Lance Ernest Martel, based in Chittenden County, Vermont, is a dedicated professional, athlete, and mentor. With a career spanning roles in federal service, including DHS and the IRS, he brings a strong work ethic and analytical mindset to his job. Beyond his professional life, Martel is a competitive bodybuilder, a former high school wrestler, a motorcycle enthusiast, and a tattoo competition competitor. His passion for self-improvement extends beyond himself—he coaches young athletes and supports animal rescues, proving that personal success is most meaningful when shared with others.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early. I wake up before the sun rises and hit the gym for my first workout. Training in the morning sets the tone for everything else—it sharpens my focus and builds my discipline. After that, I head to work at the IRS, where I spend my day analyzing financial information and problem-solving. Once work is done, I either hit the gym again, ride my motorcycle, or focus on coaching. Productivity comes from structure. When you build routines, you take the guesswork out of your day, and that’s when things get done.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe in action over theory. If I have an idea, I break it down into steps and start immediately. Too many people overthink and never take the first step. Whether it’s fitness, career goals, or personal growth, the best way to bring an idea to life is to start working on it today. The details can be adjusted along the way.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The growing focus on longevity and functional strength in fitness. Bodybuilding will always be a passion, but I like seeing more people train for long-term health rather than just aesthetics. There’s a shift happening where people are looking at strength training, mobility, and endurance as investments in their future, and that’s something I fully support.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Consistency. It doesn’t matter if it’s training, work, or personal goals—consistency is the foundation for success. Showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it, is what separates progress from stagnation.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stop worrying about what other people think. Their opinions don’t matter. Focus on your goals, trust your instincts, and put in the work. Also, stretch more—you’ll thank me later.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
People rely too much on motivation. Motivation is temporary—it comes and goes. Discipline is what keeps you moving forward. If you only act when you feel inspired, you’ll never achieve anything lasting.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Lift weights. Strength training isn’t just about looking good—it builds mental toughness, confidence, and resilience. It teaches you that effort equals results.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I either hit the gym or take my motorcycle out for a ride. Physical movement clears my head, and the process of lifting or riding forces me to be present. Sometimes, stepping away from a problem is the best way to solve it.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Be reliable. In every job I’ve had, from UPS to DHS to the IRS, the one thing that stands out is that people value consistency. If you show up on time, do your job well, and don’t make excuses, you will always stand out.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I once took a job that I thought would be a great opportunity, but it ended up being a terrible fit. At first, I saw it as a failure, but in hindsight, it taught me what I truly wanted out of my career. The lesson? It’s okay to pivot. If something isn’t working, learn from it and move forward.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A coaching program that combines strength training, nutrition, and mental conditioning into one package. Most programs focus on just one aspect of fitness, but real progress comes from training the body and the mind together.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use a simple notes app to track workouts, meals, and daily tasks. Keeping things written down keeps me accountable.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me. That book reinforces the idea that you are capable of far more than you think. It’s all about mental toughness and pushing through discomfort.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I rewatched Gladiator recently. It’s a reminder of what discipline, honor, and resilience look like. Plus, it’s just a great film.
Key learnings
- Discipline beats motivation. Success isn’t about feeling inspired—it’s about showing up every day, no matter what.
- Action is more important than planning. Don’t overthink. Start working toward your goals today, and adjust along the way.
- Strength training builds more than muscle. It teaches mental toughness, confidence, and resilience—qualities that apply to every area of life.