Published Sep 17, 2019

What It ACTUALLY Takes To ACHIEVE GREATNESS In Life| Tony Gonzalez & Lewis Howes

Tony Gonzalez, Hall of Fame NFL star, delves into his journey of battling self-doubt and embracing vulnerability to achieve greatness, sharing key insights on the transformative power of authenticity, overcoming fear, and nurturing family and personal connections.
Episode Highlights
The School of Greatness logo

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

  • Consistency

    Tony Gonzalez attributes his success to consistent practice and a deep love for the game. He transitioned from catching 30 balls a day to 300, accumulating an astounding 245,000 catches over his career 1. This dedication was fueled by his passion for football, which he believes reduces the need for discipline. "If you love what you do, the need for discipline will disappear," he explains 2. This love for the sport and commitment to practice were crucial in his journey to becoming a Hall of Famer.

       

    Hard Work

    Gonzalez argues that talent alone is not enough to achieve excellence; hard work is essential. He believes that while some talent is necessary, true greatness comes from dedication and effort 3. He shares how he overcame self-doubt and embraced challenges, finding that his best performances came on the biggest stages. "The bigger the game, the more honed in I got," he recalls, emphasizing the importance of routine and passion in overcoming obstacles 4.

       

    Mindset

    Achieving a state of flow and maintaining the right mindset are key to peak performance, according to Gonzalez. He describes the flow state as a place where athletes feel unstoppable, a state he learned to access consistently 5. This mindset involves poise and self-assurance, qualities he admires in athletes like Tom Brady. "You have to be fearless," he asserts, highlighting the role of self-talk and meditation in cultivating this mental state 6.

Related Episodes