Bold Action, Big Dreams: How Gregory Russell Benedikt Is Inspiring a Life of Meaning

We’re excited to feature someone we deeply admire and are grateful to know personally — Gregory Russell Benedikt. Gregory is a TEDx speaker, writer, podcast host, and transformational coach whose mission is to help people live lives they’re truly proud of.

We’ve followed his journey closely and love the energy, authenticity, and purpose he brings into everything he does. Whether through his words on stage or the conversations he sparks, Gregory inspires others to break free from autopilot and step into their full potential.

In this interview, we asked him a few questions about living with intention, purpose, and passion — values that resonate deeply with us at EDERRA.

Your TEDx talk beautifully explores the concept of living a meaningful life. What sparked your personal journey toward living with more purpose?

Back in 2019, I learned about the top regrets of the dying. It turns out that the #1 regret people have at the end of their life is: "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me." 

This punched me in the face because it made me realize I was wearing a mask, living someone else's life. 

After a fair bit of floundering, I changed everything about my life. 

→ I quit my job in finance and started a nonprofit with a stranger I met on the internet

→ I became an ICF-certified coach to help people stop feeling so empty despite their success

→ I started The Dare to Dream Podcast to share what it's actually like to follow your dreams

Now, I’m a coach who helps high-achievers who feel unfulfilled despite external success, create more meaning, fulfillment, and adventure in their lives. Through taking bold, aligned action and stepping fully into the life they actually want. But learning about the top 5 regrets of the dying 5+ years ago was the spark. 

Many people feel stuck between comfort and fulfillment. What’s one piece of advice you'd give to someone who wants more out of life but doesn't know where to start?

I’d say that you don’t need to know where to start to get moving. Taking bold action is so effective at getting you unstuck that you can start anywhere. Even if it’s silly, like high-fiving a stranger or asking for a discount at your local coffee shop, your life will start to change. The universe rewards bold action, and as soon as it sees you intentionally getting out of your comfort zone, you will be rewarded. 

 At EDERRA, we believe in intentional living — from what you put in your body to how you show up each day. What daily habits help you stay aligned with your purpose?

Meditation and exercise are my 2 go-tos. I have a simple daily meditation practice where I spend 10-15 minutes each day in silence to reconnect to my purpose, the best version of myself, and the energy of the universe. Lifting weights, surfing, and playing pickleball are my go-tos for movement and exercise. 

You talk about "making your life a story worth telling." What does that look like to you in practice, and how do you keep rewriting your own story?

Bringing it back the the #1 regret of the dying, living a story worth telling is all about having the courage to live a life true to yourself. When you’re old and wrinkled, you won’t care how many Instagram followers you had or what you looked like naked. The only thing you will care about is: “Did I have the courage to really go for it? Did I  live the life I always dreamed about?” 

The only practice you need is this: consistently get out of your comfort zone. Everything you want is on the other side of fear, and as the author Anais Nin says: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. This is the reason I got “Live a Story Worth Telling” tattooed on my forearm. So that every time I am feeling scared and I want to choose comfort, I simply look down at my arm and step into fear instead. If you do this one simple practice, your life will become a story worth telling. 

You've coached and spoken with a wide range of people — what’s a common belief or mindset you see holding people back from living fully?

The biggest belief holding people back is that fear is a bad thing. People think they need to overcome, or eliminate, or transcend their fear before they get started. The truth is, the fear never goes away. Instead of trying to get rid of it, we need to learn to dance with fear. Our fear is actually a beautiful thing that we should use as a compass to guide us. You feel fear around things that matter. Typically, the more resistance and fear you feel toward an idea, the bigger impact it will have on you realizing your potential. So stop trying to get rid of your fear and simply get started while being scared. I call this taking terrified action.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about creating, sharing, or exploring in your own life journey?

I am most excited for the authentic human connection I am creating through my online community (The Bold Action Community) and the in-person workshops and retreats I have started to host. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in our lives, I think more of us will crave in-person human connection. Surrounding yourself with real people who are facing real fears in real time is one of the most magical and transformative experiences. If you’re looking to become besties with inspiring people who are all chasing their dreams, come join us!

Get in touch with Gregory
Website | Instagram | Ted Talk