E198 - Tom Grennan: How I flipped adversity into energy

Today we welcome musician Tom Grennan to The High Performance Podcast. I’m sure you immediately start to think of some of the awesome songs that Tom’s released, but there is so much about his story, his mindset and resilience that you don’t know. You’re about to hear a conversation with Tom, like you’ve never heard him before.

He’s going to share with you the hours of therapy he’s had, which has helped him when approaching any challenge in life to flip his thoughts. He can transform typically negative emotions, like envy or doubt, into positives. The most notable example of this is when he was the victim of a random attack. He could have been really badly derailed by it, but through a lot of work he was able to completely change his mindset.

Tom has had some really tough moments, but he has come through them. I can’t tell you what a pleasure it was to sit down with someone as humble, determined, talented and deep-thinking as Tom Grennan.

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## Tom Grennan: From Football Dreams to Chart-topping Musician

### Introduction

In this episode of the High Performance Podcast, Jake Humphrey sits down with musician Tom Grennan for an in-depth conversation. Tom shares his journey from aspiring footballer to successful musician, highlighting the challenges, mindset shifts, and resilience that shaped his career.

### Key Points:

1. **Football to Music:** Tom's initial dream was to become a professional footballer, but an injury and a lack of confidence led him to pursue music.

2. **Finding His Voice:** Tom discovered his singing talent during a karaoke session and realized he could captivate an audience. He joined a band and began performing in local pubs.

3. **Overcoming Self-Doubt:** Tom struggled with self-doubt and negative thoughts, particularly when comparing himself to others. He learned to flip these thoughts into positives, transforming envy and doubt into motivation.

4. **The Attack:** Tom experienced a traumatic attack that left him with a broken jaw and PTSD. This event forced him to confront his mental health and develop coping mechanisms.

5. **Flipping Negatives:** Tom credits therapy for helping him develop the ability to turn negative emotions and experiences into positive ones. He uses this mindset to fuel his determination and creativity.

6. **Hard Work and Determination:** Tom emphasized the importance of hard work and relentless pursuit of his goals. He spent countless hours practicing guitar and promoting his music, even when faced with rejection.

7. **Standing Out:** Tom believes in being true to himself and not worrying about what others think. He encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and not let criticism or negativity hold them back.

8. **Proving the Naysayers Wrong:** Tom admits to still feeling the fire of proving those who doubted him wrong. He finds motivation in the desire to achieve success and make a positive impact on people's lives.

9. **Relentlessness:** Tom's relentless pursuit of success stems from two significant events in his life: a random attack that left him traumatized and the death of his cousin in a car accident. These experiences taught him the value of life and the importance of making a lasting impact.

10. **AG1 Partnership:** Tom highlights his partnership with AG1, an all-in-one multivitamin that provides him with essential nutrients to support his high-performance lifestyle.

### Conclusion

Tom Grennan's journey from football to music is a testament to his resilience, determination, and ability to overcome challenges. His emphasis on flipping negative thoughts into positives, embracing individuality, and relentlessly pursuing his goals serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking high performance in their own lives.

**I. Introduction**

A. The podcast episode features musician Tom Grennan, known for his songs and unique mindset.

B. Grennan shares his experiences with therapy, which has helped him transform typically negative emotions into positive ones.

C. Grennan has faced tough moments but has emerged stronger, demonstrating resilience and a deep-thinking nature.

**II. Embracing Optimism**

A. Grennan's lyrics often reflect his optimistic outlook, believing in a brighter future despite challenges.

B. He emphasizes the importance of embracing optimism in today's world, encouraging others to find creative outlets for self-expression.

C. Grennan's journey from facing adversity to achieving success highlights the power of optimism and perseverance.

**III. Dyslexia as a Super Strength**

A. Grennan's dyslexia, initially seen as a setback, has become a strength in his creative process.

B. He explains his unique method of songwriting, using a "washing line" theory to connect words and create meaningful lyrics.

C. Grennan's dyslexia has allowed him to develop a distinct writing style that resonates with audiences.

**IV. Overcoming Failure and Embracing Learning**

A. Grennan embraces failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

B. He enjoys experimenting and pushing himself out of his comfort zone, seeking new challenges.

C. Grennan's approach to failure and learning reflects his belief in continuous improvement and self-development.

**V. Dealing with Success and Competition**

A. As Grennan's career progresses, he faces increased pressure to maintain success and surpass expectations.

B. He acknowledges the challenges of dealing with success and the fear of failure that comes with it.

C. Grennan's response to competition is to focus on his own journey and not compare himself to others.

**VI. The Importance of Mental Strength**

A. Grennan emphasizes the significance of mental strength in achieving success and overcoming obstacles.

B. He describes his mental strength as "bulletproof" and attributes it to his ability to flip negative thoughts into positive ones.

C. Grennan's mental resilience has been instrumental in his personal and professional growth.

**VII. Making Tough Decisions and Distancing from Negativity**

A. Grennan discusses the importance of making tough decisions to protect his mental well-being.

B. He explains how he distanced himself from certain people and unhealthy habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption.

C. Grennan's emphasis on self-care and surrounding himself with positivity highlights the need for a supportive environment.

**VIII. Advice for Aspiring Artists and Embracing Discomfort**

A. Grennan advises aspiring artists to stay true to themselves and enjoy the journey.

B. He encourages them to embrace discomfort and challenges as opportunities for growth.

C. Grennan's message emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in the pursuit of success.

**IX. The Golden Rule for a High-Performance Life**

A. Grennan's golden rule for living a high-performance life is to enjoy the journey and embrace discomfort.

B. He believes that being uncomfortable indicates progress and personal growth.

C. Grennan's philosophy challenges the traditional notions of success and emphasizes the importance of fulfillment and personal well-being.

**X. Conclusion**

A. The conversation with Tom Grennan highlights the power of optimism, resilience, and mental strength in achieving success and living a fulfilling life.

B. Grennan's unique perspective on failure, competition, and self-care offers valuable insights for aspiring artists and individuals seeking personal growth.

C. The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges, flipping negative thoughts into positive ones, and surrounding oneself with positivity.

In this episode of The High Performance Podcast, host Damien Walsh engages in a captivating conversation with musician Tom Grennan, delving into his unique mindset, resilience, and the profound impact of therapy on his life. Grennan candidly shares his experiences of being the victim of a random attack and how, through extensive therapy, he was able to transform his mindset and overcome the potential negative consequences of the incident.

Grennan emphasizes the value of reflection, honesty, and the ability to perceive things as they truly are rather than through the lens of preconceived notions. He highlights the importance of recognizing the potential strengths and opportunities in challenging situations, rather than dwelling on their negative aspects.

The conversation also explores the concept of neurodiversity and how Grennan views his dyslexia as a superpower that allows him to connect the dots in a unique way. He emphasizes the significance of embracing one's differences and utilizing them as strengths, rather than perceiving them as obstacles.

Grennan underscores the power of staying present and avoiding the tendency to dwell on the past or worry about the future. He advocates for living in the moment and making the most of every opportunity, while acknowledging the importance of setting goals and working towards them.

The discussion delves into the role of gratitude in maintaining a positive mindset and fostering resilience. Grennan emphasizes the significance of appreciating the simple things in life and expressing gratitude for the people and experiences that contribute to one's well-being.

Grennan also touches upon the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who genuinely care about one's growth and success. He highlights the value of having mentors and role models who can provide guidance and inspiration along the way.

The episode concludes with a powerful message about the importance of remaining humble, curious, and empathetic in all aspects of life. Grennan stresses the significance of continuous learning, seeking out new perspectives, and maintaining a genuine connection with others.

Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset and strategies that have contributed to Tom Grennan's success, both personally and professionally. His emphasis on resilience, gratitude, and the power of positive thinking serves as a source of inspiration for listeners seeking to enhance their own performance and well-being.