177: Removing The Masks That Hold You Back with Lewis Howes

I’m so honored to have my friend and mentor, Lewis Howes, on again. We talk about his new book Mask of Masculinity, which drops on Oct. 31, and how he came up with the idea to write it.   While this book was written primarily for men, I discovered that his book is also a helpful tool for women who are looking to understand the men in their lives. Heck, it can help you understand ALL human beings and the masks that people wear to hide or perhaps enhance who they truly are. Once we’re aware of these masks and can accept them, we can tap into a deeper level of connection to all human beings.   --   Questions Asked in This Episode: How did you know what direction you wanted to head in your business endeavors? How do you know to follow through with an idea? How did you transcend when family and friends tried to hold you back? Do you feel if our parents would have lived more in their purpose we would have gotten more from them and had a richer experience? In terms of dreams and goals, how do you and your girlfriend support one another? Why did you still feel unfulfilled when you were so close to getting everything you wanted? What are the 9 Masks of Masculinity and how did you come up with them? Looking back on your career, would you do anything differently? Were you afraid of feedback? What was the worst feedback you pictured? When you wrote Mask of Masculinity, did anything unexpected come up for you? How would you advise women who’ve been cracked open emotionally to help the men in their lives do the same? Who is the ideal audience for your book?   In This Episode We Talk about: What it means to fill in the gaps and spaces in the world Creating more abundance by letting go Surrounding yourself with friends who have similar energy The importance of communication in relationships and why they must support your dreams (even if that support is minimal) Why growth and contribution are the art of achievement (and fulfillment) The 9 Masks of Masculinity talked about in Lewis’s book, Mask of Masculinity, and how he came up with them Being aware of your actions and how they affect people and whether they’ll make a positive or negative impact Lewis’s desire to make an impact Why life-altering awakenings (big and small) help us look at things differently Only taking feedback if it resonates with you and/or comes from someone you trust and respect Awareness of masks and accepting them Connecting with the men in your life (and all human beings) And so much more…   Quotes:   “I’ve found fulfillment in being secure in who I am in the moment.”   “My dreams are my priority.”   “Live with your responsibilities, but also find the path of your dreams.”   “When we fixate on making money to gain self-worth, it’s never enough.”   “It’s the most selfish thing to give because you feel the best.”   “The masks help us get results.”   “It’s unfulfilling to always be right and to win at all costs.”   “When we can fully let go of these masks and connect to people and have them see us – and fully get us – what’s when true intimacy and connection occurs.”   “It’s our responsibility to be aware when we’re wearing a mask.”   “Every moment I’m not making an impact I’m wasting the gift I was born with.”   “My fuel is based on the fear of regretting at the end of my life that I didn’t give enough.”   “When we are acknowledged, we feel like we can do more good.”   --   Before LEWIS HOWES became a media sensation for empowering people and sharing 'Greatness' across the globe, he had his share of obstacles to overcome. From having a learning disability, which led to being alone and bullied in school, to being sexually abused as a child, to being injured and broke on his sister’s couch, Lewis’s story is the perfect example of how anybody can overcome the obstacles in their life and achieve greatness. Fast forward a few short years, and Lewis is a New York Times Bestselling author of the hit book, The School of Greatness and releases his new book, Mask of Masculinity on Oct. 31. He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high performance business coach and keynote speaker. A former professional football player and two-sport All-American, he is a current USA Men’s National Handball Team athlete. He hosts a top 100 podcast in the world, The School of Greatness, which has over 40 million downloads since it launched in 2013. He was recognized by The White House and President Obama as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the country under 30. Lewis has been featured on Ellen, The New York Times, People, Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, The Today Show and other major media outlets.   Resources:   Mask of Masculinity by Lewis Howes Available for pre-order now at: http://www.Maskofmasculinity.com   LewisHowes.com IG: @lewishowes FB: facebook.com/lewishowes   Previous podcast with Lewis Howes: https://www.loriharder.com/episode36/ Checkout my website at loriharder.com. Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.