164 Comments

  1. Dan
    Apr 24, 2017 @ 2:46 am

    Damn Jon,

    this post really hit me, especially the Fight Club scene.

    I remember watching this movie, seeing this scene and it having such an emotional impact that I went all out and did everything to pursue my goals.

    It has been a while since then but I just had to remember this scene.

    Thank you Jon! I have been slacking a while now but this finally gave me a wake up kick again.

    Your posts work like magic. I will inspire and impact people like you do with me someday!

    Reply

    • Ron
      Sep 1, 2017 @ 6:06 am

      I sometimes think about my various aches and pains, and my fractured finger that’s taking too long to heal. Thank you for the reminder that we all have a lot to be thankful for and often need to be reminded of. Wow, what a testament to the power of the mind. And the power of practice. You practiced developing your mindset, ruthlessly. I’ve been practicing for 35 years but not ruthlessly! Time to burn the boats! Thanks for the divine inspiration.

      Reply

    • Rachel
      Nov 13, 2017 @ 7:53 am

      Thank you Jon for another amazing post. You are truly an awesome human being. Keep being you.

      Reply

    • Tom
      Jan 30, 2018 @ 10:24 pm

      Jon,
      You’re an incredible writer, with brilliant insight.
      I just discovered your blog today and have enjoyed all of your posts.
      Thanks, keep up the amazing work!
      Tom

      Reply

  2. aaron
    May 2, 2017 @ 5:57 pm

    We really love you Jon! 🙂

    Reply

  3. Simona
    May 2, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

    Thank you, Jon.
    When life hit me hard a couple of years ago, by taking, to different realms, the only man I ever loved, I thought crazy will be my new state of mind. Is hard to loose so much, when young.
    But I started listening to podcasts and marinate, as you said, my mind, in other people life experiences, struggles and survivals.
    And I survived “crazy”.
    So thank you, because I survived by learning from people like you.

    Reply

  4. Ronald Ng'eno
    May 4, 2017 @ 4:11 am

    Ron from Kenya here. Very inspiring, but also challenging. It’s true I need to ask myself if I am ready to pay the price to reach somewhere and if yes, then, put a gunto my head to do it. Thanks again and God bless you!

    Reply

  5. Wonder Akpese
    May 5, 2017 @ 4:48 am

    Hii Jon! This is really inspiring, especially the last part “Embrace the Smallness”

    Thank you!!

    Reply

  6. Quinn Thomas
    May 6, 2017 @ 11:22 am

    Good Afternoon Jon,
    I listened to your interview on the James Altucher Podcast and I was blown away with your story! It was a very powerful, inspiring, motivating interview. I’ve been currently stuck in life for a while and I so desperately needed to read this powerful post along with hear your interview! I currently work full time and do real estate investing. I would like to start doing e commerce as well. Do you know of any solid digital marketing groups I can join to learn the end and outs of digital marketing for e commerce businesses? I’ve been doing some research online but it seems to be a lot and I didnt want to join the wrong one and get ripped off. Keep using your gifts and may your future continue to brighten the world : )
    Kind Regards,
    Quinn Thomas

    Reply

    • Jon Morrow
      May 10, 2017 @ 12:54 pm

      I recommend Digitalmarketer.com. Great peeps over there.

      Reply

  7. Wolli Wolta
    May 8, 2017 @ 5:37 am

    Wow, Jon- This post hit me square between the eyes! Thanks so much. I need to really think about what I am willing to sacrifice to reach my goals.

    Reply

  8. Paul Eastwood
    May 13, 2017 @ 6:32 am

    Hi Jon,

    I was very impressed with your openness and directness when telling about your life story and philosophy on James Altuchers excellent podcast. I absolutely share the idea that spending time with- and listening to/seeing/reading about people that have a big creative and inspiring impact on the world around them, is a huge motivational factor for pushing yourself forward.

    I was wondering if you would share a list of some of the books and podcasts you find interesting and inspiring in that regard? You may have blogged about this before, but as I am new to your blog, I unfortunately wouldn’t know.

    On the top of my head, here is a list of some of the people I like to listen to/read about: James Altucher, Tim Ferris, Dan Ariely, Tony Robbins, Jordan Harbinger and Biographies of famous people.

    Thanks for sharing your story, very inspiring!

    Reply

  9. Greg
    May 15, 2017 @ 12:46 pm

    This was the single most motivating piece of writing I have ever read and will use it not only to motivate myself to greater things but also my kids and clients as well !!
    Thank you so much for this !!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  10. Aman
    May 16, 2017 @ 9:47 pm

    I’m forever grateful to you for sharing your story on James Altucher. Thank you for saying ‘yes’ to him for the interview. Had it not been for that Podcast, I wouldn’t have come across you and the light you are for so many people. Thank you for showing up for us. You touched so many people’s lives. You are a soul that we need everyday…..

    Reply

  11. Mary E. Ulrich
    May 25, 2017 @ 6:25 pm

    Love the way you outline what we need to think about in order to accomplish our dreams. As always, you model HOW to make our dreams happen.

    Reply

  12. Michael Kennedy
    May 26, 2017 @ 1:13 am

    Wonderful said Jon, I have also discovered your through both James and HN. This is a refreshing read and an amazing example of doing the most with the hand you are dealt.

    I wish you all the best and greatest success that you rightfully deserve. Kudos ol’ chap!

    Reply

  13. Juliet Emem
    May 26, 2017 @ 8:18 am

    Wow Jon! Thank you again and again. You. inspire. me. everytime.

    I’m ready to pay the price, I just need to put a gun to my head to achieve my dreams.

    Thanks again Jon and God bless you.

    Reply

  14. Jack
    May 27, 2017 @ 10:42 am

    I’m a rude wheelchair dude, Jon. I can understand your daily stuff much more than more of your readers.
    There are 3 main reasons of your success.
    1. Your mother who didn’t give you to die and who cared/cares of you.
    2. You had been born in the great country; with the power economy, the good bank system and Infrastructure.
    3. You wanted/want to work/worked and not watching stupid TV.
    3. a. you reached the right person/s who could give you the hand.
    b. you had some money to start your business, because if even you started your business from ‘zero’ , you something to eat. No one can build a business in a week.

    Have I missed something? It would be great to get your personal comment on my post.

    Reply

    • Jon Morrow
      Jun 5, 2017 @ 4:01 pm

      Yes, those are three of the biggest factors. I also had great teachers and mentors.

      Reply

      • Jack
        Jun 6, 2017 @ 4:45 am

        Thank you Jon. It’d be interesting to hear how you found the ‘right’ mentors.

  15. Gerda
    Jun 17, 2017 @ 7:43 pm

    Thank you Jon for sharing. I’m awake now!

    Reply

  16. James Allen
    Jul 5, 2017 @ 1:51 am

    Very inspiring stuff mate. I have signed up to your blog newsletter. Would love to keep reading your great stories and writing.

    Cheers,
    James

    Townsville, Australia

    Reply

  17. Phil
    Sep 21, 2017 @ 10:19 pm

    Jon, thanks for sharing your inspirational stories! This was a great post and definitely something I really needed. I was really moved when I read your 7 life lessons post. Please post some more content on this site!

    I have been struggling with self-discipline for the longest time. I don’t know why because I have a lot of passion and drive. I seem to have a lot of mental blocks. I make a lot of progress somewhere and then for some reason when I face some setbacks I usually quit and leave behind everything I’ve built. When I look back in hindsight I realize I leave behind quite a lot. Especially at the crucial moments when I would have had that breakthrough had I just pushed a little harder.

    Then I start something new, and go through the same pattern again. Except I may end up making a little more progress than I did with my previous ventures. But ultimately I end up leaving it behind like the rest. This time, I unintentionally put a “gun to my head”, and I’m now in a position where I really need to do something or I will burn in flames.

    All the best,

    Phil

    Reply

  18. Noor
    Nov 4, 2017 @ 6:49 pm

    I hope to have a conversation with you one day, you seem like a very funny, smart and full of energy and treasures, kinda person .. i absolutely love that scene from the movie (fight club) and using it here was one hell of a smart way to prove your point,
    i wasn’t strong enough to aim a gun to my head, so god aimed one for me, he got my education on hold until i change and become a powerful person with a strong faith and well arranged principles, and it’s so expensive, the price i had to pay, fighting myself to not fall into a complete despair every single day, searching around me, everywhere, to make the best out of this situation, and you are right, i tried doing all of this for years now but i never succeeded because there were way too many distractions around me, and even if there weren’t any, i created them on my own as i was used to dis-attaching myself from my bitter weak self with any forms of time-killing gadgets
    but your post made everything clear, it was the missing piece of puzzle, it showed me how silly the challenge that life has threw in my way, so thank you so much as this article was truly one of the 1% articles online with genuinely different but incredibly useful content, god bless the miracle in your soul, can’t wait for more articles.

    Reply

  19. Akorede Samson Hackosam
    Nov 9, 2017 @ 2:13 pm

    Wow, It is full of knowledge, it will definitely help me push my Career up to my desired level!

    Thank You JON!

    Best Regards,
    Hackosam

    Reply

  20. Marilyn
    Jan 9, 2018 @ 7:25 pm

    Jon, as an entrepreneur myself, I can confidently say you are dead on. 10-20 years? yep. People asking what the heck you’re struggling for? yep. Spending every waking hour working toward your goal, eating every meal over the sink? you bet. Going forward sometimes only because going back is not an option without throwing away all those painful years. I really admire the way you can so eloquently convey the struggle of people who strive to walk the path that leads to the fulfillment of their dreams. The narrow path, not the broad. It’s narrow not only because it’s less traveled but because it’s compressed by the pressure surrounding you while you’re there. Even though I’ve achieved a certain level of success I still need encouragement and to be filled with that positive energy. I found you in my searching and I’m so glad. Thank you for sharing your story.

    Reply

  21. Tracey
    Feb 25, 2018 @ 1:50 pm

    Wow! Wow! Wow! I want everyone i know to read to read this post! What an inspirational, motivating writer you are!

    Reply

  22. Adele
    Apr 16, 2018 @ 2:24 pm

    Thank you for such valuable advice. I love the reference to the fight club scene!

    I’m going to put a metaphorical gun to my head. 😀

    Reply

  23. Zack
    Jul 2, 2018 @ 11:57 pm

    What happens when you have the metaphorical gun to the head, but would rather get shot? When even on death ground, you’d rather die?

    I’ve been playing Russian Roulette for a decade now; I’m praying for a bullet at this point.

    Reply

    • Jon Morrow
      Jul 6, 2018 @ 8:58 pm

      Zack, I’m just reading your comment. Two thoughts:

      1. The pain doesn’t have to last forever. There are other options.
      2. Please call the National Suicide Hotline and talk to someone. 1-800-273-8255

      Reply

  24. Shannon
    Sep 10, 2018 @ 1:35 pm

    The message I needed in exactly the way I needed it. A thousand thank you’s!

    Reply

  25. Nima
    Dec 3, 2018 @ 6:33 pm

    Oh Jon, I just can say thank you.
    Maybe you don’t know how you’re affecting people lives, but you’re touching their hearts eventually. you’re remembering them it takes courage to dream a better life and hard work to reach there.
    I’m in a stage of my life where things aren’t quite good, at least from my point of view. My country (Iran) is on a death spiral economic situation because of US sanctions and people are really depressed here. people just don’t have any dreams, they just work for a living and they pay high costs for little well-fare.
    I know you experienced 2008 US financial crisis and how it threatened your life. I don’t want to say my life is as hard as you experienced but when I see all people are depressed here it kind of breaks my heart.
    I resigned from my job because I didn’t want to see depressed people at least for some months. I started to work on my own projects (I’m a professional digital marketer) and pursue my passion for financial markets.
    I thought it would be easier to succeed, but right now the things aren’t what I hoped to be. I’m struggling to wrap up my head to see the situation better and spend my time in the best way that I can.
    you know they say it’s good to be vulnerable in life because it can help you to be more humble and to see other things which not clear for you before.
    Even Nassim Nicholas Taleb says if you want to be more antifragile you should risk in your life. because it can help you to step outside of your comfort zone and grow.
    I think it’s the first time in my life that I truly challenged my self and it really scares me. I thank god that we’re living in the internet era and we can get to know inspirational people like yourself which give us hope to try harder and dream bigger.
    I admire you for helping people to believe in themselves and take steps toward their dreams.

    Reply

    • Michael Van Hauwaert
      May 17, 2019 @ 10:18 am

      Hi Jon. These are very powerful thoughts. Very much needed. These will give a lot of courage to many people. The personal and collective challenges ahead are immense. There are also this freaking climate change, the destruction of humanity & nature with all the polution and the avidity we indulge in, the immense gaps between those living in gilded cages and the populations that are struggling to survive, the ongoing international tensions that could lead to new catastrophes, ancient wisdoms and traditions that are disappearing or being deluded in popular culture (which in a way helps a little bit people, but is more likely disserving their effective propagation and profound realisation needed for our death and afterlives) ,… And of course this is not all. Most of us suffer directly or indirectly of these situations. Our survival depends on how we’ll be able to be unstoppable to stop these negativities and create a world where we value life much more.

      Reply

  26. Madalina
    Dec 5, 2018 @ 10:19 pm

    I wanted to become a writer. I made sure I only got 10 teaching hours this academic year, nowhere near enough to cover my monthly expenses, having to supplement with my savings. I have to start making money from writing before my savings run out. Pretty efficient gun. I reckon I should go on a shopping spree, make this thing a little faster.

    Reply

  27. Narciso Kintanar,Jr.
    Jan 27, 2019 @ 9:10 am

    Jon, thank you for showing light to the world. Continue shining the world needs your light. I am from the Philippines a start up transformational company who want to affect change to the lives of people. Everything happens for a reason when I got across your blog. Boom!
    Hoping to meet you one of this days. I am inspired and motivated by your courage and commitment. God bless you more!

    coach sisoy kintanar

    Reply

  28. Eze Azubike
    Apr 9, 2019 @ 3:29 am

    Your life lessons are arresting. Employing concrete facts to drown out negative voices and to cultivate an empowering mindset that sets one up for action. Also, sacrificing and increasing the pain of doing nothing touches on the inner. To embrace that feeling of oneness with faith and to grow along is a great wisdom to cherish.

    Reply

  29. Viraj
    May 25, 2019 @ 9:34 am

    A really very valuable and inspirational post love to read your blogs.

    Reply

  30. Viraj
    May 25, 2019 @ 9:38 am

    Hey Jon, This is really very valuable and inspirational post. Your never give up approach is something everybody should learn.

    Reply

  31. Isabella Biava
    Jun 20, 2019 @ 1:49 pm

    I am so glad I found you. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and empowering so many people who have lost hopes, like me… Please keep writing…

    Reply

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