Being close isn't the same as being there — and ET knows exactly what that feels like. In this episode, CJ and ET get raw about the "almost zone": why being talented, dedicated, and almost at the top might actually be harder than starting from zero. ET shares the real story of having the greatest motivational speech in the world and still not being able to get booked — and what finally changed everything.

They break down why getting to the top and staying at the top are two completely different skill sets, the whispers of self-doubt that are quietly killing people's dreams, and why proximity to the right people matters more than talent ever will.

🔑 IN THIS EPISODE:

Why the "almost zone" is more frustrating than starting from nothing
The formula ET used to go from unknown to #1 motivational speaker in the world
Getting to the top vs. staying at the top — why most people fail at both
The whispers of self-doubt nobody talks about (and how to silence them)
Why you can't build your dream with imaginary people — use your family
The 1% Event: April 16–18 in Chicago | etonepercent.com

Chapters

00:00:00 Opening: There's a Formula to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
00:00:57 Welcome and Team Introductions: The Varsity Game Is Back
00:01:56 The Crown Jewel: Doing It Together for 20 Years
00:05:07 Why ET Came Back Outside: The 10% Who Are Almost There
00:07:02 The Almost Zone: Why the Red Zone Is Harder Than Being Homeless
00:10:40 It's Not More Talent, It's Proximity: The New York Times Bestseller Formula
00:16:15 Nobody Cares: The Most Important Thing You'll Ever Write Down
00:22:32 Becoming Before Attracting: Why You Met ET at the Right Time
00:23:48 The 1% Conference Lineup: Wall Street Trapper, Inky Johnson, Earn Your Leisure and More
00:32:09 How Wall Street Trapper Walked Through the Valley: From Solitary Confinement to Success
00:35:34 Field Goals Get You Beat: The Mental Battle of the Red Zone
00:36:42 Rashad and Troy from Earn Your Leisure: How Brothers Stay Together and Win Together
00:37:56 Stop Working With Imaginary People: Build With Your Family
00:40:07 The Family Reunion: Everyone's Going to Be in the Building
00:41:22 Closing: April 16-18 in Chicago—ET1Percent.com

🔴 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE:

💎 JOIN THE S2S PATREON COMMUNITY
Get behind-the-scenes access, live recordings, Q&A sessions, random pop-up dialogues, and exclusive content with ET, Karl, CJ, and Jemal. Plus access to Eric's speeches as we go live.👉

🎟️ THE 1% CONFERENCE - CHICAGO | APRIL 16-18, 2026
Don't just attend. Ascend. Eric Thomas & world-class speakers including Jameis Winston, Inky Johnson, Wallstreet Trapper, Earn Your Leisure, and more. 3 days. 12,000 people. Total transformation.
- Day 1: Women's Day
- Day 2: Men's Day
- Day 3: VIP Family Day
Tickets on sale now: https://etonepercent.com

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ABOUT THE SECRET TO SUCCESS PODCAST
The Secret to Success podcast is hosted by CJ, Eric Thomas (ET, The Hip Hop Preacher), and Karl Phillips — a team who've built something rare: a 20-year friendship, business partnership, and movement that has impacted millions of lives worldwide. Joined by Jemal King and their families, S2S goes beyond motivation to deliver real conversations about marriage, business, wealth building, and personal development. New episodes every Thursday on all platforms.