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David Tian, Ph.D., is a Leadership Coach, Certified IFS Therapy Practitioner, former university professor, and a uniquely qualified international specialist in human behavior and emotional intelligence, and a global educator, researcher, speaker, and author.
LATEST FROM OUR BLOG
Why the Sage’s Journey Fulfills You When the Hero’s Journey Stops Making Sense | (#048) Beyond Success: Psychology & Philosophy for Achievers, with David Tian, Ph.D.
There’s a story you’ve been told your whole life.
It’s in Star Wars. The Lord of the Rings. Harry Potter. It hides in TEDx talks, business books, and motivational podcasts.
It’s the tale of the hero who leaves home, faces danger, slays the dragon, and returns victorious.
That story probably fueled your drive to win, prove yourself, and succeed.
But here’s the problem:
The same story that pushed you forward… is now the reason you feel restless, numb, or quietly dissatisfied.
Because the Hero’s Journey only works for one season of life. When the battles are over—or worse, when you realize the dragon you’ve been fighting is actually part of you—the old map stops working.
Why Self-Help Isn’t Working (& The Mirror Method That Finally Does) | (#047) Beyond Success: Psychology & Philosophy for Achievers, with David Tian, Ph.D.
Most people I’ve coached have a similar story: They inherited the “Silent Blueprint” lie as a child that told them they must perform, impress, and achieve to feel like they’re enough.
And yet, at a certain point, their wins feel like losses. No matter how much they achieve, they go to bed with a dull emptiness in their chest that they can’t explain, much less address.
Why?
Because no amount of winning fills the void in your internal system. Turns out, the “Silent Blueprint” wasn’t just a lie, but an insidious one that poisons your happiness and fulfillment from the inside out.
That’s the bad news.
The good news?
Why You Still Feel Stuck Even After Doing ‘The Work’ | (#046) Beyond Success: Psychology & Philosophy for Achievers, with David Tian, Ph.D.
Most high achievers are being driven by the absolute worst source of fuel: Fear, guilt, shame, and insecurities.
These traps are alluring because they’re actually effective routes to short-term success. And they disguise themselves as grit, discipline, and sheer determination.
Problem is… the well eventually runs dry.
And that’s the real reason why you feel stuck, uninspired, drained, and like you’re always playing catch up.
Worst part?