Embracing Authenticity and Failure: The Journey of Keaton Hoskins, “The Muscle”
- Braiden Belnap
- Jul 5
- 7 min read

In this energizing episode of Journey to Authenticity, I sat down with Keaton Hoskins, also known as “The Muscle”. Keaton is a serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and fitness enthusiast who has built multiple successful businesses and inspired countless people to live authentically.
Keaton’s story is one of relentless drive, passion, and resilience. From early setbacks to building thriving ventures, he shares candid insights into the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship. What stands out most is his commitment to staying true to himself, refusing to let failure define him, and instead, using it as a stepping stone toward success.
Building a business is not for the faint of heart. It is filled with highs and lows, wins and setbacks, moments of confidence, and waves of doubt. But inside every challenge lies an opportunity to grow. That is what makes the entrepreneurial path so powerful. Not because it is easy, but because it transforms you from the inside out.
In a recent podcast episode with Keaton Hoskins, we opened up about what it truly means to pursue your purpose and build something meaningful. We shared stories, lessons, and moments that tested us. And more importantly, we talked about what it looks like to turn those moments into fuel instead of fear.
Keaton has built a powerful life by facing his setbacks head on and using them as a foundation to grow. He knows firsthand that the path to success is not linear. It is built on resilience, self awareness, and the ability to rise again and again. Through our conversation, we explored themes like authenticity, vision, discipline, and owning your story. Not just in theory, but in real life.
Whether you are just starting your business or standing at a crossroads wondering if it is worth continuing, this blog will help you reconnect to your purpose and give you tools to keep moving forward with courage.
Failure Is a Catalyst, Not a Curse
One of the biggest myths in entrepreneurship is that successful people have it all figured out. In reality, those who achieve lasting impact are the ones who are willing to fail. Not just once, but repeatedly. Keaton shared several personal stories of failure, moments when quitting felt easier than continuing. But what he has done so well is extract meaning from those moments. He uses setbacks as teachers, not punishments.
If you are struggling right now, ask yourself this. What if this experience is not here to break you, but to build you? What if the discomfort you are feeling is simply growth in disguise?
When you begin to see failure this way, you start to move differently. You stop taking it personally. You stop hiding from the hard things. And you start asking better questions. Ones that lead to clarity, strength, and strategy.
Reconnect With Your Vision
Something that Keaton and I both agree on is the importance of having a clear and compelling vision. When the road gets bumpy, and it will, your vision becomes the anchor that holds you steady. Without it, it is easy to forget why you started.
This is why I am such a big believer in vision boards. They are not just trendy or cute. They are powerful visual reminders of what you are working toward. I have created entire episodes and blogs on how to build one, but the most important thing to remember is this. Your vision board is not about perfection. It is about clarity.
Imagine walking into a grocery store with no list and no idea what you need. You are likely to wander aimlessly and leave feeling scattered. The same thing happens in life and business when you do not know what you are aiming for. You lose focus. You lose drive. And eventually, you lose yourself.
Keaton has used vision driven goals to reshape his business and personal life. He has created space for clarity to lead the way, even in the midst of chaos. And you can do the same. Your vision does not need to be perfect, but it does need to be present. Write it down. Map it out. Make it visible. And return to it often.
Authenticity Is Your Superpower
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was about authenticity. Keaton’s journey is a reminder that the more you try to fit into someone else’s mold, the more disconnected you become from your own power.
Authenticity is not just a buzzword. It is the foundation of meaningful work and real leadership. It builds trust. It invites connection. And it helps you stand out in a crowded world.
If you are feeling like you have to change who you are to be successful, I want you to pause. Take a breath. And remember this. Your uniqueness is not a flaw. It is the very thing that makes you magnetic.
Keaton’s success has come from fully stepping into who he is. The more he embraced his voice, his truth, and his unique approach, the more aligned his life and business became. And that is available to all of us.
Here are three ways to practice authenticity in your own journey.
1. Ask yourself what you truly valueStrip away expectations from others and get honest. What matters to you? What do you stand for? What are you no longer available to tolerate? The answers to these questions form the foundation of your authentic self.
2. Take action that reflects who you areSmall daily decisions can either bring you closer to your truth or further away from it. Choose what aligns. Speak honestly. Create from the heart. The more you honor your values through action, the stronger your authenticity becomes.
3. Share your real storyYou do not have to pretend you have it all figured out. People do not connect to perfection. They connect to real. When you share your journey, the messy, the beautiful, the in between, you become relatable and trustworthy. Just like Keaton has done over and over again, you give people permission to be human.
Discipline and Structure Create Freedom
During our conversation, another key theme we explored was the power of discipline. Keaton’s growth is a direct reflection of the systems and structure he has built in his life. Contrary to what many believe, freedom does not come from chaos. It comes from consistency.
Entrepreneurs who succeed long term are not necessarily the most talented. They are the most disciplined. They set goals. They build routines. They protect their time. And they keep showing up, even when motivation fades.
Here are four practical ways to bring more discipline into your daily life.
1. Create a morning routine that aligns youStart your day with intention. Whether it is prayer, movement, journaling, or simply quiet reflection, create a space to connect with yourself before the world gets loud.
2. Set time blocks for focused workGive yourself uninterrupted windows to tackle your most important tasks. Use a calendar. Stick to it. Your future self will thank you.
3. Track your progressReview your goals weekly. Check in with what is working and what needs adjusting. This keeps you accountable and gives you momentum.
4. Protect your energyDiscipline is not just about doing more. It is about doing what matters. Say no to distractions. Say yes to boundaries. Your energy is sacred. Treat it like your most valuable resource.
Keaton has mastered the art of discipline, not because he is superhuman, but because he has committed to doing the work. His results are a byproduct of habits built over time, and anyone willing to stay consistent can do the same.
You Are Not Behind. You Are Being Prepared
We live in a world that glamorizes fast success. But real growth takes time. And often, the seasons that feel the most stagnant are actually preparing you for your next breakthrough.
Keaton’s journey has had moments of massive momentum and moments of stillness. But he has stayed the course. He has trusted the process, even when it felt slow. And that is one of the most important lessons you can take from his story.
If you feel behind right now, you are not. You are being refined. The lessons you are learning today will become the wisdom you use tomorrow. The resistance you are feeling now will become the strength that carries you forward.
Do not rush the process. Stay present in it. Keep learning. Keep believing. Keep building.
Live with Intention, Not Just Ambition
Ambition can get you started. But intention keeps you aligned.
As entrepreneurs and creators, it is easy to get caught in the hustle. But if you are not careful, you will build a life that looks good on the outside and feels empty on the inside.
Keaton and I both believe that living with purpose is about more than performance. It is about presence. It is about showing up fully, knowing what you stand for, and making decisions that support your highest self.
Ask yourself these questions often.
Am I creating something that reflects my values
Am I chasing goals that matter to me or ones that I think I should want
Am I proud of the way I am showing up daily
Intentional living is not about having it all together. It is about being honest. And that honesty creates alignment, fulfillment, and peace.
You Already Have What It Takes
If there is one thing I want you to take from this blog, it is this. You do not need more permission. You do not need to be more qualified. You do not need to wait until you feel ready.
You already have what it takes. You have the vision. You have the grit. You have the story that someone else needs to hear.
Keaton Hoskins has grown not by waiting for perfection, but by taking bold action, even when things felt uncertain. He has built his life by being real, being consistent, and being committed to growth. And you can too.
So here is your reminder. Start messy. Start afraid. Start with whatever you have in front of you. But just start.
The world needs your story. Your clients need your creativity. Your purpose needs your presence.
Let this be the moment you stop playing small and start building something bold.
Now It’s Your Turn
What is one failure or challenge you have experienced that turned into a breakthrough? Share your story in the comments below or reflect on it in your journal. There is power in naming your growth.
If this message resonated with you, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode with Keaton Hoskins for even more insights and motivation. You will walk away feeling seen, inspired, and ready to step into your next level.
You are not alone on this path. And your journey is just getting started.
Connect with us!
• Keaton’s Website: https://keatonhoskins.com/
• Keaton’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.muscle/
• Keaton’s limitless society: https://limitlesssociety.com/
• Braiden’s Website: https://www.braidenbelnap.com/
• Braiden’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braidenbelnap/
• Braiden’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraidenBelnap
• Braiden’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@braidenbelnap
• Braiden’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braiden-belnap-09075a146/
Watch this amazing episode now!
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