“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman
When my daughter was two-and-a-half, I installed a seat on the back of my bike. I strapped her in and we pedaled around our neighborhood. She yelled, “this is fantastic!”
A pure jolt of energy and vitality shot threw me. For me, it was such a good example of the fullness of life that surges when we embrace the freedom that comes with getting out on two wheels. As a bonus, it reminded me of how easy it is to get stuck in the humdrum of life. And the cure is just an adventure (big or small) away.
So in this episode of The Life of Try podcast, I talk with tech entrepreneur and author Michael Yang about his memoir Coming Alive on the Ride and the way motorcycle travel became both a literal journey and a powerful metaphor for personal growth. Michael shares how stepping outside your familiar environment can help you hear “life’s invitation” to dream, venture, and rediscover what makes you feel fully awake.
Together we explore resilience through the Korean concept of han—the accumulated weight of difficult circumstances—and how setbacks can become fuel for perseverance. Michael reflects on immigrating from Korea at 14, building a life through gratitude and hard work, and learning (again and again) that rejection doesn’t have to be the end of the story.
From riding thousands of miles with a lifelong friend to a memorable run-in with Steve Jobs at Macy’s in 1982, Michael’s stories remind us that courage grows through companionship and curiosity. We also discuss the Korean guiding philosophy of Hongik—living in a way that benefits all humankind—and how our bravest tries can ripple outward in ways we may not expect.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why “accepting the invitation” is simple—but the road rarely runs straight
- Han, perseverance, and turning setbacks into strength
- The immigrant mindset: gratitude, effort, and going for opportunity
- Friendship as a confidence builder—on the road and in life
- Curiosity, rejection, and holding onto a vision (plus the Steve Jobs story)
- Hongik: living for the wider benefit and making a positive dent in the world
Here’s a small taste of Michael’s brave and bold reminder that saying “yes” to adventure often brings out our best selves:
Whether you’re craving a literal road trip or a fresh start at home, this conversation will nudge you toward your next brave yes.
Here are some ways you can listen and watch this motivating episode:
- The podcast player embedded below
- Click this link to watch in a browser: How to Get Unstuck: Michael Yang on Saying Yes, Resilience, and Coming Alive
- Subscribe to The Life of Try on Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Podcasts
- Subscribing to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thelifeoftry
Encouraging Effort, Not Outcome: The Secret to Helping People Keep Trying – The Life of Try: Personal growth, one try at a time.
- Encouraging Effort, Not Outcome: The Secret to Helping People Keep Trying
- How to Celebrate the Try
- How to Reclaim Fun in Adult Life; Michael Rucker, PhD on Joy, Burnout, and The Fun Habit
- Reinvention, Resilience and The Courage to Try| Lindsey Goldstein on Gap Year
- 51: Letting Go of Outcomes: The Mindset That Keeps You Moving
Links for this episode:
48-How to Get Unstuck: Michael Yang on Saying Yes, Resilience, and Coming Alive transcript
Coming Alive on the Ride at Barnes & Noble and Amazon
The Life of Try is a personal growth and self‑help podcast about getting unstuck, navigating uncertainty, and choosing to try—even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or not your idea.
Hosted by Wynne Leon, the show explores how real growth, reinvention, and discovery often begin not with confidence or clarity—but with a single attempt. Through thoughtful interviews, reflective conversations, and real‑world case studies, each episode examines what it looks like to keep going when doubt shows up, plans fall apart, or life forces a change you didn’t ask for.
This podcast is for anyone who:
- Feels stuck or uncertain about what’s next
- Is navigating change, burnout, or reinvention
- Wants to live more intentionally without pretending growth is easy
- Believes progress starts by trying—again and again
The Life of Try isn’t about hustle or perfection. It’s about learning as you go, surfacing what matters, and sharing what you discover along the way.
If you’re ready to surf the uncertainty, outlast the doubts, and step into your own try‑cycle, you’re in the right place.
(featured photo from Michael Yang — more incredible photos in his book and on his website!)
Surprised By Joy 