Top 10 Lessons and Breakthroughs of 2014

To wrap 2014, I wanted to take an episode to reflect on this past year and the biggest things I learned.

It’s been an incredible year not only for The School of Greatness, but for me personally and for my business.

I am so grateful for all of the growth and opportunity I’ve experienced, as well as all the people who have supported me (including you listeners!).

But what really got me thinking was the conversations I’ve had this year with friends, clients, coaches, listeners, and random people I’ve met about how they’re trying to achieve greatness.

As you may know, I’m really passionate about helping others build a business around their dream lifestyle.

When I talk to people about how they’re doing that and how I can help, some recurring ideas keep coming up.

I’ve summarized them in this episode (I limited myself to 10 even though I could have gone on for hours) and my hope is that they will serve you in going to the next level in your life and business this year.

Please join me in this brief but powerful Episode 119, the solo round, on my biggest lessons and tips from 2014.

“I’m not here to live sometimes happy.”

My Top 10 Lessons from 2014

1. Be clear on your vision.

Most of the problems people have with getting what they want come from lack of clarity. Figure that out first. Then go after it.

2. Know that some opportunities are really distractions in disguise.

There are way too many good things to go after these days. Keep focused on your mission and say no to pretty much everything else.

3. Fall in love with people.

This may sound cheesy, but it’s a game changer. If start really investing in getting to know the people around you, you’ll find out what I mean.

4. Get excited about pain- go beyond your threshold.

Even if this is just a few minutes a day, push yourself into discomfort somehow. This is how you grow.

5. Meditation is massive.

Since I really started practicing this regularly again, my anxiety, focus, and productivity have all improved. Plus it’s really helpful when you’re managing a lot of stuff.

6. It’s hard to inspire and enroll others when you aren’t healthy.

No matter what kinds of sales you’re bringing in, if you’re not taking care of your body, it’s not sustainable. Put self-care high up on your priority list.

7. Find ways to make others succeed – be an interruption for people.

Tough love can be the best kind, especially when your friend is going in the wrong direction (business or personal). Care enough to help others succeed.

8. If we aren’t creating a win/win then what’s the point of everything?

Just because you’re winning doesn’t mean someone else has to be losing (except in sports). Look for ways to make all of your actions positively affect the other people involved.

9. Invest in your brand.

There’s never a better time to start developing your brand (even if it’s your personal brand) than right now. Time will be on your side if you do this as you build your dream instead of waiting until you have it “all figured out.”

10. Replace negative self-talk with gratitude.

This is a huge issue for most of us, but you have the power to free yourself from the cycle of beating yourself up. Start practicing gratitude every time you want to criticize yourself.

“Get clear on what you want, then find the people to support you to get it.”

Interested in learning how to build a life and business around doing what you love? So am I. Let's connect.

This post was originally posted as blog post Lewis Howes.com. View original post here.

Image credit Nick Onken

Lewis Howes is an online marketing expert, sought-after business coach, hugely popular speaker, podcast and webinar host, and lifestyle entrepreneur. A former Pro Football player, Collegiate football record holder, two-sport All-American, and current National Champion in Team Handball, he is the host of “The School of Greatness” podcast, which has been downloaded by over 3 million people since it first went online in January of 2013 (and receives 350,000 downloads per month). He was recognized in a 2013 White House ceremony by President Obama as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the country under 30. He is an author, angel investor and advisor to start up companies. He has built a multi-million dollar online businesses and he is currently a member of USA Men’s National handball team, aiming for a berth in the 2016 Olympics.