#65 - Super Psyched For Success: Unlocking the Power of Connection with Dr. Adam Dorsay

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Adam Dorsay, a licensed psychologist, executive coach, and host of the award-winning podcast Super Psyched. Dr. Dorsay shares profound insights from his book Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love—a guide to deepening relationships and finding meaning in life.

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We explore:

• Dr. Dorsay’s personal journey from a struggling student with undiagnosed ADHD to becoming a sought-after psychologist and coach.
• The importance of connection, from self-awareness to relationships, purpose, and something greater.
• How disconnection keeps us stuck—and the practical steps to rekindle engagement in our work and lives.
• His late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and how it reshaped his understanding of success.
• The real meaning of success—moving beyond societal expectations to define a life that truly aligns with your values.
• Lessons from psychology, coaching, and personal transformation that can help listeners create a more fulfilling life.

Dr. Dorsay’s enthusiasm is contagious, and his wisdom offers a practical roadmap to living with more clarity, joy, and purpose.

📖 Get the Book: Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love
🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Super Psyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay
🔗 Connect with Dr. Dorsay: dradamdorsay.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave us a review—your support helps us spread the message of personal growth and success. 

00:00 – Introduction

• Welcome to the episode featuring Dr. Adam Dorsay, author of Super Psyched and host of the Super Psyched podcast.
• Overview of the conversation: The four types of connection and redefining success.

00:12 – Who is Dr. Adam Dorsay?

• Background: Licensed psychologist and executive coach based in San Jose, CA.
• Specializes in working with high-achieving professionals, tech executives, and athletes.
• Host of the Super Psyched podcast, featuring interviews with leading thinkers.

00:42 – Dr. Dorsay’s Journey: From "Enthusi-Adam" to Psychologist

• The story behind the nickname “Enthusi-Adam.”
• His early struggles with learning disabilities, dyslexia, and undiagnosed ADHD.
• Dropping out of grad school, working in sales, and feeling unfulfilled.
• The turning point: His wife’s encouragement to return to graduate school.

03:17 – The Power of Enthusiasm & Following Your Calling

• How returning to psychology felt like finally “going for a walk” after years of waiting.
• Overcoming self-doubt and limitations to pursue a dream career.
• The importance of finding joy in work.

04:44 – Ryan’s Similar Journey: From Psychology to Coaching

• How societal expectations led him away from psychology.
• The transition from corporate work to coaching.
• Late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and its impact.

06:50 – Why It’s Never Too Late to Change

• The myth of “it’s too late for me” and overcoming that mindset.
• The role of perseverance and the willingness to take risks.
• “If you want it badly enough, you’ll do whatever it takes.”

09:02 – The Four Types of Connection

• The importance of defining connection.
• The four layers of connection:
  1. Self-connection – Understanding and aligning with your true self.
  2. Connection with others – Relationships, friendships, and deep human bonds.
  3. Connection with the world – Work, nature, ancestry, and creativity.
  4. Connection with something greater – Religion, spirituality, or awe.

11:40 – What Disconnects Us?

• Societal expectations and cultural pressures.
• The trap of external success and disconnection from personal meaning.
• Social comparison and chasing someone else’s version of success.

13:12 – Defining Success on Your Own Terms

• The role of emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
• How cultural narratives shape our understanding of success.
• Avoiding the trap of “achievement without fulfillment.”

16:05 – The Power of Focus: Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

• Warren Buffett’s “Top 5 Goals” rule and eliminating distractions.
• Avoiding the trap of trying to do everything at once.
• The importance of saying “no” to opportunities that don’t align with your purpose.

18:09 – Why We Are Wired for Connection

• The evolutionary roots of connection and belonging.
• Loneliness as a health risk: Comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
• The Still Face Experiment and why human connection is so powerful.

22:17 – The Power of Reconnection

• How to repair broken relationships and strengthen bonds.
• The importance of vulnerability and emotional intelligence.
• Simple practices for rebuilding connection.

24:52 – Overcoming Limiting Beliefs About Success & Timing

• The false belief that success has a timeline.
• How self-doubt and fear of failure keep people stuck.
• The power of staying in the ring and continuing to evolve.

29:00 – The Personal Power of Learning & Growth

• How discovering reading changed Dr. Dorsay’s mindset.
• Learning as the ultimate tool for transformation.
• The role of perseverance in overcoming setbacks.

34:20 – The Importance of Creating More Than Consuming

• Avoiding passive consumption and focusing on contribution.
• The impact of daily habits on personal growth.
• Building a life of meaning through creativity and connection.

37:00 – Common Limiting Beliefs & How to Overcome Them

• The struggle of not knowing what you want.
• The urgency trap: Prioritizing busywork over meaningful goals.
• How to shift focus from external validation to internal clarity.

39:43 – Life Lessons from Dr. Dorsay’s Son

• His son’s powerful question: “What’s something you always say you’ll do someday?”
• The importance of prioritizing experiences that bring fulfillment.

42:29 – Fatherhood, Career, and Personal Growth

• Ryan’s reflections on becoming a father of twins.
• How parenting reshapes priorities and deepens personal growth.
• The evolving journey of self-awareness and connection.

45:35 – Fun Questions & Shared Interests

• Lord of the Rings: Which film is the best?
• The psychology of great storytelling and why connection makes stories powerful.
• Why people resonate with deep relationships in movies.

50:00 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

• Connection is the foundation of a meaningful life.
• It’s never too late to redefine success and create change.
• The key to fulfillment: Aligning your life with what truly matters.

51:27 – How to Connect with Dr. Dorsay

• Book: Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection
• Podcast: Super Psyched
• Website: dradamdorsay.com
• Social Media & LinkedIn

53:06 – Closing Remarks & Call to Action

• If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and share with a friend!
• Final reflections on the power of redefining success and prioritizing connection.