Keeping the Mind Fresh
A chat with Eric Hinman
By: Patrick S. Cross, LMT, CPN, CET
As Eric walks through the doors of Death & Co coffee house he’s got that look in his eyes like today is going to be an adventure.
An entrepreneur, angel investor, co-founder of multiple companies in multiple states, and a competitive athlete, Eric has a lot on his plate. He does not however have that tired, spread-too-thin look that afflicts so many of the extremely busy people I’ve met and worked with. His posture and temperament are energetic. He gives off the vibe of a kid who just ate a hearty breakfast and is ready to get out to the playground.
That’s one of the main reasons I wanted to interview Eric. When I see someone successfully managing a huge workload, engaging in creative projects, staying healthy, and having fun doing it, I want to learn that person’s secrets.
PC: So let’s start with a typical day. What does that look like for you?
EH: I do the same thing every day. It may sound boring or repetitive, but I’ve worked to build a life around positive energy and mental clarity, and even though my life is repetitive the things I do over and over are exciting and fulfilling.
I eat the same things every day. I work out, move my body - movement is life. I go to the same places, and I make sure to create a routine that fits well with my lifestyle. For example, I know I’m not going to be home a lot and I won’t have time to cook or meal prep, so I go to the same restaurants at the same time and order the same things every day. Most people would overeat or eat the wrong things if they ate out every meal, but I’ve built a routine around healthy eating that fits with my lifestyle, and it works.
PC: As a performance nutritionist that strikes a cord with me. I tend to recommend that people cook more at home, which is generally healthier, but a lot of people simply don’t have time to cook at home. The solution you’ve come up with is simple, but effective.
EH: I never look at a menu. As soon as I’ve figured out what the healthiest and most satisfying thing is at the restaurant, I never order anything else. It becomes the ‘Eric’ and all I have to say is ‘Bring me the Eric,’ and I know I have something that will be delicious and give me everything I need.
Routine, routine, routine. That’s how we free up mental space and thrive.
PC: In 2017 you were noted for having one of the top Men’s Health Instagram accounts, and in a post for Men’s Health Magazine you noted your top five mood enhancers (excluding diet and exercise as the obvious staples). Those were:
1. Meet at least one new person every day, share your story, and learn something about their story.
2. Expose your mind and body to something extreme or scary.
3. Give without expectation of receiving. Give someone a gift, knowledge, or inspiration.
4. Try something new.
5. Drink coffee (but not too much).
PC: Is there anything you would change or add to this list now.
EH: Definitely! Get outside. That’s a big one. And do something, preferably outside, that keeps your mind in the present moment. Mountain biking is one of those things for me. It gets me outside. I get my vitamin D. I get an endorphin rush, and it teaches my mind to focus on the moment, which is something we’re losing as a society. We get all of these notifications constantly, we have instant access to anything on the internet, and it’s ruining our ability to focus on one thing at a time.
PC: You’re very active on social media, does that make it harder to focus?
EH: I create a lot of structure around content consumption. That’s the next thing I would add to the list. If it’s not going to help me, if I’m not learning something or being inspired, I’m not looking at it. I’m not wasting time or focus if it’s not quality.
PC: When you talk about meeting new people, who are the most important people to put yourself in the room with on a regular basis?
EH: Like-minded people based on the chapter of life that I’m in right now.
PC: “I like that. I’ve noticed that the most important people to spend focused time with will change depending on where I’m at and what I’m trying to accomplish. There are the staple people in my life, my tribe so to speak, but I need to venture outside of that circle of friends and family and get in the room with people who are going to help me write that next chapter better.”
EH: Exactly.
PC: So, what’s your why? What is the driving force behind all that you do and keeping a fresh mind to do it?
EH: I want to experience as much as I can while I can. It’s people and places. Do epic shit with epic people. That’s what it’s all about.
