Podcast Summary: The Entrepreneur DNA – [REPOST] The Energy Bus: A Book That Changed My Life | Jon Gordon | EP 60

Host: Justin Colby
Guest: John Gordon, 16-Time Bestselling Author
Release Date: February 24, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 60 of The Entrepreneur DNA, host Justin Colby welcomes the esteemed author John Gordon to discuss his inspiring journey, the impact of his books, and invaluable insights for entrepreneurs seeking personal and professional growth. This episode delves deep into Gordon's path to success, the principles behind his bestselling works, and practical advice for overcoming challenges.

John Gordon's Background and Journey

[00:00] Justin opens the conversation by highlighting John Gordon's impressive career, noting his 16 bestselling books and a recent keynote speech that profoundly moved audiences. Justin emphasizes Gordon's influence through his seminal work, The Energy Bus, which has significantly impacted his life and those around him.

[01:04] John Gordon shares his unexpected foray into writing:

"I never even knew that I could write. I never thought I would be a writer. I wanted to be in politics, in government. I wanted to run for Congress and one day perhaps president."
— John Gordon [01:04]

Gordon recounts his early ambition in politics, his experience running for city council, and the disheartening encounter with negative politics that led him to reevaluate his life's purpose.

The Energy Bus

[05:35] Justin steers the conversation towards The Energy Bus, Gordon's most renowned work. He underscores the book's transformative effect on individuals and organizations alike.

[06:19] Gordon details the genesis of The Energy Bus during a tumultuous period in his life:

"Writing a book in three and a half weeks. Three and a half weeks of just divine inspiration."
— John Gordon [06:19]

Despite facing over 30 rejections from publishers, Gordon's unwavering belief in his mission to inspire others propelled him forward, eventually leading to the book's publication and success.

Building an Audience through the Newsletter

[03:30] Gordon explains the importance of his early adoption of digital marketing through his weekly newsletter, launched in 2002 with merely five subscribers. This newsletter became a cornerstone for his growing audience, facilitating speaking engagements and book deals organically.

"It's just people that have followed me organically. So it's a very engaged list."
— John Gordon [04:14]

Over time, his newsletter amassed 500,000 engaged subscribers, showcasing the power of authentic value addition over purchased lists.

Overcoming Challenges and Perseverance

[11:11] Justin poses a critical question about Gordon's perseverance during the early, challenging days of his speaking career.

[16:01] Gordon delves into the essence of grit, attributing it to love and a strong mission:

"Grit is driven by love. If you love it, you won't quit."
— John Gordon [16:01]

He emphasizes the importance of a clear vision and mission, coupled with a competitive spirit and a desire to make a difference, as key factors that kept him moving forward despite numerous setbacks.

Five Pillars of Success

[14:53] Justin introduces his framework of four pillars of success tailored for entrepreneurs and seeks Gordon's input.

[16:34] Gordon suggests adding a fifth pillar—Innovation, Adaptation, and Growth—to complement belief, hard work, showing up, failure, and perseverance.

"After you fail and you persevere, you keep going, you adapt, you innovate, you come up with something new."
— John Gordon [16:34]

This addition underscores the necessity of continual learning and adaptability in achieving sustained success.

The One Truth Book

[18:47] The conversation shifts to Gordon's latest work, The One Truth. He describes it as a revolutionary message centered on the concepts of oneness and separateness, and their profound impact on mental health and personal well-being.

"The One Truth is about integrity. It's about oneness. It's about wholeness."
— John Gordon [24:34]

Gordon explains how negative thoughts and fear foster a sense of separation, leading to anxiety and dysfunction, while embracing oneness promotes healing and strength.

Practical Tips and Advice

[24:46] Gordon outlines actionable strategies to combat negative thinking, framed around the TUNE acronym:

1. Trust – Elevate your state of mind with gratitude.
2. Unite with Love – Connect deeply with others to neutralize negativity.
3. Elevate Your Thinking – Foster positive self-talk and maintain a success journal.
4. Neutralize Negativity – Replace negative thoughts with empowering truths.
5. Elevate Your Thinking – Consistently tune into positive frequencies through daily practices.

"Prayer connects you to your creator because you were created for connection."
— John Gordon [25:54]

He emphasizes the role of prayer and gratitude in maintaining a positive mindset and overcoming mental health challenges.

The Success Journal

[31:44] Discussing practical tools, Gordon introduces the Success Journal, slated for release in June. This journal encourages daily reflection on successes, fostering a habit of recognizing and building upon positive achievements.

"The more you focus on that success, you will wake up the next morning a success."
— John Gordon [32:27]

Gordon highlights how journaling aligns with his teachings on tuning into positive frequencies and creating a mindset conducive to success.

Impact on Youth and Mental Health

[34:00] Gordon addresses the pressing issue of mental health among youth, linking it to societal influences like social media. He advocates for building strong inner identities and family connections to shield against external negative pressures.

"Your inner world has to be more powerful than the outer world."
— John Gordon [35:37]

Using the analogy of the coffee bean, Gordon illustrates how embracing pressure positively can transform environments and foster resilience.

Conclusion

[39:09] Justin wraps up the episode with heartfelt appreciation for Gordon's impactful messages and the profound wisdom shared throughout the discussion.

[39:44] Gordon reciprocates the gratitude, emphasizing the mutual goal of spreading positive energy and actionable insights to empower listeners.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Gordon [01:04]: "I never even knew that I could write. I never thought I would be a writer."
• John Gordon [06:19]: "Writing a book in three and a half weeks. Three and a half weeks of just divine inspiration."
• John Gordon [04:14]: "It's just people that have followed me organically. So it's a very engaged list."
• John Gordon [16:01]: "Grit is driven by love. If you love it, you won't quit."
• John Gordon [16:34]: "After you fail and you persevere, you keep going, you adapt, you innovate, you come up with something new."
• John Gordon [24:34]: "The One Truth is about integrity. It's about oneness. It's about wholeness."
• John Gordon [25:54]: "Prayer connects you to your creator because you were created for connection."
• John Gordon [32:27]: "The more you focus on that success, you will wake up the next morning a success."
• John Gordon [35:37]: "Your inner world has to be more powerful than the outer world."

Key Takeaways

1. Authentic Engagement: Building an organic, engaged audience through genuine value addition is more sustainable than relying on purchased lists.
2. Resilience through Love and Mission: Perseverance is fueled by a deep love for one's work and a clear mission, enabling entrepreneurs to overcome failures and setbacks.
3. Continuous Growth: Adapting and innovating in response to challenges ensures ongoing personal and professional development.
4. Mental Health Awareness: Emphasizing oneness and connection can significantly improve mental well-being and combat feelings of isolation.
5. Practical Tools: Journaling and daily gratitude practices are essential for maintaining a positive mindset and fostering success.

Final Thoughts

John Gordon's insights offer a blend of personal anecdotes, philosophical principles, and practical strategies that resonate deeply with entrepreneurs and individuals seeking meaningful growth. His emphasis on authenticity, resilience, and the power of positive thinking provides a robust framework for overcoming challenges and achieving lasting success.

For listeners eager to transform their mindset and elevate their entrepreneurial journey, this episode is an invaluable resource, encapsulating decades of wisdom and lived experience from one of the most influential voices in personal development.

Where to Find John Gordon's Work:

• Books Available On: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major bookstores.
• Subscribe to Newsletter: Visit johngordon.com and enter your email to receive weekly positive tips.
• Success Journal: Launching in June, the Success Journal is a practical tool for daily reflection and success tracking.

Connect with Justin Colby:

For more insights on real estate and entrepreneurship, check out the Science of Flipping podcast available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.