The Power of Positive Habits: Simple Changes That Transform Your Life | Jon Gordon - EP 791

**John R. Miles** (0:00)
Coming up next on Passion Struck.

**Jon Gordon** (0:02)
So here's the thing, negative thoughts are always coming in. And when they come in, they will tell you things about yourself and your future that just aren't true. Negative thoughts are lies. And so many of us have them, actually we all have them, but are those negative thoughts coming from you?
And I asked that, knowing the answer is no. Who would ever choose to have a negative thought? Would anyone ever choose a negative thought? You wouldn't, but it comes in. And so when it comes in, you don't have to listen to it. Instead, you have to speak truth to it.
You don't have the power of the first thought, but you have the power of the second thought. And this is really key to understand. And you're not the thoughts you think, you're the thoughts you believe.

**John R. Miles** (0:43)
Welcome to Passion Struck. I'm your host, John Miles. This is the show where we explore the art of human flourishing and what it truly means to live like it matters. Each week, I sit down with change makers, creators, scientists and everyday heroes to decode the human experience and uncover the tools that help us lead with meaning, heal what hurts and pursue the fullest expression of who we're capable of becoming. Whether you're designing your future, developing as a leader or seeking deeper alignment in your life, this show is your invitation to grow with purpose and act with intention. Because the secret to a life of deep purpose, connection and impact is choosing to live You Matter.
Hello, friends, and welcome back to episode 791 of Passion Struck.
This month, we're exploring what it means to flourish. Last week, we started with awakening. Whitney Otto helped us understand the stories that we carry in our bodies. Suzanne Giesemann reminded us that staying connected matters most during life's hardest seasons. And in last Friday's episode, we talked about why flourishing begins with paying attention to the life we're living right now.
This week, we're focused on rewiring. On Tuesday, Nick Ortner joined us to talk about the emotional patterns we hold on to. Why change is so difficult and how our brains and nervous system can learn new responses. Today, we're taking that conversation one step further. Because once we begin letting go of old patterns, we have to decide what we're going to practice in their place. The habits we repeat become the people we become. My guest today is Jon Gordon. Jon is one of the world's leading voices on leadership, teamwork and positive culture. He's the best-selling author of more than 30 books, including The Energy Bus, The Carpenter, The Power of Positive Leadership and his newest book, The Power of Positive Habits. His work has influenced NFL, NBA and college teams, Fortune 500 companies, school systems and leaders around the world. What I enjoyed most about this conversation is that it isn't really about habits and the way most of us think about them. It's about becoming. John shares why he believes we often settle for what's good instead of pursuing what we're truly called to do. How choosing one word for the year can create focus and direction and why comparing yourself to someone else's journey is one of the fastest ways to lose sight of your own. We also talk about purpose statements, the idea of reverse bucket lists, the importance of celebrating other people's success and the lesson that transformed John's life.
If you've ever found yourself wondering whether you're running your own race, trying to keep up with everyone else's, I think this conversation will resonate with you. Before we begin, if you're enjoying this flourishing season, please share this episode with someone who might need it. Make sure you're following Passion Struck on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and please subscribe if you haven't.
You can watch the full video version of today's conversation along with additional clips on our YouTube channel. Lastly, if you'd like to go deeper, you'll find today's companion workbook and reflection guide at my sub stack at theignitedlife.net. Now, let's dive in with Jon Gordon. Thank you for choosing Passion Struck and choosing me to be your hosting guide on your journey to creating an intentional life that matters. Now, let that journey begin.

**SPEAKER_3** (4:10)
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