What I Wish I Knew at 27

At 27, I was an overweight insurance salesman.

I drank regularly. Ate poorly. Worked long hours because I thought that's what you were supposed to do. I had all the time in the world, but it didn't feel like it because I was filling it with the wrong things.

I remember looking in the mirror one morning and not recognizing myself. Not because I'd changed, but because I hadn't. I was turning into every other guy in his late 20s who let momentum carry him instead of making a choice.

That was 2009. The year I stopped drinking. The year I hired a personal trainer. The year everything actually changed.

Not because I added more to my life. Because I stopped chasing dopamine and numbing myself. I started choosing what was actually good for my body instead of what felt good in the moment.

Now I'm 44. I train 15-20 hours per week. I'm competing at Hyrox World Championships. I move better, recover faster, and feel sharper than I did at 27.

Here's the framework that changed everything. 👇

The Shift From Chaos to Systems

In my 20s, I worked long hours, partied hard, and collected experiences. I confused being busy with making progress.

In my 30s, I stopped drinking and rebuilt my life around wellness. I learned that showing up consistently beats sporadic intensity every time.

In my 40s, I work smarter. I've spent two decades building knowledge, relationships, and routines that make me feel younger than I did in my 20s.

The difference isn't age. It's clarity.

What Systems Look Like at 40

Training — 3-4x strength work, ~20 miles of mainly zone 2/zone 3 running per week, 6-8 hours of zone 2 cycling. This much volume isn't necessary, but it's what I enjoy - I feel best when I'm moving!

Nutrition — 80% of the time, it's the same: high protein bar pre-workout, protein smoothie or eggs post-workout, 16oz of steak with veggies and rice for dinner, frozen fruit with honey for a snack. Simple. Consistent. No guessing.

Supplements — Retain muscle mass. Improve mitochondrial health. Speed recovery. Better sleep. Gut health. Everything has a purpose aligned with my goals—not just what's trending.

Recovery — 3 rounds (20 min sauna at 190-200°F, 3 min cold at 40-45°F) at 5pm most nights. Same time. Same routine. This isn't negotiable.

Sleep — Consistency in bedtime and wake time. Avoiding stimulation late at night. Sleep mask, Ozlo Sleepbuds, 63° bedroom, infrared PEMF mat before bed. I shoot for 60-90 min of deep sleep, and 60 to 90 min of REM. That's my gold standard.

I switched from basic earplugs to Ozlo Sleepbuds because they block out everything—city noise, my dog's snoring—and use smart audio to help me fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. All-night comfort, even for side sleepers. Use code HINMAN for $80 off.

JOIN ME AT THE NEXT FOUNDERS ONLY CLUB RETREAT

March 6-8. Austin, Texas.

This isn't a networking event. It's a transformative experience where collaboration isn't just encouraged… It's the very essence of our gathering.

Over 48 hours, you'll forge 30 lifelong partnerships and navigate self-imposed obstacles that propel you forward.

What to expect:

• Trail runs and workouts that test your limits

• Contrast therapy sessions (sauna + ice) to reset your nervous system

• Guest speakers who've built real businesses (not just talked about it)

• Workshops designed to break through mental barriers

• World's Toughest Mile on Sunday morning to put it all together

P.S. The systems I use now? They're not magic. They're just intentional. If you want the full breakdown (my exact daily diet, grocery list, supplement stack, and recovery routines), follow along on Instagram. I share what actually works, not what looks good in a post.

See you out there,
Eric