Meet Dr. W. Garrett Goggans

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. W. Garrett Goggans. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. W. Garrett, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I struggled with imposter syndrome early on, but I learned to approach it as an opportunity for growth rather than a limitation. One of the biggest shifts for me came from realizing that my unique experiences and challenges are precisely what others need to hear. As I built the Triumphant Stories Movement and worked with people looking to share their own journeys, I saw that authentic storytelling can be a powerful tool for personal growth and impact.

This process taught me to reframe my own journey, seeing setbacks as sources of inspiration instead of reasons for self-doubt. I also stopped aiming for perfection and embraced authenticity, knowing that progress and honesty are far more impactful. Imposter syndrome quiets when our focus shifts from whether we’re enough to how our experiences can serve others. For me, building a platform where others could share their stories and find empowerment reinforced that I was on the right path. Today, I see my role not as someone who needs all the answers but as a guide who is continuously growing alongside others.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a Mentor for Impactful Storytelling, I work with entrepreneurs, creatives, and visionaries who feel called to share their stories but may struggle with self-doubt or simply don’t know where to begin. Through the Triumphant Stories Movement, I help individuals uncover the significance of their journeys, guiding them to organize and shape their narratives in ways that resonate and inspire others. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people embrace their unique voices and witness the impact their stories can make on others.

One of the most exciting aspects of this work is helping people realize that their experiences, no matter how ordinary they might seem, hold the power to create change. Storytelling can be a transformative tool, and I am passionate about guiding clients to step confidently into that role.

The Triumphant Stories Movement brings together real stories of resilience and triumph in our book series, Triumphant: Stories of Inspiration, Empowerment, and Success. This movement is a platform for people to share their experiences in ways that inspire others to pursue their own journeys. We’re also expanding with virtual summits and an in-person event next year, giving authors and speakers a chance to connect, share their stories live, and build a community that supports and motivates one another.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three aspects that have profoundly impacted my journey are changing the personal narrative, visualization, and embracing the feeling of the wish fulfilled.

Changing the Personal Narrative: A pivotal transformation for me was reshaping the story I told myself. Shad Helmstetter emphasizes that the language we use to define ourselves shapes our reality. By consciously reframing my thoughts and focusing on possibilities instead of limitations, I unlocked a new perspective on my potential. For those early in their journey, I recommend critically examining your self-talk. Shift from negative or limiting beliefs to empowering narratives that celebrate your strengths and aspirations.

Visualization: The practice of visualization has been a game changer. Maxwell Maltz teaches that picturing your success can dramatically influence your outcomes. I encourage newcomers to regularly envision their goals, immersing themselves in the emotions and sensations of achieving those dreams. This practice not only enhances motivation but also prepares the mind to recognize and seize opportunities that align with those visions.

Embracing the Feeling of the Wish Fulfilled: Inspired by the teachings of Neville Goddard, I learned to embody the emotions of having already achieved my goals. By fully embracing the feeling of success, I attracted opportunities that resonated with that energy. For those starting out, I suggest practicing this technique regularly: visualize not just the end goal, but the feelings associated with it. Let that sense of fulfillment guide your actions and decisions.

By honing in on these tools, anyone can cultivate a more empowered mindset, setting the stage for a transformative and fulfilling journey ahead.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Three books have played an essential role in my development: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter, Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, and You2 by Price Pritchett. Each of these works offers powerful insights that shaped how I approach personal growth, resilience, and achievement.

1. What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter: Helmstetter’s book helped me understand the profound impact of self-talk on our beliefs and actions. One of the most impactful ideas was recognizing that our thoughts become the stories we live by. By consciously choosing positive, empowering language, we can transform our self-image and, ultimately, our outcomes. This shift in my internal dialogue allowed me to build resilience and break through mental barriers.

2. Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz: Maltz’s book introduced me to the power of visualization. Maltz explains that the mind cannot distinguish between vividly imagined experiences and real ones, making visualization an incredibly effective tool for achieving goals. Learning to create a clear mental picture of my success—along with the emotions tied to it—helped me train my mind to act in alignment with those goals. This practice has been invaluable in developing confidence and consistency.

3. You2 by Price Pritchett: Pritchett’s You2 teaches the concept of quantum leaps, or exponential growth, encouraging readers to embrace actions that push beyond their comfort zones. One of the most valuable insights is that achieving extraordinary results often requires a shift away from conventional, incremental steps toward bolder, more decisive actions. This book helped me adopt a mindset of embracing calculated risks and focusing on breakthroughs instead of just incremental progress.

Each of these books taught me that growth starts with our thoughts, our capacity to envision success, and our willingness to take bold actions. Together, they provided a foundation that has been instrumental in my personal and professional journey.

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Professioanl phots by Mandy Penn Photography

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