Unlocking Purpose & Power: Faith, Vision & Grit

In a world where we constantly chase success and envision a brighter future, it’s easy to get lost in the “what’s next” and forget to embrace the present moment. Todd Durkin, CEO and Co-founder of Impact-X Performance, shares a deeply personal and inspiring perspective on how faith, family, vision, and grit intertwine to fuel a purposeful life. Drawing from his own journey—from his upbringing in a large blue-collar family to overcoming physical and mental challenges—Todd reveals how to harness the power of mindset, habits, and intentionality to live fully, grow continuously, and lead with authenticity.

Faith and Family: The Foundation of Success

Todd’s story begins in Brick, New Jersey, where he was the youngest of eight siblings in a hardworking family. Raised in a blue-collar town, he learned early on the importance of staying grounded in who you are and where you come from. “Never forget who you are and where you come from,” Todd says. His family, coaches, and community provided crucial mentorship and instilled values that shaped his character and work ethic.

His strong sense of family continues today, with over two decades of marriage and three children. Todd credits his upbringing and family support as a cornerstone of his success, emphasizing that values learned in childhood carry forward into adulthood and influence both personal and professional growth.

The Role of Sports: Building Grit and Character

Sports played a pivotal role in Todd’s life, serving as both an escape and a path to opportunity. Growing up with limited financial resources and navigating a father’s absence, he found in athletics a way to prove himself and earn a college scholarship. “Sports was the way out,” he reflects. The discipline, teamwork, and resilience learned on the field translated into traits that fueled his business ventures and leadership style.

These experiences taught Todd the value of perseverance, humility, and continuous improvement—qualities that remain central to his approach to life and coaching others.

Choosing Change or Letting Change Choose You

A central theme in Todd’s philosophy is the idea that you either choose change or change chooses you. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes changes come unexpectedly, forcing us to adapt. Todd shares how he wrestled with this reality during a tough three-and-a-half-year period marked by multiple surgeries and physical setbacks.

His faith helped him relinquish control over uncontrollable circumstances, allowing him to step into challenges with grace and purpose. Todd encourages embracing the present and learning to enjoy the process, even when the journey is difficult.

Morning and Evening Routines: Setting the Stage for Success

Todd’s disciplined routines are a testament to the power of habits in shaping daily outcomes. His “holy hour”—a two-hour block each morning dedicated to prayer, journaling, exercise, and reflection—sets the tone for his day. He also practices a “321” nighttime shutdown routine that enhances sleep quality, crucial for sustained energy and focus.

Key elements of his routine include:

• Quiet time for prayer and journaling

• Morning workouts in his home gym

• Walking his dog to clear his mind

• Sending three intentional texts daily to people on his mind, fostering connection and positivity

These practices help Todd maintain mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical vitality, enabling him to show up fully for his family, clients, and community.

Motivational Speaking: Inspiring Others Through Authenticity

Todd’s passion for motivational speaking stems from a divine gift to inspire and uplift others. Whether addressing hundreds or thousands, he focuses on storytelling that connects deeply with audiences. For Todd, it’s never about him—it’s about motivating others to step into their best selves.

Preparation is key. His pre-stage rituals include:

• Morning workouts to activate energy

• Rehearsing and visualizing his message

• Meditation and breath work to control excitement and maintain presence

Even when technical glitches arise—such as malfunctioning slides or unexpected interruptions—Todd’s thorough preparation and calm professionalism allow him to adapt seamlessly and deliver impactful talks. “You’ve got to know your stuff so well that you don’t need the slides,” he advises.

Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals: Dreaming and Acting with Intention

Todd is a firm believer that goals give life energy. Without dreams, we merely go through the motions. He encourages dreaming boldly and writing down those dreams to bring them to life. His “God-sized dreams planner” prompts reflection on personal, family, and professional aspirations, helping to align daily actions with long-term visions.

However, dreaming is only the first step. Todd insists on coupling dreams with action: “I like to dream and then take action to move closer to what those dreams may well become.” This approach fosters continuous growth and prevents stagnation.

Overcoming Adversity: True Strength in the Face of Challenges

Todd’s journey has not been without hardship. Battling severe knee injuries, a debilitating back condition, and sleep apnea during the pandemic, he faced what he calls “the darkest time” of his life. Yet, his commitment to positivity and faith helped him persevere.

His experience deepened his empathy and fueled a mission to support others facing mental health struggles, especially athletes. Todd’s story is a powerful reminder that strength is not the absence of pain but the courage to keep moving forward despite it.

Lifelong Learning: Sharpening the Mind and Spirit

Continuous growth is a cornerstone of Todd’s philosophy. He surrounds himself with coaches and mentors, reads voraciously, and listens to podcasts daily. This commitment to learning keeps his mind sharp and his perspective fresh.

He shares how periods of stagnation often coincide with neglecting personal development. Investing in oneself—whether through books, coaching, or reflection—is essential for ongoing success and fulfillment.

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