Podcasts > Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan > Confidence Classic: How to Persevere, Dream Bigger, and Win at Life with Justin Prince Entrepreneur, International Speaker, & Author

Confidence Classic: How to Persevere, Dream Bigger, and Win at Life with Justin Prince Entrepreneur, International Speaker, & Author

By Heather Monahan

In this episode of Creating Confidence, Justin Prince shares his personal journey from facing early hardships—including his parents' divorce, frequent moves, and a failed business venture—to building multiple successful businesses. He discusses his approach to overcoming obstacles through what he calls a "left foot, right foot" mentality, and explains how the scale of one's achievements often corresponds to the magnitude of challenges faced.

Prince outlines his framework for success, including his "3D vision" approach of defining, declaring, and dedicating oneself to goals, and the formula "E + R = O" (Event + Response = Outcome) for understanding how responses to events shape outcomes. The episode covers practical strategies for personal development, the importance of supportive relationships, and methods for aligning decisions with personal identity to accelerate success.

Confidence Classic: How to Persevere, Dream Bigger, and Win at Life with Justin Prince Entrepreneur, International Speaker, & Author

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Confidence Classic: How to Persevere, Dream Bigger, and Win at Life with Justin Prince Entrepreneur, International Speaker, & Author

1-Page Summary

Personal Journey and Overcoming Obstacles

Justin Prince shares his journey from hardship to success, beginning with his parents' divorce when he was 12. As the oldest child in a single-parent household, Justin experienced significant instability, moving 13 times during his teenage years. At 25, his first business venture failed catastrophically, leaving him in debt and living with his pregnant wife and two children in his in-laws' garage loft. Despite these setbacks, Justin worked multiple jobs to support his family while maintaining his entrepreneurial aspirations.

Justin emphasizes that persistence was key to his recovery, describing it as a "left foot, right foot" mentality of continuing forward despite obstacles. He views struggles as essential components of success, suggesting that the magnitude of one's achievements corresponds directly to the scale of challenges overcome.

Mindset, Self-Belief, and Personal Development

Justin Prince and Heather Monahan discuss the crucial role of mindset in personal growth. Justin emphasizes his "3D vision" approach—defining, declaring, and dedicating oneself to goals. He introduces the formula "E + R = O" (Event + Response = Outcome), highlighting that one's response to events, rather than the events themselves, determines outcomes.

Both speakers stress the importance of surrounding oneself with supporters. Justin shares Ronald Reagan's insight about following those who believe in you, while Monahan emphasizes how positive affirmation can significantly impact self-perception and goal achievement.

Achieving Professional and Entrepreneurial Success

After his initial business failure, Justin Prince went on to build five multimillion-dollar businesses, collectively generating over $2 billion in revenue. His success has led him to share stages with renowned speakers like John Maxwell and Jamie Kern-Lima.

Through his book "Be The One," Justin provides practical frameworks for success, offering tools and strategies for what he calls an "unforgettable life." The book includes workshops and exercises designed to help readers make decisions aligned with their identity and accelerate their path to success through habit stacking and learning curve optimization.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While persistence is often key to overcoming obstacles, it's important to recognize that not everyone has the same resources or support systems to persist in the face of adversity.
  • The "E + R = O" formula simplifies the complexity of life's events and individual responses, potentially overlooking systemic issues and external factors that can heavily influence outcomes.
  • The narrative that struggles are essential for success can be problematic, as it may inadvertently glorify hardship and overlook the fact that many people succeed without having to overcome significant obstacles.
  • The idea of surrounding oneself with supporters is valuable, but it's also important to engage with constructive criticism and diverse perspectives to foster personal and professional growth.
  • Positive affirmation is helpful, but it should be balanced with realistic self-assessment to avoid developing an inflated sense of self that could hinder personal development.
  • The success of building multimillion-dollar businesses is commendable, but it's not the only measure of success, and such narratives can contribute to a culture that overvalues financial achievement.
  • The strategies and frameworks for success presented in "Be The One" may not be universally applicable, as individual circumstances vary greatly, and what works for one person may not work for another.
  • Habit stacking and learning curve optimization are useful techniques, but they may not account for the complexity of individual learning styles and the unique challenges some people face in their environments.

Actionables

  • Create a "Challenge-Action Journal" to document and reflect on daily challenges and the actions taken to overcome them, reinforcing the idea that struggles lead to growth. Start by jotting down any small difficulty you encounter, like a disagreement at work or a setback in a personal project. Next to it, write down the specific action you took to address it. Over time, this will help you see patterns in how you deal with adversity and encourage a mindset of resilience.
  • Develop a "Support Circle Blueprint" where you map out your current support network and identify gaps where you need more encouragement or expertise. Begin by listing friends, family, and colleagues who have been supportive in the past. Then, categorize them by the type of support they provide, such as emotional, professional, or motivational. Look for areas where your network is lacking and make a plan to reach out to new people who can fill those roles, such as joining a local club or online community related to your interests.
  • Implement a "Weekly Affirmation Exercise" by writing down a positive statement about yourself each week and finding ways to act on it. For example, if your affirmation is "I am a creative problem-solver," you might tackle a task you've been avoiding by brainstorming innovative solutions. At the end of the week, reflect on how living out this affirmation has affected your self-perception and progress towards your goals.

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Confidence Classic: How to Persevere, Dream Bigger, and Win at Life with Justin Prince Entrepreneur, International Speaker, & Author

Personal Journey and Overcoming Obstacles

Justin Prince shares a candid narrative of his personal journey marked by significant challenges and his unwavering commitment to overcome them.

Justin Prince's Challenges: Divorce, Housing Instability, Financial Struggles

Raised by a Single Mother, Faced Frequent Moves and Hardships

After Justin's parents divorced when he was just 12, he became the oldest child at home, and his mother raised him and his siblings. During his teenage years, they moved 13 times, leading to a life of instability. School was not his primary focus, as Justin was more interested in sports and socializing with friends.

Justin's Entrepreneurial Failures, Including a Financially Ruinous Business

At 25, Justin took the leap into entrepreneurship and started his first business. Unfortunately, the business eventually collapsed, leaving him financially destitute. He found himself with substantial credit card debt, behind on taxes, and financially "below zero." During this low point, he, his pregnant wife, and their two children were forced to live in a loft above his in-laws' garage. Despite these hardships, Justin supported his family by returning to his old job at a mall kiosk selling animated Bible videos and took on a second job to ensure he could provide for his family.

Despite the failure of his first business and the need to work multiple jobs, Justin remained dedicated to his dreams and ambitions. This perseverance led him to start a second business.

Persistence and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Refused to Quit, Kept Moving Forward

Through every setback, Justin reaffirmed his determination not to be defined by failures such as bankruptcy or a failed business. He describes persistence as a "left foot, right foot" mentality, continually moving forward, adapting, growing, and learning regardless of the obstacles.

Struggles Are Essential to Success

Jus ...

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Personal Journey and Overcoming Obstacles

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While persistence and resilience are important, it's also crucial to recognize when a particular path or venture may not be the right one, and that strategic pivoting or quitting can sometimes be the most sensible option.
  • The narrative emphasizes the importance of struggles for success, but it's also important to acknowledge that not everyone has the same capacity or resources to overcome certain hardships, and that systemic issues can play a significant role in an individual's ability to succeed.
  • The "90-second rule" might not be applicable or sufficient for everyone, as individuals process stress and emotions differently, and some situations may require more time and support to manage effectively.
  • The story presents a very individualistic approach to overcoming adversity, which may overlook the importance of community support, social networks, and collective action in achieving personal success.
  • The idea that significant struggles are necessary for significant accomplishments might inadvertently minimize the achievements of those who have not faced extreme hardships or imply th ...

Actionables

  • You can create a "Resilience Journal" to document daily challenges and the steps you take to overcome them, reinforcing the idea that struggles are part of the journey to success. Start by writing down a challenge you faced each day, followed by the actions you took to address it. This practice will help you recognize patterns in how you deal with adversity and encourage a mindset of growth and persistence.
  • Develop a "Dreams to Action" roadmap by listing your aspirations and the potential struggles associated with them, then outline actionable steps to navigate through those struggles. For example, if you dream of running a marathon but struggle with consistency in training, your roadmap might include scheduling regular runs, finding a running partner, and setting incremental goals leading up to the marathon.
  • Implement a "90-Second Reflection" routine where, after encounteri ...

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Confidence Classic: How to Persevere, Dream Bigger, and Win at Life with Justin Prince Entrepreneur, International Speaker, & Author

Mindset, Self-Belief, and Personal Development

Justin Prince and Heather Monahan discuss the pivotal role of mindset and self-belief in personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of vision, the power of response to events, and the necessity of support from believers.

Defining, Declaring, and Dedicating To a Vision

A clear vision serves as a compass for personal development, guiding actions and fostering a strong, positive self-perception.

Developing a Strong, Positive Identity and Self-Perception

Justin Prince highlights the significance of developing a positive identity and self-perception by recognizing the importance and purpose of one's gifts. He stresses that talents are given not for personal gain, but to be shared for the benefit of others. He also mentions the importance of having hope and maintaining a positive expectancy towards future goals, which creates a clear vision. Prince teaches about having a 3D vision—defining, declaring, and being dedicated to it—as essential habits for high performance.

Heather Monahan illustrates the impact of cultivating a strong, positive self-perception from childhood, establishing her as her own mentor and thus promoting internal dialogues that foster self-belief.

Aligning Actions With Vision and Goals

Prince believes in the accountability that comes with publicly declaring one's goals, as this compels one to take actions consistent with their aspirations. He shares the story of his diet for a physique show, a goal he could not have achieved without aligning his actions with his vision. Monahan argues that the alignment of one’s actions with their vision and goals is imperative for building and maintaining confidence in their abilities.

Using "E + R = O" (Event + Response = Outcome)

Understanding that one's response to an event has a significant impact on the outcome is key to taking control of one's life and successes.

Choosing Empowering Responses To Challenges and Adversity

Prince emphasizes the formula E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome), explaining that events alone do not determine outcomes; instead, one's responses play a crucial role. He refers to Viktor Frankl's experiences to underline the power of choosing one's response, even in extreme adversity. Monahan also supports this notion, citing her own practice of stepping aside and giving herself time before responding to situations.

Avoiding Negativity and Maintaining a Forward-Looking Mindset

To maintain a forward-looking mindset, it's important to avoid negativity. Prince and Monahan both discuss practical steps, such as embracing positivity and making better choices, to ensure an empowering approach to life's challenges. They encourage perseverance and an optimistic outlook even in the face of difficulties.

Seeking Support From Those Who Believe In You

The support of trusted ...

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Mindset, Self-Belief, and Personal Development

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While having a clear vision can be beneficial, it is also important to remain flexible and adaptable, as rigid adherence to a specific vision can sometimes lead to missed opportunities or failure to adjust to changing circumstances.
  • Developing a positive identity and self-perception is valuable, but it should be balanced with self-awareness and the ability to critically reflect on one's weaknesses and areas for improvement.
  • Aligning actions with vision and goals is important, but it's also necessary to recognize that sometimes goals need to be re-evaluated or changed based on new information or changing life circumstances.
  • The formula E + R = O oversimplifies the complexity of outcomes, which can be influenced by a multitude of factors beyond an individual's response, including systemic issues and random chance.
  • Choosing empowering responses to challenges is beneficial, but it's also important to acknowledge and address the emotional impact of adversity rather than simply adopting a positive outlook.
  • While avoiding negativity can be helpful, it is also important to engage with constructive criticism and negative feedback, as these can provide valuable insights for personal growth and improvement.
  • Seeking support from believers is important, but it's also crucial to be open to perspectives fr ...

Actionables

  • Create a vision board with images and phrases that represent your goals to visually reinforce your aspirations daily. By surrounding yourself with visual cues of what you're working towards, you can keep your vision at the forefront of your mind. For example, if you aim to become more confident in public speaking, include pictures of confident speakers and affirmations about your communication skills.
  • Start a "response journal" where you document your reactions to daily events, focusing on choosing empowering responses. This practice will help you become more aware of your instinctive reactions and allow you to consciously cultivate more positive and empowering responses over time. For instance, if you face a setback at work, write down both your initial reaction and a more empowering response you can choose instead.
  • Form a personal growth accountability group with friends or colleagues who share your ...

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Confidence Classic: How to Persevere, Dream Bigger, and Win at Life with Justin Prince Entrepreneur, International Speaker, & Author

Achieving Professional and Entrepreneurial Success

Building Multiple Multimillion-Dollar Businesses

Justin Prince is a global entrepreneur who, through leveraging expertise, persistence, and strategic decision-making, has built five multimillion-dollar businesses that collectively generated over 2 billion dollars in revenue. Despite his now impressive professional career, Justin began his journey with humble beginnings, working construction, flipping pizzas, and even selling animated Bible videos from a mall kiosk. It wasn't smooth sailing from the onset as his first venture left him financially below zero.

Leveraging Expertise, Persistence, and Strategic Decision-Making

Justin Prince's business aptitude is grounded in his ability to continuously innovate and think ahead. His success is a testament to his capacity for adapting and evolving business strategies as needed to stay relevant and thrive in the market.

Adapting and Evolving Business Strategies as Needed

Justin's journey reveals that a critical aspect of entrepreneurial success lies in the capacity to pivot and adapt. He has maintained a balance between his business achievements, happy family life, and spiritual practice, demonstrating that personal values are central to his success philosophy.

Sharing Stages With Renowned Speakers and Influencers

Establishing a Reputation As a Sought-After Keynote Speaker

Justin Prince has made a name for himself as an acclaimed keynote speaker, sharing stages around the world with renowned speakers and influencers such as John Maxwell and Jamie Kern-Lima. His reputation as a keynote speaker underscores his profound understanding and successful application of personal development principles.

Connecting With Individuals in the Personal Development Space

Prince's engagements indicate his deep connection with the personal development sphere.

Developing Practical Frameworks and Systems to Help Others

Book: "Be the one" Distilled Lessons

Justin Prince authored the book "Be The One," which encompasses precise tools, habits, and action steps designed to help others achieve success both personally and professionally. In his book, he outlines his philosophy on life and success, focusing on lev ...

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Achieving Professional and Entrepreneurial Success

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While Justin Prince's success is commendable, not everyone may have the same opportunities or resources to replicate his achievements, suggesting that success stories can sometimes be the exception rather than the rule.
  • The claim that Justin built businesses generating over 2 billion dollars in revenue does not provide information on net profit, which is a more accurate measure of a business's financial success.
  • Persistence and strategic decision-making are important, but luck and timing can also play significant roles in entrepreneurial success, which are not mentioned in the text.
  • The ability to adapt and evolve business strategies is crucial, but the text does not acknowledge that some industries may have higher barriers to entry or less flexibility for adaptation.
  • Personal values are important, but the text does not address how external factors like market conditions, competition, and economic downturns can impact success.
  • Being a sought-after keynote speaker and sharing stages with renowned speakers does not necessarily equate to expertise in a given field; it could also be a result of good marketing and networking.
  • The connection with the personal development sphere is highlighted, but the effectiveness of pers ...

Actionables

  • You can reflect on your personal values and create a "values blueprint" to guide your decisions. Start by listing out values that resonate with you deeply, such as integrity, innovation, or community. Then, for each value, write down a specific way you will apply it in your daily life or business decisions. For example, if 'community' is a value, commit to a monthly volunteer day or if 'innovation' is important, set aside time each week to brainstorm new ideas.
  • Develop a habit tracker to cultivate the practical tools and habits mentioned in "Be The One." Without referencing the book, identify habits that are commonly associated with successful people, like waking up early, reading daily, or setting clear goals. Create a simple chart to track your consistency with these habits over a 30-day period, aiming to build a solid foundation for your personal and professional growth.
  • Engage in "identity-based decision making" by crafting a pe ...

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