Guru Please

How to Find Meaning in Madness with Pierce J. Brooks

Episode Summary

Pierce was supposed to go to the NBA, but ended up resenting the game and quitting basketball. Here is a powerful story of taking ownership in one’s life and how gratitude can shift your relationship with the past.

Episode Notes

Pierce is an empowerment speaker, coach, and former Division I college basketball player. After losing scholarships and his father’s tragic suicide, he hit a personal rock-bottom before age 20. He has since found meaning and inspiration from trauma and now helps others do the same.

Quotes to remember:

“Everything happens for a reason; we are in charge of that reason.”

“There is good that has emerged from the bad that has happened.”

“Gratitude doesn’t mean absent of pain… it’s just seeing a fuller picture.”

Takeaways:

When your expectations are wrapped up with your identity, not meeting those expectations can be very painful
We can find meaning in madness when we can accept what is; avoidance is a missed opportunity to find the meaning
#ThirtiesAndTherapy
It’s important to have emotional safety with those you speak with
It’s great to admit that you don’t have it figured out
Why we need to be grateful for our hardships in some way
We all desire significance

What you’ll learn:

How Pierce managed basketball as it became less and less fun and more about managing others’ opinions
What he did when he father passed away and he lost his scholarship within the same week
The effect of wearing a mask and appearing as if he loved playing basketball
Pierce’s acceptance of being laid off during Covid and how he found meaning
Cultivating gratitude despite the pain

Mentioned on the podcast:

Link:

Instagram