Episode Overview
Title: Change Your Environment, Change Your Life
Host: Russell Brunson
Date: August 7, 2018
In this concise and energizing episode, Russell Brunson reflects on the powerful concept that true personal change comes not from willpower, but from strategically altering one’s environment. Inspired by Benjamin Hardy's book Willpower Doesn’t Work, Russell shares practical, real-life changes he is making in his home and work spaces, aiming to support his goals for family, spirituality, health, and productivity. The episode provides actionable insights for entrepreneurs and anyone seeking sustainable transformation in their lives.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Willpower vs. Environment (00:53–02:08)
- Russell introduces the key idea from Ben Hardy’s book: willpower alone is not enough to achieve lasting change.
- “No matter how much willpower you try to have, it doesn’t actually effect the end result.”—Russell Brunson (01:20)
- The only thing that actually changes outcomes is the environment we put ourselves in.
Notable Quote
- “...the only thing that actually causes the change we want is changing our environment.” —Russell Brunson (01:43)
2. Practical Changes at Home — Family & Spiritual Habits (02:08–03:03)
- Russell describes a challenge with consistently reading scriptures with his children.
- Solution: Buy seven personalized copies of the Book of Mormon and place them—together with reading charts—front and center on the family table.
- The environment now prompts the habit automatically after meals.
Notable Quote
- “As soon as you get done eating, first thing you see is all of those and we’re gonna go directly there and read—changed our environment.” —Russell Brunson (02:56)
3. Personal Study & Productivity Upgrades (03:04–03:43)
- Russell struggled with personal scripture study due to lack of a dedicated space.
- Solution: Redesign his office, clear a desk for study, organize books, highlighters, and pencils—all essentials within easy reach.
- As a result, he woke up early, studied, and found the experience “insanely cool.”
Notable Quote
- “This morning I woke up at 5am and I actually studied and it was insanely cool and I loved it. It was awesome.” —Russell Brunson (03:40)
4. Health & Fitness Environment Shifts (03:44–04:38)
- Discusses his fluctuating weight and the need for lasting control.
- Removes unhealthy food from the house, hires a trainer, and commits to morning workouts.
- Reshapes his office area for activity—raising his desk, bringing in a treadmill desk.
Notable Quote
- “I went through my house and threw out all the good stuff that I like to eat that’s not good for me.” —Russell Brunson (03:52)
5. Advice to Listeners: Start by Changing Your Surroundings (04:39–05:40)
- Recommends Ben Hardy’s book to the audience and challenges them to stop relying on willpower.
- Urges listeners to examine whether their current environment supports their goals and to make radical changes where needed.
Notable Quote
- “Willpower is not going to get you there...it’s the environment. Start looking around yourself in the environment that you’re in and see if it’s conducive to give you the goal that you actually want. If it’s not, then shift your environment radically.”—Russell Brunson (04:58)
Memorable Moments & Takeaways
- Russell admits ongoing imperfection and frames the journey as continuous improvement rather than instant transformation.
- “It never gets flawless, but that’s kind of the goal and the game plan.” (05:34)
- Emphasizes how fun and energizing it feels to make positive environment shifts with the new week ahead.
Timestamps of Key Segments
- 00:53 — Introduction of Willpower Doesn’t Work and the central lesson
- 02:08 — Implementing environmental change with family scripture study
- 03:04 — Creating a dedicated study space for personal growth
- 03:44 — How environment design impacts health routines
- 04:39 — Russell’s challenge and call to action for listeners
- 05:34 — Embracing ongoing growth, not perfection
Action Steps for Listeners
- Read Willpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin Hardy.
- Honestly assess your own environment: Is it set up to make your goals easy, automatic, and enjoyable?
- Make strategic, physical changes—whether it’s about health, family, or work—and see how your behaviors shift as a result.
Final Thought:
As Russell signs off, he leaves listeners with a motivational reminder:
“Change your environment, change your life.” —Russell Brunson (05:39)
This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling “stuck” or wishing willpower was enough—the real power lies in the world you create around you.