10 Lessons of Greatness: How to Live Bigger, Love Deeper, and Leave a Legacy
In this episode of The School of Greatness, Lewis Howes shares practical approaches to personal development and goal achievement. He covers the fundamentals of creating a clear life vision, building a champion's mindset, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. The discussion includes concrete strategies for developing success-oriented habits, maintaining physical and mental well-being, and replacing negative self-talk with growth-focused language.
Howes also explores the role of relationships and mentorship in personal growth, introducing the concept of a "greatness five" team of inspiring individuals who can support your development. He emphasizes the importance of purposeful living and discusses how success extends beyond personal achievements to include making a positive impact on others' lives through service and meaningful contribution.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 27, 2025 episode of the The School of Greatness
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1-Page Summary
Vision, Goal-Setting, and Mindset
Lewis Howes explores the importance of creating a clear vision for one's life and developing a champion's mindset. Quoting Oprah Winfrey, he emphasizes that "you become what you believe." Howes recommends creating visual reminders of your goals, such as vision boards, and spending time each morning visualizing success. When facing challenges, he advises replacing negative self-talk with growth-oriented language, such as changing "I can't" to "I'm learning to."
Overcoming Challenges and Adversity
Howes presents a framework for turning adversity into opportunity. He encourages listeners to examine how past challenges have strengthened them and to ask, "What is this preparing me for?" Rather than succumbing to self-criticism, Howes advocates for taking small, decisive actions and maintaining a solutions-focused mindset when confronting obstacles.
Habits, Discipline, and Self-Care
According to Howes, success requires developing consistent habits that align with your vision. He emphasizes establishing one non-negotiable daily habit and scheduling focused time for pursuing goals. On the topic of well-being, Howes, supported by Dr. Andrew Huberman's research, stresses the importance of quality sleep for peak performance. He also advocates for energizing nutrition choices and regular physical movement, recommending at least 20 minutes of daily activity.
Relationships, Mentorship, and Service
Howes introduces the concept of a "greatness five" team—identifying five key people who inspire and challenge you to grow. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with creators and mentors rather than complainers. Drawing from Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophy, Howes encourages living a life of service, suggesting that individuals should regularly ask themselves, "Who can I serve today?"
Purpose and Meaning
In discussing purposeful living, Howes shares his mission through the School of Greatness: serving a hundred million lives weekly to improve people's quality of life. He encourages listeners to align their actions with what truly matters, suggesting that success should be measured not by personal achievements alone, but by the number of lives positively impacted.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- While creating a clear vision can be beneficial, some argue that being too rigid in one's vision can lead to disappointment and may prevent individuals from adapting to unforeseen opportunities or changes in their interests and circumstances.
- A champion's mindset is often associated with resilience and perseverance, but it can also lead to an unhealthy obsession with success and a neglect of other important life aspects, such as relationships and personal well-being.
- Vision boards and visual reminders can be motivating, but they may also create a constant sense of dissatisfaction by emphasizing what one lacks rather than appreciating current achievements and blessings.
- Morning visualization practices are helpful for some, but others may find them less effective than practical, action-oriented planning or may simply not be morning people.
- Growth-oriented language is positive, but it's also important to acknowledge and accept one's feelings and limitations at times, rather than always framing experiences in a growth mindset.
- Turning adversity into opportunity can be empowering, but it's also important to recognize that some challenges may not have a silver lining and can result in significant and lasting hardship.
- The advice to take small, decisive actions is sound, but it's also important to recognize that some situations may require more substantial planning and resources to overcome.
- A solutions-focused mindset is beneficial, but there are times when it's appropriate to dwell on problems to fully understand them before moving to solutions.
- Developing consistent habits is key to success, but flexibility in habits can also be important to adapt to life's changing demands and to prevent burnout.
- The recommendation for one non-negotiable daily habit assumes that such a habit is feasible and beneficial for everyone, which may not be the case due to individual differences in lifestyles, responsibilities, and personal needs.
- The emphasis on quality sleep, nutrition, and physical movement is well-founded, but practical implementation can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, such as socioeconomic status, health conditions, and personal preferences.
- The concept of a "greatness five" team may not be practical for everyone, as it assumes one has access to inspiring and challenging individuals and underestimates the value that can come from a diverse range of relationships, including those with people who might occasionally complain or see the world differently.
- The idea of living a life of service is noble, but it's also important to balance service to others with self-care and personal fulfillment.
- Measuring success by the number of lives positively impacted is a valuable perspective, but it's also important to recognize that some contributions to society may not be easily quantifiable or widely recognized yet are still meaningful.
Actionables
- You can create a personal "adversity archive" by writing down challenging experiences and the skills or lessons each one taught you, then refer to this archive when facing new obstacles to remind yourself of your resilience and ability to grow from difficulty.
- For example, if you struggled with public speaking but overcame it by joining a debate club, note this in your archive. When a new challenge arises, like leading a project at work, remind yourself of how you conquered the fear of public speaking and use similar strategies to tackle the new challenge.
- Develop a habit tracker app on your phone to log daily non-negotiable habits that align with your vision, and set reminders to ensure consistency.
- For instance, if your vision includes being healthier, your non-negotiable habit might be a 10-minute morning stretch. The app would remind you each morning, track your streaks, and visually display your progress to reinforce the habit.
- Start a "Greatness Circle" with friends or colleagues where you meet monthly to discuss personal growth, share resources, and hold each other accountable for living a life of service and pursuing goals.
- In these meetings, each person could share a recent act of service they performed and discuss the impact it had. This not only encourages a service-oriented mindset but also creates a support network for achieving personal visions.
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Vision, Goal-Setting, and Mindset
Lewis Howes discusses the importance of having a clear, compelling vision and adopting a champion's mindset to achieve one's goals in life.
Crafting a Clear, Compelling Vision for Your Life
Howes emphasizes the necessity of identifying an achievable dream or goal and creating an environment that fosters a relationship with that vision.
Identify an Inspiring Goal or Dream in a Single Sentence
Quoting Oprah Winfrey, Howes encourages individuals to “create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life because you become what you believe.” He further adds, “you become what you envision yourself being,” a statement from his own book.
Create a Timeline and Steps to Achieve Your Vision
Although not explicitly mentioned in the outline, Howes discusses setting a specific timeline and milestones for dreams and goals, such as getting off his sister’s couch in a year or reaching the Olympics in four. He advises on regularly revisiting and revising the dream if it's not achieved within the set timeline.
Visualize Your Vision As a Reminder
Howes suggests creating a vision board or a digital wallpaper, serving as a daily visual reminder. He also recommends spending a few minutes each morning visualizing living the vision to cultivate joy and gratitude as if the dream is already achieved.
Adopting a Champion's Mindset
Howes talks about embracing a mindset that champions gratitude and growth.
Confront Challenges Directly
In the face of challenges, Howes recalls when he confronted his uncertain future after an injury, by seeking mentors and advice. He remarks, "They [champions] lean in. They say, I don't understand this. I don' ...
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Vision, Goal-Setting, and Mindset
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Counterarguments
- Identifying a goal in a single sentence may oversimplify complex aspirations, which could require more nuanced planning and understanding.
- Creating a timeline can be beneficial, but rigid timelines can also lead to unnecessary pressure and disappointment if unforeseen circumstances arise.
- While visualization can be a powerful tool, it may not be effective for everyone, and over-reliance on it could lead to daydreaming instead of taking action.
- Directly confronting challenges is generally positive, but it's also important to recognize when to seek help or when a different approach may be more effective.
- The advice to replace "can't" with "I’m learning to" is ...
Actionables
- You can craft a personal mantra that encapsulates your inspiring goal, using it daily to reinforce your commitment. Write down a short, powerful statement that reflects your dream, and place it somewhere you'll see it every day, like on your bathroom mirror or as your phone's wallpaper. For example, if your goal is to become a published author, your mantra could be "Words flow through me, stories are my legacy."
- Develop a 'vision board' app on your phone to keep your goals visually present and organized. Use an app that allows you to create a digital vision board with images and quotes that represent your goal. Each time you complete a step towards your goal, update the board with a visual representation of your progress, like a checkmark or a photo of a milestone achieved.
- Start a 'growth diary' where you reframe setbacks a ...
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Overcoming Challenges and Adversity
In the quest to overcome life's inevitable setbacks, Lewis Howes propounds a philosophy that reframes adversity, cultivates determination, and fosters a solutions-focused mindset.
Reframe Adversity as an Opportunity For Growth
Lewis Howes discusses how to transform adversities into lessons which strengthen and prepare you for the future.
How Challenges Have Shaped and Strengthened You
Drawing on personal experiences, Howes delves into how challenges have sculpted his character, fostering courage and fostering a deeper appreciation for relationships. He mentions overcoming injury and dealing with breakups as catalysts for his development.
Ask, "What Is This Preparing Me For?" to Gain Clarity
Howes recommends listing three life challenges and identifying the strengths each has instilled, suggesting that hardships are preparatory grounds for future success. This question, he states, can lend clarity and redefine the perception of hardship.
Inspire Others Facing Similar Struggles
Sharing his narrative of traversing through difficulties, Howes highlights the potential impact of such stories on others. By revealing his journey, he motivates listeners to embrace and appreciate their adversities, with the intent to inspire those in the thralls of similar situations.
Cultivating Relentless Determination
The conversation turns to the theme of determination, advocating for facing fears and replacing self-criticism with encouragement.
Embrace Fears and Discomforts
Howes speaks to the need for steadfast resolve, indicating that champions confront adversity directly. He illustrates this point by reflecting on his own fear of public speaking, describing how he confronted the fear head-on with deliberate and consistent practice.
Overcome Obstacles With Small Steps
Howes underscores the value of small, decisive actions in overcoming obstacles. He personally c ...
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Overcoming Challenges and Adversity
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Counterarguments
- While reframing adversity as an opportunity for growth can be beneficial, it may not be applicable or healthy in all situations, especially in cases of trauma or severe loss, where professional help might be necessary.
- The idea that challenges always shape and strengthen character can overlook the fact that some individuals may be overwhelmed by adversity, leading to negative outcomes such as chronic stress or mental health issues.
- Asking "What is this preparing me for?" assumes that all hardships have a purpose or a lesson, which may not resonate with everyone, particularly if they are struggling to find meaning in their suffering.
- The notion of inspiring others with personal narratives assumes that everyone is comfortable with sharing their struggles publicly, which may not be the case for individuals who value privacy or are dealing with stigmatized issues.
- Cultivating relentless determination can sometimes lead to burnout or neglect of one's own well-being if not balanced with self-care and rest.
- The advice to embrace fears and discomforts might not acknowledge the complexity of some fears, such as phobia ...
Actionables
- Start a "Challenge Journal" to document and reflect on daily setbacks, noting how each one could potentially strengthen your character or skill set. By writing down the challenges you face each day, you create a tangible record that can help you see patterns in the types of adversity you encounter and how you respond to them. For example, if you're afraid of public speaking, jot down every opportunity you get to speak and how it felt, what went well, and what you learned.
- Create a "Fear-Facing Plan" where you list specific fears related to your goals, then outline actionable steps to confront them in a controlled manner. This could involve setting weekly challenges that slightly push your comfort zone. If you fear rejection, you might start by asking a friend for a small favor you think they might refuse, gradually working up to more significant requests to desensitize yourself to the fear of hearing 'no.'
- Develop a "Self-Compassion Reminder" system using phone alerts or sti ...
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Habits, Discipline, and Self-Care
Developing a successful life involves more than simply setting goals; it requires forming habits aligned with one's vision, disciplined scheduling, and focusing on one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Developing Consistent, Aligned Habits
One Non-negotiable Habit Supporting Your Vision
Howes talks about the importance of building powerful habits and showing up consistently. He emphasizes picking one habit that aligns with your personal vision and making it non-negotiable, whether it's related to nutrition, movement, sleep, meditation, prayer, or relationships. These core habits should actively support one's larger purpose and goals.
Schedule Daily Focused Time For Goals
Lewis Howes speaks on setting the tone for the day by practicing gratitude, physical exercise, and zeroing in on what’s needed to advance daily objectives. This routine is about dedicating daily time specifically for personal goals. He advises treating this scheduled focus time as an appointment with your dream, a step toward turning that dream into reality.
Track Your Progress Regularly and Celebrate Small Wins
It's essential to track progress and understand that perfection isn't the daily goal. Howes suggests reflecting at the end of each day, asking if you kept the promises you made to yourself to get closer to your goals. Celebrating small wins is crucial in maintaining motivation and recognizing growth.
Prioritizing Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-Being
Safeguard Sleep For Peak Performance
Lewis Howes mentions how neglecting sleep in the past negatively impacted his well-being, leading to weight gain and decreased performance. Dr. Andrew Huberman has also emphasized the crucial role of sleep for performance, indicating that without proper rest, people function at approximately 80% capacity. Protecting sleep is essential for maintaining clarity, focus, and joy, aiming for 7 to 8 hours each night.
Energize With Nutrition, Not Comfort Foods
Incorporating nutrition that energizes rather than opting for comfort foods is another facet of well-being according to Howes, who includes a Starbucks vanilla protein latte in his m ...
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Habits, Discipline, and Self-Care
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Counterarguments
- While building powerful habits is beneficial, it's important to recognize that flexibility is also key. Rigid adherence to habits without room for adjustment can lead to burnout or failure to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Choosing one non-negotiable habit is a strong focus strategy, but it might not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may thrive with a more balanced approach that doesn't prioritize one habit over others.
- Scheduling daily focused time for personal goals is ideal, but for some, this may not be feasible due to unpredictable work or life demands. Flexibility in scheduling can sometimes be more practical.
- Daily reflection is useful, but for some people, it might be more beneficial to reflect less frequently to avoid becoming overly critical or obsessive about progress.
- The emphasis on safeguarding sleep for peak performance is well-founded, but individual sleep needs can vary, and some may function optimally on slightly less or more than the recommended 7 to 8 hours.
- While energizing with nutrition is important, the concept of comfort foods should not be entirely dismissed, ...
Actionables
- You can track your habit formation with a custom-designed wallpaper for your phone or computer that includes your non-negotiable habit and personal vision. Change the wallpaper monthly to reflect your evolving goals and to serve as a constant visual reminder throughout the day.
- Create a personal "wins jar" where you write down each small victory on a piece of paper and drop it in the jar. At the end of each week, empty the jar and review your accomplishments to visually appreciate the progress you've made, which can be especially motivating during times when progress feels slow.
- Develop a "nutrition scavenger hunt" fo ...
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Relationships, Mentorship, and Service
Lewis Howes delves into the significance of establishing meaningful connections, seeking out mentorship, and cultivating a life dedicated to service.
Building a Supportive "Greatness Five" Team
Identify Five People Who Most Inspire You
Howes reflects on a period in his life when relationships with coaches and mentors guided him through difficult times, citing these individuals as key sources of inspiration. He urges listeners to identify their personal "greatness five"—a quintet of inspirational figures in one's life. These could be family members, friends, mentors, coaches, teachers, or colleagues who challenge and promote growth.
Spend Time With Creators and Mentors, Not Complainers
Howes imparts advice on aligning oneself with creators and mentors who have achieved aspirational goals, rather than falling into the company of negative influences. He accentuates the importance of creating boundaries to invest more time with people who inspire, hence surrounding yourself with builders rather than complainers.
Be Someone Others Want In Their Circle
Howes discusses becoming a person others see as having potential, willing to learn, work hard, and be coachable. This, he conveys, makes one a desirable addition to any circle of influence. He notes that bringing energy, curiosity, and excitement can make others more eager to include you.
Cultivating a Life of Service
Offer Support Freely Today
Howes recounts times when he struggled with self-focused behavior and its negative impact on happiness, contrasting it with the gratification found in living a life of service. Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, he adopts the philosophy that life is about being useful, honorable, and compassionate, aiming to imbue his own pursuits, such as the Summit of Greatness conference and his podcast episodes, ...
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Relationships, Mentorship, and Service
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Counterarguments
- The concept of a "Greatness Five" team may not account for the dynamic and changing nature of inspiration; people who inspire us can change over time, and limiting oneself to five may exclude valuable new perspectives.
- While surrounding oneself with positive influences is beneficial, it's also important to learn how to navigate negativity and maintain resilience in the face of complainers or adversity.
- The idea of being coachable and enthusiastic is valuable, but it's also important to maintain personal boundaries and not lose one's sense of self in the pursuit of being accepted by others.
- Offering support freely is noble, but it's essential to ensure that this doesn't lead to self-neglect or burnout; self-care is also an important aspect of being able to serve others effectively.
- Sharing knowledge and encourag ...
Actionables
- Create a "Greatness Journal" where you dedicate a section to each member of your "Greatness Five" and note down how their qualities inspire you and how you can emulate those qualities in your daily life. For example, if one of your inspirational figures is known for their perseverance, you might set a personal challenge that requires consistent effort over time and track your progress in this journal.
- Develop a "Circle of Growth" card deck with different categories such as creativity, mentorship, and positivity. Each card should have a specific action or behavior that encourages growth, like brainstorming ideas for a new project or offering constructive feedback. Use these cards daily to prompt actions that align with being a desirable addition ...
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Purpose and Meaning
Lewis Howes delves into the concept of living with intentional purpose, discussing how individuals can create a meaningful impact in their endeavors by aligning actions with deeply held values.
Living With Intentional Purpose
Howes highlights the importance of having a clear intention behind one's actions. He connects his mission of serving others to his past feelings of insignificance, emphasizing that his aim with the School of Greatness is to prevent others from feeling that same sense of insignificance.
Mission Statement for Your Goals
Howes talks about the significance of a mission statement but does not specifically guide listeners on creating one for their personal goals. He does, however, stress the importance of having a clear sentence about one's mission and purpose. For Howes, the mission of the School of Greatness is to serve a hundred million lives weekly to help people improve the quality of their lives.
Consider if Your Actions Align With What Matters Most
Howes advises listeners to reflect on their biggest pains or problems and to consider how they can serve others—implying that meaningful actions align with service to others. He encourages listeners to align their daily actions with what matters most, asking whether they are chasing trophies or chasing impact and emphasizes the need to ensure that daily actions are in sync with what is truly important in life.
Measure Success by Lives Impacted, Not Just Personal Achievements
Howes shifts the conversation from traditional metrics of success, such as becoming a New York Times bestseller or selling a lot of books ...
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Purpose and Meaning
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Counterarguments
- While measuring success by lives impacted is noble, it can be difficult to quantify the true impact on each individual's life, and such metrics may not always reflect the depth or sustainability of the impact.
- Focusing solely on serving others might lead to self-neglect or burnout if not balanced with self-care and personal fulfillment.
- The idea of aligning every action with a larger purpose can be overwhelming and unrealistic for some, as daily life often requires us to engage in tasks that may not seem inherently meaningful.
- A mission statement, while valuable, may not be sufficient for guiding all personal goals and actions, as life's complexity often requires more flexible and adaptive approaches.
- The emphasis on service to others could inadvertently devalue personal achievements that are also important for individual growth and happiness.
- The goal of impacting a hundred million lives weekly is ambitious, but without context, it's hard to assess the feasibility and the means by which ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal mission statement that reflects your values and desire to serve others by sitting down for a quiet reflection session, writing down your core values, and then crafting a statement that encapsulates how you want to impact the world around you. For example, if one of your values is compassion, your mission statement might be "To live compassionately and inspire others to acts of kindness through my daily interactions."
- Start a 'difference diary' where you jot down one action each day that aligns with your mission to serve and improve lives, ensuring that your daily habits are contributing to your larger goals. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor, mentoring a colleague, or volunteering your time for a cause you care about.
- Measure your personal success by setting up a 'life impact le ...
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