Coffeez for Closers with Joe Shalaby Episode: Unlocking Potential ft. John Assaraf | Ep. 54 Release Date: November 15, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 54 of "Coffeez for Closers," host Joe Shalaby welcomes an exceptionally insightful guest, John Assaraf, a world-renowned entrepreneur, behavioral neuroscience researcher, and founder & CEO of NeuroGym. With an impressive track record of building five multi-million dollar companies, authoring two New York Times bestsellers, and appearing in blockbuster films like The Secret, Assaraf brings a wealth of knowledge on leveraging the human mind for success. This episode delves deep into John's transformative journey, his groundbreaking work with NeuroGym, and actionable strategies for unlocking personal and professional potential.

John Assaraf's Morning Routine

John begins by sharing his meticulously crafted morning routine, designed to prime his mind for success from the moment he wakes up.

• Smiling and Gratitude (01:15): "As soon as I open up my eyes, I actually smile. And the reason I do that is to activate dopamine, the feel-good neurochemical."
• Meditation and Vision Boards (01:45): John spends 10-12 minutes meditating using the Inner Size app, followed by reviewing his "Exceptional Life Blueprint," a vision board containing over 50 pages of his goals and achievements.
• Exercise and Nutrition (03:26): His two-hour morning routine concludes with a rigorous workout—either in his home gym or on his e-bike—followed by a high-powered smoothie.

Joe remarks, “[...] That's the best morning routine I've ever heard. And a lot to learn from that” (03:26).

From Troubled Youth to Entrepreneurial Success

John recounts his tumultuous adolescence marked by legal troubles and a lack of academic alignment due to a language barrier after moving from Israel to Montreal. His turnaround begins at age 19 when his older brother introduces him to Alan Brown, a successful real estate entrepreneur.

• The Pivotal Meeting (06:00): Alan Brown challenges John with a simple yet profound question: "Are you interested in achieving these goals or are you committed to achieving them?" (07:10)
• Commitment vs. Interest (07:10): John chooses commitment, leading to immediate mentorship and a dramatic career shift from an unfulfilling job to earning $30,000 in the first six months through disciplined script practice and relentless effort.

John emphasizes, “Success is reserved for those who are committed, not interested” (30:19).

Overcoming Health Challenges through Mindset

At age 22, after a 15-month world tour, John faces severe ulcerative colitis, debilitating his life with constant pain and dependency on medications. His path to recovery is nothing short of miraculous:

• Discovery of Psychoneuroimmunology (07:50): John learns about the mind-body connection, sparking his application of affirmations and visualizations to heal his body.
• Affirmations and Visualization (19:11): "I started doing these affirmations and visualizations and I actually cut out a picture of a healthy colon. [...] Five weeks later, it was gone." (19:11)

This personal victory underscores the core philosophy of NeuroGym: "We can mold our brains through deliberate practice, much like building muscles in the gym."

NeuroGym and Inner Size: Revolutionizing Mindset Training

John delves into the creation and mission of NeuroGym and its flagship product, the Inner Size app, which offers over 500 inner sizes (mindset training modules) across various life domains like health, wealth, relationships, and business.

• Neuroplasticity (06:46): "Our brain is more like plastic than it is like lead. You can deliberately fire brain cells, wire them together, and then reinforce them."
• AI Integration (30:21): John discusses the integration of AI into Inner Size, enhancing user experience with AI coaches trained on his extensive coaching methods.

He shares his ambition: “For Inner Size, I want a million people inner sizing daily on the Inner Size app. My goal is to be the number one mindset coaching and mental fitness training app that's powered by AI and humans” (74:14).

The Power of Vision Boards and Manifestation

A pivotal moment in John's journey involves his use of vision boards, tools that visually represent his goals and aspirations.

• Vision Board Story (19:19): John narrates an emotional encounter with his son, who questioned a vision board depicting their dream home, leading John to fully understand and embrace the power of manifestation.
• Involvement in The Secret (31:49): His story was featured in The Secret movie, highlighting the effectiveness of vision boards in achieving personal goals.

John elaborates on vision boards: “Put images of you and your best self. [...] Activate one of the biggest parts, your brain called the occipital lobe. See it and so do it” (66:53).

Strategies for Achieving Success

John shares actionable strategies for listeners to implement in their lives, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic goals and taking the right actions.

• Breaking Down Goals (52:19): “First, set the vision. Then set some goals on the way to there. Break everything down into doable chunks.”
• Overcoming Excusas (60:19): Introducing the term "excusitis", John identifies the pervasive issue of making excuses instead of taking action.
• Law of Goya (60:21): “Get off your ass and do something towards what you want to achieve,” a twist on the traditional Law of Attraction, stressing the necessity of action.

He advises, “Success is reserved for those who are committed, not interested” (30:19), reinforcing the theme of unwavering commitment.

Instilling a Growth Mindset in the Next Generation

John emphasizes the significance of teaching children the principles of visualization and goal-setting from a young age.

• Family Vision Boards (62:44): John shares how his children actively engage in creating their own vision boards, inspired by third-party influences like The Secret.
• Teaching by Example (64:34): “We don't limit a child's perfect imagination. [...] Teach them what they need to believe to achieve their goals.”

He believes that empowering children with these tools fosters resilience and a proactive mindset, essential for their future success.

Personal and Business Goals

John outlines his personal aspirations and business objectives, driven by a desire to leave a lasting positive impact.

• Inner Size Ambitions (74:14): “I want to contribute in as many ways as possible to people's lives, to animals, to our environment, to our ecosystem.”
• Personal Legacy (80:34): John reflects on the importance of living a life he can be proud of and inspiring others to do the same.

His ultimate goal is to "contribute in as many ways as possible" and ensure his work helps others unlock their potential, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Concluding Insights and Inspiration

In the final moments, John shares heartfelt reflections on life, gratitude, and the miracle of existence.

• Appreciation for Life (80:37): “Life is such a gift. [...] We are a miracle.”
• Commitment to Excellence (50:12): “I want to set an example. [...] I want to create programs, products, services, coaching to lift people up.”

John's closing remarks encapsulate his philosophy: "Activate the right emotions which is the energy in motion in my body that moves me towards my goals and dreams", encouraging listeners to harness their mental and emotional resources to achieve their aspirations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. On Morning Routine:

   • "As soon as I open up my eyes, I actually smile. And the reason I do that is to activate dopamine, the feel-good neurochemical." (01:15)

2. Commitment vs. Interest:

   • "When somebody is committed, they upgrade their identity, they upgrade their beliefs, they upgrade their knowledge, they upgrade their skills, they upgrade their habits so that they match the vision and the goals that they want to achieve." (07:10)

3. Neuroplasticity:

   • "Our brain is more like plastic than it is like lead. You can deliberately fire brain cells, wire them together, and then reinforce them." (06:46)

4. Overcoming Excusas:

   • "Most people who are interested will just come up with their stories and reasons and excuses. It's not the right time. I don't have enough money. It's too hot, it's too cold." (60:19)

5. Law of Goya:

   • "Get off your ass and do something towards what you want to achieve." (60:21)

6. On Success:

   • "Success is reserved for those who are committed, not interested." (30:19)

7. Life's Miracle:

   • "The ocean is the water that is evaporating, desalinating, and I drink it to sustain my life. That's a miracle. I'm a miracle. You're a miracle." (82:21)

Conclusion

John Assaraf's episode on "Coffeez for Closers" is a compelling narrative of transformation, resilience, and the power of the human mind. From overcoming personal adversities to pioneering neuro-fitness with NeuroGym, John's insights provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone seeking to unlock their full potential. His blend of practical strategies, scientific understanding, and heartfelt inspiration offers a roadmap for achieving success and living a fulfilling life. Listeners are left not only motivated but also equipped with actionable tools to embark on their own journeys of self-improvement and achievement.

Don’t Miss Out: To further harness the power of your mind, subscribe to Inner Size, John Assaraf’s comprehensive mindset training app available at myneurogym.com. Join over 100,000 members transforming their lives through evidence-based brain training techniques.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 54, highlighting John Assaraf's journey, philosophies, and practical advice, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps to provide a comprehensive overview for new listeners.