I’ve known Lewis Howes for a long time, and I’ve always been struck by his relentless drive. But it’s not the kind of aggressive, sharp-elbowed ambition you sometimes see. His drive comes from a much deeper place, one forged in resilience and a genuine desire to serve and lift others up. Many people know him today as the host of the powerhouse podcast, The School of Greatness, and a New York Times bestselling author, but his journey here was anything but a straight line.
Before the books and the massive online community, Lewis was a professional football player. It was his whole identity, the dream he’d chased his entire life. Then, a career ending injury shattered it all. In an instant, his dream was over. He found himself broke, injured, and sleeping on his sister’s couch for over a year, with no idea what to do next. That period of being completely lost, of having his identity stripped away, became the unlikely foundation for everything he’s built since.
He started by simply trying to figure things out. He taught himself about online marketing, became an expert on LinkedIn, and slowly built a new career from scratch. This journey of rediscovery led him to launch The School of Greatness, a podcast where he interviews some of the most brilliant minds on the planet. What started as a way to share inspiring stories with people stuck in traffic has exploded into a global movement, including books, events, and an online academy dedicated to helping people unlock their own potential.
A Masterclass in Action
It’s been a privilege to watch Lewis’s journey, not just as a friend but as a collaborator. He brought his incredible energy and knowledge to the CreativeLive community with his class on building a brand and business online. It was pure Lewis: high energy, super practical, and focused on immediate action. During the class, he had one of the students launch a webinar live on air. We all watched in real time as she implemented his framework and made over $20,000 in about an hour. It was a powerful, tangible demonstration of what’s possible when you combine a clear strategy with the courage to act.
Lessons from the School of Greatness
Lewis’s work is packed with actionable wisdom for any creative or entrepreneur. He has a knack for breaking down huge concepts into practical steps. Here are a few of my favorite ideas from our conversations that you can start applying today.
1. Let Structure Create Your Freedom
As creatives, we often resist structure. We think rules and routines will stifle our art. Lewis, drawing from his sports background, offers a different perspective. A football team has a vision, a game plan, and a rigorous practice schedule. That structure doesn’t limit the players. It gives them the foundation and the confidence to improvise, to be creative, and to perform at their peak when the moment comes. Structure provides the rails so your creative energy can be focused on what matters most.
How to Apply This:
- Define Your “Season.” Don’t get lost in a vague five year plan. What do you want to create or achieve in the next three to six months? Treat it like a creative season with a clear goal.
- Establish a Morning Routine. Lewis talks about the power of a consistent morning. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start your day by making your bed, moving your body, and spending a few minutes expressing gratitude. It builds momentum.
- Time Block Your Priorities. Schedule your most important work, whether it’s writing, designing, or outreach, into your calendar. Protect that time like you would a meeting with your most important client.
2. Master Your Craft Through Deliberate Practice
When Lewis decided he needed to learn public speaking, he didn’t just hope for the best. He joined Toastmasters and committed to showing up every single week for a year. He was terrified. His first speeches were read word for word from a script, his eyes glued to the page. But each week, he gave himself a new, small challenge: look up once, then use notecards, then step away from the podium. That consistent, incremental practice is how you build real skill and confidence.
How to Apply This:
- Break It Down. Identify a skill you want to improve. Break it down into the smallest possible components you can practice.
- Set Micro Goals. Don’t just say “I’m going to get better at photography.” Set a goal like, “This week, I will practice using off camera flash for 30 minutes every day.”
- Find a Low Stakes Arena. Give yourself a safe space to fail and learn. Join a local meetup, start a personal project, or find an accountability partner to share your work with.
3. Create a Vision, Not Just a Plan
A plan can feel like a chore, a checklist of things you have to do. A vision is the magnetic force that pulls you forward on the days you don’t feel motivated. It’s the “why” behind your work. Lewis is a huge believer in getting crystal clear on his vision, writing it down, and keeping it front and center. He had a clear vision to make his book a New York Times bestseller, and that vision guided every decision he made.
How to Apply This:
- Get Clear on What You Want. Take time away from your devices and ask yourself what would truly light you up. What kind of impact do you want to make? What does a great life look like for you?
- Write It Down in the Present Tense. Frame your vision as if it has already happened. Instead of “I want to be a successful photographer,” try “I am a thriving photographer creating work that inspires and sustains me.” Lewis calls this a “certificate of achievement” that you award to yourself.
- Share Your Vision. Your vision is a rallying cry. Share it with your team, your partner, or a trusted friend. Speaking it out loud makes it real and enrolls others in your journey.
4. Build Your Team (Even a Team of One)
The lone wolf artist is a myth. Meaningful creation is rarely done in isolation. We all need support, feedback, and accountability. Lewis emphasizes the power of having a team, even if that “team” is just one other person. When he was on his sister’s couch, his first teammates were his siblings and the mentors he sought out. Connection is the antidote to feeling stuck.
How to Apply This:
- Find an Accountability Partner. Find a peer you trust and set up a weekly check in. Share your goals, your progress, and your challenges. The simple act of showing up for someone else will keep you on track.
- Start with Gratitude. When Lewis checks in with his team, they start by sharing what they’re grateful for. This simple practice grounds the conversation in positivity and reinforces your shared mission.
- Show Your Work. Don’t hide in your studio until something is “perfect.” Share your process. Involving people in your journey builds a community around your work naturally.
PS – If you’re looking for a guide to help you build the life and career you’ve always wanted, the Seven Levers for Life is a free 7-day email course on just that.
