Pushing Up

How a joint new year’s resolution made two brothers better fathers, husbands, and leaders

“OK, our goal is quite simple. We promise each other to do at least one exercise activity every day. Doesn’t matter if you are sick, traveling, or tired. And to keep each other honest, we share one pic doing our activity every day.”

With the above text solidifying their commitment, brothers Stephen and Jim Gilliland embarked upon a journey of crazy workout challenges that increased in intensity as the year progressed: 10,000 push-ups each in March became 30,000 push-ups each by December. At the time, they were each searching for something more—more from their relationship as brothers and more from their middle-aged bodies. And as each month passed, they discovered the unexpected gift of what it means to live more fully as connected brothers, fathers, husbands, and successful leaders.

Join them in these minutes to discover how their 12-month journey led them to a deeper bond and to important lessons on the inner journey of life, including:

• Achieving “I will” commitments and audacious goals
• Asking for help and finding genuine connection
• Uncovering hidden emotional scars
• Recognizing limits and preparing to fail
• Embracing “should be fine” as a mantra against doubt
• Practicing empathy and reaching out in times of loss