In this episode, guest and host Mike Goldman interviews Owen Fitzpatrick, flipping the usual format of the Changing Minds Podcast. Owen shares his journey, philosophy, and experiences, offering an in-depth look at his personal evolution and approach to self-development.
Philosophy on Self-Influence
- Emphasis on recognizing “inner propaganda”—the stories we tell ourselves that shape our behaviors and beliefs.
- Self-improvement isn’t about forced positivity but about learning to run our brains better, using tools from NLP, CBT, and neuroscience.
- The focus is on balancing the drive for achievement (dopamine) with contentment and gratitude (serotonin), leading to a holistic approach to growth.
Struggles and Transformation
- Shared a candid account of battling depression and suicidal thoughts during teenage years, emphasizing the impact of family love and the decision not to cause them pain.
- The turning point involved shifting from a mindset of despair to one of determination and purpose.
Journey into Hypnosis and NLP
- Hypnosis was pursued as a way to build confidence and gain a unique skill set, despite skepticism due to young age.
- Early success in hypnotherapy at 17 led to developing an identity as a confident and capable practitioner, using these skills to help others.
Creativity and Passion Projects
- Acting, screenwriting, and filmmaking emerged as vital creative outlets, providing joy and a sense of fulfillment.
- The creative process, particularly in screenwriting, is described as a source of unbridled passion, solving complex narrative problems and building new worlds.
- Won several awards in small film festivals, illustrating the connection between creativity and the drive to continually grow and improve.
Influence, Legacy, and Future Aspirations
- Focus on leaving a meaningful impact rather than solely chasing commercial success.
- Upcoming projects include a book on belief systems, exploring how we convince ourselves of certain narratives, and the possibility of a one-man show.
- Legacy aims to reflect a blend of personal history, cultural roots, and the influence of mentors, creating work that represents a true and honest expression of self.
Reflections on Growth and Friendship
- Emphasis on the importance of integrating past experiences into future endeavors rather than simply moving on from them.
- Friendship and shared moments are seen as invaluable, with a commitment to appreciating both current relationships and those from the past.
- The episode closes on the idea of using past pain and challenges as fuel for personal growth, highlighting the importance of making a positive difference in the world.
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