Setting This ONE Daily Intention Will Transform Your Life
In this episode of The School of Greatness, Lewis Howes discusses how intention-setting can shape daily life and foster personal growth. He shares practical strategies for creating meaningful morning routines that avoid immediate phone use, and explains how beginning each day with meditation, deep breathing, or prayer can establish a foundation for positive interactions.
The episode covers several tools for personal development, including daily self-reflection practices and methods for transforming limiting beliefs. Howes draws from his own experiences to illustrate how facing fears can build confidence, and introduces the concept of "future hindsight" as a way to gain perspective on current challenges. He also explores how examining and adjusting our beliefs about self-worth can influence the experiences we attract into our lives.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 23, 2025 episode of the The School of Greatness
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1-Page Summary
Morning Routines and Mindset
Lewis Howes advocates for starting each day with intention rather than immediately reaching for your phone. He recommends placing the alarm clock across the room and keeping notifications silenced to prevent morning distractions. Instead of diving into potentially stressful notifications, Howes suggests beginning the day with meditation, deep breathing, or prayer to establish a calm foundation that can positively influence the rest of your day.
Intention-Setting and Living With Purpose
According to Howes, setting daily intentions is crucial for shaping a purposeful life. He distinguishes intention-setting from mere productivity, emphasizing that deciding how you want to show up each day—whether it's with calm confidence, peace, or deep listening—can transform your actions and interactions. Howes shares how this practice helped him prepare for his first podcast interview with Robert Greene, where setting an intention of being excited, joyful, and curious led to a powerful connection.
Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
Howes promotes daily self-reflection as a tool for continuous improvement. Rather than numbing ourselves with screens or distractions before bed, he encourages a compassionate review of the day's events. This includes examining how we handled challenges and celebrating successes, no matter how small. Howes and his wife practice this by sharing three things they're grateful for each night, reinforcing positive reflection.
Identity and Belief Transformation
The podcast emphasizes how our beliefs about self-worth shape our experiences. Howes explains that we attract experiences that reinforce our beliefs about ourselves, whether positive or negative. He suggests improving our "energetic identity" incrementally each day to create significant change over time. Drawing from his own experience of growing up without a father, Howes discusses how past experiences can guide us toward our desired future identity.
Overcoming Fear
Howes presents fear as a potential catalyst for growth and development. He recommends creating a "fear list" to explicitly name what scares us, and then regularly confronting these fears. Using his own experience with public speaking anxiety as an example, Howes demonstrates how facing fears can build confidence and improve skills. He introduces the concept of "future hindsight"—viewing current struggles from a future perspective—as a tool for gaining wisdom and perspective on present challenges.
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Counterarguments
- While starting the day with intention can be beneficial, some people may find that checking their phones first thing in the morning helps them feel connected and informed, which can also be a positive way to start the day.
- Placing the alarm clock across the room may not be practical for those with mobility issues or in small living spaces where this is not feasible.
- Meditation, deep breathing, or prayer may not suit everyone's belief system or personal preferences; some individuals may find other activities like physical exercise or reading more grounding.
- Setting daily intentions is a powerful practice, but without a clear strategy or plan, intentions alone may not lead to desired outcomes.
- The idea that our beliefs shape our experiences can be overly simplistic, as it doesn't account for external factors beyond our control that also impact our lives.
- The concept of improving one's "energetic identity" may not resonate with everyone, especially those who prefer more tangible, evidence-based approaches to personal development.
- Sharing three things to be grateful for each night is a positive practice, but it may not address deeper issues that require more than just gratitude to overcome.
- The suggestion to create a "fear list" could potentially lead to increased anxiety for some individuals who may become more focused on their fears.
- The concept of "future hindsight" assumes that one will always look back on challenges positively, which may not be the case for all situations or individuals.
- Personal growth and overcoming fear are not linear processes, and what works for one person, like confronting fears directly, may not be effective or healthy for another.
Actionables
- You can create a morning ritual box containing items that encourage intention-setting, such as a journal, a set of calming images or cards with inspirational quotes, and a timer for meditation or deep breathing exercises. This box serves as a physical reminder to start your day focused and can be placed in a prominent spot where you'll see it upon waking.
- Develop a personal "identity statement" that encapsulates your desired self-worth and energetic identity, and recite it during your daily self-reflection time. This statement should be a positive affirmation that you write yourself, focusing on who you want to be and how you want to feel. For example, "I am a confident individual who adds value to every interaction" can be a starting point.
- Turn your evening gratitude practice into a creative project by making a gratitude collage. Each night, add a picture, drawing, or item that represents something you're grateful for to a poster or digital collage. This visual representation can serve as a powerful reminder of the positive aspects of your life and can be a source of motivation and reflection.
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Morning Routines and Mindset
Lewis Howes, an advocate for a healthy and intentional start to the day, highlights the importance of establishing a morning routine that fosters a positive mindset before embracing the world's demands.
Begin Your Day Calmly Before Checking Your Phone or Media
Avoid Phone Use Upon Waking to Prevent Chaos and Stress Before Centering Yourself
Lewis Howes uses a simple yet effective method to ensure the start of his day is peaceful and undistracted. He places his alarm clock across the room, keeping it far from reach, with all notifications silenced to eliminate any potential disturbances from his phone. His routine avoids the use of a phone upon waking, which he believes is crucial for preventing an immediate influx of chaos and stress.
Howes discusses the detriments of reacting to phone notifications first thing in the morning. According to him, the habit of reaching for the phone upon waking can clutter the mind and trigger feelings of being overwhelmed, rushed, or behind schedule. This can contribute to a chaotic and stressful start to the day. Instead, he advises centering oneself before anything else to avoid falling into a reactive state.
Ground Yourself With Silence or Meditation
Morning Stillness Enhances Focus and Energy
Lewis Howes suggests spending the first few moments of the morning in silence, engaged in practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or prayer. By beginning the day with presence and calm, one sets the foundation for how they wish to live out their day. Howes believes in using meditatio ...
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Morning Routines and Mindset
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Counterarguments
- While avoiding phone use upon waking may reduce stress for some, others may find that a quick check of their notifications can help them mentally prepare for the day ahead.
- Not everyone may find silence or meditation helpful in the morning; some individuals may prefer an active start with exercise or music to energize themselves.
- The idea that placing the alarm clock far away and silencing notifications eliminates disturbances assumes that all individuals are equally distracted by their phones, which may not be the case.
- The claim that engaging with devices in the morning sets a tone of stress and anxiety is not universally applicable, as some people may use their devices for calming activities like listening to podcasts or gentle music.
- The concept of a positive energetic shift through morning routines is subjective and may not resonate with everyone, especially those who do not believe in energy-based practices.
- The suggestion that a routine focused on peace and calmness can lead to a state of flow overlooks the complexity of achieving flow ...
Actionables
- You can create a 'no-phone zone' in your bedroom by designating a small basket or box outside the room where you leave your phone before you sleep. This physical barrier reinforces the habit of not reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, helping you start your day with fewer distractions and a clearer mind.
- Develop a 'morning pages' practice where, immediately after waking up, you spend 5-10 minutes writing stream-of-consciousness thoughts in a notebook. This can serve as a form of meditation and grounding, allowing you to clear your mind and set a calm tone for the day without the need for any devices.
- Introduce ...
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Intention-Setting and Living With Purpose
Lewis Howes shares insights on how setting intentions daily can shape a purposeful life, impacting everything from tasks and productivity to attracting opportunities and meaningful interactions.
Set a Clear Daily Intention Before Engaging In Tasks and Productivity
Intentions Align Energy and Actions With Desired Qualities
Howes underscores the importance of setting a daily intention that aligns one’s energy with desired qualities before tackling the day's tasks. He distinguishes intention-setting from productivity, noting that determining how one wants to show up in the day, free from past fears and reactions, can transform the quality of one's actions and interactions. Howes promotes choosing an energy like calm confidence to carry through the day and how intentions can be specific—aiming to live in peace, lead with confidence, or deeply listen to others. This practice is seen as setting one's internal compass to navigate the day's challenges.
Live Intentionally to Attract Aligned Opportunities
Embodied Intentionality Empowers and Connects You
Howes emphasizes the transformative power of living in alignment with one's intentions, stating that such alignment can open up new opportunities, such as job offers or support from others. By living a life of inte ...
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Intention-Setting and Living With Purpose
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Counterarguments
- Intentions alone may not be sufficient to align energy and actions; external factors and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
- The transformation of action and interaction quality is subjective and may not be universally experienced by everyone who sets daily intentions.
- Specific energies like calm confidence may not be suitable for all situations; sometimes other qualities such as urgency or assertiveness may be more appropriate.
- Attracting aligned opportunities is not solely a result of living intentionally; luck, networking, and external factors also play significant roles.
- The correlation between intention alignment and receiving job offers or support may be overstated; qualifications, experience, and timing are also critical factors.
- Manifesting a life that reflects core values is a complex process that involves more than intention-setting, including hard work, resilience, and sometimes compromise.
- Communicating intentions does not alwa ...
Actionables
- Start your morning with an "intention setting" alarm label to remind you of your focus for the day. When you set your alarm the night before, customize the label with a short intention like "Embrace calmness" or "Seek connections." This primes your mind first thing in the morning and keeps your daily intention top of mind.
- Create a digital "intention board" using a free graphic design platform. Select images and quotes that resonate with the specific energies you want to embody, such as calm confidence, and set it as your computer or phone wallpaper. This visual cue can serve as a constant reminder throughout the day to align your actions with your intentions.
- Implement a five-minute "intention reflection" during your lunch break ...
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Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
Howes advocates for the practice of daily self-reflection as a tool for personal growth and suggests methods to make this process both meaningful and compassionate.
Reflect Daily: Assess Actions and Improvements
Lewis Howes encourages listeners to reflect at the end of each day to assess their actions and improvements. He promotes this practice not only as a means for continual growth but also as a way to affirm one's identity and personal goals. Howes notes that even small daily improvements can accumulate over time, leading to significant positive changes.
Compassionately and Curiously Review Your Day Before Bed, Not Distractingly or Numbly
Howes emphasizes the importance of approaching self-reflection with compassion and curiosity rather than using distractions like screens or snacks to numb oneself. He suggests engaging in a compassionate review of one's actions before bed, which can lead to healing, abundance, success, and peace. This reflective process includes asking oneself how they showed up in situations of challenge, stress, and overwhelm and whether they fell into automatic behaviors.
Kindness in Self-Reflection Shapes Reality
According to Howes, self-reflection should be an exercise in kindness, helping shape one's reality positively.
Self-Compassion In Acknowledging Successes and Growth Areas
Howes discusses re ...
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Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
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Counterarguments
- Reflecting daily may not be beneficial for everyone; some individuals might find it overwhelming or stressful to engage in this practice every day.
- The emphasis on daily improvements could lead to a constant sense of inadequacy or never being good enough if not balanced with acceptance of the present self.
- The idea that kindness in self-reflection can shape reality positively might be overly simplistic, as external factors often play a significant role in one's life circumstances.
- Avoiding distractions like screens or snacks might not be practical or desirable for everyone; some people may find that certain activities help them relax and process their thoughts better.
- The practice of acknowledging successes and growth areas each night could potentially lead to a fixation on productivity and achievement, which might not be healthy for everyone.
- The notion that focusing on positives can set a better tone for the following day may not take into account the complexities of mental health issues where positive thinking alone might not be suffici ...
Actionables
- Create a self-reflection journal template with prompts that encourage compassionate inquiry into your daily experiences. By having a structured guide, you can explore your actions, emotions, and thoughts in a focused way. For example, include prompts like "What am I most proud of today?" or "What lesson did I learn from the challenges I faced?"
- Designate a 'reflection corner' in your home where you can sit quietly without distractions. This physical space, perhaps with a comfortable chair and soft lighting, can become a dedicated spot for your daily self-reflection, signaling to your brain that it's time to engage in this important practice.
- Start a 'posit ...
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Identity and Belief Transformation
Lewis Howes discusses how our beliefs about our self-worth shape our experiences and identity. He emphasizes the importance of aligning our beliefs with our actions to achieve the vision we have for our lives.
You Receive What You Believe You're Worth
Howes reinforces the idea that your outcomes are affected by what you believe you're worth, suggesting that the energy you project is aligned with your intention and influences what you receive and accomplish. He discusses the idea of attracting experiences that reinforce beliefs about your own worth and talks about the necessity of shifting limiting beliefs daily to embody the identity you want.
Limiting Beliefs Attract Reinforcing Experiences
Howes explains that what you believe about yourself manifests in your life. If you believe you are unworthy or unlovable, you will attract experiences that reinforce those beliefs. The world will remind you of both the good and bad things you believe about yourself.
Shape Your Life: Align Identity and Beliefs With Your Vision
Howes emphasizes the importance of embodying the identity that aligns with the vision you have for your life. He suggests that by improving your energetic identity even by a small percentage daily, you can create significant change over time and attract new opportunities.
Rooted In Past, Align Actions to Shape Desired Identity
Howes emphasizes the importance of acting like the person you want to ...
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Identity and Belief Transformation
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Counterarguments
- The belief in a direct correlation between self-worth and success may oversimplify complex social, economic, and psychological factors that contribute to an individual's life circumstances.
- The idea that one's energy and intentions directly influence outcomes can be challenged by the argument that external factors often play a significant role in determining success, regardless of personal beliefs or actions.
- The concept of daily shifting limiting beliefs might not account for the deep-seated nature of some beliefs that may require more intensive and long-term strategies to change.
- The notion that one can simply act like the person they want to be and attract the desired life may not always consider the practical limitations or structural barriers individuals may face.
- The emphasis on aligning with a "higher self" could be seen as vague and may not resonate with those who prefer more concrete, evidence-based approaches to personal development.
- The idea of keeping a future version of oneself as a hero might inadvertently promote a constant state of dissatisfaction ...
Actionables
- Create a "Future Self" journal to bridge the gap between current identity and life vision. Start by writing a letter from your future self, describing a day in your ideal life, including how you feel and what beliefs you hold. Each day, jot down one action you can take to step into this identity and reflect on how your current beliefs either align with or contradict this vision.
- Develop a "Belief Audit" habit to identify and shift limiting beliefs. At the end of each day, write down any negative beliefs that surfaced, question their validity, and replace them with empowering beliefs that support your life vision. For example, if you catch yourself thinking "I'm not good enough to lead a project," challenge this by listing past successes and reframing the belief to "I am capable and can learn what I don't know."
- Implement a "Role-Model Mimicry" exercise to adopt the traits of your desi ...
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Overcoming Fear
Lewis Howes provides insight and strategies on how individuals can turn their deepest fears into opportunities for growth and empowerment. He suggests that facing fears not only builds skills but also strengthens resolve and confidence.
Fears Hindering You Often Hold Keys to Growth and Gifts
Howes emphasizes the transformative power of facing fears and uncertainties. Whether it's in relationships or pursuing personal goals, the act of confronting what scares us can lead to the development of crucial life skills and inner fortitude.
Facing Fears Builds Skills, Confidence, and Inner Strength
He talks about his personal journey, one that was fraught with fear due to past traumas and challenges, like being sexually abused and feeling unintelligent. By engaging with these fears, Howes realized that such adversities were actually pathways to building his confidence and strengths, eventually leading to the success of his business venture, "The School of Greatness."
Howes encourages individuals to embrace fear by stepping into it daily, suggesting that repeated failures are necessary steps toward success. Living each day as the most empowered, positive, and generous version of oneself is a significant stride toward overcoming fears.
Transform Fears Into Superpowers With a "Fear List"
Howes suggests creating a fear list that explicitly names what we are most fearful of, such as fearing judgment, failure, or success. By regularly confronting these fears, such as his own fear of public speaking, Howes shares how he built his confidence, improved his skills, and was able to make a significant, positive impact on others' lives.
Visualizing Your Future Self: Overcoming Challenges For Perspective and Growth
...
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Counterarguments
- While facing fears can build skills and confidence, it is not the only method for personal development; some individuals may find growth through other means such as mentorship, education, or introspection.
- The idea that confronting fears always leads to the development of life skills and inner fortitude may not account for individuals who have experienced trauma; for some, re-exposure to fears without proper support could be harmful.
- Stepping into fear daily may not be a sustainable or healthy approach for everyone; balance and self-care are also important aspects of personal growth.
- The notion that repeated failures are necessary for success may not consider the potential negative impact on mental health or the importance of recognizing when to change course.
- The concept of living each day as the most empowered, positive, and generous version of oneself may not acknowledge the complexity of human emotions and the legitimacy of experiencing a range of feelings, including negative ones.
- Creating a fear list and confronting fears directly might not be suitable for everyone; some individuals may require a more gradual approach or professional guidance.
- Visualizing the future self can be a helpful tool, but it may also lead to unrealistic expectations or pressure if not balanced with acceptance of the present self.
- The idea of using each new day as an opportunity to learn and grow might overlook the need for rest and ...
Actionables
- Start a micro-challenge routine by doing one small thing that scares you every morning. This could be as simple as striking up a conversation with a stranger or trying a new food. The key is consistency; by doing it daily, you'll gradually build up your confidence and reduce the fear associated with that activity.
- Create a 'fear resume' where you document every fear you've faced and the outcome. This resume isn't for job applications but for personal reflection. It should include what you were afraid of, how you confronted it, what you learned, and how it contributed to your growth. Reviewing this regularly will remind you of your progress and encourage you to keep pushing your boundaries.
- Develop a 'challenge swap' with a friend where you both agree ...
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