#368 Chosen Suffering: How Tom Ryan Found Faith, Success, and Healing Through Pain

#368 Chosen Suffering: How Tom Ryan Found Faith, Success, and Healing Through Pain

Author: Jim Harshaw, Jr. September 5, 2022 Duration: 33:05

Action Plan: https://jimharshawjr.com/ACTION
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ree Clarity Call: https://jimharshawjr.com/APPLY

“Easy and elite were never meant to coexist.” And if you wish to lead a life as an elite performer, like Tom Ryan, then you have to be prepared to embrace “chosen suffering.”

Tom Ryan is the Head Coach of the Ohio State University Wrestling Team. It was his guidance and leadership that led the team to unprecedented heights by winning the 2015 NCAA National Championship, among many milestones.

He also had a decorated wrestling career as a 2x NCAA All-American, taking second in the 1991 NCAA Tourney and third in 1992 for the University of Iowa.

Tom embraced “chosen suffering” to become elite in what he does. This became the inspiration for his book, "Chosen Suffering: Becoming Elite In Life And Leadership." 

It wasn’t until he and his wife, Lynette, suffered the sudden death of their five-year-old son, Teague, that they encountered “unchosen suffering” in a way they never wished. In this fire, they found their faith and a process to push through the pain. 

Tom joins us in this episode of the Success Through Failure podcast to share his passion for transforming ordinary lives into elite champions through his stories of unbelievable courage, strength, love, and faith. Tune in now!

If you don’t have time to listen to the entire episode or if you hear something that you like but don’t have time to write it down, be sure to grab your free copy of the Action Plan from this episode— as well as get access to action plans from EVERY episode— at http://www.JimHarshawJr.com/Action.  


There's a particular drive that comes from a background in sports, a mindset forged in competition and discipline that doesn't just switch off when you leave the field. Success for the Athletic-Minded Man taps directly into that energy, translating the core principles of athletic performance into tools for everyday life. Host Jim Harshaw, Jr. understands that the same clarity needed to execute a game plan, the focus required in a critical moment, and the consistency of daily practice are the exact traits that define winning in business, relationships, and personal health. This isn't about finding more hours in the day; it's about applying a strategic, trained approach to all of it. Each episode feels like a conversation with a coach who's been in your shoes, addressing the real tension between ambitious career goals, being a present father and partner, and maintaining physical fitness without letting any single priority suffer. You'll hear practical discussions on management, self-improvement, and the mental frameworks that help you stop shortchanging the areas that matter most. The podcast moves beyond theory, offering actionable insights for men who aim to build a life of sustained achievement, where success is measured across the board, not just on a scoreboard.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Success for the Athletic-Minded Man
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