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The School of Greatness

The School of Greatness

A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy
by Lewis Howes 2015 272 pages
4.03
3k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Create a Clear Vision for Your Life and Goals

"Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is a nightmare."

Visualize success. Creating a clear vision for your life and goals is the foundation of achieving greatness. It involves defining what you want to accomplish and who you want to become. Use visualization techniques to see yourself succeeding in vivid detail. This mental rehearsal primes your mind and body for success.

Set specific goals. Write down your goals and create a detailed plan to achieve them. Use tools like:

  • Certificate of Achievement: Write and frame your goal with a specific date
  • Perfect Day Itinerary: Map out your ideal day in detail
  • Personal Principles Declaration: Define 5 core principles you'll live by
  • Personal Statement Plan: Outline your vision, principles, and action steps

By clarifying your vision and setting concrete goals, you create a roadmap for success and motivation to overcome obstacles along the way.

2. Turn Adversity into Opportunity

"What stands in the way becomes the way."

Reframe challenges. Adversity is inevitable on the path to greatness, but it can be a powerful catalyst for growth if you approach it with the right mindset. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, view them as opportunities to learn, improve, and become stronger.

Take action. When faced with adversity:

  1. Identify the specific challenge
  2. Write down or share your feelings about it
  3. Acknowledge your efforts and progress
  4. Express gratitude for what's going well
  5. Reconnect with your vision and take action

By embracing adversity and taking proactive steps to overcome it, you develop resilience and problem-solving skills that are essential for long-term success.

3. Develop a Champion's Mindset Through Focus and Flow

"We are our greatest ally in terms of our capability to get past adversity. We can be incredibly motivated."

Cultivate focus. A champion's mindset is characterized by intense focus, belief in oneself, and the ability to enter a state of flow. Develop these qualities through:

  • Visualization: See yourself succeeding in detail
  • Meditation: Practice mindfulness and breath control
  • Emotional intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions

Achieve flow. Flow is an optimal state of consciousness where you perform at your peak. To enter flow more often:

  • Set clear goals
  • Eliminate distractions
  • Challenge yourself appropriately
  • Receive immediate feedback
  • Focus on the present moment

By developing a champion's mindset, you'll be better equipped to overcome obstacles and perform at your highest level consistently.

4. Embrace the Power of Hustle and Consistent Action

"Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't."

Take massive action. Hustle is about taking consistent, focused action towards your goals. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. Embrace the underdog mentality and outwork your competition.

Develop key areas. Focus your hustle on:

  1. Your body: Push yourself physically every day
  2. Your mindset: Continuously learn and grow
  3. Your relationships: Network and build connections
  4. Your skills: Master new abilities constantly

Remember that small, consistent actions compound over time to create massive results. Stay committed to your vision and take action daily, even when it's uncomfortable or challenging.

5. Master Your Body for Peak Performance

"If you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of your business."

Prioritize health. Your physical health is the foundation for success in all areas of life. Invest time and energy in:

  • Regular exercise
  • Proper nutrition
  • Adequate sleep
  • Stress management

Optimize performance. Use the MISSING framework to identify areas for improvement:
M - Mineralization
I - Inflammation
S - Stress
S - Sleep
I - Inhalation
N - Nutrient density
G - Gut health

By mastering your body, you'll have more energy, focus, and resilience to pursue your goals and handle the challenges that come with greatness.

6. Cultivate Positive Habits for Long-Term Success

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."

Develop key habits. Positive habits are the building blocks of long-term success. Focus on cultivating habits that support your goals, such as:

  • Waking up early
  • Making your bed
  • Expressing gratitude
  • Reading daily
  • Exercising regularly
  • Networking consistently

Create a routine. Establish a morning routine that sets you up for success each day. This might include meditation, exercise, goal review, and planning your day.

By consistently practicing positive habits, you create a foundation for success and make progress towards your goals almost automatically.

7. Build a Winning Team and Supportive Network

"You will never outperform your inner circle."

Surround yourself with greatness. Your environment and the people around you have a massive impact on your success. Actively cultivate relationships with:

  • Mentors who can guide you
  • Peers who challenge and support you
  • Team members who complement your skills

Create synergy. Build a winning team by:

  • Fostering positive energy and attitudes
  • Encouraging open communication
  • Defining clear roles and expectations
  • Celebrating collective successes

Consider joining or creating a mastermind group to accelerate your growth and connect with like-minded individuals pursuing greatness.

8. Live a Life of Service and Give Back to Others

"If you want to run a business and you want to do good in this world, if you want to deliver value in this world, it's all about treating one's self first. When you treat yourself first and you create that perfect vessel, you then have the ability to affect so many more people globally."

Find your purpose. True greatness comes from making a positive impact on others and the world around you. Identify causes or issues you're passionate about and look for ways to contribute your skills and resources.

Balance self-care and service. Remember that you must take care of yourself first to be in the best position to help others. Cultivate your own growth and success, then use that as a platform to give back and make a difference.

By living a life of service, you'll find deeper meaning and fulfillment in your pursuits, and your impact will extend far beyond your personal achievements.

Last updated:

Review Summary

4.03 out of 5
Average of 3k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The School of Greatness receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its motivational content and practical advice. Many appreciate Lewis Howes' personal stories and insights from successful individuals. The book covers topics like creating a vision, overcoming adversity, and developing positive habits. Some readers find it inspiring and transformative, while others feel it lacks originality or relies too heavily on high-achieving examples. Critics note that the writing style can be overly enthusiastic, and some find the content repetitive or self-promotional.

Your rating:

About the Author

Lewis Howes is a former professional athlete turned lifestyle entrepreneur and podcast host. After a career-ending injury, he rebuilt his life and created a multi-million dollar online business focused on personal development. Howes hosts the popular "School of Greatness" podcast, where he interviews successful individuals across various fields. Known for his networking skills and positive attitude, he has authored multiple self-help books. Howes is recognized for his openness about personal struggles and his commitment to helping others achieve their potential. His approach combines practical advice with inspiring stories, aiming to motivate readers to pursue their own version of greatness.

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