This weeks Man Of The Week is Jason Klop. Jason grew up on a farm in a small town in British Columbia, and it is his upbringing that taught him the values he lives by today, hard work and persistence where giving up was never an option. As his life unfolded, Jason was always someone who dreamed big and used others’ opinions, regardless of good or bad, as motivation and fuel to push him further. He noticed that some in life become victim to their limiting diseases/issues whilst others choose to persevere and overcome them and be free from limitations. This was something that deeply intrigued him and made him realize that his true passion lays in helping others realize what their purpose is, how to feel fulfilled, and ways to jump over hurdles. Jason is a man that wears many hats, some of which include being a Father, Doctor, Speaker, Coach and an Entrepreneur. Today, Jason runs his own practice where he creates the space that allows his patients to dive deep and truly discover what makes them tick and feel happiness. To help people achieve these transformational changes in their lives, Jason has created a coaching space, a blog and a podcast titled Step into the Jungle.
Age – 27 years old
What do you do? (Work)
Naturopathic Doctor who is on a mission to help entrepreneurs discover their purpose and live a passionate and fulfilled life. We all get to a point in our lives when we ask ourselves a variation of the following questions: Is this it? Is this what I am really here to do? How will others remember me? What will my legacy be?
My goal then is to help people get clarity on those questions and leave a legacy behind them that is by their design.
Why do you do it?
What I noticed when treating patients was that unless they were living a life of purpose, they would get or stay sick. This oddity perplexed me and so like any evidence based health care provider would do, I took to the literature. Remarkably I discovered that the available research validated this finding and so I decided it was time I stepped up into the role of assisting others discover and live that purpose.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
First and foremost, by example. It is so easy to always tell others how they should live their lives, but if you are not modeling that, then nobody will truly buy into what you are presenting them.
Second, by truly caring about people and giving them the time of day to listen. We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded by new information coming in, but we don’t often take the time to just stop and notice what is. I make it a part of my ‘job’ to actively listen.
Third, by understanding who I am and what value I bring to the world. If you are unclear on your purpose and calling, then you are merely wandering around trying to do this or that in order to make your mark on this world. However, if you are really clear on why you are here and why you are doing what you are doing, then it makes it much easier to execute and truly make an impact. This whole process however starts with looking in. There is no amount of external information that will tune you in to this process.
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
– I grew up on a dairy farm and was constantly surrounded by animals. When I was 11 or 12 I got a baby goat from a goat farm. This goat was sick and nearly dead when I got it. The deal the farm made with me was that if it survived I could keep it. Thankfully the goat survived with much TLC and became an inseparable pet. This was a defining moment because it made me realize my calling to care for others.
– I fully realized my calling when getting diagnosed at the age of 15 with an acute illness that the conventional medical system had no treatment for. As a last ditch effort, my parents took me to a naturopathic doctor and it was with some very standard treatments that I was back to my lively self. I then had a deep understanding that I was supposed to give people the hope that they could not find from within or without. It is often from our own challenges that we realize our purpose.
– The third defining moment comes from truly facing my fears and going after my dreams and aspirations. Oftentimes it is easier to do what is comfortable even though it may not be in line with our values and purpose. When faced with this choice, I chose to follow my passion, live my purpose and tackle my fears. Challenging but very rewarding!
What is your life purpose?
It is my purpose and passion to help others realize and live their purpose and passion.
If I am able to connect people with their true purpose and passion I believe they will decrease the likelihood of serious illness as well as have a positive impact on the world while doing it. The richest place in the world is the graveyard because there are unfulfilled dreams and aspirations lying waste. I intend to not let my talent lie quietly in that desolate place, so I choose to live boldly every day, meanwhile inspiring and helping others to do the same.
How did you tap into it?
Introspection. Oddly we think that the answers to our purpose and passion should come from outside. Which book can I read to help me discover this, which talk can I go and listen to and etc. All of these resources are great because they allow us to question and learn what that might be. However, it is from looking within that you will find the clarity as to what you must project without.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
I am very inspired by Les Brown. He is such an authentic, caring and joyful man. I hope to have the honor of meeting him in person one day.
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
To always be appreciative of those around me who are helping me get closer to my goals. We are so under-appreciated these days that people don’t even know how to accept praise. All it takes is 30 seconds to tell somebody that you appreciate them or to start the first sentence of your email by thanking somebody.
If you appreciate those around you, they will without a doubt also appreciate you. There is no faster way to ‘success’ than through the help of others.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
I don’t fully buy into the whole work/life balance struggle. I believe we should focus on work/life integration. When you are truly living on purpose then your work is your life and your life is your work. I live and breathe what I do.
On the contrary, my highest value is my family and my health. As such, I take the time to exercise daily as well as spend time with my family. The balance is disrupted when I am not true to my purpose and living from my highest values.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
My vulnerable moment comes from my understanding that I need to welcome and express my vulnerability. Growing up I was always very in touch with my feelings and emotions. However, while growing up I would sometimes be made fun of for being ‘soft’. As a mechanism to protect this core innocence I ‘shielded’ up. I allowed a disconnect to form between my mind and my heart, thereby spending all my time in my mind where I could avoid allowing my heart to express its burdens and excitements. This mechanism served me for many years until I realized that this lack of connection wasn’t serving me and was in fact inhibiting me. I realized that my vulnerability is why people love and appreciate me because it is who I really am. I have since then with some guidance and much introspection developed a stronger connection between my head and my heart. This re-connection has allowed me to express my vulnerability to others without the fear of getting hurt and more importantly, it has allowed me to deepen my relationships with others. I cannot describe a more intelligent aspect of our being than the intelligence of our hearts.
What did you learn from it?
I learned that when you portray who you really are then you attract who and what you really want.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
The best piece of advice I got from one of my mentors was to always look for ways to provide value in your mentor’s or desired mentor’s life.
In addition, be open to learning without challenging their perspective. We are all teachers deep from within, so if you are looking to add value to a mentor’s life and you are open to learning, then you will find a mentor who is willing to impart their knowledge and experience.
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
Analogy from a farmer: your relationship with your partner is much like a crop. You need to water, fertilize and pull out the weeds before you can get the harvest. Many of us focus on what we can get without first focusing on giving and caring. When the focus is on supporting your partner in their development and level of fulfillment then you will be rewarded in kind. The truth is, what you give more of you get more of. Want more love? Give more love.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
I support Kiva.org. This organization gives microloans to people all over the world with emphasis on 3’rd world countries. I only lend money to women because I believe in these regions the women are the ones that can affect change in their families as well as their communities. Empowered women are powerful!
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Life is a highway by Rascal Flatts
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Doing more of the same but at a higher level with a much greater impact
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
I want to be a man that has fully stepped into my greatness and meanwhile leave a legacy of others who have done the same.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
