The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy

by Lewis Howes

When a career-ending injury left elite athlete and professional football player Lewis Howes out of work and living on his sister's couch, he decided he needed to make a change for the better. He started by reaching out to people he admired, searching for mentors, and applying his past coaches' advice from sports to life off the field. Lewis did more than bounce He built a multimillion-dollar online business and is now a sought-after business coach, speaker, and podcast host.In The School of Greatness, Howes shares the essential tips and habits he gathered in interviewing "the greats" on his wildly popular podcast of the same name. In discussion with people like Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson and Pencils of Promise CEO Adam Braun, Howes figured out that greatness is unearthed and cultivated from within. The masters of greatness are not successful because they got lucky or are innately more talented, but because they applied specific habits and tools to embrace and overcome adversity in their lives.A framework for personal development, The School of Greatness gives you the tools, knowledge, and actionable resources you need to reach your potential. Howes anchors each chapter with a specific lesson he culled from his greatness "professors" and his own experiences to teach you how to create a vision, develop hustle, and use dedication, mindfulness, joy, and love to reach goals. His lessons and practical exercises prove that anyone is capable of achieving success and that we can all strive for greatness in our everyday lives.

Genres: Self Help, Personal Development, Business, Nonfiction, Psychology, Personal Growth, Leadership

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2015

Reviews

[Alexander Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to give this book anything but a five-star review, because of my respect for Lewis Howes. His podcast is one of the best on the internet, and he is a supremely talented interviewer. Many of his other how-to books are fantastic.

But knowing Lewis Howes can bring it is what makes this book somewhat of a letdown. He works hard to create actionable steps, but many are a little too big with grandiose expectations from the reader.

The stories about people who overcame huge obstacles are fantastic, and will motivate many. I just wanted as a reader to find more concrete steps to reproduce their success.

It must be said that this book will help a ton of people. If you're steeped in the genre you'll notice some of the faults in the work. If you're a casual reader who doesn't get into many self-development books this will really appeal to you.

Lewis Howes deserves a ton of credit too for how honest he is. His admissions at the end of the book were startling and heartbreaking. To see everything he's done to better others lives, given what he's gone through, is truly remarkable.

[Mimi Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I've read a bunch of lifestyle/motivation books but I felt like this one really gave me a jump start.

The book covers 8 areas where you can strive for greatness:

1. Create a Vision

2. Turn Adversity into Advantage

3. Cultivate a Champion's Mindset

4. Develop Hustle

5. Master your Body

6. Practice Positive Habits

7. Build a Winning Team

8. Live a life of service

My favorite chapters were Develop Hustle as it made me think that a positive attitude and extra focus can really make all the difference and Practice Positive Habits. I'd never underestimate the power of a good habit, big or small. As an example, Lewis talks about how making your bed can set you up for a successful day and I agree (so would a most mothers out there too). I also found Turn Adversity into Advantage to be very inspiring.

In each chapter Lewis introduces us to some really standout people and also shares some insight on how he has overcome difficulty in this area. It's a very personal book and an encouraging read.

[Christopher Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

If you've listened to Lewis Holmes' podcast of the same name as the book, you have an idea of what he's about. This book is the next step in helping people learn that greatness is something we all have within us, but there are area that need to be taken to discover that greatness. I recommend this book for anyone looking to improve their self and who desire to be something more, to be something great.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lewis Howes is a former all-american athlete and now personal lifestyle coach. In the "School of Greatness", he outlines his philosophy on how to achieve greatness and find success and happiness in your life. Sounds great, but to be honest, the first half of the book was akin to watching that video of Shia Labeouf walk back and forth, flexing his muscles and shouting "Do It!". To be fair, Lewis Howes does proffer some decent life-lessons and advice. Maybe I've read too many self-help books, but I feel like I've seen much of the same perspective and advice in better written books. The reference to his all-american beginnings quickly became tiresome and felt a bit narcissistic after awhile.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the past few years, Lewis Howes has been hosting a podcast he calls the School of Greatness. During a typical program he will interview an expert on personal development or some related topic. His skill as a podcaster, the quality of the guests, and the value to listeners continue to go through a positive feedback loop.

Many of his guests are authors, trainers and educators--what else would you expect at a school? His goal us to help his listeners develop a lifestyle of their win choosing. Now he has released a book with the same goal. For example:

*When you want to lose weight and keep it off, you don't go on a diet, because diets are about artificial restriction. They're miserable. Instead, change your lifestyle to match your goals.*

This book is about changing your lifestyle to match your goals, a step by step process that can help you take control of your life and destiny.

[Jenny Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Габриела Щинова · Rating 5 out of 5]

⏳Как искате да прекарате следващите години? Да лежите на дивана и да мрънкате, че нищо не се получава?
Или да изживеете дълъг и ползотворен живот, в който ще оставите нещо след себе си?
📆В случай, че имате цели и амбиции погледнете книгата на Луис Хаус ”Училище за величие”. Тя ще ви покаже как да извлечете пълния си потенциал, за да постигнете мечтите си. Авторът няма да ви даде рецепта как да станете по-млади и красиви или как да се омъжите за милионер.
📝Ще ви накара да направите анализ на навиците си и ще ви вдъхнови да предприемете действия, с които да ги коригирате така, че да бъдете успешни. И то чрез примери от живота на най-успелите хора на планетата, с които лично се е срещнал и е разговарял.
🎻Единият е брат му, попаднал като тийнейджър в затвора, заради продажба на наркотици на полицай под прикритие. След това, вместо да пропадне, с много воля и упоритост, той става най-успешният джаз-цигулар.
📚„Нуждаем се от изгарящо желание, за да сме истински живи, и от визия, за да превъплътим този копнеж в реалност.”
Даниел Лапорт, мотивиационен лектор и писател
⚽Самият Луис Хаус е професионален елитен спортист, чиято кариера е прекратена от травма. Преживява известно време на дивана на сестра си – безработен и в гипс. В един момент решава, че е време за коренна промяна. 🖋️Вслушва се в съветите на хората, на които се възхищава, и ги прилага в живота си. По този начин не само се възстановява, но и изгражда многомилионен онлайн бизнес за себеусъвършенстване.
📚В тази книга той ще ви разкаже за неговите преподаватели в неофициалния му университет – носители на златни олимпийски медали, награждавани музиканти, автори на бестселъри, активисти и филантропи, променили света, предприемачи, вдъхновяващи експерти и визионери.
✨Какъвто и да е вашият начин да бъдете изключителни – дали да сте добър родител или лидер и носител на промяна, за да следвате мечтите си и да ги осъществите трябва да преминете през няколко урока като първо си изградите визия, преодолеете различни трудности, формирате си нагласа на шампиони, практикувате добри навици и сте в услуга на другите.

♥️Благодарение на издателство „Lifetimepublishing” с тази прекрасна книга годината ми започна перфектно. Аз вече направих своя план, а вие имате ли идеи?

А какви са навиците на най-успешните хора на планетата според списание “Entrepreneur” – поддържане на списък със задачи, будене три часа преди работа за настройка, слушане на аудиокниги до работа, четене по половин час дневно, тренировки 4 дни седмично, хранене с минимално количество джънк, гледане на телевизия не повече от час, поощряване на децата да четат, записване на целите, вяра в силата на самоусъвършенстването през целия живот, вяра, че добрите навици създават нови възможности.

[Abdulrahman · Rating 4 out of 5]

ختام السنه بكتاب مدرسة العظمه، بنفس اسم البودكاست المشهور و صاحبه ليويس هويس الرائع جدا.

كرهت الكتاب و تركته لعدة شهور، و رجعت له بعقليه مختلفه و تلك المره اعجبني حقيقه. ليويس شخص متواضع جدا، و الجميل انه علم نفسه التواضع و كان لبودكاسته الفضل الكبير بعد لقائه الكثير من الناجحين. الكتاب ليس ملخصا للبودكاست بشكل خاص، بل هي دروس تعلمها من بعض الضيوف و من حياته الشخصيه.

قد يكون الكتاب موجهه للرجال الصغار بالعمر، في الثانوي و الجامعه مثلا.

الكاتب اخذنا في خطوات لصنع رجل (او امرأه) متكامل النواحي للوصول الى الشخص الذي تتمنى الوصول اليه:

- Create a vision: بداية النجاح هي الرؤيه الشخصيه.
- Develop a hustle: و قد تكون موجهه بشكل اكبر للاينتربنورز، لكن حتى لو كنت تملك وظيفه، هل يمكنك استخدام المهارات في شي اخر؟ بزنس جانبي يدر عليك اموالا؟
- Cultivate a champion’s mindset: امتلاك العقليه الناجحه، حتى مع الظروف السيئة، هي مفتاح رائع
- Master your body: ليويس رياضي سابق لعب في رياضات متعدده، وحش ضخم و ماهر، هذا الفصل كان مبسط جدا و تمنيت لو تعمق به اكثر
- Build a winning team: هذا الفصل ذكرني بأني لا امتلك شبكه اجتماعيه كبيره، الرجل مجنون و كان يرسل العشرات من الدعوات و الرسائل يوميا عبر لينكد ان ليبني شبكه رائعه له، استراتيجيه بشكل واضح نجحت!!
- “Be of service to others: العطاء هو سر الرضى، التركيز الزائد على تطوير الذات يفقدك لذة النجاح

الى كتابه الجديد: the mask of masculinity

[Venus Blancia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The School of Greatness is a conglomeration of individual's perspective definition of greatness. This book is confidently pushy as I think the real personality of Lewis Howes when one day he said to me, "read my book and tell me what you think". With all the promises about self-motivation and being great; then I believe one out so many note-worthy ideas this book has offered. One can always take his vision into reality by answering these questions:

"Who are you?"
"What do you stand for?"
"What's your dream?"
"What type of legacy do you want to create?"
"How can we become great together?"

Let's all be GREAT!

[Zahraa El-Kabengi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Lewis Howes goes through how to attain your goals from a his personal successful experience. He goes through what will happen and how important perseverance is. He goes through how important planning and visualisation is as well as who to surround yourself with, how to make best use of various things in order to attain your goals. It's definitely one of my favourite books and I recommend it to everyone!

[Belrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to write at letter to myself and start a brag list - thanks Lewis

[Joe Liss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to digest and full of useful knowledge. Much like Lewis, this book screams positivity and definitely pushes you to do more. It gives you exercises each chapter to help you level up and provides plenty of examples of real world practitioners. If your starting a journey of self improvement this should be read early on in your adventure.

[MaximusIntoxicus · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Lot of anecdotal stories

This book could be condensed to about 10 pages of useful, original material. I am confused by the number of 5 star reviews.....

[Constantina Valavanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! Such a captivating and inspiring book, with beautiful simplicity, it takes you on an insightful ride towards discovering your own greatness.

Howes’ insights fuel personal growth, inviting readers to embrace vulnerability and cultivate a positive mindset.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking inspiration and personal development. 🪐🤎

[Srijith Jagdish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the audible version and can't wait to pick up the hardcopy to keep as a ready reckoner for future...

The narrative style is very engaging with both external stories as well as personal experiences well weaved into the narrative...

Definitely a must have...a word of caution though...this is a book which you must keep going back to, to ensure that you are able to imbibe and implement the various learnings...

Regards,

Sri

[Dominic Gadoury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lewis does such a good job at hitting all the points of what makes people Great...especially being in service to others.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Charly Hrnndz · Rating 3 out of 5]

HALF INTERESTING

THE FIRST HALF OF THE BOOK WAS GOOD. THE SECOUND HALF, NOT SO MUCH, IT WAS QUITE REPETITIVE AND SLOW

[Dhiran · Rating 5 out of 5]

School of Greatness by Lewis Howes is an inspiring practical read, reflecting personal life stories of himself and of fellow entrepreneurs, Lewis draws upon important lessons and exercises in creating a vision, overcoming adversity, developing the right mindset, importance of hustle, being fit and healthy, thinking positively, building a right team and of giving back to the society. A must read for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs #BookLovers #LoveToRead #dntjbookclub #atozentrepreneurship

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

- had some inspiring and interesting stories
- some of it seemed like pretty general information, though (nothing groundbreaking!)
- The author was very vulnerable near the end of the book, which I appreciated because that would be hard
- overall, a good read, but not really any big takeaways

[Hieu Le · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pacing of storytelling is a bit too slow for me. Also, the stories used in this book are not really memorable.

[Valentina Lozanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Слушам подкаста му и го следя от 3 години. Тази книга много хубаво събира основите на работата му, любимите му практики и уроци от хора,от които се е учил. Много практична и вдъхновяваща.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the authenticity and the stories included in this book which make it an easy read. I've read some personal development books before but I LOVE that this one actually includes exercises that you can start implementing in your life today.

Definitely a journey of self-reflection and insight when you read (which does require you to spend extra time & thought into it to get the most out of it.)

[Ade Cervantes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of Lewis Howes as well as a motivational book about finding your deeper greatness. I think all should read, gives some activities to change the way you think.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could, I would rate this as a 2.5. While this book gave some good advice on how to live bigger and to your potential, the examples he used consist of people who are high performers and achievers in their own right such as gold medal Olympic athletes, well-known CEOs and entrepreneurs, and even celebrities. Sure, these people started out as everyday people who with hard work, determination, drive, and talent became what they are but if you are reading this because you want to better your life, using these examples as a yardstick can make you feel inadequate. Overall, I thought it was okay and frankly I was glad it was a short read.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a lot of this genre and so my bar for what is more than 3 stars is starting to get to be rather high as I gain an appreciation for the scope of this field. A failing I'll admit to is that I cannot exactly put my finger on why this book was "meh, 3 stars" and not four; because: I found the overwhelming majority of Howes' advice, insight, and suggestions to be relevant and a needed voice in society today. Far too many of us, myself included, don't always do the excellent and relevant tasks Howes calls out in each chapter or, if we do them, we are inconsistent in our follow through. A strength of Howes' book is that he calls us to be our best selves, no matter where we're starting from, and that he gives examples of highly successful people who have truly achieved greatness, despite being convicted felons, penniless immigrants, victims of sexual abuse, or...Ivy League Bain consultants with no appreciation for life outside upper crust New England...

Howes' book is practical and useful; his lessons are accessible and clear. There are insightful gems that I'll take the time to jot down before I return the book to the library. He is sincere and thoughtful. Overall, this is a serious effort by a caring person to impart some hard-won life lessons.

So, why 3 stars? I think it might be that I found the "COACHING!!!" and use of exclamation points to be a bit much sometimes. What must make Howes a master networker (he first made his millions by teaching people how to use LinkedIn) -- his friendliness, positive attitude, and enthusiasm -- comes off as simply too much from time to time. It made me think that this book must be what high school guidance counselors give to kids who are struggling or what executive coaches give to thoroughly burned out execs. That doesn't make it a bad book, but...meh, it makes it less compelling than you want it to be; it makes it less about learning from Howes' lessons from his School of Greatness and more "life lessons with your big brother." All of which make me sound like a hater, I realize, but it is what it is.

Anyone seeking self-improvement or improvement as a coach or leader would benefit from the lessons in this book. Despite my Hatorade paragraph above, if you are interested in this topic, at least get the Kindle sample or flip through it. I may get tired of the style (wow, I think that's why it took me well over a month to read a quick 240 pages), but the substance of his book does not disappoint.

[Melissa Covo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lewis Howe’s has given me homework on how to become a better person, with daily habits, set my ten skills I want to learn. Has given me the tools to plan my success and small goals to reach along the way. Lewis has given me the tools to focus, to understand that I can be great if I set my mind to anything and hustle at it. I will start my morning routine because of him, I am motivated to have a stronger body because of him. He gave me many recommended books that I will read. And believe it or no, he made my dream become more clear with Adam Braun’s inspirational story. I read his book in one day non stop. I would without a doubt recommend it.

[Nikki Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, interesting and easy read. I listened to it on audio. I would not recommend it be listened to, as the Author, Lewis Howes isn’t the best narrator. I would definitely recommend the book. Great profiles and healthy concepts.

[Jaron Dunford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes from The School of Greatness

Like oxygen to a fire, obstacles become fuel for that which was their ambition. Every impediment served to make the inferno within them burn with even greater ferocity.

The impediment to action becomes the action. What stands in the way becomes the way

Every new challenge is likes learning a new language.

Greatness is the survival of your vision across an extended timeline, based on your willingness to do whatever it takes in the face of adversity and the ability to adopt the mindset whenever it lives.

You will never out perform your inner circle, if you want achieve greater success improve your inner circle.

The article doesn't come out and say it, but what it alluded to was that as people age, they tend to find themselves consuming more and creating less. To put it bluntly: The easiest way to live a short unimportant life is to consume the world around you rather than contribute to it. Meanwhile, the people who keep contributing tend to be the ones who keep on living. The message was clear. People who who contribute to their community live longer.

[Rehnell Blackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. A few new gems learnt. Lewis Howes is a great guy and I'm this book he has a really good mix of great principles, his own experiences and others experiences. I would recommend reading and also check out Lewis Howes on Youtube and his podcasts. 👍🏼