The Plus One Theory

Episode 22: The Mile That Changed Everything

• Pam Dwyer • Season 1 • Episode 22

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Pam Dwyer introduces the Plus One Theory, a philosophy centered on taking one more step forward regardless of life circumstances to create meaningful transformation over time.

• The Plus One Theory originated from Pam's childhood experience running a timed mile despite malnourishment and poverty
• During the challenging run, Pam discovered inner strength by channeling past pain into determination
• This approach became central to Pam's parenting style—expecting effort and resilience rather than perfection
• Storytelling creates powerful connections, allowing others to reflect on their own journeys
• The Plus One Theory isn't about doing more for more's sake, but about intentional small actions
• Pam is currently writing a book about the Plus One Theory featuring real stories of overcoming adversity
• Future podcast episodes will focus on applying the theory to health and wellness with expert guests
• Sustainable progress matters more than perfection when building healthy habits

Share your "plus one" story for possible inclusion in the upcoming book by visiting PamDwyerSpeaker.com. Enter the book giveaway for "She: Share, Heal, Empower" and support the crowdfunding campaign for the Plus One Theory book and workbook through links on the website or social media.


Be a Guest on The Plus One Theory Podcast!

Are you someone who believes in the power of kindness, resilience, and intentional growth? Do you have a story about how small, meaningful steps have made a difference in your life or career?

I’d love to invite you to share your journey on The Plus One Theory Podcast!

This podcast is all about exploring how we can apply the Plus One Theory to create ripples of positivity and purpose in our personal and professional lives. I’m especially excited to feature guests who work in heart-centered careers—nurses, teachers, counselors, nonprofit leaders, caregivers, or anyone who dedicates their energy to helping others.

Your story could inspire listeners who are navigating their own challenges and looking for ways to take that next small step forward. Whether you’ve used kindness to overcome adversity, found strength in vulnerability, or applied intentional action to make an impact in your community, I want to hear from you!

Interested? Here’s How to Reach Out:

  • Email me with a brief introduction about yourself and your story.
  • Let me know how the Plus One Theory has played a role in your life or career.

Let’s work together to inspire others and create a ripple effect of kindness and resilience. I can’t wait to hear your story!

Share this with someone who inspires you...

Speaker 1:

Hey there, friends, it's Pam Dwyer, and welcome back to the Plus One Theory podcast, the place where we talk about small steps, big change and how to build a life of purpose, kindness and growth. And if this is your first time listening, let me explain what the Plus One Theory is all about. It's this idea that no matter where you are in life whether you're in the middle of healing, building something new or just trying to survive your day you can always do one more thing to move forward Just one more step, one more breath, one more act of kindness, and when you stack those up over time, you get real momentum and transformation. And just a quick disclaimer I'm not a therapist or medical professional. I'm just someone who's lived a life full of lessons and is passionate about sharing what's helped me thrive after a whole lot of trial and error. So, with that said, let's get into it. So many people have asked me where did the plus one theory come from? And I'll be honest it wasn't born in a workshop or a leadership seminar. It was born in the mess of real life, raising two kids and trying to teach them the importance of effort, consistency and going beyond the bare minimum, even when it's hard to do. I used to give them this story, one they've heard a hundred times About a mile I had to run back in junior high and I was pretty malnourished, weak and tired from being, you know, very poor.

Speaker 1:

So if you've read my story from the Piney Woods you'll understand, but if you haven't, you need to read it. Number one and number two. I grew up in a situation where I wasn't always around food. I was very hungry. So anyway, our coach had this rule If you stop running and start walking, you have to start over. So in other words, no walking on the time mile. Every time I'd try to run that mile, I would stop, I'd run, then walk, then start over. It was awful. Finally I decided all right, I'll just do a slow trot, nothing fancy, just a light jog, and maybe, just maybe, I won't stop and have to start over again. And maybe, just maybe I won't stop and have to start over again.

Speaker 1:

Well, somewhere around that third lap, everything in my body was screaming. But I started thinking about all the pain I had been through, the abuse, the neglect, the hunger, the unfairness of it all and somehow, instead of giving up, I found this energy. I didn't know that I had. It came from somewhere deep inside me. I kicked it into high gear and finished stronger and faster than I started. Not only did I make it across that finish line, but I felt the power of overcoming every lie I believed about myself. That was my plus one moment. I didn't know what to call it back then, but now I know I found that little extra that was always there, just waiting for me to access it, and that became the way I parented. I didn't expect perfection from my kids, but I did expect them to try again, give their best and then give just a little more, whether it was with schoolwork, sports, friendships, chores or life in general. The plus one theory was how I helped them see their own strength.

Speaker 1:

When I wrote From the Piney Woods, I never dreamed it would resonate with so many people. It was my story raw, real, filled with pain and hope and moments where I didn't know if I could keep going. But it taught me something. When we tell our stories, we give others permission to reflect on their own. That book continues to reach people who feel like their past disqualifies them from a better future. But it doesn't. Your past doesn't define you. It prepares you, and that's what the plus one theory is all about Taking pain and turning it into purpose, not by doing it all at once, but by stacking small victories that add up over time.

Speaker 1:

Here's something I believe with my whole heart. We are all storytellers, from cavemen painting animals and people on walls to sitting around the fire with your family swapping memories or stories. That's how we connect. They're how we pass down wisdom, laughter, love and hard-won lessons. You know, my favorite thing in the world is bedtime stories with my grandkids watching their eyes light up when I weave a silly story with a hidden life lesson tucked inside, it's pure magic. And guess what? I do the same thing in real life with adults. We all need stories to feel seen and understood. That's why the Plus One Theory is filled with real-life stories from people who've been through it and chosen to grow anyway. Real-life stories from people who've been through it and chosen to grow anyway.

Speaker 1:

Here's what I have learned. No one's life is easy. No one's journey is smooth the whole way through, but every single one of us has the power to choose our response, to decide. I'm not going to shut down. I'm going to take one more step. I'm going to keep moving, and whether that's in healing from heartbreak, building a business, raising kids or just getting through your day, that choice matters. The plus one theory isn't about doing more for the sake of doing more. It's about doing what's right for you. That extra bit of kindness, that second chance, that breath before you react, that one more walk, one more glass of water, one more text to someone you love.

Speaker 1:

I'm writing the plus one theory right now and I can't wait to share it with you. It's full of real stories and others about how people overcame adversity with grit, grace and a whole lot of small, intentional steps. If you've been listening and thinking I've got a story like that, then I want to hear it. You might just be featured in the book. Head to PamDwyerSpeakercom to share your story or join our email list to stay in the loop.

Speaker 1:

Okay y'all, we're giving away a copy of she, which is Share, heal, empower, volume 1, written by an amazing author, shannon Hogan Cohen. It's a beautiful collection of real-life stories featuring 24 inspiring women, each paired with their own artwork and their own moment of breakthrough. Go to PamDwyerSpeakercom and click on the book giveaway link to enter. Speakercom and click on the book giveaway link to enter. The stories in that book are just more proof that one step forward can change everything. So here's my question to you when can you give a little more today? Not because you have to prove anything to anyone, but because you deserve the life that comes from trying again. Whether it's a whisper of effort or a full-on sprint, that plus one moment belongs to you.

Speaker 1:

Oh, and before we go, I've officially launched my crowdfunding campaign to help bring the Plus One Theory book and its workbook into the world. This message has already touched so many lives and with your help, we can reach even more people who need that little extra hope, clarity or courage. There are several tiers of support available, each with their own rewards, so head over to PamDwyerSpeakercom or you can find it on PamDwyercom as well and check it out. You'll also find the links on all my social media. I've placed this project in God's hands and if it's meant to grow, you'll also find the links on all my social media. I've placed this project in God's hands and if it's meant to grow, it'll grow with the help of people like you.

Speaker 1:

Okay, in the upcoming episodes, we're shifting our focus to health and wellness and how we can apply the plus one theory to our physical and our emotional well-being. I'll be inviting special guests who've dedicated their lives to helping others feel better, live stronger and take ownership of their health, one small step at a time. Because, let's be real, improving your health isn't about perfection. It's about progress. We're going to talk about what happens when we don't hit our goals, how to keep going without beating ourselves up, and how to build sustainable, feel-good habits that actually last. So stay with me. We're growing together, one powerful step at a time. Until next time, keep your heart open, your steps steady and always, always, add a little more and always, always add a little more.

Speaker 1:

Hey, before you go, I just wanted to say happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there, to the women who always manage to find one more, one more hug, one more act of patience, one more late night talk, one more reason to keep going, even when no one sees it but their children. Let's celebrate the women who shaped us, whether they raised us, mentored us or loved us when we needed it most. And, hey, maybe honor her story by sharing it with me for consideration in the Plus One Theory book. Let her legacy live on in a story that will inspire others forever and ever. Okay, this is really goodbye now, really.