Mister Motivation: From the School of Hard Knocks

Shaun Murphy | Mister Motivation
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Self-Improvement

Life doesn’t come with a syllabus, but experience is the best teacher. I didn’t learn living between Barbados and Brooklyn. I thought I could guide myself and landed in the Army. Now I’m somewhere near Boston, married to medicine, and raising two kids. Every L was a lesson, every setback a setup for a comeback. From lost to leader, soldier to speaker, dropout to educator, and now a published author. This is real talk, real lessons, and real breakthroughs. No fluff. No excuses. Press play. Class is in session. mistermotivation.substack.com

  1. 18h ago

    The Legacy Test (What Will People Say About You?)

    Imagine someone describing you ten years from now. What do you hope they say? Not about what you owned. Not about what you earned. Not about the title you carried. But about the impact you made. In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks Podcast by Mister Motivation, we challenge the way you think about legacy—and what truly lasts when everything else fades. Because legacy isn’t built in big moments. It’s built in daily interactions. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why legacy is about impact, not achievements * How your presence shapes the people around you * The difference between what you leave behind vs. what you leave inside people * How to start living in a way that creates lasting influence At the end of the day… People won’t remember everything you had. They’ll remember how you made them feel. How you showed up. How you changed them. Legacy isn’t what you leave behind. It’s what you leave inside people. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and start living with intention. 🔥 Take it deeper: Unbreakable Valor will help you build a life of impact, purpose, and lasting influence. 👉 Get your copy here: ⁠https://unbreakable-valor.mister-motivation.com/unbreakable-valor⁠ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mistermotivation.substack.com

  2. Aug 11

    What Are You Teaching People? (They’re Always Watching)

    You’re teaching people something every single day. Not with your words.With your actions. How you respond to pressure.How you handle setbacks.What you tolerate.What you pursue. In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks Podcast by Mister Motivation, we break down the silent influence you have on everyone around you—and the responsibility that comes with it. Because whether you realize it or not…People are learning from you. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why your actions teach louder than your words * How your standards shape the people around you * The hidden responsibility of leadership (at every level) * How to become intentional about the example you set Your children are watching.Your team is watching.Your circle is watching. The question isn’t if you’re teaching. It’s what you’re teaching. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and raise your standard. 🔥 Take it deeper:Unbreakable Valor helps you lead by example, build discipline, and live in alignment with the standard you want others to follow. 👉 Get your copy here: https://unbreakable-valor.mister-motivation.com/unbreakable-valor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mistermotivation.substack.com

  3. Aug 4

    The Most Dangerous Lie (Why ‘Later’ Is Ruining Your Life)

    The most dangerous lie isn’t “I can’t.” It’s:“I’ll do it later.” Because “later” sounds harmless…But it quietly destroys momentum, delays growth, and kills opportunities before they ever get a chance to live. In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks Podcast by Mister Motivation, we break down why procrastination isn’t about time—it’s about courage. Because deep down, you already know what needs to be done. You’re just postponing the moment you step into it. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why “later” is one of the most damaging habits you can build * The real reason you keep delaying what matters most * How to replace hesitation with decisive action * Why courage—not time—is the missing piece Later delays healing.Later avoids hard conversations.Later keeps you stuck in the same place. The truth? You don’t need more time. You need more courage. The life you’re waiting to start…Is waiting on you. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and take action—now. 🔥 Take it deeper:Unbreakable Valor will help you build the courage, discipline, and mindset to act—without waiting for the “right time.” 👉 Get your copy here: https://unbreakable-valor.mister-motivation.com/unbreakable-valor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mistermotivation.substack.com

  4. Jul 28

    Your Story Isn’t About You (It’s Bigger Than You Think)

    At first, your story is about survival. Then it becomes about success. But eventually… It becomes about service. In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks Podcast by Mister Motivation, we break down the real purpose behind everything you’ve been through—and why your story was never meant to stop with you. Because your pain wasn’t pointless. Your struggle wasn’t random. It was preparation. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why your experiences are bigger than just your personal journey * How your struggles become tools to help others * The shift from self-focused growth to service-driven impact * Why someone else is waiting on what you’ve already learned You didn’t go through it for nothing. You went through it to grow… And to guide. Don’t waste your story. Share it. Listen, reflect, and step into the impact your story was meant to create. Take it deeper: Unbreakable Valor helps you turn your experiences into strength, purpose, and impact that reaches beyond you. Get your copy here: ⁠https://unbreakable-valor.mister-motivation.com/unbreakable-valor⁠ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mistermotivation.substack.com

  5. Jul 21

    The Hidden Cost of Always Being Right (Why It’s Holding You Back) | The School of Hard Knocks Podcast

    Being right feels good. But it can cost you more than you think. You win the argument…But lose the person. You prove your point…But miss the impact. In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks Podcast by Mister Motivation, we break down the hidden downside of always needing to be right—and why it might be limiting your growth, leadership, and relationships. Because influence isn’t built on being right.It’s built on being effective. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why being “right” can damage connection and trust * The difference between winning arguments and creating impact * How curiosity creates more influence than certainty * Why the best leaders ask better questions instead of giving better answers If your goal is impact…Understanding will take you further than ego ever will. The strongest leaders don’t just speak well. They listen better.They ask deeper.They connect stronger. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and shift how you show up in conversations. 🔥 Take it deeper:Unbreakable Valor will help you lead with clarity, humility, and real influence—not just opinions. 👉 Get your copy here: https://unbreakable-valor.mister-motivation.com/unbreakable-valor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mistermotivation.substack.com

  6. Jul 15

    Stop Trying to Save People (Support Them Instead) | The School of Hard Knocks Podcast

    Most people are trying to help… but doing it the wrong way. They try to save people.Fix people.Rescue people. But that’s not how real transformation works. In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks Podcast by Mister Motivation, we break down a powerful shift: People don’t need saving.They need support. Because growth doesn’t happen when you drag someone forward…It happens when you walk beside them. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why the “hero mentality” can actually hold people back * The difference between rescuing and empowering * How to support others without taking away their ownership * Why real impact comes from partnership—not control You don’t need to be someone’s hero. Be their ally. That’s where trust is built.That’s where growth happens.That’s where real change begins. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and shift how you show up for the people in your life. 🔥 Take it deeper:Unbreakable Valor will help you build stronger relationships, lead with purpose, and create impact that actually lasts. 👉 Get your copy here: https://unbreakable-valor.mister-motivation.com/unbreakable-valor #SchoolOfHardKnocks #MisterMotivation #Leadership #MensGrowth #MindsetShift #PersonalDevelopment #Relationships #UnbreakableValor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mistermotivation.substack.com

  7. Jul 7

    The Room Is Changing You (Choose Your Environment Wisely) | The School of Hard Knocks Podcast

    Every room you step into is shaping who you become. The conversations.The standards.The expectations.The beliefs. You may not notice it—but your environment is constantly teaching you what’s “normal.” In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks Podcast by Mister Motivation, we break down the hidden influence of the rooms you’re in—and how they’re either expanding you or shrinking you. Because over time…You don’t just experience your environment. You become it. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How your environment silently shapes your mindset and results * Why staying in the wrong room keeps you stuck * The importance of proximity to growth, standards, and accountability * How to choose rooms that elevate who you’re becoming So ask yourself: Is this room building me…Or breaking me? Because eventually, you will reflect what surrounds you. Choose wisely. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and take control of your environment. 🔥 Take it deeper:Unbreakable Valor will help you strengthen your mindset, raise your standards, and step into rooms that align with your growth. 👉 Get your copy here: https://unbreakable-valor.mister-motivation.com/unbreakable-valor #SchoolOfHardKnocks #MisterMotivation #MindsetShift #MensGrowth #EnvironmentMatters #LevelUp #GrowthMindset #UnbreakableValor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mistermotivation.substack.com

  8. Jun 23

    Stop Looking for Your Purpose (Ask This Instead) | The School of Hard Knocks Podcast

    Most people are asking the wrong question. “What’s my purpose?”They spend years searching… waiting… overthinking. But what if purpose isn’t something you find? In this episode of The School of Hard Knocks Podcast by Mister Motivation, we break down a more powerful question—one that reveals your purpose instead of keeping you chasing it. Because purpose isn’t random.It’s connected to what moves you. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why “finding your purpose” keeps you stuck * The real question that brings clarity * How your frustrations and experiences point to your assignment * Why purpose is revealed through service, not searching What frustrates you?What breaks your heart?What won’t leave you alone? That’s not a coincidence. That’s a clue. Listen, reflect, and pay attention to what’s been pulling on you. Take it deeper:Unbreakable Valor helps you turn your experiences into direction, clarity, and purpose-driven action. Get your copy here: https://unbreakable-valor.mister-motivation.com/unbreakable-valor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mistermotivation.substack.com

See All (81)

About

Life doesn’t come with a syllabus, but experience is the best teacher. I didn’t learn living between Barbados and Brooklyn. I thought I could guide myself and landed in the Army. Now I’m somewhere near Boston, married to medicine, and raising two kids. Every L was a lesson, every setback a setup for a comeback. From lost to leader, soldier to speaker, dropout to educator, and now a published author. This is real talk, real lessons, and real breakthroughs. No fluff. No excuses. Press play. Class is in session. mistermotivation.substack.com

Information