Welcome to Episode 121 of the Built on Purpose Podcast, brought to you by Y Scouts.
In this episode of the Built On Purpose Podcast, Max Hansen interviews Michael Bernoff, founder of the Human Communications Institute and author of Average Sucks. Michael explains how internal programming traps even the most driven people in mediocrity and why our current “average” always wins unless we actively shift it.
He shares how language shapes results, how to break out of your old identity patterns, and a simple way to build momentum when discipline feels out of reach.
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💡 What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why your current average is quietly running your life
✅ How small language changes can lead to massive behavior shifts
✅ Why mindset isn’t an add-on, it’s the whole operating system
✅ A simple two-day rule to rewire habits and build lasting momentum
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🔥 Memorable Quotes:
✨ “You’re not addicted to your problems because you’re weak. You’re addicted to your problems because they’re familiar.” – Michael Bernoff
✨ “Discipline isn’t the starting point. It’s the outcome of doing something twice and realizing you can.” – Michael Bernoff
✨ “We train the people around us to respond to who we’ve been, not who we want to be.” – Michael Bernoff
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🔗 Resources:
🔗 Connect with Michael Bernoff:
Website: https://michaelbernoff.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_bernoff/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bernoff-ba5a3a4b/
📣 Connect with Max Hansen & Y Scouts:
📱 Max Hansen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxhansen/
🌐 Y Scouts Website: https://yscouts.com/
🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/h5-QDBAuoWI
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Y Scouts is a leadership search firm that finds purpose-aligned and performance-proven leaders to help organizations achieve their missions faster. Ready to supercharge your leadership search and get the right person in your organization? Contact Y Scouts.
