040: A Conversation with Daniel Yates, The Job Is Not Done

In this episode of PROCAST BY JOSH, I sit down with Dan, also known as DY, one of the best prep coaches in Australia, a Men’s Physique competitor, and someone I have known for a number of years through the bodybuilding and coaching world.

Dan is someone I have a huge amount of respect for, not only because of the results he helps create with his athletes, but because of the standard he holds himself to as a coach, competitor and person.

In this conversation, we talk through where his competitive nature first started, why he was drawn to solo sports, and how that mindset eventually carried into bodybuilding, competing and coaching.

From early days in the gym, long training sessions, plenty of volume, nutrition lessons, and learning through trial and error, Dan shares the journey behind how he built himself into the athlete and coach he is today.

We also go deep into the reality of competition preparation. The discomfort, the sacrifice, the pressure, the relationships, and the level of discipline required when things stop feeling good and the backend of prep gets hard.

A major theme in this episode is learning from every experience. Dan talks about being grateful for placing second in his first show, how not winning can often keep athletes hungry, and why getting what you want too early can sometimes stop people from truly appreciating the work required to reach the highest level.

We also discuss the idea that the pro card is not the end point. For highly competitive athletes, it can often be the beginning of a whole new level. The question then becomes whether you are willing to keep raising your standards, keep learning, and keep doing what is required.

Key topics include
• Dan’s competitive mindset from a young age
• his early training years and lessons from the gym
• nutrition, structure and the influence of family
• junk volume, hard training and learning what actually matters
• the discomfort and sacrifice required in prep
• why not winning can teach you more than winning early
• the pro card not being the final destination
• relationships, support and understanding the demands of competing
• learning from every show as both an athlete and coach
• avoiding complacency after success
• coaching athletes with high standards and genuine care
• managing personal competing goals while supporting clients
• what separates people who want results from people willing to uphold the standard
• learning from mistakes and refusing to play the victim

One of the most powerful parts of this episode is hearing how much Dan cares about his athletes. Yes, he loves winning, but it is clear that helping his clients win, improve and achieve what they set out to do means just as much to him.

At the heart of this conversation is a clear message.

The job is not done.

Whether you win, place, fall short, earn a pro card, coach an athlete through a successful season, or reach a new level in your own journey, there is always more to learn, more to refine, and another standard to rise to.

To follow Dan’s journey, learn more about his coaching, or apply to work with him, you can connect with him on Instagram here: @dy.fit

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone in your circle who might need this message right now. And if you are enjoying PROCAST BY JOSH, a quick rating or review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts goes a long way in helping us reach more people and continue building a community of people committed to becoming PRO in their own world.