The School of Greatness

CHAPTER 1

CREATE A VISION

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.

--Helen Keller

Greatness is my passion, but vision is my obsession. Let me explain. A clear vision can unleash extraordinary, mind-boggling power. I've been known to get more than a little intense on this topic. Let me tell you a story about a guy I met named Steve who reminded me of my younger self and was probably like a lot of you out there. He had been friends with my girlfriend at the time for a number of years, and she wanted us to meet up over dinner. I went through the whole "where are you from, what do you do" small-talk racket that you do when you meet new people, and Steve told me he was in graduate school to be a doctor of physical therapy and was finishing up in the next 6 months. As an athlete who has been through his fair share of injuries, I am familiar with physical therapy, so I found this pretty interesting.

I asked him, "So Steve, what do you want to do after you graduate? What's the dream?"

Like most people who just got blindsided on a first friend date, he said, "I'm not really sure."

"Well, if you could have anything, what would you want? If you could have it all, what would it be?"

Steve started talking about working with the military and doing physical therapy on wounded veterans and enlisted soldiers. The benefits would be good, and he could support his family. There's a big military hospital in Germany, so maybe they could see some of the world that way, too.

"That's really cool," I said. "Has that been what you've always wanted, or is there something else?"

Very quickly, Steve said, "I used to be a football coach. So I'd love to be a physical therapist on a pro sports team and work on these great athletes."

Now he was speaking about something I knew well, and I could tell he meant it. "That's awesome, Steve. So is that what you really want?"

He thought about it and said, "You know, actually, it'll probably be

Lewis Howes is an online marketing expert, sought-after business coach, podcast and webinar host, speaker, and angel investor. He is the host of "The School of Greatness" podcast. He was recognized in a 2013 White House ceremony by President Obama as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the country under age 30. He lives in West Hollywood, CA.

Whether you're a listener of his podcast or this is your first time learning of Lewis, you will be an instant fan. Lewis' approach to achieving greatness will leave you inspired and ready to take action in all areas of your life! Jack Canfield, cocreator, Chicken Soup for the Soul® and The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to BeTM

For everyone who wants to live a great life-one filled with energy, meaning, and purpose-Lewis Howes provides The School of Greatness. It's a terrific resource with accessible, practical suggestions for transforming our lives. Gretchen Rubin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Better Than Before and #1 New York Times bestseller The Happiness Project

The road to mastery requires studying under a master. This book follows the author as he apprentices under more than a dozen great men and women, each a master in their own way. Robert Greene, New York Times bestselling author of Mastery and The 48 Laws of Power

Lewis Howes is ridiculously inspirational. In my ideal world, he'd call me every morning and give me a 10-minute personal pep talk. This book is the next best thing. It'll make you want to hustle, create a vision and all that other good stuff. AJ Jacobs, New York Times bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically, and editor at large at Esquire

I met Lewis when he was just starting out broke on his sister's couch and he hustled his way to creating an amazing life. This book will show you how to do the same for yourself! Gary Vaynerchuk, New York Times bestselling author of Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook

I never believed that "school" was my strong suit, but the life lessons that Lewis teaches throughout his book make it so easy to understand and apply to your everyday life. You finish this book feeling impacted, grateful, and inspired to learn more! Julianne Hough, Actress, Singer, Dancer from Dancing with the Stars

Most of life is not about our circumstances. It's about