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The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today

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Discover the mindset shifts you need to make to achieve your innate, inevitable greatness from the New York Times best-selling author of The School of Greatness.

Through his New York Times best-selling book and podcast The School of Greatness, Greatness Academy, and inspirational events, entrepreneur Lewis Howes has provided millions worldwide with the tools they need to define their mission, craft specific goals, and develop a game plan to get the results they want. In The Greatness Mindset, Lewis takes his results-driven system one step further by taking a deep dive into the mindset shifts you need to truly see and acknowledge your own greatness and allow it to reach its fullest potential.

336 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

1,191 people are currently reading
5,558 people want to read

About the author

Lewis Howes

13 books327 followers

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288 (19%)
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81 (5%)
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21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
Profile Image for Emily.
61 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2023
Just a book of other people's thoughts

I think Howes is a genuine person who has had a very interesting life and that he is truly committed to his work. That said, I do not think I am the target audience for this book as a middle aged woman. It feels so rah rah, full of making lists and acronyms that might have worked for me when I was younger, but seem like the wrong tools for the growth work I still have left to do. My other criticism is that it reads like a list of quotes from other people, mostly because it is. I understand why this is, but it's distracting and feels lazy. Rather than synthesizing these ideas into a fresh and unique perspective of his own, it's just regurgitating the podcast and becomes tedious at times. Too much of the book is spent on identifying the people and credentials of the lengthy quotes and not enough original thought is presented for my taste.
Profile Image for Koren Hansen.
71 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2023
If you want to be working on your health in every aspect of life, this is the book to read and mark up and have around and hope your kids pick up one day and read.

I’ve had a few therapists (😬) and love them all, but only one other person has changed my life as much as Lewis Howes. His consistency and caring has led him to hone in on with the best experts and practices in life.

This is required reading and 100% worth way more than the $25 hardcover price. That’s only like 15 minutes of therapy, but is actionable ideas that can help anyone. His podcast has felt like being on the fly on the wall and high value . Magic.

Lewis has an arsenal of hours of plug and play information available to listen to on his podcast or condensed into this book. When my mom passed last year, it was devastating but I have found a lot of comfort in discovering the books that she left behind with her notes as well as her notebooks full of notes and thoughts on life. This is a book that I want to have sitting on a shelf somewhere to be stumbled upon.

This book is not filler, it’s not a fad, it’s not a self-serving stepping stone or a vanity. It is whole hearted, truth-seeking, informative, good, juicy, pertinent stuff.

So grateful for his work 🙏🙏🙏.
Profile Image for Aurora Shele.
427 reviews41 followers
Read
January 20, 2024
DNF
Kinda generic for my taste. I borrowed it from the library and it expired before I could read it all. From what I did read, there was nothing I hadn't heard before
Profile Image for Maks  Kolodziej.
13 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2024
The book „The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today” was an intriguing and thought-provoking read, especially in the chapters about discovering and pursuing your identity. While I found the exercises to be a fun addition, I ironically didn't take the time to complete them during my read-through. However, I can definitely see the potential benefits and outcomes of completing and self-assessing them. Though much of what the book covers is about familiar self-help concepts, it was refreshing to read someone else's approach and reflect on how it compares to your own life experiences.
Profile Image for Valentin.
57 reviews
April 2, 2024
O carte foarte bună.
I-aș da 5 din 5, dar are o problemă care e și cel mai mare atuu al cărții.

Nu e doar o carte de citit simplă. Este efectiv o ”culegere de probleme”.

Sincer, pentru cei care se țin de cuvânt față de ei înșiși în un mod forte, recomand să o citească fără să facă exercițiile din carte, prima oară, iar exercițiile să le facă la final.

În cazul meu exercițiile au luat ore întregi, și am depășit 30 de pagini A4 redactate.

Dar în același timp, a fost o carte care mă motiva să lucrez la obiectivele mele.
Profile Image for Odyssa.
Author 3 books11 followers
June 30, 2023
Works like a workbook/instruction manual to working towards goals, achieving them, being healthy, etc.
Profile Image for Elena.
284 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2024
read for book club. girl…. I hated this…. he’s citing Jordan Peterson and worshiping billionaires just. absolutely not. this was also the most repetitive thing I’ve ever read and I felt like I was losing my mind by the end. where was the editor. had to listen to sex and the city podcast while reading to get through it
Profile Image for Igor.
30 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2024
Really motivating. Good exercises.
Profile Image for Abby.
43 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2023
This book! So much amazing information! I will for sure have to read it again! It’s like a workbook too! It challenges you and makes you think taking you through steps to pursue what you meaning mission is in life and how to get there! How to push past fears and take the steps to help you with your journey! I would definitely recommend this book to any entrepreneur or anyone who has big goals to accomplish! So many stories from my fav people as well!
Profile Image for Jayvic San Antonio.
1 review
March 6, 2023
As someone who has struggled with self-doubt and feeling like I'm not living up to my full potential, I was thrilled to read Lewis Howes' latest book, "The Greatness Mindset". This book is a must-read for anyone looking to tap into their own greatness and unlock their full potential.

Lewis offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to truly live an authentic life, and he provides practical, science-backed strategies to help readers overcome their fears and self-doubt. His personal stories are both raw and inspiring, and they really drove home the point that greatness is inside all of us, just waiting to be awakened.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the emphasis on defining a meaningful mission and purpose for your life. Lewis makes it clear that this isn't about chasing success for the sake of success; it's about identifying what truly matters to you and designing a life around those values.

The Greatness Mindset also offers a step-by-step guide to transforming your mindset and overcoming self-sabotaging thoughts. I found this particularly helpful, as I often find myself getting in my own way and holding myself back from reaching my goals.

Overall, I highly recommend The Greatness Mindset to anyone who is looking to live a more authentic, purpose-driven life. Lewis' insights and strategies are both empowering and actionable, and I'm already seeing positive changes in my own life after implementing some of his suggestions. If you're ready to awaken your own greatness and make a positive impact on those around you, this book is the perfect place to start.
Profile Image for Henrik Regitnig.
74 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2024

I listen to Lewis' Podcast on a consistent basis as he has on some of the brightest and most inspiring minds out there and he is a great interviewer. Unfortunately this book feels more like its own Podcast episode pulling some highlights from notable guests rather than its own entity.

If its the first book you've read within the Mindset and Growth realm then it might just feel like its a life changing book and offers plenty. After having read many similar books it falls a bit short for me. It's an easy read and gives you a number of good "excerpts" to add to your list but overall felt a bit flat.
Profile Image for Analie.
512 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2023
"Worse than failing is the regret of not trying" (p. 66). I was lucky enough to stumble upon this nugget and so many more when I found this book in a neighbor's little library. I almost put it back because the title sounded cliché, but I got hooked by the author's story of discovering a new mission for his life after the loss of his NFL dreams. I'm glad I did; this book took me on a journey of clarifying my own dreams that was positive, uplifting, and worth taking. I recommend it for anyone who has ever had to rethink their lives after a significant loss or setback.
Profile Image for Jacob Frisch.
92 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2025
96/100. Fantastic book!! Sure, it is other peoples' ideas but Howes' has made a career of collecting others stories and interviewing the most interesting people in the world. I am currently re-reading this one because it was so good. I say this ALL THE TIME buttttt good self help books have 1) original ideas and 2) actionable insights. Boy does this have this. If you don't do the exercises you won't get mush out of this.

See Ali Abdaal's takeaways here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFXWY...
Profile Image for EB.
268 reviews
May 13, 2023
This was a very interesting read. I liked that this book could be used to help all kinds of people. It was encouraging and the author seemed very dedicated to support us and enrich our lives by giving us the power to fully appreciate ourselves.
Profile Image for Amy.
84 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2024
Loved this book. I listened to it in audio (excellent read by the author) but would like to get the hardcopy and re-read. There are a few thoughtful exercises.
The concepts in this book stick with you. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Mohammad AlSaeed.
20 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2025
"The Greatness Mindset" is an easy, entertaining read, feeling more like a casual radio talk show or podcast than a structured self-development book. While the author’s enthusiasm is evident, the content is very general, lacking deep insights or a clear, cohesive theme. The book touches on many broad topics without connecting the dots, making it difficult to extract tangible takeaways. It’s more motivational than practical, and the advice feels surface-level rather than transformative. Overall, it is an underwhelming read that doesn’t leave a lasting impact—2 stars.
Profile Image for Jung.
1,710 reviews39 followers
Read
May 29, 2023
A practical path to courage, confidence, and designing the life of your dreams.

Are you stuck in the same routine? Do you long to break free and create an inspiring life that fulfills you? Then it’s time to stop replaying the same old story in your head and create a new one �� one in which you overcome your fears and self-doubt to achieve your goals with clarity and purpose.

In this Book The Greatness Mindset, you will learn how to tap into your strengths, talents, and passions and affect the world around you positively.

Through self-examination and practical exercises, you will discover how to work on healing past trauma, assess your identity, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and develop a clear and meaningful mission.

So if you are done with mediocrity and want to design the life of your dreams, then this book is for you. Get ready to unleash greatness.

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Defining Your Passions, Values, and Priorities

Are you tired of living by default? Feeling like a passenger on a journey you did not choose? It’s a common feeling – going through the motions and following a path others have set for us. It may feel safe, but if we ignore our passions and true calling, we risk living a life without meaning. Problems from the past may cause us to live in fear and doubt – so what can we do to fix this?

One thing we can do is learn resilience. We must find ways to face and deal with the feelings that stop us from reaching our potential. We will explore this in the next section – but first, we need to figure out what we truly want from life.

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have a strong sense of purpose while others seem lost? The reason is that people with purpose are task-oriented. This means they have defined and are working toward their Meaningful Mission – one goal that aligns with their passion and strength. But how can you discover your Meaningful Mission?

First and foremost, you need to understand where you are in life right now. This means evaluating your strengths, limits, passions, and values. One powerful tool that can help you do this is the Perfect Day Itinerary (PDI). By creating a detailed schedule for your ideal day – including obligations and aspirations – you can clarify what genuinely matters to you. Focus on three main areas: business, relationships, and health. Through this process, you can find your sweet spot. There you will discover the energy, enthusiasm, and drive to pursue your aim and have a positive impact on the world. And the best part? It’s a journey anyone willing to put in the effort can take.

So, if you’re ready to find your Meaningful Mission and realize your full potential, start with self-assessment. Use the PDI exercise to clarify your passions and values. Then, feel free to revise until you find your dream vision. Even putting one or two modest pursuits in your calendar can give you momentum and help you define your priorities.

Remember, your Meaningful Mission is not a one-time choice; it evolves with you. Keep reviewing it as you progress through life. Adopt an abundant mindset, identify your sweet spot, and pursue your mission relentlessly. Greatness does not happen by chance. It demands that you consider your path and show up every day to follow it.

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Improve Your Mindset, Overcome Your Fears

When challenged, we naturally often feel scared and give up. But quitting was not an option for Sara Blakely, founder of the hugely successful Spanx brand. Despite countless setbacks, she refused to ditch her dreams. Blakely’s secret? Redefining failure. Instead of seeing it as a reason to stop, she believed failure is just not trying. By shifting her mindset and persevering, she turned Spanx into a billion-dollar business.

Is your fear of failure holding you back? If this is the case, it is time to break free and coach yourself to success. But where do you begin? We can start by creating what the author calls a Fear List. This involves jotting down your worries and explaining what scares you. If it helps, use “If ... then” statements. For example, “I am scared that if I start my own business, then I will fail and lose all my savings.” Fear is a severe obstacle to growth. By completing this brief study, you can express your concerns and name the root causes of your fears. Once you have confirmed what is holding you back, you can start designing ways to overcome your limiting beliefs. Remember, negative self-talk can seriously hinder your progress, so you need to slay that demon to unleash your full potential.

The Fear Sit Down is another force multiplier the author recommends for understanding and controlling your emotions. For this method, sit with your worst fears for three to five minutes. This may be uncomfortable at first, but it helps you note the physical and emotional responses that arise. Visualizing your worry as a wave helps you see how it fades over time. Once you complete the Fear Sit Down, reward yourself with a 30-minute activity that you enjoy. Conquering fears takes thought and action; activities like these can help you move forward in your meaningful mission.

Do you want a simple yet effective way to deal with your anxiety? Try this: Grab a pen and paper, and jot down three to five triggers that stress you out. Then, recall five happy memories from your past and focus on any specific smells or sensations that come to mind. By accessing the pleasant anchors of joyful memories, you can shift your attention from negative thoughts to positive ones. This is what the author calls a “Joy Conditioner”; it won’t wholly remove your anxiety, but it can give you more control and confidence to handle future stress. Adopting a greatness mindset means embracing growth and prioritizing your personal journey. Believe in yourself and your potential to overcome obstacles. All successful people start with a single step, and so can you.

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Mend Yourself

Have you ever wondered what separates the great from the rest? It’s not just talent, hard work, and opportunity. Greatness begins with something more profound: overcoming pain. 

Do you find yourself repeating self-destructive patterns? If the answer is yes, it’s time to start healing childhood trauma. But what has been holding you back till now? One of the biggest obstacles to personal growth is victim consciousness. Such thinking can trap us in a cycle of blame, stopping us from taking control of our lives. Of course, you may have justifiable reasons to say you are a victim – but to find peace, you must let go of the past.

The key to healing past pain starts with the inner child. That’s right. We all have an inner child – an earlier version of ourselves who lives within us today. Unfortunately, it’s often this inner child who is blocking your path. Healing is necessary to improve our lives and accept a future version of ourselves. First, however, we must understand how trauma affects us. What triggers you? What origin stories do you need to understand to process your pain? The answers should address the root cause of your anguish. Confronting past pain can be tough; you should seek support from a therapist, doctor, or coach if you think you need it. Finally, we must learn to be kind to ourselves. We often forget that what the author calls inner talk has a major effect on our mental health and well-being. You can learn to respect and accept yourself fully by cultivating self-compassion.

Of course, becoming great takes more than just cheerful self-talk. It means taking inventory of your coping mechanisms and identifying the things that help you numb your pain. So, ask yourself, What are my numbing devices? What do I get from these addictions? Do they serve my highest self? By reflecting on these questions, you can break free from old habits.

Remember that healing is an ongoing process. You might show your dedication to the process by journaling or meditating. So, are you ready to start mending yourself? Take the first step by accepting your past and realizing it no longer defines you. Then, with positive action, you can transcend your pain and build your ideal future.

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Craft a Healthy Identity

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "healthy identity"? It might sound like something reserved for therapists and self-help charlatans. But the truth is, creating a healthy image is crucial for anyone aspiring to excellence.

Think about it: How much of your identity is molded by others? Perhaps more than you realize. When we submit to identity foreclosure, we allow outside forces to define us. But when you consciously craft your essence and maintain control over changes, you set yourself up for success — like the author did. To define his mission, the entrepreneur, author, and podcast host often wrestled with his issues and revised his personal manifesto several times.

So ask yourself, "Who do you want to be?" Better yet, create your new persona by taking stock of your current self. Start by rating yourself regarding your current happiness, desire to attract opportunities and meaningful relationships, and knowledge of your Meaningful Mission. Rate each answer 1-10 and track your progress. Do not get discouraged by lower ratings; reflect on areas you want to explore further. The fact is, successful people experiment with many identities and roles to find the combination that feels right to them. 

However, creating a positive identity goes beyond self-discovery. It involves setting goals and developing new skills and habits that match your purpose. This is where a Meaningful Mission manifesto comes in. By creating one, you can commit to specific actions that result in positive changes and promote growth. We will tackle specific changes you will make in the next section. But first, review your previous exercise answers and consider the behaviors you want to adjust. For example, could you be gentler with self-talk, or reduce the unproductive time spent online? Even small changes can produce impressive results, not to mention boosting your self-esteem. So keep going, even when things get tough. Picture the person you want to be and stay committed to becoming your true self. 

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Meet the Greatness Performance System (GPS)

Do you ever feel like you are drowning in a sea of jobs? It is common to think that the more we pack into our diary, the more we can accomplish. However, like a ship crammed with cargo, it is all too easy to capsize under the weight of our ambition. In fact, focusing on fewer, more precisely defined goals can often improve productivity. The author, a former professional handball player, discovered this firsthand. He was adrift once his sports career ended, unsure what to do next. Only after embracing simplicity was he able to create a clear action plan.

Ready to crush your goals? Let's break things down into simple steps using the Greatness Performance System (GPS). Here is how it works: First, identify the three most important areas in your life – for example, business, relationships, and wellness. Next, set three specific goals for each zone, and select the most crucial one from each. Now, answer three simple questions for each goal: What do you want? Why do you want it? And what is the next step? To stay productive, you must prioritize tasks within your day – so the next time you feel yourself drifting, use these GPS questions to correct your course.

Greatness requires you to maintain energy and focus throughout the day. To stay sharp, ensure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly – and take invigorating cold showers if you are brave. What might your life look like three years from now? What do you want to be recognized for? The GPS can help you discover what drives you and what goals will bring you closer to reaching your potential. For instance, sometimes we realize we don't want what we thought we wanted, while other times, we may draw on deeper motivations to push us forward.

Finally, accountability is a must. There are three types of accountability: to yourself, someone else, or a team. Your accountability partner can greatly affect your success, so choose wisely. So now you should be ready to define your mission. Create clear, actionable steps to tackle competing priorities, and you will be on your path to greatness.

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As you cultivate your Greatness Mindset, realize time is your most precious asset. Guard it fiercely and capitalize on moments of peak productivity. Remember to acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no matter how small, as happiness is more than achieving your dreams. It is relishing the journey.

Know that your efforts, rather than your successes, determine your worth. So love yourself and accept that you are enough. Lastly, personal growth is a lifelong process that we should all engage with. Commit to creating your Meaningful Mission – and start writing your future story today!
Profile Image for Sabine.
13 reviews
April 26, 2024
There are a lot of exercises to do in this book. I think it would help a person IF they were willing to dedicate the time for introspection that is needed in order to complete the exercises.
137 reviews
March 9, 2024
Listened to this as audiobook - to be fair to the author, it is hard to follow steps and exercises in this format. Organized like atomic habits with some good and challenging questions, but found several sections to be light on content. Wonder if this could have been more successful in a more succinct format, with more structure. Do all 18 chapters need a set of questions? Could less be more?
Profile Image for Sara.
588 reviews67 followers
April 22, 2024
Um livro bastante prático com exercícios para colocar em prática ou para servir de inspiração.
Não pretende aperfeiçoar nenhuma área em especifico, usando a sua experiência para poder ajudar outras pessoas em que o seu percurso e método possa encaixar/ser útil.
12 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2023
Solid book. Great insight and learnings shared from Howes' thousands of interviews.
171 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2023
Excellent action points that allow you to write out a system to accomplish your goals. Also, many writing prompts to help you figure out your goals if you are unclear on them. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for clarity on a progressive direction in their life. Just like his podcast, Lewis Howes is very informative and informed due to the large amount of successful people he has learned from.
Profile Image for J R.
548 reviews
June 18, 2023
I’ve read other books by Lewis, but this one is his most beneficial for those who want to get busy and accomplish their personal goals.

Good read indeed
Profile Image for Johnnysbookreviews .
549 reviews11 followers
June 11, 2023
It took me a bit to read this book. There's a ton of questions and workshops to do that I had fun doing.

For me, the book seemed jumbled. There wasn't a cohesiveness to it that I thought was necessary. It wasn't bad, but this made me confused on what was going on.

I didn't like it as much as I wanted too. I thought School of Greatness was a much better book. This wasn't bad, but not my favorite that I've read.
Profile Image for Jessica Hosch.
6 reviews
June 12, 2023
Such an excellent blueprint is laid out in this book. It is one that I marked up thoroughly, and will likely revisit over and over again for specific exercises or pockets of insight. ❤️
Profile Image for Karena Cruse.
1 review1 follower
March 6, 2023
The prequel to Think & Grow Rich.

If you keep trying to make progress but hit a brick wall, self-sabotage, procrastinate opportunity away or otherwise get sidetracked - this book is the practical solution you need.

PROS
* This book is the collective wisdom of 10 years of interviews with successful businesses spanning every field you can imagine.
* The author braves sharing his own personal journey making this book more relatable and engaging.
* You could rewallpaper your house with the mic-drop quotes pouring out of this book!

CONS
* The author writes with a very trauma informed vocabulary in parts and has activities that can make the average person feel a bit uncomfortable. Deal with it - I promise it's worth it!
* You will likely feel the need to read the book multiple times. My first time through was just to read, the second time through was to complete the activities.
* I don't know if the audible version will be available with the actual author reading it ... and that feels like a necessity after reading this!

This book should be a required class in high school and again in college and again before marriage and ...
Profile Image for Alfonso Perfferle.
5 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2024
Inspirational and encouraging.

Transformative Insights for Unlocked Potential!

"The Greatness Mindset" by Lewis Howes is an empowering guide to unlocking your mind's potential and achieving greatness. This inspiring book has reshaped my perspective on success, happiness, and personal growth.

Key Takeaways

1. *Mindset Shifts*: Powerful strategies for reframing limitations.
2. *Purpose Discovery*: Clarify your passions and values.
3. *Resilience Building*: Overcome obstacles and stay motivated.
4. *Meaningful Connections*: Nurture relationships and community.

*Favorite Quotes*

1. "You are one decision away from a totally different life."
2. "Your greatness is not determined by your circumstances."

Recommendation

Ideal for:

1. Personal growth enthusiasts
2. Entrepreneurs and goal-setters
3. Anyone seeking motivation


Lewis Howes' expertise and passion shine through, making this book an invaluable resource.
"The Greatness Mindset" has sparked transformative changes in my life.

- Journaling to apply the principles
- Sharing insights with friends and family
- Re-reading for continuous inspiration
Profile Image for Ryan Willard.
2 reviews
June 6, 2023
Inspiring and helpful

I look forward to working through the book again and taking on the challenges for each new project I work on.
7 reviews
November 1, 2023
"The Greatest Mindset" by Lewis Howes is a hidden gem, deeply undervalued in the realm of personal development literature. One thing I've learned is that you can always extract valuable insights from every book, and this one is no exception. Howes surprises with numerous exercises, adding a practical dimension that's not always expected in such books. It's brimming with inspiration, motivation, and opportunities for self-reflection. If you're looking for a book that's worth more than its cover suggests, "The Greatest Mindset" is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
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