Daily Boost PodcastMoney and MusclesJuly 14, 2026 | Episode 5497Host: Scott SmithEpisode DescriptionI stayed home over the holiday, skipped Virginia, and wrote 25,000 words in seven days. That's what motivation does.Today I'm talking about my friend Croy, who's about to run 110 miles across Death Valley and climb Mount Whitney — solo, unassisted, at 55. He's scared, and that's the point.I'm digging into why setting a goal with a wall at the end changes you from the inside out, whether you reach it or not. Plus money, muscles, and the strange currencies that keep us moving.Featured StoryMy friend Croix is getting ready to run across Death Valley. On August 5th, he starts at Badwater, 250 feet below sea level, and runs 110 miles across the desert toward Lone Pine. Then he climbs Mount Whitney, peaking near 15,000 feet. Solo. Unassisted. Towing a wagon. Trying to break a 48-hour record at 55 years old.We worked together to get him a sponsor, and he told me last night he's scared. His body is acting up. He's pulling 75-mile training days and second-guessing everything.I asked him why he's doing it. He said he'll have to die on the course to finish. That's a man who found his motivation.Important PointsOne of the greatest ways to get motivated is to set a goal with a wall at the end. The payoff is who you become, not just reaching it.The minute you set a nearly impossible goal and step into it, it changes you from the inside out — win or lose. That's the payoff.Motivation is multifold. Find the benefit that keeps you showing up, even if it's not the one you put on the poster. That's the payoff.Memorable QuotesIt doesn't matter whether you achieve the goal. The minute you set it and step into it, everything starts changing. That's the payoff.I don't like to do impossible things because they're impossible. The only time I do them is when I don't know they are.When you set a goal like running across Death Valley, first you think it's stupid. Then you can't wait to try it.Scott's Three-Step ApproachStart by setting a goal so big it scares you — something with a wall at the end that you almost think you can't do. The payoff is the change it creates.Then step into it immediately, because the change begins the minute you commit, not the day you finally finish. That's the payoff.Finally, borrow motivation from someone else's climb. Tie your goal to theirs and let their finish line pull you. That's the payoff.ChaptersConnect With MeSearch for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and SpotifyEmail: [email protected]Main Website: https://motivationtomove.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmithFacebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomoveFacebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebookLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices