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Optimize Yourself

Ep272: From Setback to Comeback: Finding Strength in the Hardest Moments | with Bevin Farrand

Mar 14, 2025
01:25:15

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With everything that’s happened in the past few years—and the latest tragedies that have shaken the entertainment industry—it’s no surprise that many of us feel stuck, are questioning what’s next or even questioning what the point of it all is.

In this episode, I sit down with Bevin Farrand, speaker, coach, author, and founder of the Take the DAMN Chance movement. Bevin knows firsthand what it means to navigate profound loss—after enduring a series of tragedies, one event ultimately turned her life upside down. This led her to develop what she calls the DAMN framework to help others move forward during difficult times. Together, we explore how to face hardship without getting stuck in it. We talk about what it really means to acknowledge grief and uncertainty, why toxic positivity can do more harm than good, and the first steps to take when you feel paralyzed by everything happening around you.

Bevin also introduces the DAMN Manifesto—an anchor to help you regain clarity and direction when everything feels uncertain. Her approach isn’t just about vague motivation but real, actionable steps to help you break free from stagnation and start moving forward, even when it feels impossible.

If you’re struggling to find your footing in the midst of uncertainty, this conversation with Bevin offers a fresh perspective on how to move forward, even in the hardest of times.

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Here's What You'll Learn:

  • The events that led Bevin to the Take the DAMN Chance movement
  • How Bevin created the DAMN framework
  • Why it’s not always a good idea to think that bad things happen for a good reason
  • KEY TAKEAWAY: It’s okay to respond with sadness and grief
  • KEY TAKEAWAY: Responses can shift
  • How toxic positivity can get us stuck
  • The common mistake when talking to someone who’s having a difficult time and what to say instead
  • How to move forward when you’re trapped in uncertainty and anxiety
  • The difference between fear and anxiety and how fear can be useful
  • What is the “pad method” to get out of anxiety
  • Why you need multiple “why’s”
  • Bevin takes the Hot Seat to go deep into her origin story
  • KEY TAKEAWAY: There is no evidence to support that you "will never get through this."
  • Why fighting reality can cause more suffering
  • How people get stuck even after figuring out what they want
  • Why you can’t wait for confidence or inspiration to take action
  • What is the DAMN manifesto and how it can help us push through when things get difficult

Useful Resources Mentioned:

"Your DAMN Manifesto": Free Book to Achieve Bold Dreams and Live Intentionally

Man’s Search for Meaning | Viktor Frankl

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference | Malcolm Gladwell

Ep30: How Regular Movement Makes You Smarter | with Dr. John Ratey

Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain | Dr. John Ratey

Bevin Farrand | Free Meditation to Combat Anxiety and Overwhelm

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep271: How to Keep Moving Forwards After You’ve Lost Everything | with Christina Rasmussen

Ep256: Overcoming the Grief of “Invisible Losses” (Including Losing Your Job), and Getting Out of “Survival Mode” | with Christina Rasmussen

Ep254: The Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi Wiens

Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone

Ep82: Real Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael Kammes

Ep265: Unemployed? Burned Out? Or Both? How to Manage a Career Break | with Laura Nguyen

Ep231: How to Become Resilient In the Face of Change (and Manage an Identity Crisis) | with Brad Stulberg

Ep183: Pushing Yourself to Your Limits (When Quitting isn’t an Option) | with Evan Perperis

Ep55: How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear

Ep48: Feeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David Mead

Ep252: Find Your Creativity by Finding Your Why | with Dr. Mark Shrime

Guest Bio:

bevin-farrand-bio Bevin Farrand

Connect on Facebook Follow on Instagram linkedin website link

Bevin Farrand is an executive coach, brand strategist, and creator of the Do the DAMN Thing Method.

In 2019, after an unexpected loss just 5 days after she returned from a whirlwind trip to France with her husband, Bevin Farrand founded the Take the DAMN Chance movement. Her DAMN framework has inspired thousands to connect with the people that they love, do the “crazy thing” that makes all the difference and, when given a choice, to take the damn chance. Additionally, she is a coach that supports entrepreneurs in growing their business to 5-, 6-, and 7- figures, and women in achieving their goals, even after going through deeply challenging experiences.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).



Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content

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