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Let’s face it—most of us are doing life on autopilot. We’re checking off boxes, meeting expectations, and maybe even looking pretty successful from the outside. But inside? We know there’s more. More purpose. More impact. More us.

So what’s stopping us?

According to this week’s podcast guest, Robb Braun, it’s not about talent or luck. It’s about honesty. Self-honesty. The kind that requires you to look in the mirror and ask, am I really showing up as my best self? And more importantly: do I even know who that is?

Robb is a coach, speaker, author, and someone who has lived through heartbreak and come out with a mission: helping people live heroic lives—not perfect ones, but purposeful ones.

“Living heroically is consciously choosing to be the better version of myself. And that starts with getting really honest.” – Robb Braun

Robb’s definition of a heroic life isn’t about running into burning buildings or climbing Everest. It’s about everyday courage. It’s about being the kind of person who keeps their promises—to themselves.

That means showing up even when no one’s watching. Asking the hard questions. Being radically honest about how we’re falling short—and doing something about it.

And let’s be clear: this is not about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about deciding, I’m going to show up today—not because I feel like it, but because I made a promise to myself.

“Most of us won’t break a promise to someone else. But we’ll break promises to ourselves every damn day.” – Robb Braun

Robb also called out a hard truth: many of us are afraid of our own greatness. It’s safer to coast, to blend in, to stay in our comfort zone. But living heroically means becoming the one—the person who chooses to lead, even when it’s uncomfortable.

The “If This, Then That” Strategy: How to Actually Keep Your Promises

Look, we all want to do the hard things. But let’s be honest—comfort wins a lot.

“If I leave it to decision-making, comfort will always win. That’s why I use algorithms. If this, then that.” – Robb Braun

Robb’s secret to consistency? Take decision-making out of the equation. He builds protocols into his day so there’s no room for negotiating with comfort.

• Alarm goes off? Get up.
• Turn off phone alarm? Coffee maker on.
• While coffee brews? Step outside, barefoot, and welcome the day.

He’s been doing this for 357 straight days. And no, it’s not about willpower. It’s about systems.

“This isn’t discipline. This is strategy. I built my routine so I don’t have to decide. I just do.” – Robb Braun

He even added movement into his schedule with hourly alarms—reminders to stand up, stretch, do a few pushups, move. Small actions that keep him aligned with who he wants to become.

This approach isn’t just for ultra-motivated people. It’s for all of us who want to close the gap between who we are and who we’re capable of being.

Turning Loss into Legacy—and Loving Yourself Through the Process

Robb isn’t just sharing theories. He’s lived through loss—the kind that levels you. The kind that makes you question everything.

“Losing my son changed me. I had to choose: stay stuck in anger and pain, or use it to live fully.” – Robb Braun

He didn’t sugarcoat it. He was honest about the darkness, the questions, and the slow climb out of grief. But what stood out most was this: he didn’t let loss define him. He let it refine him.

“I chose to stop being afraid. I wanted my son to be proud of the man I became—not the one I almost became.” – Robb Braun

This isn’t just inspiring—it’s a roadmap. Robb teaches that pain doesn’t disqualify us from greatness. In fact, it can be the very thing that qualifies us.

His message to women who feel stuck in failure or unfulfilled potential?

“It’s not a character flaw. It’s a strategy flaw. You’re not broken—you just need a new way.” – Robb Braun

Yes, you’ve tried before. And yes, you may have failed. But Robb says that in itself is heroic. You’ve stayed in the game. And now it’s time to find the strategies that work for you.

Be the One

Robb reminded me—and now I’m reminding you—that the gap between who you are and who you could be? It’s closable. Not through huge leaps, but tiny steps. Consistent steps.

So here’s your invitation:
Be brave enough to get honest. Be bold enough to set up systems that make success inevitable. And be the one—the one who leads, the one who feels deeply, the one who shows up heroically.

You don’t need permission.
You don’t need perfection.
You just need to start.

“You’re not failing. You just haven’t found the right strategy yet. That’s all.” – Robb Braun

And if you’re looking for a starting point, Robb recommends checking out the Heroic app for 30 days, free of charge. He also has local workshops coming soon to help you create your own personal heroic blueprint.

Because the world doesn’t need perfect people.
It needs people who are willing to show up—fully, authentically, and on purpose.

Let’s go.

Useful links:

• Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
• Take the Marriage Predictor quiz!
• Follow me on Instagram
• Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

About HEROIC Life

We have this one beautiful short life to discover who we are and what we’re truly capable of, and most of us never come close to knowing who we could have been. “Designing Your HEROIC Life” is about discovering the best version of yourself and then committing your life to closing the gap between who you’re capable of being and who you’re showing up as each day. Each of us came into this life with unique gifts, and most of us will leave with these gifts unrealized, never having been shared with humankind – a life truly wasted. HEROIC is a movement and platform that gives folks a structure and multiple strategies for discovering and playing out the better version of themselves. When your audience tunes into the possibility for their lives, they will be stirred to do something different for themselves. I promise to provide a starting place and pathway for that stirring.

Meet Robb Braun

Robb brings years of experience as a human development pro. He’s an experienced and tenacious speaker, coach, author and leader who has been influence to more than half a million souls in organizational, leadership and life growth opportunities.

Robb’s life has been remarkable – he’s struggled in business, lost his first spouse to illness and his oldest son to gang violence. All gifts, he will tell you, that demanded the best part of him come to life. He continues to embrace life and his ever-present internal “misfit”. In all this, he communicates a powerful message that elevates the human spirit and instills hope in others that they may finally live lives of purposeful meaning.

Robb lives in California with his incredible wife Linda, their four sons and granddaughter, Fiona

Digital Coordinates:

Website: Www.robbbraun.com

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/robbbraun

YouTube: http://Www.youtube.com/robbbraun

LinkedIn: Www.linkedin.com/in/robbbraun

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop,  you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!

Thanks for listening!

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