Living an Audacious Life — The REBUILD Strategy for Starting Over

Recently, I had the privilege of joining Dr. Mark A. Hicks on The Learning Love Podcast to talk about something deeply personal and universally human: rebuilding your life when everything feels like it’s fallen apart.

We explored what it really means to live audaciously, especially during seasons of loss, identity shifts, and unexpected life changes. For me, this conversation wasn’t theoretical. It was lived experience.

During the episode, I shared my journey from working as a basketball commissioner and media professional to navigating the identity loss that came with the pandemic. Like many people, I faced a moment where the path I knew suddenly disappeared. That forced me to ask a powerful question: now what?

That question led me back to purpose. It led me back to podcasting. And it led me to the development of what I now call the REBUILD Strategy.

The Truth About Rebuilding Your Life

One of the key insights we discussed is this: rebuilding is not a sign of failure. It’s a natural part of the human experience.

Life rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Careers shift. Relationships evolve. Unexpected adversity shows up. When those moments happen, we have two choices. We can resist the change and stay stuck, or we can rebuild with intention.

Rebuilding begins with self-awareness. You have to pause long enough to reflect and evaluate what brought you to this moment. Most people try to skip this step because reflection can be uncomfortable. But without awareness, real change can’t take place.

The REBUILD Strategy

During the conversation, I introduced the REBUILD framework, a practical approach to starting over with clarity and courage:

Reflect on where you are and what has happened.

Evaluate what needs to change moving forward.

Believe in your ability to create a new chapter.

Understand the lessons hidden in the hardship.

Innovate new ways to move forward.

Learn continuously as you grow.

Develop the habits and mindset that sustain long-term change.

This strategy isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about intentional growth that transforms adversity into forward momentum.

Audacity Is Already Within You

Another powerful theme from the discussion was the idea that audacity is not reserved for extroverts or people taking massive risks. Audacity lives in the small, courageous steps we choose daily.

You don’t need permission to begin again. You don’t need perfect conditions to take action. Confidence is built through movement, not before it.

When you consistently take small brave steps, momentum begins to form. Over time, those steps compound into a completely rebuilt life.

Hills and Valleys: Experiencing Hardship Without Living There

One of my favorite metaphors from the episode is the idea of hills and valleys. Hard seasons are inevitable. We will all walk through valleys at some point. The mistake is making the valley your permanent residence.

You can experience hardship without making it your home. Rebuilding is the decision to keep walking until you reach higher ground again.

That perspective alone can shift how you view adversity. Instead of seeing hardship as the end, you begin to see it as part of the journey toward growth.

My Personal Reflection

This conversation meant a lot to me for another reason. I’m genuinely proud to have been a guest on Dr. Mark A. Hicks’ podcast as he continues building his presence in the podcasting space. Mark is fairly new to the medium, and it’s been a pleasure to be part of his early journey. He’s doing incredible work helping people understand how to truly learn love and build healthier relationships.

Mark was also a guest on The Audacious Living Podcast back in July 2025, and from that conversation, I quickly saw his passion, depth, and commitment to serving others. So being invited onto his show felt like a full-circle moment. It was an honor and a privilege to spend this time with him, exchange ideas, and support the meaningful work he’s bringing into the world.

This experience reminded me that audacity isn’t just about personal growth. It’s also about championing others as they step boldly into their purpose.

Listen to the Full Conversation

If you’re navigating a season of change, identity shift, or rebuilding after hardship, I encourage you to listen to the full episode of The Learning Love Podcast featuring my conversation with Dr. Mark A. Hicks.

We go deeper into the REBUILD Strategy, the myths about audacity, and how small courageous actions create long-term transformation.

Your next chapter doesn’t begin when everything is perfect.

It begins the moment you decide to rebuild.