Episode Overview

Podcast: It’s a Good Life with Brian Buffini
Episode: Quick Cut: S2E365 The Power of a Made Up Mind
Date: January 15, 2026
Host: Brian Buffini

This episode is a concise, motivational segment focused on the transformative effect of having “a made up mind.” Brian Buffini distills the idea that resolute decision-making is foundational to overcoming challenges, achieving personal and professional growth, and living “the good life.” He breaks down why conviction matters, how it shapes identity, and the ripple effects it creates for individuals and those around them.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of a Made Up Mind

[00:17–05:40]

• Unshakable Resolve

  • “There is nothing like the resolve that comes when someone goes, ‘I know what I want, I know why I want it and I know what I'm going to do. I’ve just made up my mind.’” —Brian Buffini [00:26]
  • When your mind is truly made up, you don’t give up, regardless of setbacks.
  • The stories of success always have chapters of failure, but persistence marks those with a made up mind.
  • “If you’re giving up, it means your mind’s not made up. End of story.” —Brian Buffini [01:21]

• Tapping into Potential and Purpose

  • Human beings are capable of much more than they realize—often only “tapping into about 10% of their brain.”
  • The Buffini Company exists to help people realize this unfulfilled potential: “That's all we do is pull that stuff out of people.” [02:19]

• Focus on Wins

  • A made up mind leads to celebrating wins rather than focusing on shortcomings.
  • “When people see the Liberty Bell, all they see is the crack. They don’t see the bell.” [03:05]
  • Small victories reinforce your resolve.

• Attracting Like-Minded People

  • Those with a made up mind recognize and attract others with similar resolve, deepening relationships and partnerships.

• Becoming a Winner

  • “In life, there are winners and there are losers. That is a fact of life… You want to be a winner, you got to have your mind made up.” —Brian Buffini [04:25]
  • Commitment creates ripple effects well beyond personal gain.

2. The Power of Decision

[05:41–07:00]

• Ownership of Choices

  • After making up your mind, choices you commit to become part of your “mental and emotional DNA.”
  • “We don’t control everything in our life... But we do have a chance to control our attitude and what we do each and every day.” [06:00]

• Enduring Value of Decisions

  • The decisions you make become stories and legacies no one can erase.
  • “When somebody witnesses the power of a made up mind... it stays with you.” [06:27]
  • Don't compare your idea of a good life to superficial media standards. Define it for yourself based on principles and genuine aspirations.

• Learning from Mistakes

  • Mistakes are inevitable, but learning and resolve are what matter.
  • “I’m gonna tell you, I have a made up mind. I know who I am. I know where I’ve come from. I know where I’m going. That’s a gift I’d like to give all of you.” —Brian Buffini [06:38]

3. It’s Your Time

[07:00–07:25]

• Self-Reflection Challenge

  • Brian challenges listeners to reflect: “When in your life have you made up your mind? What benefits have come from that?” [07:05]
  • References Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning as powerful evidence of the vital importance of having a “why.”
  • “If you have a strong enough why, you can endure anyhow.” [07:14]

• Action Steps

  • Identify big or small decisions you need to make now. “Where do you need to make up your mind today?” [07:19]
  • Decisions should be “drive the stake in the ground” moments that align with your core values and desires.

• Lean on Support

  • Buffini closes by reminding listeners: “I have been blessed in my life as a result of it. But I did not do it by myself and I do not do it by myself today. You gotta lean in to the help that’s there.” [07:27]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A human being with their mind made up is a force of nature in this world and it doesn't matter who you are or what your circumstances are.” —Brian Buffini [01:33]
• “When you have your mind made up and you’re a man or a woman on a mission, you’ll recognize other men and other women on a mission. Powerful stuff.” —Brian Buffini [03:42]
• Memorable parallel: Liberty Bell’s crack—focus on the whole, not just the flaw. [03:05]
• Reference to Man’s Search for Meaning and the enduring strength found in purpose. [07:14]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:17 — Introduction of three main topics
• 00:26–01:33 — Defining the power and impact of a made up mind
• 02:19 — How Buffini’s company helps unlock potential
• 03:05 — Focusing on wins vs. flaws (Liberty Bell analogy)
• 03:42 — Attracting like-minded individuals
• 04:25–05:00 — The reality of winners and losers, ripple effects
• 05:41–06:38 — Ownership of choices, decision-making, and personal stories
• 07:05 — Reflection challenge
• 07:14 — Viktor Frankl’s lesson: A strong "why" enables survival
• 07:19–07:27 — Concluding call to introspection and use of support systems

Takeaways

• A made up mind is the engine of resilience, achievement, and peace.
• Defining success and “the good life” should come from individual values—not external influences.
• Whether big or small, the choices you commit to shape your story and cannot be taken from you.
• Reach out for help—no one achieves their greatest aims alone.

For the full experience and more practical insights, listen to the complete episode via the show's official channels.