Les Brown: Overcome All Odds and Change the World (with Lewis Howes)

Early Struggles

Les Brown recounts the challenges he faced growing up, including attending underfunded schools and dealing with societal prejudices. He explains how these experiences initially led him to believe in his own inferiority, a mindset he later overcame through exposure to motivational recordings and influential figures. Brown's journey from self-doubt to self-belief is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

One of the worst things that you can do is provide an environment and get people to buy into a lie about themselves that causes them to live a small life as opposed to a life of achievement.

--- Les Brown

His greatest accomplishment, he says, is earning the pride and admiration of his children, who now understand the sacrifices he made to achieve his dreams 1.

   

Self-Doubt

Brown discusses the deep-seated self-doubt he experienced due to being labeled as 'educable mentally retarded' and failing multiple grades. This self-doubt persisted for 14 years until a pivotal moment at a training event where he decided to stop rejecting himself. He credits influential mentors like Mr. Washington for helping him transform his self-perception.

Someone's opinion of you does not have to become your reality.

--- Les Brown

This shift in mindset allowed him to pursue his passion for motivational speaking and make a significant impact on others 2 3.

   

Key Relationships

Influential relationships played a crucial role in Brown's journey. He speaks about the impact of his adoptive mother, whose unwavering faith and resilience inspired him to overcome numerous obstacles. Brown also reflects on the influence of mentors and the importance of asking for help to remain strong.

One of the things I teach, ask for help, not because you're weak, but because you want to remain strong and ask for help. And don't stop until you get it.

--- Les Brown

These relationships helped him build a foundation of belief and resilience that propelled him forward 4 5.

   

Positive Mindset

Brown emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and continuous self-improvement. He advises programming oneself with positive thoughts and surrounding oneself with quality people. Brown also highlights the significance of setting goals beyond one's comfort zone to foster growth and happiness.

In order to do something you've never done, you've got to become someone you've never been.

--- Les Brown

His approach to mindset and belief has been instrumental in his success and ability to inspire others 6 7.