Amy Morin, LCSW, the host of The Verywell Mind Podcast, engages in thought-provoking conversations with authors, experts, entrepreneurs, and even athletes, musicians, and other sources of inspiration. They discuss strategies and techniques that promote optimal mental health and well-being, empowering listeners to think, feel, and act in alignment with their best selves.
Introducing Lewis Howes, a Renowned Author and Podcaster
Lewis Howes, a renowned author, podcast host, and keynote speaker, joins Amy for an insightful discussion. Lewis's background is diverse, ranging from being a former professional athlete to experiencing an injury that sidelined his athletic career. Despite this setback, he rose to prominence as the host of 'The School of Greatness,' a globally acclaimed podcast with over 500 million downloads. Lewis's achievements have been recognized by the White House and President Obama, who acknowledged him as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs under 30 years of age.
His new book, 'The Greatness Mindset,' encapsulates his experiences and lessons learned on the path to achieving personal fulfillment. He shares strategies and insights from his mentors and podcast guests, offering valuable guidance on how to create a life of fulfillment and purpose.
Unpacking the Concepts of Greatness and Common Misconceptions
Lewis begins by shedding light on his interpretation of greatness. He emphasizes that greatness is not limited to grand accomplishments or extraordinary achievements. Instead, it's about living a life that aligns with one's values, pursuing meaningful goals, and making a positive impact on the world. He challenges common misconceptions that equate greatness with fame, wealth, or external validation.
The Significance of a Mission and Its Evolution Over Time
Lewis highlights the importance of having a mission or a guiding purpose in life. He explains that a mission provides direction, focus, and motivation. He also acknowledges that our mission can evolve and adapt throughout different seasons or stages of our lives. This flexibility allows us to grow, learn, and embrace new opportunities while staying connected to our core values and aspirations.
Practicing Self-Acceptance and Embracing Personal Growth
Self-acceptance plays a crucial role in achieving greatness. Lewis emphasizes the need to embrace ourselves, flaws and all, rather than constantly striving for perfection. He encourages listeners to practice self-compassion and recognize that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Personal growth, he believes, is a continuous journey, and it involves learning from mistakes, seeking feedback, and consistently working on self-improvement.
Visualizing an Ideal Day and Identifying Core Values
Lewis introduces the concept of creating a vision for an ideal day. He suggests that by envisioning and writing down the details of a perfect day, individuals can gain clarity on their priorities and values. This exercise helps them align their actions with what truly matters to them, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Prioritizing Inner Peace Over External Success
Lewis emphasizes the significance of inner peace over external success. He asserts that true greatness comes from finding contentment and fulfillment within oneself, rather than seeking validation or approval from others. He encourages listeners to cultivate practices that promote inner peace, such as meditation, mindfulness, and gratitude.
Seeking Support and Guidance on the Personal Growth Journey
Lewis shares his experience of working with an emotion coach to support his personal growth journey. He highlights the benefits of having a guide or mentor who can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. He emphasizes that seeking support is not a sign of weakness but rather a proactive step towards achieving personal transformation.
Developing a Mission for the Current Season of Life
Lewis emphasizes the importance of setting a mission for the current season or chapter of one's life. This mission should align with one's values, goals, and aspirations for that specific period. He guides listeners through a reflection process to help them identify and articulate their mission statement.
Overcoming the Fear of Rejection and Embracing Vulnerability
Lewis discusses the fear of rejection and the desire to be liked by everyone. He shares his own struggles with this fear and how he overcame it by embracing vulnerability and authenticity. He encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones, take calculated risks, and be willing to put themselves out there, even if it means facing rejection.
Recognizing and Healing Unhealed Emotional Wounds
Lewis emphasizes the importance of recognizing and healing unhealed emotional wounds from past experiences. He suggests that these wounds can manifest as limiting beliefs, fears, and self-sabotaging behaviors. By acknowledging and addressing these wounds, individuals can break free from their negative impact and unlock their full potential.
Conclusion: The Importance of Continuous Growth and Learning
Lewis concludes the podcast by emphasizing the significance of continuous growth and learning throughout life. He encourages listeners to embrace challenges, seek feedback, and never stop learning. He reminds them that greatness is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and positive impact on the world.