Episode 122: Storytelling As A Means of Self-Reflection and Change

When Love is a Catalyst for a Shift in Your Story

He looked at his 2 year old son, standing at the foot of the bed where Bryan Falchuck's wife, his son's mother, was wasting away in front of his eyes.

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It was that moment when he knew he had to change. To be there for his son in a way he hadn't felt supported as a child, and to be there for his wife in a way he knew she needed, he had to take the steps. Those steps included steps backward, to better understand why he was so compelled to action, so compelled to exploit his anxiety as a tool for professional success.

At a time when money was tight and time was so severely limited, Bryan finally sought help.

It wasn't an overnight shift, following his realization as he looked at his son and wife that day. And he knew it wouldn't be.

He had plenty of evidence of his resilience, persistence, and motivation. As a seriously overweight child and young adult, in his 20s he made the decision to take control of his health and weight and lost 100 lbs. But when his wife got sick and they couldn't find a diagnosis, he regressed and gained 50 of those pounds back.

Bryan took the necessary steps every day to bring himself back to health, and to be the support his wife truly needed.

It's nine years later and he has stayed the course. His wife is mostly recovered, though she continues to battle long-term symptoms of Lyme Disease, and he has written and published two best selling books about his adventure in finding health and happiness in his relationships with himself and others.

What I loved about Bryan's story was that his decision to change wasn't really about him. His decision came from deep love for his family. Being a healthy father and husband meant being a present, compassionate, and supportive father and husband. And that was his motivation. Love.

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Bryan Falchuk is an author, speaker and coach helping people change their lives. Bryan has also been a successful C-level executive. As a Certified Behavior Change Specialist, Bryan is the best-selling author of Do a Day and his latest best-selling book, The 50 75 100 Solution: Build Better Relationships. He speaks regularly on the subjects of motivation, culture, relationships and overcoming challenges, including several TEDx Talks.

He has shared his message on over 150 podcasts and radio shows, and has written for many top publications like Inc Magazine, the LA Times and Chicago Tribune. Bryan also hosts his own show, The Do a Day Podcast.

Visit Bryan's website to learn more, connect with him on LinkedIn, and follow his inspiring work on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Sarah Elkins is a communication coach, keynote speaker, Gallup certified StrengthsFinder coach, professional musician, and author. Her book, Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will is based on lessons from hosting this podcast, and will be available for preorder beginning in early May, 2020.