Celebrity Edition with Jason Yarusi

From Tragedy to Transformation

In this episode of Living a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Jason Yarusi, a dynamic speaker, author, coach, and real estate entrepreneur who embodies resilience and reinvention. Jason’s story begins with profound personal loss—by the age of 16, he had endured the deaths of close friends and a longtime girlfriend. These tragedies left him without direction as he entered adulthood, drifting through jobs in bars and restaurants while feeling stuck and unfulfilled. A near-fatal bike accident in New York City became his turning point. Jason realized he was living the same destructive cycle and decided to radically change his habits. By focusing on healthier routines, continuous learning, and intentional choices, he began reshaping his life and future.

Building Habits and Breaking Cycles

Jason emphasizes the power of habits, noting that up to 95% of daily actions are subconscious. Negative routines perpetuate negative outcomes, while conscious, positive practices create transformation. He stresses the importance of self-awareness—acknowledging negative thought patterns, toxic environments, and self-doubt. For Jason, real progress started with owning his shortcomings and committing to new habits that aligned with the person he wanted to become. His advice is simple yet profound: ask yourself whether your daily actions reflect the life you truly desire. If not, define the habits of your ideal self and begin living them intentionally.

From Bartender to Real Estate Mogul

Jason’s willingness to pivot led him from opening and selling hospitality businesses to scaling his family’s construction company, and ultimately to real estate investment. Since 2016, he and his team have acquired over $350 million in multifamily properties across the Southeast. He highlights that success in raising capital comes from preparation—educating and aligning with potential investors before opportunities arise. By creating clear investment avatars and communicating early, he built trust and secured funding efficiently when deals became available.

Embracing Failure and Focus

Failure, Jason shares, is inevitable—but how we frame it makes the difference. He uses the “five-second vs. five-year problem” lens to determine what deserves his energy. This perspective helps avoid overwhelm and allows for focused attention on what truly matters. Structuring the day, compartmentalizing priorities, and being fully present—whether at work, with family, or in personal reflection—ensures clarity and balance.

Living a Fantastic Life

For Jason, living fantastically means appreciating the moment while striving for growth. Gratitude is central, even in hardship, and clarity of goals is essential. He encourages listeners to boldly declare what they want, despite fear of failure, because the true regret lies in never trying. His philosophy is rooted in a 100-year vision: making decisions today that positively affect generations ahead.

Connect with Jason Yarusi

Discover more about Jason’s work at www.jasonyarusi.com, where you can access his free eBook on breaking habits and learn about his coaching. Tune into his short-form podcast, Live 100, for quick, actionable strategies to build better habits and design a life of fulfillment.