reflections, Steve unveils insights from his book, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and believing in oneself to achieve personal and professional fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• Career Transformation: Steve transitioned from a long-standing retail career to pursue his passion for fitness and wellness, underscoring the courage required to change paths for personal fulfillment.
• The Role of Yoga: Yoga was pivotal in Steve’s journey, acting as a catalyst for self-awareness and personal growth, ultimately guiding his career decisions.
• Book Insights: Steve’s book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and emphasizes the necessity of embracing discomfort for success.
• Aligning Purpose with Work: Emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s career with their deeper purpose and mission, rather than chasing materialistic goals.
• Self-Acceptance: Steve discusses the importance of inner work, self-belief, and self-acceptance in cultivating healthy relationships and achieving true contentment.

Notable Quotes

• “Pain and discomfort are needed for success in life.”
• “Social media is not the problem. You are.”
• “You cannot accept others until you accept yourself.”
• “I am grateful that I don’t regret anything because that’s what has led me here.”
• “When your purpose and passion align, it’s like the money will be there.”

Resources

• Steve Safranek’s book: The Sh!t No One Wants to Hear: How to Accept and Embrace the Uncomfortable Truth in Our Lives
• Steve’s NEW Book: Peeling Back the Layers of Vulnerability: A Guide to Self-Discovery through Life’s Darkest Moments
• Connect with Steve on Instagram and LinkedIn

Dive deeper into Steve Safranek’s journey by listening to the full episode, where he shares more profound insights and inspirational stories. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking episodes from the Becoming Undone podcast.