Leading an Uncommon Life: Lessons in Resilience and Sustainable Excellence from Terry Tucker

In this episode of Rosabel Unscripted Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Terry Tucker—an author, speaker, former Division I athlete, SWAT hostage negotiator, hospital administrator, and, for the past thirteen years, a cancer warrior. His journey—from the basketball courts of The Citadel to the halls of MD Anderson Cancer Center—offers invaluable insights on mindset, perseverance, and what he calls “sustainable excellence.”

From South Side Chicago to a Rare Cancer Diagnosis

Terry’s story begins on the South Side of Chicago, where he grew up as the oldest of three boys and earned a basketball scholarship to The Citadel—despite undergoing three knee surgeries in high school. After college, he bounced between corporate marketing at Wendy’s International and hospital administration, eventually pivoting at age 37 to become a police officer and SWAT hostage negotiator.

In 2012, a routine podiatry visit led to a life-changing diagnosis: an incredibly rare form of melanoma on the sole of his foot. As his oncologist bluntly informed him, “You’re probably going to be dead in two years. We have nothing to offer you other than surgery.” Rather than accept a “death sentence,” Terry chose to turn it into a life sentence, emerging nearly thirteen years later still fighting with humor, humility, and unshakable resolve.

Principle 1: Control Your Mind—Or It Will Control You

One of the first truths Terry shared is that our minds can be our greatest allies or our harshest jailers. His simple exercise for regaining control:

• Write down everything that’s bothering you.
• Cross out items you have no power over.
• Focus solely on what remains.

“If you’re overwhelmed, it’s because you’re trying to control things outside your purview. Concentrate on what you can change, and let go of the rest.”

Principle 2: As Long as You Don’t Quit, You Can Never Be Defeated

Terry reminds us that pain is inevitable; suffering is optional. Our brains are hard-wired to avoid discomfort, but growth demands stepping outside our comfort zone every single day.

“Do one thing each day that scares you, that makes you uncomfortable—even if it’s small. It builds resilience so when life’s big disasters strike, you’re ready.”

Principle 3: What You Leave Behind Is What You Weave Into Others’ Hearts

Legacy, for Terry, isn’t about being remembered centuries from now—it’s about the depth of connection we forge today. He draws on a University of Chicago experiment: after just three questions on a bus ride, two strangers can bond deeply by sharing their “why.”

“I want to understand what makes people tick. Ask questions. Listen. And be present in those moments of shared vulnerability.”

Finding Your Tribe: Climbing Mountains Together

Terry’s final piece of advice is to surround yourself with people who invest in you—mentors, colleagues, and friends who care deeply about your well-being and success.

“It’s more important who you work with and who you work for than the work itself. Hitch your wagon to people you trust, and climb your mountains together.”

Take These Truths Into Your Daily Life

• Control your mind: Let go of the uncontrollable.
• Embrace discomfort: Do one brave thing every day.
• Connect deeply: Ask, listen, and share your purpose.
• Choose your tribe: Invest your time with people who lift you up.

Connect with Terry

Ready to dive deeper? Connect with Terry Tucker and explore his work on sustainable excellence at motivationalcheck.com.

Visit motivationalcheck.com

Rosabel Zohfeld