Pushing Past Your Down Days: Meet Jason Swencki

GoDaddy LifeCategory
•5 min read
Katelyn Armas

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career at GoDaddy.

I am a Director of Commerce Software Engineering based in Tempe, Arizona. I have been with GoDaddy going on 12 years, now. My team is incredible and I am fortunate to work with such an amazing group of talented individuals who truly care for one another, our customers, and products.

I have two passions, when it comes to work — engineering and rescue operations (through volunteer work). I am a certified SCUBA/NREMT instructor and diver for recreational, rescue, public safety diving, and also an active NREMT. I have been part of training and rescue missions for civilian and disaster recovery, for many years. I have two sons and both have professions that involve rescue. I am fortunate to have been a part of their training processes.

Outside of work, it’s important for me to live a healthy lifestyle. Through exercise and clean eating, I have been able to transform my life. In the past 4 years, I have lost over 70 pounds and learned that weight is just one factor to a healthy lifestyle. Now, I have significantly more energy, my mental health is flourishing, and I have been able to stick to a consistent routine.

You are a part of GDFIT. Can you explain how this community has made an impact on you, personally?

I have been a part of GDFIT, since it’s inception. What I love about this ERG (Employee Resource Group) is that it’s All-Inclusive of our company and all ERG’s. With the group, you can grow in body and mind. Our mission is to bring GoDaddy employees together to promote a healthy mindset and lifestyle.

For me, it isn’t about training for a marathon or setting a new PR for a deadlift (even though both of those things are major feats). Rather, it’s about moving your body and staying active, long-term.

This community has motivated me through tough times. We share accomplishments together, not to brag, but to inspire and provide accountability. Recently, I had a health scare with my asthma and COVID and was unable to work out for an extended period of time. It had become difficult to breath and get up out of bed! With the group’s support, I was eventually able to get back into the swing of my routine and return to my full health. I am fortunate to have coworkers that not only check in on me but hold me accountable.

I am the Co-Lead for the organization and am able to provide support for the group, along with the NEW (New Employee Welcome) and interns. This has provided me great purpose, knowing I am able to chat with so many employees about leading a healthy lifestyle.

What exactly is 75 Hard and what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from completing?

75 Hard is a self-improvement program, created by Andy Frisella. The program includes a fitness component but also targets other aspects of life, aimed at transforming the whole you. There are 5 tasks that you should complete each day, for 75 days. The goal is to create long-term habit changes to your everyday life.

The 5 tasks include:

  • Follow any nutrition plan designed for your goals, with zero alcohol and no cheat meals.
  • Complete two 45-minute workouts every day, one of which must be outside.
  • Drink a gallon of water every day.
  • Read 10 pages of an educational or self-improvement book every day.
  • Take a progress picture every day.

I have already completed 75 Hard twice now, just recently wrapping up my second completion. For me, the most important thing is consistency and pushing past our down days. Sure, there are times that all of us have slip ups (we’re human). However, it’s important for me to document these slip ups. I like to call out, instead of turning a blind eye to it.

What advise would you give to professionals who are just starting out on their fitness journey?

My first piece of advice would be to keep it simple. You don’t need to have a gym membership or fancy equipment to make it work. Find time in your day to move your body! I find myself doing squats if I have a spare minute. I also think that a standing desk, or a treadmill under your desk helps immensely, throughout the workday. I have found huge benefits from walking every day. Don’t discount the benefits of getting your steps in.

My second piece of advice is to just breathe. We get so caught up in the day-to-day that we forget to take breaths, to ground us and remember that all is going to be okay. Do you remember what the office smelt like on your very first day? It was new and exciting, all while you were a bit nervous for what was to come. Over time, you lose the sense of smell and become numb to it. Make an effort to go back to that moment and remember the smell of something new!

What’s your go-to song/playlist when you need motivation?

I love So/Cal Reggae Rock!

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERG’s, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

  • Katelyn Armas

    Katelyn Armas is the Senior Employer Brand Strategist on the Global Employer Brand Team, here at GoDaddy. Her experience includes Content and Recruitment Marketing. Outside of work, you can find Katelyn walking her Doberman named Deklan, working out, reading, traveling, and making ginger shots!
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