Blinded by the Obvious: Simple Solutions, Real Change | Mark Dolan at MIT (BLU Talks, Boston)

At the MIT Museum in Boston, Mark Dolan delivers his Blu Talks keynote: “Blinded by the Obvious.”

A foggy 2 a.m. commute, two deer, and one kind supervisor (“Have you considered slowing down?”) reveal three time-tested principles that rebuilt Mark’s life, leadership, and career:

1️⃣ Solutions are simple (not easy).
2️⃣ Seek experienced, kind advisors.
3️⃣ Be willing to change your behavior and thinking.

Mark ties a near-disaster on the highway to overcoming addiction, embracing mentorship, and building a purpose-driven career—proving that when you slow down, you finally see what’s been right in front of you all along.

Who This Is For

Professionals in sales, real estate, and leadership who are ready to trade excuses for self-mastery—and anyone seeking growth through humility, guidance, and action.

Key Takeaways

• “Slow down to speed up” — the mindset that prevents repeated mistakes

• How to spot when your own thinking is the problem

• Why mentors shorten the path from struggle to progress

• How simple truths, applied consistently, create real change

• From survival to service: the habits that last a lifetime

About Mark Dolan

Mark Dolan is the founder of Time Tested Mastery—a mentor, speaker, and real estate leader with 40+ years of hands-on experience.
He teaches timeless principles that outlast tactics and help ordinary people live extraordinary lives.

Learn more at www.TimeTestedMastery.com

Chapters

00:00 Cold open — “Two deer in two weeks”
01:21 Welcome to Blu Talks (Boston)
01:46 “Blinded by the Obvious” — the core message
03:04 The Big Bear commute & the fog
04:57 Impact #1 — ignoring the obvious
06:25 Impact #2 — the thousand-dollar lesson
06:43 Leo’s advice: “Have you considered slowing down?”
07:22 The three principles (simple, advisors, change)
08:17 From trauma to truth: choosing willingness
08:46 Sobriety and the 12-step solution
09:52 From problems to purpose — meeting mentor Tim Wood
10:37 Personal development that compounds
11:07 Call to action: slow down, learn, and lead

Best Quotes

“The solution to your problems is surprisingly simple.”
“Have you considered slowing down?”
“Don’t ask what’s wrong with the world—ask what you’re willing to change.”

Call to Action

If this message resonates, like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to stop running past the obvious.
For coaching, keynotes, and Time Tested Mastery workshops, visit TimeTestedMastery.com.