Podcast Summary: Progress Mode with Brendon Burchard

Episode 2: Two Things Change Your Life
Release Date: October 27, 2025
Host: Brendon Burchard

Brief Overview

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Brendon Burchard explores the pivotal concept that "only two things change your life": something new comes into your life, or something new comes from within. Drawing from his own experience—especially the creation and struggles around his first breakout book, Life’s Golden Ticket—Brendon dives into the emotional and psychological battles of progress, the courage required to resist quitting, and the impact of resilience and belief on long-term achievement. He challenges listeners to "switch into progress mode" and share practical guidance on navigating setbacks and summoning inner drive.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Two Things That Change Your Life

[00:00–06:16]

• Brendon opens by declaring that transformation springs from (1) new external circumstances (people, opportunities, events) or (2) new internal qualities (ambition, resilience, personal power).
• Quote:

  "Only two things change your life. Something new comes into your life. Or something new comes from within." — Brendon, [00:01]

• Cites the gospel of St. Thomas:

  “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”

2. The Nature of Progress Mode

[06:17–14:00]

• Brendon describes being stuck in “crisis mode” versus flipping the switch to “progress mode.”
• Common struggles: self-doubt, frustration, anxiety, and the temptation to play small after setbacks.
• The importance of daily intentional progress, not just coasting passively.

3. Brendon’s “Life’s Golden Ticket” Story

[14:01–28:00]

• The bulk of the episode follows Brendon’s decision to leave corporate life and write Life’s Golden Ticket—a dream that quickly pitched him into hardship.
• Detailed recount of going broke, moving in with his girlfriend (now wife), and wrestling with discouragement, self-doubt, and lack of momentum.
• The dual nature of progress: about both achieving AND becoming (personal growth and character).

4. The Writers’ Workshop & Social Pressure

[28:01–35:30]

• Attends a writers’ group, seeking support for writing the book as a parable/fiction.
• Encounters dismissive attitudes from established authors; is told not to “risk your life’s message about second chances on your freshman effort at fiction. Just write nonfiction. It’s easier.” (Unnamed Author, [34:18])
• Brendon reflects how “the two enemies of progress” are self-limiting beliefs and social oppression/pressure.

5. Progress Is Persistence—Low Points

[35:31–44:00]

• Shares the embarrassment and emotional low after workshop rejection.
• Reveals the pain of “pretending to write” while his girlfriend covers living expenses and sleeps under unpaid bills.
• This moment of crisis sparks his decision: “This is not how it’s supposed to be.” ([43:54])
• Powerful turning point:

  “At that turning point, you have two choices: you fall into the depths of despair, or you switch on progress mode.”

6. Writing the Book—Summoning Inner Change

[44:01–55:00]

• Instead of quitting, Brendon gives himself permission to write Life’s Golden Ticket as a parable, following his own vision.
• Describes 18 days of focused writing, culminating in a finished book—driven by “invigoration” and authentic self-expression.
• The lesson: Sometimes the deepest progress comes not from external validation, but from reclaiming one’s power and committing fully.

7. The Battle to Publish

[55:01–01:10:00]

• Details the self-publishing process, creative pitches (golden ticket boxes), and a flood of rejections from agents and publishers.
• Quote:

  "A lot of people create something, but they never ship it... Progress mode follows through." — Brendon, [58:00]

• Nearly broke, he persists; faces mounting evidence from both internal and external sources to give up.
• Eventually, one agent, Scott, believes in him enough to take a risk, even leaving his agency to start his own—with Brendon as his first client.

8. The Power of One Believer & Breakthrough

[01:10:01–01:19:00]

• Story of Mark Victor Hanson (Chicken Soup for the Soul) connecting Brendon to agent Scott.
• Brendon summarizes the emotional grind of repeated rejection before finally securing a publishing deal with Harper San Francisco (HarperCollins), thanks to believer(s) who saw his potential.
• Memorable Moment: The emotional phone call at the airport when the publishing deal finally comes through ([01:17:50]).

  “Because sometimes one believer, one believer in your life changes everything… One person.”

9. Innovation in Launch—Stepping Beyond the Playbook

[01:19:01–01:32:00]

• With the publishing breakthrough, Brendon refuses to stick to conventional book marketing, instead crafting a unique launch:
  • Bundles the book with a video course and an event ticket (held in an actual amusement park, themed to the book).
  • Secures nonprofit and corporate partnerships instead of relying solely on affiliate marketing.
  • This radical approach helps the book succeed, becoming a model for future coaching and personal development launches.

10. The Deeper Definition of Progress Mode

[01:32:01–01:39:00]

• Dives into what “progress” really means, distinguishing “activity” from “real progress.”
• Progress is having “direction AND velocity”—moving purposely and swiftly toward meaningful goals, even in small increments.
• Cautions against measuring happiness solely by outcomes or numbers (e.g., bestseller lists).

  “It’s not just about one goal or one achievement... It’s you living in alignment with the path you want to travel on at the pace you want to be on, with a positive mindset. That’s progress mode.” — [01:37:06]

11. Lessons & Encouragement for Listeners

[01:39:01–End]

• Reminds listeners that second chances are ongoing—they’re infinite. Every new day is a fresh opportunity to shift into progress mode.
• Emphasizes that external validation isn’t always forthcoming; sometimes, only inner conviction and persistence carry you through.
• Quote:

  “You might only have one or two believers, period. You might have the entire establishment telling you you are crazy. And at that point, do the two enemies win or does progress mode win?” — Brendon, [01:36:33]

• Invites listeners to summon belief and keep striving, promising support and encouragement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Only two things change your life. Something new comes into your life. Or something new comes from within.” — Brendon, [00:01]
• “At that turning point, you have two choices: you fall into the depths of despair, or you switch on progress mode and you say, I’m going to get through this, I’m going to change…” — Brendon, [43:54]
• “Most people aren’t scared to start something new and really go for it because they worry about the rejection. They’re embarrassed to be seen starting small.” — Brendon, [31:48]
• “A lot of people create something, but they never ship it... Progress mode follows through.” — Brendon, [58:00]
• “Because sometimes one believer, one believer in your life changes everything. One person.” — Brendon, [01:17:52]
• “It’s not just about one goal or one achievement... It’s you living in alignment with the path you want to travel on at the pace you want to be on, with a positive mindset. That’s progress mode.” — Brendon, [01:37:06]
• “The more you are in progress mode, the more you see a future other people don’t see… You have a forward belief in faith. So big ideas are coming to you because you have faith and openness and, yes, naivete, thank God.” — Brendon, [01:33:22]
• Memorable Scene: Brendon’s girlfriend sleeping under a pile of unpaid bills, triggering his emotional “this is not how it’s supposed to be” revelation ([43:30]).

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 — Opening: Two things that change your life
• 06:17 — Defining “Progress Mode” and “Crisis Mode”
• 14:01 — Brendon’s backstory: Leaving corporate work and writing Life’s Golden Ticket
• 28:01 — Writers’ workshop rejection
• 35:31 — Emotional low: the bills, the struggle, decision point
• 44:01 — Writing Life’s Golden Ticket as fiction; breakthrough
• 55:01 — Submission & sea of rejections
• 01:10:01 — The power of a believer; Mark Victor Hanson, meeting agent Scott
• 01:17:50 — First publishing deal secured
• 01:19:01 — Brendon’s innovative book launch strategies
• 01:32:01 — True definition of progress; direction & velocity
• 01:36:33 — “At that point, do the two enemies win or does progress mode win?”
• 01:39:01 — Encouragement & closing

Structure & Flow

• The episode weaves personal storytelling with practical life coaching.
• Brendon sustains a vulnerable, motivational tone, openly sharing fears, failures, and breakthroughs.
• Concrete examples anchor broader lessons about resilience, innovation, and the necessity of finding or becoming your own believer.
• Each segment builds on the last, illustrating the lived reality behind the “progress mode” philosophy.

Takeaways

• Progress mode isn’t a single achievement but a mindset and ongoing practice.
• The deepest obstacles come from within (self-limitation) and outside (social pressure/criticism).
• Persistence, inner renewal, and innovative action create breakthroughs—even in the face of overwhelming doubt and repeated rejection.
• Second chances are perpetual; recommit with each new day.
• Sometimes, all it takes is one believer—be that believer for yourself.

For Listeners

If you’re struggling with setbacks, feeling misunderstood, or doubting your path, Brendon’s story is a testament: real change is often invisible to the crowd. Stay in progress mode. Your second chance starts now.

Next Episode Preview:
Brendon teases a continuation—stories about his relationship, navigating “what’s next” after major milestones, and how to find clarity and direction in the next stage of your personal journey.

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