Most people don’t fail because they’re lazy. They fail because they get lost in the middle.
In this raw and practical conversation, Junaid sits down with high‑performance coach Jake Smolarek to dismantle the myths around success, discipline, and “luck.” Jake introduces his powerful 1080/10 framework and Vision GPS, revealing why the middle 80% of any journey—the boring, lonely, repetitive part—is exactly where champions are made and everyone else quits.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, started strong and faded, or secretly feared both failure and success, this episode will give you a new roadmap. You’ll learn how to think in decades, build systems that work when you sleep, and develop the kind of discipline that quietly turns you into “the lucky one” everyone talks about.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why the first 10% and last 10% are easy—and how the messy middle 80% actually creates your future
- The 1080/10 sequence: learn → practice → master → become a legend (and why you can’t skip steps)
- How to build a Vision GPS using vision, goals, a planning process, and systems that run 24/7
- The truth about fear of failure vs. fear of success and how they lead to self‑sabotage
- Why discipline is a muscle, and the small daily actions that create long‑term freedom
Timestamps
- 00:00 – The real reason most people stay stuck
- 01:00 – The 1080/10 Rule: where success is actually built
- 05:35 – The dark tunnel: surviving the hardest 20% of the 80%
- 10:14 – “You’re so lucky”: the story that exposes what luck really is
- 15:06 – Vision GPS: vision, goals, planning process and systems
- 20:26 – Fear of failure vs. fear of success and self‑sabotage
- 24:40 – Discipline as freedom: how to start when you’re scared and stay consistent
Guest Links
https://jakesmolarek.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakesmolarek/
https://www.instagram.com/jakesmolarek/
https://www.facebook.com/jake.lucas.smolarek
https://www.tiktok.com/@jakesmolarek
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Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
