The School of Greatness

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4 Spiritual Truths That Explain Why You're Here May 16, 2018

Show notes

"You have to have some kind of practice of stillness in your life." - Danielle LaPorte
Have you ever wondered what the truth is about why we're here and how to make sense of life?
I think we all have.
It's a question I often ask guests on my podcast who have a spiritual background. I'm fascinated by all the different ideas on our purpose in life and how to find it.
We've had some amazing spiritual leaders on the show, from all different backgrounds, so I thought it would be cool to do a Masters mashup episode on spiritual truths.
The response to these mashup episodes from the archives has been so great, I'm going to keep them coming.
This one features 4 clips from some of the wisest spiritual minds I've ever met.
First we hear from John Gray about how we can see our biggest mistakes and challenges being used for good in our lives.
Then we hear from Marianne Williamson about the difference between pain and suffering (and that we have a choice about how to respond to them).
Next there's a great nugget from Danielle LaPorte about why it's so important to be your own guru when it comes to walking your spiritual path.
And lastly we end with Rob Bell talking about why he believes God has put paradox into every truth (and why that is a good thing).
I loved each of these episodes, and I think you'll get as much value as I did by revisiting them in Episode 641.
In this episode you will learn:
The importance of seeing each other's struggles (5:42)
The difference between pain and suffering (9:16)
How to create space to listen to your own wisdom (12:38)
Why paradox is baked into truth (19:04)
Plus much more...

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The 5 Obstacles That Shaped My Whole Life | Lewis Howes May 14, 2018

Show notes

THE GREATEST PEOPLE ARE MADE BY THE GREATEST CHALLENGES. Have you ever wondered what the truth is about why we're here and how to make sense of life? I think we all have. It's a question I often ask guests on my podcast who have a spiritual background. I'm fascinated by all the different ideas on our purpose in life and how to find it. We've had some amazing spiritual leaders on the show, from all different backgrounds, so I thought it would be cool to do a Masters mashup episode on spiritual truths. The response to these mashup episodes from the archives has been so great, I'm going to keep them coming. This one features 4 clips from some of the wisest spiritual minds I've ever met. First we hear from John Gray about how we can see our biggest mistakes and challenges being used for good in our lives. Then we hear from Marianne Williamson about the difference between pain and suffering (and that we have a choice about how to respond to them). Next there's a great nugget from Danielle LaPorte about why it's so important to be your own guru when it comes to walking your spiritual path. And lastly we end with Rob Bell talking about why he believes God has put paradox into every truth (and why that is a good thing). I loved each of these episodes, and I think you'll get as much value as I did by revisiting them in Episode 640. In this episode you will learn: The importance of seeing each other's struggles (5:42) The difference between pain and suffering (9:16) How to create space to listen to your own wisdom (12:38) Why paradox is baked into truth (19:04) Plus much more...

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Fill Your House With Light and Darkness Can't Come In | Marianne Williamson May 10, 2018

Show notes

“IF YOU FILL YOUR HOUSE LIGHT, DARKNESS CAN'T COME IN.”
So many people I know put more time and energy into their things, or their career, than they do into into their relationship.
I know I can be guilty of it, and I’m sure you can be too.
We put so much time into fixing up things like our homes, maintaining our cars, we tend to forget about those closest to us. We take them for granted.
When is the last time you really took the time to make your partner feel good? How often do you really put effort into boosting their confidence -- or even just being present with them.
That’s not the only relationship we neglect though - we forget about the one with ourselves.
Chances are it’s been awhile since you’ve taken the time to forgive yourself. To do something respectable and give yourself that moment to appreciate it.
To appreciate you.
To dive further into this I wanted to bring back a previous episode with the internationally acclaimed spiritual author and lecturer, Marianne Williamson on Episode 639.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
The only thing that matters (00:37)
What our society really seems to care about (00:43)
What you should be doing for your partner daily (1:19)
Where a lot of the pain we feel comes from (1:57)
The importance of atonement (2:20)
How to start respecting yourself again (2:52)
Plus much, much more

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Somebody Has to Be the Best. Why Not You? | Mike Chandler May 09, 2018

Show notes

"SOMEBODY HAS TO BE THE BEST. WHY SHOULDN'T IT BE YOU?" - MIKE CHANDLER
Have you ever looked at the best in the world and wondered if you could be that?
I have.
I think a lot of us do when we're kids. We are amazed and inspired by the very best examples we find.
But often we grow up and discover all kinds of reasons for why we can't be as good as the best.
We fail at things. We struggle. We get knocked down, disappointed, hurt.
I got to connect with someone this week who has experienced all of that. Many times.
But he still decided he could be the best in the world at what he does. And he became that.
Mike Chandler is a Bellator Lightweight Champion fighter. He was an All-American wrestler in college. He's overcome extraordinary opponents to win titles again and again.
But he's also faced losses. Failures. Setbacks. At one point, after winning the world championship, he didn't win another fight for 688 days straight.
So when we had a minute to sit down to record a podcast about the mindset of champions, I had to know what his self-talk routine is like.
It really impressed me. Mike told me that self-image is actually one of the most important things he has cultivated. He has to believe he can be the best in the world, or it's not going to happen.
I loved his insights on why it's so important to talk to yourself instead of listening to yourself, and so many more nuggets.
Whatever you're aspiring to, I know you'll find his wisdom very helpful in Episode 638.
Some questions I ask:
What lesson did you learn in order to win the world championship? (8:23)
Who taught you that you could become anything you want? (11:05)
What do all world-class fighters have in common? (14:47)
What happens when you believe you deserve great things? (18:03)
What's your greatest gift in your sport and what do you need to work on the most? (19:10)
In this episode you will learn:
Why settling for your mediocre circumstances is unacceptable (9:20)
What loss can teach us about what our potential is (11:15)
Why your self-image is so important to your success (14:55)
Mike's pre-fight self-talk and rituals (21:10)
Plus much more...

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The Keys to Powerful Relationships, Marriage, and Love May 07, 2018

Show notes

"When you become rare, people become really terrified of losing you." - Matthew Hussey
I know I get huge value every time I sit across from an expert and hear their wisdom about one of the most important parts of my life -- my relationships.
We've had some amazing relationship coaches on the podcast through the years, but some of the episodes are so old, I know you may not remember them (or have ever heard them).
That's why I wanted to put together another mashup episode from the archives to share some of these gems with you.
If you enjoyed last week's mashup episode on High Performance Habits, you're going to love this one.
We're first featuring a clip from my good friend and global dating icon Matthew Hussey. This is still one of the most popular episodes we've ever recorded.
Then we dive into part of my conversation with Tracy McMillan, an Oprah favorite, a long-term TV writer, and relationship expert. I love how real and honest Tracy is in this episode.
Last, we feature the master therapist herself, bestselling author and powerhouse coach Esther Perel (who has been on the podcast twice and spoken at Summit of Greatness).
I think you'll love each clip for a different reason -- and I want to know! Let me know by messaging me on social media @lewishowes.
If you're looking for some insight into making your intimate relationships better, look no further than this mashup Episode 637.
In this episode you will learn:
The problem with having a sense of entitlement in dating (5:05)
What makes you attractive beyond your best quality (10:10)
The biggest mistake people make in dating (12:41)
How to get through the rough patches of a relationship (17:13)
The importance of humor in relationships (19:35)
How to work with your partner when they are triggered (20:55)
Why monogamy is a choice (26:45)
Plus much more...

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Real Leaders Are Torchbearers, Not Bosses | Nancy Duarte May 04, 2018

Show notes

“WHEN YOU HAVE A VISION, IT BURNS INSIDE OF YOU.”
If you want to find your purpose in life, you need to dream with others in mind.
When you find that purpose, you’ll have to lead others. When you do, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that.
To explain this more, and how to tell if you’re really meant to be a leader, I brought back this clip from Nancy Duarte.
Nancy Duarte is the founder of the design firm Duarte, Inc. They have consulted companies and leaders like Apple, Google, GE, and so many more to create the speeches and presentations that have shaped all of the brands we love.
Her most recent book is all about how leaders can use storytelling to enroll their teams to follow their vision.
You’ll learn all about what it takes to bear the torch of leadership, on Episode 636.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Who the real leaders are (1:00)
The importance of being a torch bearer (1:51)
Why we need self mastery (2:25)
How businesses used to be run (2:53)
What your dreams need to have to be successful (3:48)
Plus much, much more

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6 High Performance Habits From the World's Best May 02, 2018

Show notes

TO BE THE BEST YOU HAVE TO LEARN FROM THE BEST.
This week I wanted to bring you something new.
I’ve recorded well over six hundred episodes at this point. There’s been so much knowledge and wisdom from the brightest minds on the planet shared on the show.
I know it can be overwhelming to try to take it all, so I'm bringing you a recap of some of the strongest wisdom I’ve received over the years of doing this podcast.
For this episode I wanted to concentrate of high performance habits that I’ve learned from such amazing people as Brendon Burchard, Michael Gervais, Tony Robbins, and Mel Robbins.
Each of these guests has reached the top of their game, and the biggest factor in that has been their habits.
They set their mind to achieve something big and found a way to persevere even at some of the worst times. So what makes them different than you?
Nothing.
They aren’t super human and they aren’t luckier than you.
If you take their words of wisdom, you’ll find how to overcome what’s holding you back.
I hope you enjoy these nuggets of information I hand selected so you don’t have to dig for them.
Please let me know what you think of this new format on social media.
Now get ready to learn high performance habits from the masters, on Episode 635.
Some Questions I Ask:
Why do so many of us just focus on our strengths? (10:05)
What’s the habit you take on with clarity for your life? (14:44)
What’s slowing people down from being their best? (18:53)
Why do we fear not being good enough? (19:37)
How can we train our minds to overcome fear? (22:05)
What are your personal philosophies? (22:47)
How does someone continue to stay hungry? (31:42)
In This Episode You Will Learn:
What’s really correlated with high performance (4:40)
6 most important habits for high performance (6:00)
Why you can’t just focus on your strengths (12:03)
What your relationship with fear should look like (18:02)
How to get to your personal best (21:38)
Why you need to be clear about your philosophy (25:00)
What makes us grow and what makes us change (27:18)
The one common denominator among all successful people (30:00)
What you can count on in life (32:41)
The two states of life we live in (33:48)
Two of my most significant life experiences so far (36:01)
What happens during our highest experiences of life (37:28)
The thing everyone you admire does (40:31)
Plus much more

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Treat the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptom | Dr. Rangan Chatterjee Apr 30, 2018

Show notes

“WE’RE APPLYING 20TH CENTURY THINKING TO 21ST CENTURY PROBLEMS.”
If you wake up in the morning and find that your tire is low, what do you do? You go with the quick fix and fill it up with air.
What if you go to your car the next day and find it’s low. Do you fill it up again, and again, and again for days, weeks, months?
Of course not. You find the root of the problem.
You find the nail, or whatever is causing the problem, to have it removed and have it fixed permanently.
So why aren’t you doing it with your health?
Most of us go to the doctor and get a prescription for pills to fix our chronic problems. We just keep going for the quick fix instead of addressing the root of it.
I can’t say every medical condition is this way, but in many cases ongoing problems like depression and diabetes needs to have the root problem examined.
Chances are you just need to shift your lifestyle. And that doesn’t mean a drastic change to your life. You can start small.
To explain much more than I can, I sat down with the UK's leading doctor, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee.
Dr. Chatterjee is a medical doctor who decided to rethink the way we do medicine. He’s decided that physicians need to be more holistic in their approach to treating patients and help their lifestyle as opposed to just giving them a quick fix.
He has become the star of the hit BBC series Doctor in the House where he analyzes every aspect of people’s lives to help with their illness.
Dr. Chatterjee has made it his goal to simplify the way the average person thinks about healthcare.
He’s divided health into four easy pillars that allow anyone with a chronic disease to retake control of their lives.
Learn the root cause of most chronic diseases, how to let technology empower us, and the key indicator of how well you will age, on Episode 634.
Some Questions I Ask:
Why are people not the best they can be? (5:38)
You said a disease is an illusion, why is that? (10:16)
What’s usually the root cause of people’s chronic disease? (21:17)
It’s important to build muscle mass? (33:48)
How come medical school isn’t teaching the two most important things to change someone’s health? (39:24)
Is there anything in your health that’s lacking? (50:00)
When’s the last time you meditated? (52:03)
Are you doing a digital detox at night? (54:11)
What’s your biggest fear as a human? (1:01:32)
In This Episode You Will Learn:
Why people eat so much fast food (9:02)
The boy that made Rangan reevaluate the medical industry (14:03)
Rangan’s first pillar of health (23:54)
What the world was like before technology (28:54)
Rangan’s new medical course (42:31)
What Med schools should be looking for (48:26)
The next thing Rangan needs to work on (53:17)
Plus much, much more

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Surround Yourself With People Who Tell You the Truth | Ryan Holiday Apr 27, 2018

Show notes

“CULTIVATE PEOPLE AROUND YOU WHO ARE NOT AFRAID TO TELL YOU YOU THE TRUTH.”
Whether you want to admit it or not, you have an ego. Everyone does.
We tend to put a bad connotation on it, but in truth a little ego is healthy. Ego can be confidence about yourself and what you do.
It can be a challenge if you become successful, because people become afraid of telling you the truth and pointing out your flaws.
To keep growing, however, you must surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to tell you the uncomfortable truths in a polite way.
And if you truly respect someone with power over you, you’ll do the same.
To go deeper into this, I am bringing back a strong segment from a previous episode with Ryan Holiday.
Ryan is a writer and media strategist. When he was 19 years old, he dropped out of college to apprentice under Robert Greene, author of The 48 Laws of Power.
He went on to become the director of marketing for American Apparel. His creative agency, Brass Check, has advised clients like Google, TASER, and Complex, as well as many prominent bestselling authors, including Neil Strauss, Tony Robbins and Tim Ferriss (and me).
He has worked with huge egos in his career, but what I love about Ryan is his willingness to take on his own ego as well.
Learn how to control your ego and help those around you on Episode 633.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
The spectrum of Ego (00:54)
Where confidence comes from (1:33)
How to continue your growth (3:02)
When people stop listening to the truth they need to hear (3:32)
How to tell powerful people the truth (5:18)
What to do when you’re right (5:48)
Plus much more...

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One Crash Ended His NBA Career at 21 | Jay Williams Apr 25, 2018

Show notes

“WHAT HAPPEN IF I WERE TO LIVE MY LIFE WITH NO EXCUSE?”
When I was injured as a pro athlete I felt I had really lost myself. I felt like my identity was stripped away from me.
I began comparing myself to my past -- to what I could have been. I doubted my entire future.
Chances are you’ve been through something similar. Maybe it was the loss of a job. Maybe you lost someone you depended on emotionally.
I eventually came to a realization. I could continue down this self destructive path, feeling like a helpless victim in a cruel world, or I could take my destiny into my own hands.
In the end, I decided to have faith that maybe this happened for a greater cause. I felt like maybe I was meant for something else. Something more important.
On this episode of The School of Greatness, I had the chance to sit down with someone who knows a lot about having to reinvent themselves: Jay Williams.
If you aren’t familiar with Jay Williams, he’s a former NBA pro. He came from a home that was surrounded by abusive relationships. When he was drafted at a young age, he didn’t know how to handle the fame and money.
His ego got in the way, and he ended up in a motorcycle accident and put his career on hold.
After a long recovery and massive amounts of physical therapy, he wound up back on the court only to suffer from injuries again. And again.
He came to the same cross road: either stay a victim and fall into a life of extreme hardship or take it as a sign he was meant for something else.
Today, Jay Williams is a television personality, motivational speaker, and successful businessman.
He says that his life, the parts that he values the most, started after his accident.
Hear all about his inspirational journey and why it's worth it to believe life happens for a reason, on Episode 632.
Some Questions I Ask:
What would make this the most powerful interview you’ve ever done? (5:40)
What’s your biggest vulnerability? (7:24)
Is there anything you’re still suppressing? (12:38)
How did your father handle working for you? (16:04)
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your father? (18:47)
You felt like there was less of a team in the pro league? (24:04)
Did you get back on the court for a little bit? (29:12)
What was it like when everyone felt entitled to your money? (48:32)
Why couldn’t you have a conversation with your fiance about everything that was going on? (56:09)
Have you ever tried to facilitate communication between your parents? (1:01:28)
In This Episode You Will Learn:
The beginnings of his family (6:23)
The one lesson Jay would teach his future child (11:11)
The abuse he witnessed as a child (14:53)
His relationship with his father today (16:55)
Jay’s motorcycle accident (21:28)
How the people around him influenced his change (27:28)
What an advisory board is (40:07)
Why some people can’t escape their past identities (48:56)
How he was able to successfully shift his career (52:10)
What he wishes his dad would say to him that he hasn’t (58:32)
How he is going to manage his busy schedule and his family life (1:04:08)

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