How To OVERCOME TRAUMA, Find Happiness & Live The Life YOU DESIRE | Lewis Howes & Peter Attia

Athletic Pursuits

Lewis Howes pursued his dreams fearlessly, from professional football to the Olympics, despite facing numerous challenges and injuries. He emphasizes the importance of going after one's dreams without letting self-doubt kill them. Reflecting on his journey, Lewis acknowledges that while he achieved many sports goals, they did not bring him the fulfillment he sought.

I'd rather be embarrassed and give it a shot than be regretting that I never tried this. And I let the dream die inside of me.

--- Lewis Howes

His relentless pursuit of success in both sports and business left him feeling unsatisfied, leading to multiple breakdowns and a realization that external achievements alone could not bring inner peace 1 2.

   

Facing Adversity

Lewis Howes faced significant adversities, including his father's traumatic brain injury and the feelings of helplessness and shame from his childhood. These experiences profoundly impacted his emotional health and perspective on life. He shares how his father's accident and subsequent coma were particularly traumatizing, leading to years of anger and fear.

He encouraged me in every way possible to go after my dreams. He gave me a lot of lessons when I was a kid.

--- Lewis Howes

Lewis believes that the root of many emotional struggles lies in feelings of helplessness and shame, which can compound and create long-lasting trauma 3 4.

   

Turning Point

At the age of 30, Lewis Howes experienced a significant turning point, where the cumulative effects of his past traumas erupted, leading to a series of personal and professional breakdowns. He reflects on how his success masks and ego prevented him from addressing his emotional issues earlier. This period of crisis was a catalyst for his transformation and healing journey.

I was really good at putting on a mask of the athlete mask of the know it all mask. Like, I've got it all figured out.

--- Lewis Howes

Lewis explains that it often takes a significant event or a perfect storm of challenges to prompt true transformation and self-reflection 5.