Defining moments can be building block of excellence, but they can also derail us. As children, we start creating narratives about our lives. If we are not careful, we may let limiting narratives gain control of our adulthood. In this episode, we discuss how defining moments can act like a double edged sword. 

Coach Elix spills the beans on HIS defining moment at age 10 when he felt rejected by his grandma. Tune in to find out how the small moment affected him throughout his childhood and adulthood as well as what happened when he finally confronted his grandma about the event. 

This particular story made a high achiever out of Coach Elix, but is that really a good thing? 

“I was already a go getter, I was already a high achiever, but this time it was not on top of some story of what I was not.”

Timestamps: 

[01:44] Episode overview: Harnessing the power of defining moments

[09:54] The amazing effect of openly discussing your defining moments (Steven’s experience)

[14:29] What is a defining moment? 

[16:00] Coach Elix’s defining moment story (“I didn’t know I was adopted”)

[21:49] The positive side of defining moments (“I was determined to prove otherwise”)

[23:55] Are you a hamster stuck in a wheel? 

[25:30] How your inner child might be managing the adult you are. 

[27:55] Confronting his grandma (and what he was surprised to find out). 

[33:17] Reinventing your life after resolving defining moments. 

[38:39] Three things you can do to recognize defining moments. 

[44:44] What would happen if you don’t take action to resolve defining moments? 

Key Takeaways: 

Sharing your defining moments openly can lead you to reevaluate them and gives you a fresh perspective on your life. 

Getting a sense of awareness of what the defining moments of your life are gives you the clarity you need when making decisions in your life. 

Defining moments have the power to define us. They also have the power to transform our lives. 

Even though negative defining moments can lead to seemingly positive things like being an overachiever, you might find yourself like a hamster stuck in a wheel because you are basing all of your positive achievements on the basis of a negative event. 

“If you do not define a defining moment, it is going to define you”

There are three things you can do to recognize defining moments: (1) embrace adversity and stay resilient by quickly finding purpose; (2) acknowledge fear and learn to quickly recalibrate; and (3) create a solution based action plan. Insight is not enough, action is also necessary. 

 

If you found value in this episode, please leave a 5-star review so we can continue inspiring you!

Get a G.R.I.P. with Coach Elix airs live on WARA 1320AM out of Attleboro, MA every Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern. To listen live or be a caller, stream the show from anywhere in the world by visiting www.wararadio.com.