Seeking Excellence with Nathan Crankfield

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Most habits are easy to start but incredibly difficult to sustain — and week three is often the make-or-break moment.
Nathan Crankfield reveals the counterintuitive truth about building resilient routines, sharing personal stories and proven frameworks to help you push past that critical hurdle.
In this episode, discover why the "front door" is the heaviest weight at the gym of habit formation, and how to reduce friction in your daily routines to stay consistent, even when life gets chaotic.
Nathan explores why most people quit at week three, and offers practical strategies like designing for your worst week, setting clear boundaries for legitimate excuses, and how to use honest reviews to keep yourself accountable.
You'll learn:
Why the first few weeks aren’t the real test. Week three is.
How to prepare for disruptions like travel or illness without abandoning your habits.
The importance of reviewing your progress to diagnose and correct course.
Why the secret to lasting change isn’t motivation, but persistence.
How mastering small victories can lead to lasting transformation across your physical, spiritual, and relational life.

I get asked about working at Hallow constantly. What is the culture like, how did I get the job, what do I love, what do I not love. I finally just wrote it all down.

In this episode I read my latest Substack article that covers my full journey to Hallow, what the last five years have been like, and what you actually need to know if you are thinking about applying.

I also get into why I love working somewhere that is both mission driven and ruthlessly committed to excellence, and why that combination is not for everyone. If you want to work at Hallow, start here. And then go apply.

It's been a hard year.

Work exploded, the kids have been sick for months, and somewhere along the way, I realized I've quietly become a yes man without even noticing it.

In this episode, I read my latest Substack article on why I'm giving up people pleasing for the month of May, and what it actually looks like to put first things first when life is pulling you in every direction.

If you have been saying yes to everything and slowly losing yourself in the process, this one is for you.

Most people struggle to balance the chaos of family, career, and personal growth — but what if the key to true success is simply saying no?
In this candid solo episode, Nathan Crankfield reflects on a year of intense change — moving cities, career promotions, family milestones, and the mental toll of trying to do it all. He shares the raw realities behind building a meaningful life while fighting burnout, explaining how intentional boundaries and a focus on what truly matters can unlock clarity and peace.
You’ll discover:
Why saying no to extracurriculars can be your most powerful growth tool
How to discern the right commitments for your season of life
Practical steps to protect your spiritual, family, and personal priorities amidst chaos
Nathan’s personal journey of leadership, faith, and authenticity in the midst of success and setbacks
The importance of a “sabbatical month” approach to rejuvenate your purpose and energy
This episode isn’t just about managing the overwhelm — it’s about creating a life aligned with your deepest values. Whether you’re navigating career pivots, family demands, or spiritual growth, this honest reflection will inspire you to prioritize what truly fuels your excellence.
Perfect for busy professionals, parents, and leaders feeling stretched too thin, Nathan’s insights cut through the noise to show you how intentional simplicity and bold boundary-setting can craft a more fulfilling, impactful life.
Join Nathan as he shares his raw, stream-of-consciousness thoughts — a candid guide for those committed to excellence without sacrificing their soul.

Bishop James Johnson joins Nathan for a powerful conversation on vocation, leadership, Catholic schools, generosity, and what it really means to trust God. They talk about his journey from engineer to priest to bishop, the challenges of leading a diocese, why Catholic education matters, and how giving reveals what we truly believe.