The School of Greatness: How To Embrace Your True Strength, Turn Your Pain Into Power & Create A Legacy

Host: Lewis Howes
Guest: Terry Crews
Release Date: June 13, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The School of Greatness, host Lewis Howes sits down with multi-talented actor, former NFL player, and outspoken advocate Terry Crews. They delve deep into Terry's journey of personal growth, the transformative power of relationships, overcoming pain, and building a lasting legacy.

Embracing True Strength

Terry Crews opens up about redefining strength beyond physical prowess. He emphasizes that true strength comes from emotional resilience and the ability to navigate life's challenges.

Terry Crews [04:15]: "I wanted to keep those in order... I wanted to have a life that I'm leading first."

The Power of Relationships and Fatherhood

A significant portion of their conversation centers around Terry's 16-year relationship with his wife, Camilla, and the profound impact fatherhood has had on his life.

Terry Crews [05:35]: "Having a child coming into the world... it's the one thing I ever dreamed of being."

Terry reflects on how his relationship provided him with the courage and purpose to overcome temptations and remain steadfast in his personal and professional life.

Turning Pain Into Power

Terry discusses his past struggles, including overcoming addiction and harnessing his pain to fuel his ambitions. He highlights the importance of self-reflection and transforming negative experiences into sources of strength.

Terry Crews [06:28]: "If I didn't have that... I'm not sure. I'm still looking for the answer."

Goal-Setting and Achievements

One of the most inspiring parts of the episode is Terry's revelation about the ten goals he wrote down in 1992. Remarkably, all ten goals have been achieved, showcasing the power of deliberate goal-setting and commitment.

Terry Crews [20:12]: "I think it's a lot more important than we give it credit for... They become written in your lineage, they become written in your body."

Terry stresses the significance of writing down goals by hand to embed them into one's subconscious, thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving them.

Experiences in Sports and Discipline

Terry shares his basketball journey, illustrating how dedication and consistent practice led him from scoring zero points in a summer league to becoming one of the best players in the state by age 14.

Terry Crews [35:51]: "I was good. I was good. And then about like the end of my... right when I was turning 14, I became the best player in the state."

He attributes his success to relentless hard work, focusing on fundamentals, and maintaining a disciplined mindset.

Challenges After Career

Transitioning from a high-profile sports career to retirement poses significant challenges. Terry candidly discusses fear of starting anew and the struggle to find purpose beyond athletics.

Terry Crews [49:16]: "I think it's the fear of starting anew... it's very scary."

He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and finding new passions to build a meaningful post-career life.

Lessons on Team Dynamics and Leadership

Drawing from his sports experience, Terry highlights the critical role of understanding team psychology and individual motivations to foster a cohesive and successful team environment.

Terry Crews [45:22]: "You have to figure out how to do that... Phil Jackson was great at that."

He credits legendary coach Phil Jackson for teaching him the value of personalized leadership and deep understanding of each team member.

Dealing with Anger and Trauma

A deeply personal segment reveals Terry's confrontation with his tumultuous upbringing, including domestic violence and the ensuing rage he struggled to control.

Matthew McConaughey [56:22]: "I had a vow with my best friend... I was gonna get every person who ever doubted me."

Terry recounts a pivotal moment where he assaulted his father in a fit of rage, only to realize that physical retaliation did not provide the release he sought. This led him on a path of healing and self-improvement.

Terry Crews [78:22]: "That rage was still in me... I never went back home for 10 years."

Creating a Legacy

Towards the end of the episode, Terry reflects on his desire to leave a positive legacy. He underscores the importance of storytelling in shaping perceptions and inspiring others.

Terry Crews [54:07]: "Stories is what moves the world... If we're going to try to make the world a better place, story's the right place to start."

He advocates for using personal narratives to drive change and uplift communities.

Conclusion

Terry Crews' journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity, harness inner strength, and build a legacy that transcends personal achievements. Through honest introspection and unwavering dedication, he exemplifies how pain can be transformed into power, leading to a life of purpose and greatness.

Lewis Howes [80:37]: "I could flip, of course... you have this mindset is very rewarded."

This episode serves as an inspiring guide for anyone looking to embrace their true strength, turn their pain into power, and create a lasting legacy.

Notable Quotes

• Terry Crews [05:35]: "Having a child coming into the world... it's the one thing I ever dreamed of being."

• Terry Crews [20:12]: "I think it's a lot more important than we give it credit for... They become written in your lineage, they become written in your body."

• Terry Crews [35:51]: "I was good. I was good. And then about like the end of my... right when I was turning 14, I became the best player in the state."

• Matthew McConaughey [56:22]: "I had a vow with my best friend... I was gonna get every person who ever doubted me."

• Terry Crews [54:07]: "Stories is what moves the world... If we're going to try to make the world a better place, story's the right place to start."

Final Thoughts

Terry Crews' narrative is a powerful reminder that greatness is not just about external success but also about internal growth and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. His story encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives, set meaningful goals, and strive to leave a positive impact on the world.

Explore More:
For those inspired by Terry Crews' journey, consider delving deeper into goal-setting techniques and personal development strategies discussed in his book and other resources available on The School of Greatness website.