Consider any situation you’ve found yourself in where you felt like you couldn’t truly be yourself. Have you ever changed your behavior to fit in or impress others?

On this episode, we’re talking with Brandon Poythress, of Dallas, who struggled with exactly that from a young age. When he started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, he quickly discovered he was seeking approval from other people, which, in Buddhism, means you are seeking happiness outside yourself. 

Today we’ll cover how to flip that script and turn inward to find yourself instead.

CHEAT SHEET

1:21 Introduction to Brandon

1:51 Why he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a teenager 

4:21 How it helped him stop seeking approval from other people

7:42 What it took for him to make good friends

8:38 How he applied Buddhist philosophy to his situation

12:22 How he became comfortable with himself

18:36 What he decided to challenge next

27:34 Brandon’s vision for his 30s, 40s and 50s

32:55 What uncovering your Buddhability really means

37:48 Advice for anyone who feels stuck in a cycle of seeking approval from others