Tim Storey: The Mindset Shift That Turns Setbacks into Extraordinary Comebacks | Human Behavior | E370
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Podcast Summary
Tim Story, the world-renowned original comeback coach, returns to share transformative insights about developing a miracle mentality and turning life's setbacks into comebacks. (01:37) From coaching Robert Downey Jr. through his darkest moments to guiding Oprah and Kanye West, Tim has mastered the art of transformation through decades of experience. This episode dives deep into shifting from the mundane messiness and madness of life into the miraculous by mastering your mindset, moving with patience, and leading with service-first relationships. (02:01) Tim shares his journey from growing up in poverty in Compton with seven people crammed into a two-bedroom apartment to speaking on international stages in front of tens of thousands, revealing how imagination and a "king in poverty" mindset shaped his trajectory.
- Core themes include developing miracle mentality, distinguishing between good ideas versus God ideas, the importance of genuine relationships, and Tim's proven comeback formula for entrepreneurs facing setbacks.
Speakers
Tim Story
Tim Story is the world-renowned original comeback coach who has spent decades transforming lives through his unique approach to mindset and resilience. With a doctorate in world religion and master's in psychology, Tim began speaking internationally at age 18 and has addressed audiences of up to 85,000 people across 82 countries. He has coached high-profile clients including Robert Downey Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and Kanye West, while maintaining partnerships with thought leaders like Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone, and John Maxwell.
Hala Taha
Hala Taha is the host of Young and Profiting Podcast and CEO of YAP Media, which she has built into one of the largest podcast networks. Starting as an intern at Hot 97 radio station, she has transformed her career through consistent content creation and strategic networking, becoming known as "the podcast princess."
Key Takeaways
Own the Labels That Elevate You
Tim's transformation began when his sixth grade teacher called him "brilliant" - a label he had never heard applied to himself before. (07:08) Instead of dismissing it, Tim internalized this positive identity and refused to let down the teacher who saw his potential. This demonstrates the power of accepting and living up to empowering labels while rejecting limiting ones. The key is to be intentional about which voices you allow to define you. Tim didn't announce this moment to anyone else; he simply decided to maintain high standards to honor what his teacher saw in him. For professionals, this means actively seeking mentors who see your potential and being willing to step into the identity they reflect back to you.
Distinguish Between Good Ideas and God Ideas
Tim explains that we receive approximately 50,000 thoughts per day, making it crucial to distinguish between fleeting good ideas and truly inspired "God ideas." (25:35) Good ideas may come to pass, but God ideas will come to pass because they are both God-inspired and God-endorsed. This concept applies whether you believe in God or not - it's about recognizing ideas that come with unusual clarity, persistence, and alignment with your deeper purpose. Tim emphasizes that operating from God ideas rather than just good ideas has been fundamental to his success, as these inspired ideas come with the energy and support needed to manifest them into reality.
Lead with Love and Genuine Connection
Tim's remarkable ability to connect with influential people like Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones stems from his genuine servant's heart and pure motives. (19:26) Rather than focusing on what he can get from relationships, Tim consistently asks what he can give and how he can serve. His approach to pitching involves building authentic connections first - asking about people's families, backgrounds, and dreams before discussing business. (41:04) This principle of "leading with love" becomes the foundation for his new movement, as he believes compassion is the key that opens the door to a miraculous life.
Follow the Law of the Harvest for Sustainable Success
Tim teaches the law of the harvest as a framework for building lasting success: plow, plant, water, then harvest. (53:43) This process requires patience and consistency, as different parts of your business or life may be in different phases simultaneously. The plowing represents the hard foundational work that isn't immediately visible, like Tim's early days as a dishwasher or Hala's time as an unpaid intern. Planting involves strategically investing in education, relationships, and skill development. Watering represents the repetition and habits that compound over time. Only after this process can you expect to harvest results. Tim emphasizes that trying to skip these stages leads to unsustainable success.
Master the Comeback Formula
When facing setbacks, Tim provides a three-step comeback process: become awake, take inventory, and partner with the right people. (57:43) The first step involves honestly recognizing what's happening without denial or avoidance. Taking inventory means assessing your mindset, energy, team, and financial situation objectively. The final step requires partnering with people whose strengths complement your weaknesses and who can educate you up and out of your current situation. Tim emphasizes that "a comeback is not a go back" - the goal isn't to return to where you were, but to evolve into something better by learning from the setback rather than trying to fix the past.
Statistics & Facts
- Tim Story has spoken across 82 countries to audiences as large as 85,000 people, establishing his global reach as a motivational speaker and coach. (31:03)
- We receive approximately 50,000 thoughts per day, making it crucial to carefully choose which thoughts become choices and actions. (24:58)
- Tim studies for 2 hours every morning, 7 days a week, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and mental renewal. (50:38)
