For Ryan, these lessons didn’t come from motivational speakers or self-help books alone but from living through some of life’s most painful moments. His journey of self-reflection and healing became the foundation for not just achieving outward success, but for creating a life aligned with his values and faith.
Who is Ryan Miller?
Ryan Miller isn’t your typical motivational coach. His qualifications come from a life marked by adversity, resilience, and redemption. Most notably, Ryan survived the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, an event that deeply shaped his outlook on life and work. Since then, he has built a reputation as a speaker and coach, helping high performers—executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders—unlock their full potential by focusing not just on professional success, but on personal healing.
As the author of Wounds: How Hurt, Heartache, and Tragedy Become the Keys to Unlocking Greatness, Ryan shares his personal story of triumph through tragedy. His coaching approach isn’t about avoiding ambition but about aligning that ambition with a greater purpose, which is something he brings to all his work.
The Struggle with Stillness
Despite his deep insights, Ryan wasn’t always comfortable with quiet moments. For much of his life, the idea of stillness felt alien. Like so many of us, he constantly chased the next goal, the next challenge, or the next task, leaving little room for rest. However, this mindset began to shift when he read Ryan Holiday’s Stillness is the Key, a book that opened his eyes to how influential figures throughout history found peace amidst the noise.
In his own search for stillness, Ryan discovered the Pause app by John Eldredge, a tool that introduced him to brief, guided moments of quiet reflection. This practice soon became a core part of his daily routine, a small but transformative shift that allowed him to reset and find peace even during the busiest of times. Now, Ryan encourages others to explore similar practices, believing that these pauses offer more than just a break—they offer clarity.
Driven or Destroyer? The Double-Edged Sword of Ambition
The discussion also shifted to a subject both Harlon and Ryan know well: the fine line between ambition and self-destruction. Ryan shared how, for years, he justified his long hours and sacrifices by telling himself it was all for his family. In reality, much of his drive stemmed from personal ambition—a desire to achieve and build something for himself. It wasn’t until later that he recognized how this mindset could easily lead to burnout and broken relationships.
Harlon’s experience echoed Ryan’s. He spoke about the time he pursued his dream of owning a restaurant, uprooting his family and working 18-hour days, six days a week. Though he was chasing success, he later realized that his intense focus on work left his family, especially his son, feeling abandoned. Both Harlon and Ryan agreed that while ambition is important, it must be balanced with personal well-being and nurturing relationships.
A Faith-Driven Transformation
What makes Ryan’s perspective so powerful is his faith-driven approach to life. After nearly falling into infidelity early in his marriage, Ryan found himself in church listening to a sermon about what it means to be a godly husband and father. That moment became a turning point for him, leading him back to his faith and ultimately shaping how he navigates his personal and professional life.
Ryan’s faith isn’t just personal; it’s central to his work as a coach. He helps others seek alignment between their faith, work, and personal lives, emphasizing that true success is about more than wealth or professional achievements—it’s about living with integrity and purpose. His faith-driven approach provides clarity and guidance not only for himself but also for those he coaches.
Vulnerability and Growth: Sharing the Tough Moments
As the episode continued, Ryan shared a recent experience that highlighted his commitment to growth and authenticity. After receiving feedback from a prospect who felt ignored by him during multiple encounters, Ryan didn’t dismiss the criticism. Instead, he reflected on it and even posted about the experience on LinkedIn, acknowledging the person’s feelings and using the moment as a chance to improve.
This willingness to be vulnerable, Ryan believes, is key to real growth. Sharing our shortcomings and being open to criticism allows us to evolve—not just for ourselves, but for those around us. His commitment to continuous self-improvement and authenticity sets him apart as a leader and coach, making his message resonate with a wide range of people seeking both personal and professional development.
Final Thoughts
Ryan Miller’s conversation with Harlon serves as a powerful reminder that life’s journey is filled with ups and downs, and our greatest lessons often come from moments of hardship and reflection. Whether you’re struggling to balance ambition with personal well-being or searching for a way to align your faith with your career, Ryan’s story offers valuable insights on how to navigate life’s complexities with grace, humility, and purpose.
His book, Wounds: How Hurt, Heartache, and Tragedy Become the Keys to Unlocking Greatness, is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to turn their challenges into catalysts for growth.
So, as you move forward in your own journey, ask yourself: Are you making time for stillness? Are you pursuing your goals in a way that uplifts those around you? And most importantly, are you living in alignment with the values that matter most to you?
Because, as Ryan demonstrates, true success isn’t just about what we achieve—it’s about who we become along the way.
If you’re ready to take the next step in balancing your professional success with personal well-being, Ryan is here to help. Visit his website to learn more about his coaching services and how he can guide you on your path to greatness.
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