On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Cole Grace, a combat veteran and author who knows firsthand how inner resilience is built—moment by moment, and thought by thought. Cole shared his guiding mantra: “Don’t freak out, figure it out,” a powerful quote rooted in his time working with roadside bombs in the Army. We explored how this simple phrase shifted his focus from fear and worry to problem-solving, both in high-stakes combat situations and the frustrations of everyday life, like getting a flat tire. Cole opened up about the neuroscience behind mindset changes, the importance of practicing tools like gratitude and mission statements when you’re feeling good, and the reality that even those with intense life experience still need reminders to reframe negativity. If you’re seeking practical wisdom for handling stress, changing your mindset, or finding meaning during tough moments, Cole’s stories will resonate. His journey is a testament to building inner calm—even when life feels chaotic on the outside.Connect With Cole GraceYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@cgraceIf Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world.Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/joinIf the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdomChapters00:00 Writing A Personal Mission Statement00:41 Practicing Tools Before You Need Them00:57 Welcome And Guest Introduction01:32 Cole’s Story And Background01:40 Cole’s Favorite Quote01:44 “Don’t Freak Out, Figure It Out”01:52 How The Quote Emerged In The Army02:27 Handling Emotions Under Pressure03:18 Personal Stories Of Problem Solving04:38 From Bombs To Flat Tires05:21 Reframing Everyday Frustrations06:18 Why We Worry So Much07:31 Human Nature And Worst-Case Thinking09:13 Putting Life In Perspective10:34 Technical Difficulties As Life Lessons11:02 Cole’s Own Struggles With Minor Stress12:13 The Fear Of Suffering Vs. Suffering13:09 Beliefs, Mindset, And “Bad Luck”14:11 The Power Of Focus And Attention15:45 How Your Profession Shapes Your Lens16:12 Reticular Activating System Explained17:09 Practicing Positivity Takes Work17:23 How Freaking Out Makes Things Worse18:08 Road Rage And Combat Trauma19:16 Conscious Awareness And Reframing20:04 Vulnerability And Ongoing Growth21:02 Writing A Mission Statement For Clarity21:36 Practicing Skills When You’re Well21:55 Navigating Pressure With Intention22:28 Cole’s Book And Core Practices23:55 Gratitude, Affirmations, And Mindset23:58 Gratitude And Positivity In Practice24:03 Where To Find Cole Grace24:38 Closing And Gratitude

Ver todos los episodios