Quest for Success

Why do some conversations blow up over nothing… while others lead to deeper trust and connection? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down one of the most powerful and practical relationship frameworks in psychology: The Four Horsemen. These four behaviors quietly sabotage marriages, friendships, families, and workplaces every single day and most people don't even realize they're using them. In this episode, you'll learn how to spot the early warning signs of unhealthy communication, why your brain reacts the way it does under conflict, and, most importantly, what to do in the moment to keep conversations from spiraling. This isn't theory for therapists only. These are real-world tools you can use today with your spouse, your coworkers, your kids, your friends, and anyone else you care about. If you want stronger relationships, fewer blowups, and better conversations under pressure, this episode will give you clarity, insight, and practical strategies you can immediately put into action. Takeaways The Four Horsemen of Relationship Apocalypse are criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. Criticism attacks a person's character rather than addressing the behavior. Defensiveness is a self-preservation response that inflames conflict. Contempt is the most dangerous horseman, indicating a feeling of superiority. Stonewalling occurs when someone emotionally shuts down during conflict. Gentle startups can prevent criticism from escalating conversations. Taking responsibility can break the cycle of defensiveness. Building a culture of appreciation can counteract contempt. Self-soothing techniques can help manage stonewalling. Intentional connection can redirect negative conversations towards positive outcomes. Learn more about leadership, psychology, and personal growth at www.Quest-Success.com. Press play and start building healthier relationships today. Want to Go Deeper? Recommended Resources Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Gottman Institute. "The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, Stonewalling." Siegel, D. J. (2012). The Developing Mind. Coan, J. A., & Sbarra, D. A. (2015). Social Baseline Theory and close relationships. American Psychological Association. Stress, Communication, and Relationships.

In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, host Dr. Jerry Cunningham sits down with Retired Brigadier General John Hafley, a decorated Army veteran whose career spans military leadership, law enforcement, and public service as a county judge. General Hafley reflects on a lifetime of leadership under pressure, sharing how learning from mistakes and being willing to adapt has shaped him across vastly different roles. He discusses the profound influence of his father, a minister and insurance agent, and how those early lessons in values, accountability, and character carried into both his military service and civilian leadership. The conversation explores how leadership evolves from college to the battlefield to the courtroom. General Hafley offers candid insight into the responsibility of making fair decisions that directly affect people's lives, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse backgrounds, earning trust, and maintaining credibility in every environment. The episode closes with hard-earned advice for emerging leaders: be persistent, be patient, and do the right thing, especially when no one is watching. It's a conversation grounded in service, integrity, and leadership that lasts well beyond the title. Takeaways "Mistakes in life are very important. You gotta make them, you gotta adjust them." "Leadership is not always about rank. It's about following someone that you want to follow." "You have to build trust by doing the right thing, even when no one's watching." "Learn from your mistakes. You're not perfect. Don't repeat them. And that's okay." "The military is the greatest leadership training organization in the world." Additional Resources Leadership and Self-Deception — The Arbinger Institute Extreme Ownership — Jocko Willink & Leif Babin The Speed of Trust — Stephen M. R. Covey Man's Search for Meaning — Viktor E. Frankl Start with Why — Simon Sinek

Ever notice how a task magically takes exactly as long as the time you give it no matter how simple it is? That's not bad luck or poor discipline. It's Parkinson's Law, and in this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, you'll learn how it's shaping your workdays, your goals, and even your personal life. This episode is all about helping you reclaim control of your time without turning life into a nonstop sprint. You'll discover why deadlines actually improve focus, how your brain responds to urgency, and why being "busy" often feels productive while delivering very little progress. More importantly, you'll hear practical ways to flip Parkinson's Law so time starts working for you at work, at home, and in your personal growth. If you've ever felt exhausted but oddly unsatisfied at the end of the day, this conversation will hit close to home. Expect insight, relatable examples, and strategies you can use immediately to sharpen focus, build momentum, and create real progress instead of endless motion. Takeaways Parkinson's Law explains why tasks take longer than expected. Busy work does not equate to effective work. Setting limits on time can enhance productivity. Attention is a limited resource influenced by urgency. Temporal discounting affects our motivation for future tasks. Breaking goals into smaller tasks increases motivation. Artificial scarcity can improve focus and completion rates. Emotional regulation is crucial for effective time management. Building habits reinforces our identity and leads to success. Intentional time management creates freedom and reduces stress. Learn more about leadership, psychology, and intentional living at www.Quest-Success.com. Recommended Resources Parkinson, C. N. (1955). Parkinson's Law Duhigg, C. (2012). The Power of Habit Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower Ariely, D. (2008). Predictably Irrational

What if people are making decisions about you before you ever say a word? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, we dive into the silent language that's shaping your leadership, relationships, and influence every single day body language and nonverbal communication. You'll discover how quickly people size you up, why your posture, facial expressions, and personal space matter more than you think, and how your body can either support your confidence or quietly sabotage it. We break down the psychology behind first impressions, microexpressions, personal space, and even the "tells" you might be giving away under pressure, often without realizing it. This episode isn't about becoming fake or overthinking every movement. It's about awareness, alignment, and using science-backed insights to show up more confidently at work, at home, and in the moments that matter most. If you want to communicate more clearly, lead more effectively, and stop sending the wrong message without meaning to, this episode is for you. Takeaways By the time someone hears your name, they've already decided what they think about you. Your body language can sabotage your intentions. Nonverbal communication begins before a single word is spoken. The brain prioritizes speed over accuracy in social judgments. Thin slice judgments can predict leadership effectiveness and trustworthiness. Embodied cognition shows that posture affects how we feel. Micro-expressions reveal genuine emotions in fractions of a second. Eye contact regulates connections and perceptions of trust. Proxemics influences how we interpret social situations. Awareness of your body language can enhance your communication effectiveness. Learn more, explore resources, and continue your journey at www.Quest-Success.com. Recommended Resources: Ekman, P. Emotions Revealed Hall, E. T. The Hidden Dimension Ambady, N. & Rosenthal, R. (1993). Thin-Slice Judgments Research Burgoon, J. K. et al. Nonverbal Communication Damasio, A. Descartes' Error

Why do smart people make decisions they later regret—even when they know better? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, you'll discover how your brain actually makes decisions and why willpower alone is rarely enough to create lasting change. We break down the two systems running your choices every day, the fast, automatic system that keeps life moving, and the slower, deliberate system that plans, reflects, and sets goals. You'll learn why knowing the right thing doesn't always lead to doing the right thing, how mental fatigue quietly sabotages discipline, and why environment matters more than motivation. More importantly, you'll walk away with practical ways to design your life so better decisions become easier and bad ones become less tempting. This episode is for leaders, high achievers, and everyday people who are tired of fighting themselves and want their habits, values, and goals to finally align. If you've ever said, "I don't know why I did that," this conversation might change how you see yourself and how you lead your life. Takeaways Understanding decision-making involves recognizing two systems: implicit and explicit. The implicit system is fast, automatic, and emotional, while the explicit system is slow and logical. Awareness of these systems can lead to better decision-making in life and leadership. The implicit system often overrides the explicit system, especially when mental energy is low. Designing your environment can significantly influence your decision-making processes. Success is not about willpower but about creating systems that support good choices. Habits form through consistency and clear messaging, not just intensity. Self-control is a limited resource; design smarter environments to support goals. The explicit system should set rules, while the implicit system executes them. Making small environmental changes can lead to significant improvements in decision-making. Learn more about building success across every area of life at www.Quest-Success.com. Want to Go Deeper? Recommended Resources Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman Atomic Habits – James Clear Willpower – Roy Baumeister & John Tierney Nudge – Richard Thaler & Cass Sunstein The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg

What do a rodeo arena and a therapy office have in common? More than you think. In this episode of the Quest for Success podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham sits down with Tex Holiday, a man who lives in two high-stakes worlds as both a mental health professional and a rodeo bullfighting clown. One role helps people manage fear, trauma, and pressure from the inside out. The other requires stepping directly into chaos to protect others, using timing, awareness, and even humor as tools for safety. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay calm under pressure, build trust when the stakes are high, and read people and situations before things go sideways. You'll hear how courage is built, why authenticity matters more than image, and how facing fear, rather than avoiding it, can unlock growth in leadership, work, and life. If you want practical insight on managing stress, making better decisions under pressure, and pursuing meaningful work without burning out, this episode is for you. Takeaways Healing occurs in both therapy and rodeo performances. Trust is essential in high-stakes environments. Rodeo clowns must balance humor with responsibility. Mental health stigma in law enforcement is a significant barrier. Adrenaline rushes are a part of both rodeo and therapy work. Reading people and situations is crucial in both roles. Bucket lists can inspire personal growth and adventure. Authenticity is key in connecting with others. Community support is vital for rodeo events. Life is too short not to pursue your passions. Learn more about leadership, mindset, and success at www.Quest-Success.com. Want to Go Deeper? Here are a few resources related to this episode's themes: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Research on stress and performance (Yerkes–Dodson Law) Literature on crisis intervention and situational awareness

Ever notice how the most confident people in the room are often the least accurate… while the people who actually know what they're doing tend to hesitate? That's psychology. In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, we break down the Dunning-Kruger Effect and show you how to use it to your advantage instead of letting it quietly sabotage your growth. You'll learn why confidence often spikes early, why it drops when learning gets real, and how to rebuild it the right way through competence, clarity, and consistency. This isn't about tearing yourself down or doubting everything you know. It's about recognizing where overconfidence can slow you down, where humility can speed you up, and how real confidence is built across mental, moral, physical, spiritual, and financial areas of life. If you've ever felt stuck between "I've got this" and "Maybe I don't," this episode will help you understand why and what to do next. Takeaways Confidence can often be misleading, especially in complex fields. The Dunning-Kruger Effect illustrates the gap between confidence and competence. Early confidence can lead to poor decision-making, particularly in finance. As knowledge increases, confidence may initially decrease due to awareness of complexity. Ego plays a significant role in how we perceive our abilities and decisions. Leaders tend to navigate uncertainty better than managers, who may rely on authority. Real confidence is built through competence, not just feelings of certainty. Feedback is more valuable than affirmation in personal growth. Humility allows for growth and adaptation without damaging self-esteem. The journey of learning often involves discomfort and confusion before clarity. Learn more about leadership, growth, and the Quest for Success at 👉 www.Quest-Success.com Hit play—and start turning confidence into capability. Want to Go Deeper? References & Resources David Dunning & Justin Kruger – Unskilled and Unaware of It (1999) Daniel Kahneman – Thinking, Fast and Slow Albert Bandura – Research on self-efficacy and confidence development Carol Dweck – Mindset

What do you do when life, leadership, or faith doesn't turn out the way you planned and optimism alone just isn't cutting it? In this episode of Quest for Success, you'll be challenged to rethink how you handle adversity through the lens of the Stockdale Paradox: the ability to confront brutal reality without losing hope. This isn't motivational fluff or "just stay positive" advice. This is about learning how to endure difficulty, lead with clarity, and stay grounded when results take longer than expected. You'll discover how this principle applies to business leadership, spiritual growth, and everyday relationships and why some people grow stronger under pressure while others quietly quit. Along the way, we'll explore real psychological research, powerful biblical parallels, and practical ways this mindset can reshape how you think, feel, and show up in the world. If you've ever felt stuck between faith and frustration, confidence and doubt, or hope and hard facts then this episode is for you. Takeaways Over 70% of people quit their major goals due to unrealistic timelines. Growth comes from accepting reality and learning from it. The Stockdale Paradox involves holding two opposing truths simultaneously. Cognitive flexibility is crucial for resilience and problem-solving. Leaders with high self-efficacy persist through challenges and view failures as temporary. Healthy relationships require acknowledging tension without denial. Humor can help regulate emotions and create psychological distance from pain. The Stockdale Paradox is evident in both business and personal contexts. Transformational stories, like Shawshank Redemption, illustrate the paradox in action. Confronting reality while maintaining hope is essential for personal growth. Learn more about the Quest for Success framework and resources at www.Quest-Success.com. Press play—and learn how to confront reality, keep the faith, and move forward anyway. Want to Go Deeper? Check These Out: Good to Great – Jim Collins Man's Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl Research by Albert Bandura on self-efficacy Research by James Gross on emotional regulation The life and writings of James Stockdale

What if the confidence you've been chasing isn't something you're supposed to feel, but something you're supposed to build? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the powerful relationship between confidence and competence and why one without the other eventually falls apart. If you've ever felt capable but hesitant, confident but inconsistent, or stuck waiting to "feel ready," this conversation is for you. You'll discover why real confidence doesn't come from hype, personality, or pretending you've got it all together. Instead, it grows from small wins, repeated action, and skills built under pressure. Through psychology, real-life stories, and a few self-deprecating moments, this episode challenges you to stop waiting for confidence to show up and start creating it on purpose. You'll walk away with a new way to think about growth, pressure, feedback, and progress and a practical challenge to help you put it all into action immediately. Takeaways Confidence is a byproduct of doing the work. The confidence-competence loop is essential for growth. Discomfort is a necessary part of the learning process. Avoidance can hinder personal development. Engaging multiple senses enhances learning effectiveness. Real-life experiences are crucial for building competence. Adults learn best when the material is relevant and applicable. Redefining action as practice can ease pressure. Social comparison can lead to self-doubt and avoidance. Confidence grows through consistent practice and adaptation. Learn more about leadership, mindset, and personal growth at www.Quest-Success.com and get ready to hit play with intention. Want to Go Deeper? Explore These Resources Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control — Albert Bandura Mindset — Carol Dweck Thinking, Fast and Slow — Daniel Kahneman Grit — Angela Duckworth

What if balance isn't about slowing down, but about lining up your life so your ambition actually works for you? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham sits down with Dr. Russell Gaede, known by everyone as Dr. Russ, for a powerful conversation on life balance, leadership, and burnout. Together, they unpack why so many high performers feel stretched thin despite outward success and how leaders can reclaim clarity, energy, and effectiveness without sacrificing drive. Dr. Russ introduces his practical VERBS framework—Vocational, Emotional, Relational, Behavioral, and Spiritual—and explains why balance isn't about equal time, but intentional boundaries. You'll hear why burned-out leaders underperform, how emotional health shapes decision-making, why relationships are non-negotiable, and how small daily changes can create massive long-term impact. If you're ambitious, committed, and tired of feeling like life is always out of alignment, this episode will challenge how you define success—and offer a better way forward. Explore more leadership tools and resources at www.Quest-Success.com. Resources & Further Learning Dr. Russ Website: https://dr-russ.ueniweb.com/ Playing 20 Questions With Your Fiance'  The Red Thread of Relationships  TEDx Talk: http://tedxrexburg.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/PjyNdtjzBAA YouTube: https://youtu.be/v01Wo9T5mlw Books Discussed on the Episode Letters for My Father: Grief, Love, and Self-Exploration by Dr. Louis Hoffman Case Formulation in Existential–Humanistic Therapy by Dr. Louis Hoffman and Heatherlyn P. Cleare-Hoffman Additional Recommended Reading Essentialism — Greg McKeown Atomic Habits — James Clear The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — John Mark Comer Burnout — Emily & Amelia Nagoski Deep Work — Cal Newport

Have you ever ended a busy day feeling exhausted… and still unsure what you actually accomplished? If so, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Quest for Success podcast, we unpack what I call the "Mary Had a Little Lamb" distraction, the surprisingly common way good, well-intentioned things sneak into the wrong moments and quietly derail progress. Using a simple nursery rhyme with a powerful lesson, we explore why focus breaks down, how attention gets overloaded, and why discipline alone isn't enough to protect what matters most. I did not make up this theory, I am just presenting it to you with my thoughts. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of how your brain handles attention, why positive distractions are often the most dangerous, and how boundaries, planning, and role clarity can dramatically improve your relationships, finances, and mental health. This is about putting the right things in the right place. If you're ready to stop feeling busy and start feeling intentional, this episode will challenge the way you think about focus, growth, and success. Takeaways Distractions can hijack focus and productivity. Good intentions can lead to confusion and lack of progress. Working memory is limited and easily overloaded. Planning and clarity are essential for achieving goals. Compassion and competence can attract distractions. Attention management is crucial for mental health. Setting boundaries helps protect focus and relationships. Identifying distractions is key to personal development. Success looks focused and protected, not chaotic. You have the power to decide what deserves your attention. Learn more about leadership, mindset, and personal growth at www.Quest-Success.com. Want to Go Deeper? Check These Out: Daniel Kahneman – Thinking, Fast and Slow Roy Baumeister & John Tierney – Willpower Cal Newport – Deep Work Alan Baddeley – Research on Working Memory Peter Gollwitzer – Research on Planning & Implementation Intentions Press play and learn how to keep the lamb out of the schoolhouse and your life moving forward.

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "That's just who I am," right after snapping at someone, shutting down, or feeling stuck in the same emotional patterns? What if that label is doing more damage than the emotion itself? In this episode of the Quest for Success podcast, we take a practical and eye-opening look at why labeling emotions like anger, anxiety, or negativity as "normal" or "just your personality" can quietly sabotage your growth. You'll learn how your brain wires emotional habits, why certain reactions feel automatic, and how unmanaged emotions spill into your work life, home life, and relationships often without you realizing it. This isn't about suppressing feelings or pretending everything is fine. It's about understanding emotions as signals, not identities, and learning how to lead them instead of letting them run the show. If you want clearer thinking, healthier relationships, and more emotional consistency in daily life, this episode will challenge how you see yourself and give you a better path forward. Takeaways We often excuse emotional reactions as part of our identity. Labeling emotions can hinder personal growth and leadership. The brain reinforces emotional patterns, making them default responses. Emotional habits can feel comforting, even when destructive. Curiosity about our emotions can lead to better self-regulation. Emotions are not fixed traits; they are signals that can be managed. Emotional awareness is crucial for healthy relationships. Unmanaged emotions can negatively impact social dynamics. Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and regulating feelings. Leading emotions instead of defending them fosters personal and social growth. Learn more and explore additional resources at https://www.Quest-Success.com Recommended Resources to Go Deeper Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders Ellis, A. (1994). Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy Lieberman, M. D. (2013). Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect

What if the stress you're carrying isn't coming from what you're doing wrong but from what you're trying to control that was never yours to begin with? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the Serenity Prayer as a practical, everyday leadership framework and not just something reserved for recovery rooms or crisis moments. You'll learn how to apply serenity, courage, and wisdom to real-life decisions at work, at home, and in your own personal growth. This episode blends psychology, leadership, and faith in a grounded, relatable way. You'll hear how acceptance actually fuels growth, why confidence follows action instead of preceding it, and how wisdom helps you slow down long enough to choose well instead of reacting fast. Along the way, you'll gain practical tools to reduce stress, increase clarity, and focus your energy where it actually matters. If you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or stretched thin trying to manage everything, this episode will help you lead yourself more effectively and live with greater peace and purpose. Takeaways Most stress comes from trying to control the uncontrollable. The Serenity Prayer is a decision-making filter for leaders. Acceptance is essential for personal growth and leadership. Courage involves taking action even without confidence. Self-efficacy grows through small, consistent actions. Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership. Wisdom helps balance acceptance and action. Leaders should practice unconditional positive regard. Clarity comes from knowing where to invest energy. Serenity is a daily practice, not just a concept. Learn more about the Quest for Success and explore additional resources at www.Quest-Success.com Want to go deeper? Check out these resources: Carl Rogers – On Becoming a Person Albert Bandura – Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control Daniel Kahneman – Thinking, Fast and Slow Daniel Goleman – Emotional Intelligence Reinhold Niebuhr – The Serenity Prayer

What does it really take to build success that lasts, financially, professionally, and personally? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, Dr. Jerry L. Cunningham sits down with retired Army Colonel and financial planner Ed Gargas to unpack leadership lessons forged in the military and refined in the world of finance, business, and community service. This is not a technical finance episode. It's a conversation about discipline, decision-making, and building a life that works in the real world. You'll hear how military leadership principles translate directly into business and personal success, why waiting to start financial planning is one of the most common, and costly, mistakes people make, and how critical thinking protects you from emotional and biased decisions. Ed also shares how to recover when you feel "behind," why contingency planning matters in life as much as it does in combat, and how relationships, legacy, and spirituality ultimately define success more than money ever will. If you're looking for practical wisdom, grounded leadership, and a clearer framework for navigating uncertainty, this episode will challenge how you think and how you plan your future. Takeaways Leadership is about earning respect, not just commanding it. The military decision-making process is applicable in business. Financial planning should start as early as possible, regardless of age. Discipline is crucial for financial success and wealth building. Success is not just about money; it's about relationships and legacy. Critical thinking helps in recognizing inherent biases in decision-making. It's important to have contingency plans for unexpected challenges. Investing in relationships and community is vital for personal growth. Rewarding effort and success is essential for motivation. A strong spiritual foundation can guide personal and professional decisions. Learn more about the Quest for Success framework at www.Quest-Success.com. Recommended Resources to Explore Further: The Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) – U.S. Army Doctrine The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Have you ever seen something wrong happening… and waited for someone else to step in? In this episode of Quest for Success, Dr. Jerry Cunningham breaks down the Bystander Effect, which is the powerful psychological phenomenon that causes good people to freeze, stay silent, or assume "someone else will handle it." The more people around, the less likely anyone is to act. You'll hear the chilling story of Kitty Genovese, the research that followed, and why our brains short-circuit in moments that demand courage. More importantly, you'll learn how leaders, at work, at home, and in everyday life, can recognize the Bystander Effect in real time and override it. This episode will challenge how you think about responsibility, silence, and leadership. You'll walk away with practical tools to speak up faster, act with confidence, and build teams and relationships where people don't just watch problems happen...they solve them. If you've ever wondered whether you would step up when it truly matters… this episode is for you. Takeaways The bystander effect is a common psychological phenomenon. Many people hesitate to act in emergencies due to social cues. The Kitty Genovese case is a pivotal example of the bystander effect. Psychological experiments reveal how people react differently when alone versus in a group. Neurologically, our brains can confuse us in emergency situations. Socially, we fear standing out and often mirror the calmness of others. Leadership requires personal ownership and the courage to act. The Good Samaritan parable illustrates the importance of taking action. Silence can protect comfort, but action creates meaningful change. Everyone has the potential to be a leader in their community. Learn more about leadership, mindset, and personal growth at 👉 www.Quest-Success.com Want to Go Deeper? Check Out These Resources John M. Darley & Bibb Latané — "Bystander Intervention in Emergencies" The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo Influence by Robert Cialdini Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Luke 10:25–37 — The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Most people start a new year with big intentions… and by February, they're back to old habits, old stress, and old results. But what if 2026 could be different? What if you didn't try to be better than everyone else, but instead built simple systems that quietly put you ahead of 98% of people? In this episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, you'll learn how small, intentional decisions compound into massive life change. We break down five key areas — how you think, how you live, how you move, how you stay grounded, and how you handle money — and explain why most people fall off track while a small group keeps moving forward. This isn't hype. It's psychology, real research, and practical application you can start using immediately. You'll walk away with clarity, momentum, and a framework for building a stronger year, without burnout, perfectionism, or unrealistic resolutions. If you're ready to stop drifting, start leading your life with purpose, and make 2026 the year you finally close the gap… this episode is your starting line. Takeaways 92% of people fail their New Year's resolution due to lack of systems. Cognitive offloading helps manage mental clutter. Building simple, repeatable systems is key to success. Character and moral integrity are competitive advantages. Small decisions lead to significant outcomes in life. Physical energy is crucial for sustained performance. Spiritual strength provides a deeper purpose and connection. Financial stability requires long-term thinking and patience. Emotional spending can derail financial growth. Consistency in habits leads to success over time.   Learn more about the Quest for Success at www.Quest-Success.com References & Further Learning Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow Duhigg, C. (2012). The Power of Habit Sheldon, K. M., & Elliot, A. J. (1999). Goal striving and self-concordance Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength

In this episode of Quest for Success, we discuss the Nocebo Effect, which is the powerful psychological phenomenon where negative beliefs and expectations don't just live in your head… they actively work against your health, confidence, leadership, and performance. You'll discover how your mind can quietly sabotage your energy, decision-making, relationships, and results, often without you realizing it. More importantly, you'll learn how to recognize these mental traps, reframe destructive thought patterns, and replace them with expectations that fuel growth, resilience, and success. This episode is designed to help you: Stop unintentionally sabotaging your own progress Understand how mindset directly impacts performance and leadership Build awareness around the thoughts that shape your daily outcomes Create a healthier, stronger mental framework for long-term success If you've ever felt stuck, discouraged, or frustrated without knowing why, this conversation may change how you think...literally. Takeaways It starts with awareness. You can't fix what you don't notice. Pay attention to your mental soundtrack. What kinds of thoughts are you playing on repeat? Listen for the lines that you're saying out loud. Scripts we tell ourselves are taken seriously by our brain. Every time you say it, your body aligns to make it true. Negative self-talk can hinder personal growth. Recognizing these patterns is the first step to change. Your emotions and energy align with your thoughts. Learn more about the Quest for Success and explore additional resources at 👉 www.Quest-Success.com Press play and start upgrading the most powerful tool you own, your mind.   Want to Go Deeper? Recommended Resources Mindset – Carol S. Dweck Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers – Robert Sapolsky The Expectation Effect – David Robson Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman

In this episode of the Quest for Success podcast, Dr. Chad Kish shares his journey from a young athlete to a seasoned coach and educator. He discusses the core pillars of athletic leadership, emphasizing the importance of leading by example, building communication and trust, developing resilience, and fostering accountability. Dr. Kish also explores how these principles can be applied beyond sports into daily life and business, highlighting the significance of self-motivation and situational leadership. The conversation culminates in rapid-fire questions that reveal Dr. Kish's personal insights and experiences in coaching and leadership. Takeaways Leadership is about heart and commitment. You can be a leader from any position. Reflecting on experiences helps in personal growth. Building trust is essential for effective leadership. Resilience is key to overcoming challenges. Accountability fosters a culture of ownership. Self-motivation leads to lasting success. Communication is the foundation of teamwork. Every mistake is a learning opportunity. The world needs more leaders to step up.   Suggestions for Further Reading The Power of Negative Thinking — Bobby Knight      2.  Leading with the Heart — Mike Krzyzewski      3. The Impact of Positive Motivational Techniques by Coaches on the Achievement Levels of               Men's Junior College Basketball Players — Chad R. Kish & Rebecca J. Woodard      4.  Wooden on Leadership — John Wooden      5.  Above the Line — Urban Meyer

Rejection hurts. Whether it's a job that went silent, an opportunity that passed you by, or a door you were sure would open, hearing "no" can knock the wind out of you. But what if rejection isn't a setback… what if it's training? In this episode of the Quest for Success podcast, we talk honestly about why rejection hits so hard, what's actually happening in your brain when it does, and how the most successful leaders learn to use rejection instead of being crushed by it. You'll walk away with a healthier mindset, practical ways to reframe "no," and simple actions you can take this week to build confidence that doesn't depend on other people's approval. This isn't a motivational fluff talk. It's a real conversation about resilience, growth, faith, and learning to keep moving forward when things don't go your way. If rejection has been slowing you down, shaking your confidence, or making you question your path, then this episode is for you. Takeaways What if rejection isn't something that you run from? Rejection is actually your built in GPS. When you get rejected, I know it can feel rough. See rejection differently than what you do previously. Not as a stop sign, but maybe as a detour sign. Your destiny is great. Buckle up because this one's gonna be real. Maybe a little funny and hard hitting at times. If you can't laugh about rejection, then you're not gonna grow. You start seeing your next step more clearly.   Learn more about leadership, mindset, and personal growth at www.Quest-Success.com. Recommended Resources to Go Deeper Mindset by Carol Dweck Grit by Angela Duckworth Option B by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant APA: Research on social rejection and emotional pain Harvard Business Review: Articles on resilience and leadership after failure

Episode 100 isn't just a milestone, it's a reflection on what actually works when you commit to growth over time. And before anything else, I want to Thank you, the listeners, and all the people behind the scenes at Quest for Success. I want to thank Mandy, Hannah, Sarah, Mason, my Mom, Traci, Jose, Michael, Luis, Jacob, Jayden, Leo, Scott, and Stewart-Allen Clark for the good work, friendship, support, and help you have given me. I cannot do this without all of you. I have probably forgotten someone, but know I do appreciate, I am just having some good emotions right now and not thinking clearly.   In this special episode of the Quest for Success Podcast, I share the behind-the-scenes lessons learned from showing up consistently, setting goals that felt unrealistic at first, and building simple systems that eventually produced big results. You'll hear what changed when momentum finally kicked in, why early progress can feel painfully slow, and how adapting along the way made all the difference. This episode is for you if you've ever started something meaningful and wondered if the effort was paying off… or if you're standing at the edge of a goal and questioning whether it's worth pushing forward. You'll walk away encouraged, clearer, and reminded that progress often shows up quietly before it shows up publicly. If you're building something such a business, a habit, a calling, or a better version of yourself, this conversation is meant to help you stay the course. Takeaways Consistency is the backbone of success. Proper planning and time management are crucial. Batching work can save time and reduce stress. Editing techniques have evolved significantly. Interviews will be a focus in future episodes. Growth in downloads reflects listener engagement. Promotion is essential for podcast visibility. Success requires repeated effort and resilience. Gratitude towards listeners fuels motivation. The journey is just beginning, with more to come. Learn more and explore additional resources at www.Quest-Success.com. Press play and celebrate the journey with me. Want to Learn More? Start Here: Atomic Habits – Why small, consistent actions create massive results Deep Work – Focus, batching, and working smarter Mindset – The power of long-term growth thinking Start with Why – Purpose-driven success and leadership