#016 - What is the Try-Fail Cycle? How Struggle Makes You Stronger

What if your failures aren’t setbacks—but proof that you’re becoming the hero of your own story? Before every breakthrough comes a dozen breakdowns, and each one is shaping who you’re meant to be.

In this episode of Full Mental Bracket, Brent and Camille Diggs dive into the try-fail cycle — a key part of the Hero’s Journey that reveals how every struggle, setback, and false start is part of your transformation.

You’ll discover how the psychology of resilience and the science of dopamine work together to reward persistence, why instant success is an illusion, and how storytelling (both fictional and personal) helps you find meaning in the mess.  

What you’ll learn:
·         How to recognize your own try-fail cycles in life and creative work
·         Why your focus determines your freedom and emotional resilience
·         The difference between suffering and meaningful struggle
·         How journaling can reframe pain, release resentment, and restore peace
·         How to turn hardship into wisdom and purpose — becoming the hero of your own story  

This One’s for You If…

• You’re tired of feeling powerless in the face of life’s challenges
• You’ve wrestled with blame, burnout, or unfair circumstances and want to shift from frustration to focus
• You’re ready to stop chasing instant results and start embracing real growth

Timestamps:
(00:00)– Introduction: What Is the Try-Fail Cycle in the Hero’s Journey?
(05:40) – Why Every Hero’s Success Requires Struggle and Failure
(07:21) – Inigo Montoya & The Try-Fail Cycle: Lessons in Perseverance
(11:27) – How Failure Fuels Growth, Resilience, and Self-Development
(13:27) – Dopamine and Motivation: The Neuroscience of Resilience
(16:56) – Perseverance and Grit: Turning Setbacks into Strength
(18:21) – Shared Struggle and Connection: The Psychology of Belonging
(21:26) – Choosing Your Interpretations: Focus, Control, and Meaning
(22:40) – Takeaways: Applying Try-Fail to Life

Listen now to rediscover your strength, peace, and purpose — and learn how your setbacks are secretly shaping your success.

Full Mental Bracket - learning to tell a better story with your life