​​Reader, have you ever felt like life decided to use you as a punching bag?

I got passed over for an executive promotion.

My guest this week, Russ Hedge, has battled recurrent, aggressive melanoma for the past two years.

Everyone has a story where the rug keeps getting yanked right out from under your feet.

In the latest episode of The Story I'm Telling Myself, I'm joined by inspiration specialist Russ Hedge—a man who spent years caregiving for his parents through Alzheimer’s and cancer, only to face a Stage 4 melanoma diagnosis of his own just days after his mother passed away. Through multiple brain surgeries, organ shutdowns, and recurring tumors, Russ embraced a bulletproof philosophy for personal transformation: Life happens, and then you choose.

Here is the raw truth: You cannot control every punch life throws. But as a mindset and personal transformation podcast, we are here to remind you that you are never powerless over what happens next.

Here are four actionable steps from Russ’s journey to help you reclaim your narrative today:

1. Master the Divine Equation (C + P = E). Russ highlights a game-changing framework authored by Chip Ingram: Circumstances + Perspective = Experience. Your circumstances don't dictate your life experience—your perspective does. When you let bad situations drive your mindset, you get trapped underneath them. But when you actively choose your perspective, you elevate yourself above your circumstances.

2. Ditch Toxic Positivity and Honor the Reality. Choosing a strong perspective doesn't mean slapping a fake smile on your face or pretending everything is fine. False positivity is toxic. When bad news hits, it sidetracks your expectations, and it hurts. It’s okay not to be okay for a moment. Honor your grief, anger, or fear—feel the heat of the moment, but don't leave your hand on the stove long enough to sear you to the bone. Acknowledge the hard truth, and then make the conscious decision not to wallow.

3. Rewire Your Reticular Activating System (RAS). Your brain is naturally wired to find whatever you focus on. Russ calls this the "Red Mustang" effect: buy a red Mustang, and suddenly you see red Mustangs on every corner. If you feed your mind a victim narrative ("Why me? Why is HR ignoring me? Why is this happening?"), your brain’s Reticular Activating System will constantly search for evidence that you're trapped. Build a morning routine centered on positive self-talk and gratitude to prime your brain's "awesome filter" before your feet even touch the floor.

4. Pre-Decide Your Response Before the Blow Lands. Don't wait for crisis to hit before deciding who you are going to be under pressure. Russ pre-decides how he will react before walking into every quarterly cancer scan. He expects good news, but if bad news comes, he immediately asks: "What is the plan of action?" When you take radical responsibility for your reaction, you move from passive victim to empowered leader of your own life.

Reader, this week's activation guide has four powerful questions to start you on your journey to mastering the C + P = E equation. TSITM ep 74 activation guide.pdf​

Be sure to hit reply and let me know which one is your favorite.

​Catch the full episode here or on your favorite podcast platform beginning Thursday, and be sure to share it with a friend.

P.S. One of my fractional leadership and organizational development clients just ended months of daily call-outs within 30 days by implementing key human-centered leadership actions. Do you know a business owner or leader who needs this playbook? Send them my way. I've got one more opening in my schedule before it is locked down again.

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