Perfectionism, comparison, and waiting for validation can keep us trapped in old stories. In this Wellish conversation, I’m sitting down with Brandon Keith Osborn—filmmaker, photographer, writer, and founder of For Real Life—to explore how rewriting your narrative creates room for authentic growth.

Brandon shares his story of creative ambition, addiction, and identity struggles, and how fatherhood and therapy pushed him toward honesty, sobriety, and sustainable success. We dig into the cultural narratives of “tortured artist” and hustle culture, the shame of letting people down, and the identity work required to believe a new story about yourself. Brandon also unpacks how he shifted from running away from pain to moving toward purpose, why starting small matters more than perfection, and the “three wins a day” mindset that keeps him grounded.

If you’ve ever felt like your potential was trapped under self-doubt, comparison, or messy mistakes, this episode is proof that your lowest lows can become the notes you draw from to create something real, resilient, and yours.

Topics: narrative reframing, identity work, authenticity, addiction & recovery, perfectionism, comparison trap, creative growth, self-compassion, storytelling for healing, small wins habit

Resources: Brandon Keith Osborn — IG: @forreellife • forreel.life