Meet Daniel Hopkins: Personal Trainer & Mindset Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Hopkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, how do you think about risk?
Everywhere we look there is risk. Doing anything outside of our comfort zone is risky. Jim Rohn had a quote that went, “Everything is risky. The minute you were born it got risky. If you think trying is risky, wait till they hand you the bill for not trying. You know how risky life is? You’re not going to get out alive. Now that’s risky.” I replay this quote in my head every time I’m about to take a big risk in my life. Taking risks has become a massive contributor to the outcomes in my life. Without taking risk I’d be living the timid approach to life where I never had much because I lived too cautiously. There will always be some level of fear attached to risk. They go hand in hand. It’s the uncertainty factor of not knowing exactly what’s going to happen. The crazy part is, we know exactly what not taking risk will produce in our lives. Risk is the action that takes us from where we are to where we need to go. The balance of life, the yin and yang, applies to everything including risk. Without risk there is no reward. Sometimes, even with risk there is no reward. Atleast no direct reward. And when that happens we need to seek the indirect reward. The wisdom learned, the knowledge gained, the potential growth allowed from something not working out when we took a risk. Had I not taken the risks presented to me in my life, I would not be where I am today. I left those dead end jobs, moved closer to the environment better suited for my growth, and risked being uncomfortable for the promise of starting my own business and creating the life that I will feel fulfilled from. In my opinion, the amount of risk taken in life, is measurable to the level of happiness we achieve. Life is about growing and striving toward our potential, and without risk, we are but waiting for the end.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I operate my own personal training business out of Armbrust Pro Gym in Wheat Ridge Co. My brand’s name is Found In Effort. I also work full time at Armbrust Pro Gym as a crew member mainly giving gym members encouragement and keeping the environment clean. What I am most proud about is fully leaving the restaurant industry. I’ve worked in many different types of restaurants in all sections. It was always an industry that I excelled in. The perfect comfort zone in which I could make enough to get by but never be enticed to take a leap into what I really dreamed I was meant to do. That cycle carried on for 15 years of my life. When the pandemic hit, I used it as an opportunity to escape and begin down my path I was meant to go down. Entrepreneurship. It has been far from easy and nothing like slinging drinks at the bar, but it’s where I’m meant to be. I’ve never been more uncomfortable, scared, and unstable in my life. However, as long as I prolong quitting until tomorrow and then tomorrow, prolong it again, I’ll be fortunate to help many many people. I knew this was not going to be easy. And I was right and wrong because it turned out to be immensely challenging and unforeseeable how many obstacles I would face. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If I gave in and took the easy path in a restaurant or the corporate space, my soul would die somewhere along the way. I’m meant to do and be more than that. I have tremendous potential in me and I’m far more capable than I give myself credit for. Just like every single person reading this, which includes you! If you haven’t done so, you should take your leap as well. Consider this your sign. Life is fleeting and just as you are no longer a kid in the blink of an eye, soon you will be twice this age and wishing you had jumped at this point in time. Take risks, because without them, we experience but a fraction of our potential.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love getting food and drinks in the Highlands and Lohi of Denver. The food is great and you can’t beat those views of the skyline. Whether you’re visiting Denver or from here, an absolute must is Red Rocks amphitheater. I don’t know a single person who’s had a bad time at Red Rocks. And of course, if you’re going to be in the main state of the Rockies, you need to check out the slopes during the winter and hike a peak in the summer. Now those are some real views. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be who I am without the people and the challenges that I had along the way. They know who they are and they are far too many to name but a few. I have been blessed in this life to have crossed paths with both protagonists and antagonists. I needed them both and I deserved them both. Thank you for your lessons. You will not be forgotten.

Instagram: Foundineffort
Other: Email: Foundineffort@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photographer: Casey Raser Rasersharpproductions