The Rich Roll Podcast Pause, Breathe, Reflect: How A Brush With Death Changed Michael O’Brien’s Life
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Apr 8, 2024 
Michael O’Brien, a former executive and father of two, reveals how a life-threatening cycling accident transformed his approach to happiness and resilience. He discusses his journey from a hectic work life to embracing mindfulness and personal growth. O'Brien labels the day of the accident as ‘My Last Bad Day’ and shares his path to forgiveness for the driver involved. He emphasizes the importance of narrative in healing, collective mindfulness, and the gradual formation of positive habits in overcoming life's adversities.
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Early Life and Career
- Michael O'Brien grew up in Rochester, wanting to impress his father through sports.
- He later pursued a sales career, met his wife through a personal ad, and started a family.
The Script and Internal Struggle
- O'Brien felt societal pressure to follow a specific life script: college, job, marriage, family, career advancement.
- He internally compared himself to others, focusing on external markers of success but privately felt unfulfilled.
The Accident
- While on a business trip, O'Brien was hit by a Ford Explorer while cycling.
- The driver, who had a revoked license, claimed to be avoiding a coyote, but the cause remains unclear.
