Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

I Love Being Sober

  1. All Episodes
  2. Personal Story Power

Personal Story Power

Oct 11, 2022

Bo Eason is here today. Bo is the author of There’s No Plan B For Your A-Game, a book filled with inspiring and practical real-world guidance to teach anyone how to be the best at whatever they choose. Many of you are already familiar with master storyteller Bo. He started his career in the NFL and played with the Houston Oilers and the San Francisco 49ers. After an injury, he had to reinvent himself and begin a new career. He wrote and performed a one-man play called Runt of the Litter, which is now being adapted into a major motion picture. He has trained with some of the world’s most brilliant performance and movement coaches, so he can coach others to be excellent presenters and storytellers. 

He uses his keynotes and workshops to help others tap into the power of their personal story to become effective and persuasive communicators. I attended his Personal Story Power Event, and it was beyond inspiring. I’m thrilled to interview Bo today. We talk about Bo’s story and what it takes to be a great storyteller. We talk about the difference between being an amateur and a professional. These principles apply in sports, your career, or getting sober. Bo breaks down authentic leadership and the trust factor. We talk about vulnerability and being relatable. Bo talks about course correction, how to write our own story, and the importance of playing a bigger game!

  • [05:55] Bo wanted to learn to tell his story the way he physically told it on an NFL field. He began studying what it takes to be a great storyteller.
  • [06:27] He knew he needed to make a living in the civilian world and express himself, but he didn't realize the healing aspects of storytelling.
  • [07:23] The difference between being an amateur and a professional. A professional is willing to make sacrifices and do whatever it takes.
  • [08:13] Storytelling is in our blood. It's the best way to teach and what our ancestors used. 
  • [09:39] We used to trust all of our institutions. Now when we hear them speak, we often wonder if what they are saying is really true.
  • [10:05] The fastest way for a leader to restore trust is to share a personal story. This creates automatic trust. Storytelling has healing aspects.
  • [12:00] Bo's story made a difference to people's lives. Audiences are attracted to your low moments and what it takes to get to the top. People were drawn to Bo's struggles. 
  • [14:59] Exposing your moment can put you in a vulnerable position, but people will also relate to it and trust you.
  • [18:03] People don't trust leadership unless there is some scar tissue on it.
  • [19:44] The new leadership model is the people who've been at the bottom and battled their way to the top. These are people who have scars, and people who we can trust.
  • [22:00] We can't overcome our environment. You can't lose 15 lbs with a chocolate cake sitting in your kitchen, because eventually the willpower will wear off and the environment will win.
  • [23:51] You can change your environment and commit to greatness. Less decisions are better!
  • [31:57] How do you complete a goal? Build an environment, become a pro, and do what you say you're going to do.
  • [33:16] The difference between a pro and an amateur. Pros have no options. When you commit to do something there is no negotiating. Either you are going to do what it takes to become who you want to be or you're not.
  • [37:02] Course correction like an airplane. The autopilot is off course 99% of the time, but it has a built-in mechanism to course-correct. Right the ship from moment to moment.
  • [39:32] You get what you think about most of the time.
  • [40:05] Don't be ashamed to make a goal and be off course, just right the ship. Commit!
  • [41:38] We need to learn to dance with distractions instead of pretending that they're not there.
  • [44:12] Our stories are our destiny. Your personal story, especially the one you keep telling yourself about your life and who you are is your destiny. You get to make the rewrites of your own story. You're the author.
  • [45:56] When writing your own story, make it personal. Make it physical. Give all your spirit when you tell your story.
  • [50:44] The higher stakes game you play, the more you can expect of yourself. We need to play a bigger game. Use words like the best, world-class, and gold medalist.
  • [53:07] Bo shares his morning routine. 
  • [55:38] Start your morning routine the night before to start your day off right.
  • [57:05] Bo talks about his workouts! A light workout like a walk or throwing a ball with his son and then a more rigorous workout. 
  • [59:12] Listeners go to the review section and tell us one thing that resonated with you in this interview.

Links mentioned in this episode: