Four Truths and a Lie: Terry Tucker on Mental Toughness, Purpose, and True Success

In this powerful and reflective episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Terry Tucker, author of Four Truths and a Lie, for a deep conversation about mindset, mental toughness, and what it truly means to live a significant life.

Terry shares the philosophy behind his latest book, which challenges common definitions of success rooted in money, status, and material achievement. Instead, he invites listeners to rethink success through the lens of service, responsibility, and impact on others. At the heart of his message is one foundational truth: if you don’t control your mind, it will control you.

Building on lessons from his earlier work, Sustainable Excellence, Terry explains how the four truths in the book—shaped by real-life adversity including cancer and amputation—serve as a framework for resilience. He emphasizes the importance of deliberately stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing discomfort, and taking daily actions that strengthen mental toughness.

Mike and Terry also explore the difference between success and significance, the dangers of tying self-worth to achievement, and why true fulfillment comes from giving rather than acquiring. Through stories, philosophy, and lived experience, Terry offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating hardship or searching for deeper purpose.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • The core philosophy behind Four Truths and a Lie
  • Mental toughness and controlling your mindset
  • Success versus significance
  • Finding purpose through service to others
  • Building resilience through daily discomfort
  • Lessons learned through adversity and personal challenge

This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning traditional ideas of success or looking to build a more meaningful, purpose-driven life.

Terry’s new book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Truths-Lie-Ancient-Purpose/dp/B0FPGTK7TG

🎙️ Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for inspiring conversations about resilience, disability, and turning life’s toughest challenges into growth and impact.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • 2025 OSF Innovator of the Year award

April 24th, 2025|

Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking work of Dr. Eric Martin, Chief of Vascular Surgery at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, and recipient of the 2025 OSF Innovator of the Year award. Dr. Martin's regenerative reconstruction techniques are offering new hope to patients facing potential amputations due to severe infections, traumatic injuries, or chronic ulcers. Utilizing biological materials like fish skin and pig bladder, these innovative procedures aim to restore tissue and preserve limbs.

  • Hiking Against the Odds: Double Amputee Tom Jalinski’s 1,200-Mile Challenge

April 22nd, 2025|

Tom Jalinski, a double amputee from Littleton, is taking on a monumental challenge—hiking all 1,200 miles of Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail. In this episode, Tom shares his inspiring journey, from his past as an avid climber to the rigorous training he’s undergone to prepare for this six-month trek. He discusses the physical and mental challenges amputees face, his goal of raising awareness about life after limb loss, and the message he hopes to send to both the amputee and able-bodied communities. With a crowdfunding campaign to support his journey and a determination to prove that physical limitations don’t define one’s potential, Tom’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering spirit. Tune in to hear how he’s turning obstacles into opportunities—one step at a time.

  • Limb Loss Bullying

April 17th, 2025|

In this impactful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks out about a disturbing incident from the UK, where a woman without limb loss took to social media to mock individuals with visible limb differences—specifically targeting those with “nubs.” Mike calls out the cruelty and ignorance behind her actions, while emphasizing an important point: don’t give bullies the attention they crave. Sharing her posts only gives her more exposure and power. Instead, Mike encourages the limb loss community to rise above the hate—and to support one another with confidence and pride. “You are strong. You are resilient. And your difference is nothing to be ashamed of.” This episode is both a call for accountability and a reminder that dignity, not mockery, deserves the spotlight.

By |January 20th, 2026|Limb Loss Due To Medical Condition, Lower Limb Amputees|Comments Off on Four Truths and a Lie: Terry Tucker on Mental Toughness, Purpose, and True Success

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top