Triggers, Self-Awareness, and the Cost of Overreaction

Second Life Leader

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29d ago 23:05

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We start with a simple truth: if something triggers you, it owns you. From marriages strained by defensiveness, to children calling out their father’s lack of emotional intelligence, Chad shows how unchecked reactions erode trust, respect, and legacy.

His own turning point came when his son told him he had “zero emotional intelligence.” Instead of firing back, Chad began the slow work of asking why every sharp word stung—and what it revealed about his need for respect, affirmation, and value.

We explore how men often hide behind discipline, how protection and fear shape family dynamics, and why “being open” is useless if you don’t create a safe environment for truth. The conversation turns personal—broken trust, blended families, strokes, and the moment Chad realized decades of construction projects weren’t a legacy if his family couldn’t stand him.

The fix isn’t perfection. It’s self-awareness. Triggers are symptoms. And the healing comes when you let the people you’ve hurt tell you the truth—and you listen.

TL;DR

* Triggers own you until you own them.

* Overreactions reveal insecurity, not reality.

* Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness, not slogans.

* Legacy is people, not projects.

* Leaders (and fathers) go first—healing is contagious.

Memorable lines

“Anything that triggers you is telling you more about yourself than the other person.” “Legacy isn’t bridges or hotels—it’s your kids wanting to talk to you.” “If you don’t create a safe environment, your ‘openness’ is just virtue signaling.”

Guest

Chad Brignac — Transformationalist consultant, speaker, and author of Blend Don’t Break, focused on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and healing through small shifts.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chadmbrignac/

Why this matters

Whether at work or at home, unchecked triggers destroy trust. Healing them isn’t just about avoiding fights—it’s about building a legacy of respect, connection, and compassion.

Call to Action

If this conversation lit something up for you, don’t just let it fade. Come join me inside the Second Life Leader community on Skool. That’s where I share the frameworks, field reports, and real stories of reinvention that don’t make it into the podcast. You’ll connect with other professionals who are actively rebuilding and leading with clarity. The link is in the show notes—step inside and start building your Second Life today.

https://secondlifeleader.com

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