Breaking through mental barriers, achieving goals and the power of community.
By Nicole Needles
BEN NEMTIN’S JOURNEY began as a simple road trip with friends, yet it evolved into a global phenomenon inspiring millions to chase their dreams and prioritize mental health. As co-creator of “The Buried Life Movement,” Nemtin’s mission is clear: help others uncover their hidden aspirations and live authentically. Here, he shares insights on breaking through mental barriers, achieving goals and the transformative power of community.
Nemtin and his three friends were inspired by the 150-year-old poem “The Buried Life,” which reflects on how everyday responsibilities can bury our true desires. “We all felt a little bit stuck,” Nemtin recalls. “We had these things we wanted to do but never even tried to go after. This poem resonated deeply, and we decided to name our project after it.”
What began as a two-week road trip quickly turned into a movement. “Strangers stepped up to help us achieve our dreams, and we helped them with theirs. This ripple effect showed us that doing what you love inspires others to do the same.”
For Nemtin, community and accountability are crucial to achieving goals. “I don’t think I would have accomplished any of these goals on my own,” he says. “When I didn’t feel like doing it, my friends lifted me up. When someone else struggled, I stepped in.” This mutual support created a sense of accountability often missing in personal goal-setting. “You’re more likely to succeed when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you and hold you accountable.”
One of Nemtin’s key pieces of advice for tackling overwhelming goals is to take the smallest possible step. “You don’t have to think about achieving the entire goal. Just focus on the first step,” he says. “Action creates inspiration. Mood follows action. Small steps compound over time, bringing you closer to your goal than you realize.”
He also emphasizes persistence and creativity in overcoming challenges. Nemtin shares a memorable story of playing basketball with former President Obama – a goal that seemed impossible. “We faced countless rejections but stayed wildly persistent and creative in our approach. Eventually, something broke through, and we found ourselves on the White House basketball court with the president.” This experience taught him that “impossible is often just a mindset. Persistence and creativity can make anything achievable.”
Fear of failure, Nemtin says, is the number one obstacle preventing people from pursuing their dreams. “It’s a universal fear, but it’s also a sign that what you’re doing is meaningful,” he explains. “Growth happens on the other side of discomfort. The fear never fully goes away, but the more you step into it, the more comfortable you become with being uncomfortable.” Failure, he notes, is rarely final. “Even if you fall flat, it’s a pivot to success. You learn something valuable about yourself and your journey.”
When asked how to prioritize goals, Nemtin advises tuning into your authentic self. “We often follow what we think we should do instead of what genuinely excites us,” he says. Quiet reflection and honest conversations with loved ones can help identify what truly matters.
“Your goals should align with what makes you feel alive and true to yourself.” Nemtin also emphasizes the evolving nature of aspirations. “Your list is a reflection of who you are at any given time. It’s not about achieving everything – it’s about trying so you don’t regret not trying. Your goals grow as you grow.”
Nemtin’s message is both empowering and actionable: take small steps, lean on your community and embrace the discomfort of growth. “Ultimately, it’s not about crossing off every item on your list,” he says. “It’s about living closer to the things that make you feel alive and unlocking the gifts only you have.”
