June 11, 2025 • 29 mins
In a world facing complex challenges, the power to create meaningful change doesn’t just lie with leaders or institutions — it starts with each of us. In today’s inspiring episode, we dive deep into the theme of personal responsibility and explore how every thought, decision, and action we take contributes to the kind of world we live in. From owning your impact to practicing empathy, these ten powerful principles are your blueprint for becoming a positive force in your community and beyond. Whether you're looking to lead with integrity, drive change locally, or simply become more mindful in your daily life, this episode will guide you toward living with purpose and making a difference — one responsible step at a time.
Points Breakdown (Each with Emojis and Paragraphs): 1️⃣ Change starts within True transformation begins in the quietest moments — when we reflect, reevaluate, and commit to becoming better versions of ourselves. It’s easy to point fingers at society, politics, or systems, but real change begins when we look in the mirror and ask, “What can I do differently today?” When you take ownership of your mindset, reactions, and choices, you unlock the potential to influence the world around you. By cultivating integrity, kindness, and purpose from the inside out, you set the tone for the kind of world you wish to see.
2️⃣ Choices matter Every decision we make — big or small — creates a ripple effect. From what we consume, how we speak to others, to the causes we support, our choices tell the world what we value. Living responsibly means being intentional and understanding the consequences of our actions. One thoughtful choice can uplift, empower, and heal; one careless one can harm. When you become more mindful of the power in your choices, you begin to move through the world with greater care and consciousness.
3️⃣ Lead by example 吝The most powerful form of leadership isn’t found in speeches — it’s found in daily actions. When you consistently act with honesty, fairness, and compassion, others take notice. Whether you're a parent, friend, colleague
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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(00:18):
Well, hey there, guys.
It is John C.
Morley here, serial entrepreneur.
It's great to be with you on Inspirations
for Your Life.
Today is June 11th, 2025, and welcome to
the show.
If you are new here, well, I'd just
like to say welcome to you.
If you're coming back, well, of course, welcome
back.
(00:38):
It's great to have you with me as
well.
Do check out BelieveBeAchieved.com for more of
my amazing, of course, inspiring creations, which you
can do 24 hours a day.
All right, guys, we have an amazing master
topic for this week, and that is, folks,
how connection, purpose, and peace transform our world.
(00:59):
Pretty cool, right?
Really, really cool.
And so when we think about what that
means, that dives into today's granular topic, personal
responsibility in creating a better world, series four,
show 24, episode number five.
All right, I guess the best thing to
do is dive right in, but before we
do, I do want to invite you to
(01:20):
head over to the kitchen, get yourself something
delicious.
Maybe it's hot.
Maybe it's cold.
Maybe it's a snack.
It could be a piece of fruit.
It could be healthy or not.
It's totally up to you, and hopefully you
will get something great.
(01:46):
And so I know that you guys are
probably interested to know what we're going to
talk about tonight.
Oh, let's get right in.
So in a world of, let's say, facing
complex challenges, the power to create meaningful change
doesn't just lie with its leaders or its
institutions.
It starts from within us, right, our core,
(02:09):
our heart.
In today's inspiring episode, we dive very deep
into the theme of personal responsibility and explore
how every thought, decision, and action we take
contributes to the kindness of the world we
live in, from owning your own impact to
practicing empathy.
Those 10 powerful principles are your blueprint for
(02:29):
becoming a positive force in your community and
beyond.
Whether you're looking to lead with integrity, drive
change locally or simply, it becomes more mindful
in your daily life, and this episode is
going to guide you toward living with purpose
and making a difference, one responsible step at
a time.
By the way, in case you did not
(02:49):
know who I am, allow me to introduce
myself.
I am John C.
Morley, serial entrepreneur.
I'm not only a podcast host, I'm also
a podcast coach, I'm an engineer, I'm a
video producer, and a lot more.
And it is my real pleasure to be
with you guys here on Inspirations for Your
Life, giving you some more amazing, amazing knowledge.
(03:10):
So I think that's really, really good.
And let's get started, right?
So number one, change starts within, right?
True transformation begins in the quietest moments that
we have to ourselves.
When we learn how to reflect, re-evaluate,
(03:33):
and commit to becoming better versions of ourselves,
it's easy to point fingers at society, politics,
or systems.
But real change begins when we look deep
in the mirror and ask ourselves, hey, what
could I do differently today?
When you take ownership of your mindset, reactions,
and choices, you decide to actually really unlock
(03:56):
the potential to influence the world around you
by cultivating integrity, kindness, and purpose from the
inside out.
You set the tone for the kind of
world you wish to see.
Number two, guys, choices do matter.
Yes, everyone, choices do matter.
Every decision we make, big or small, creates
(04:17):
a ripple effect from what we consume, how
we speak to others, to the causes we
support.
Our choices tell the world what we value.
Living responsibly means being intentional and understanding, basically,
the consequences of our action.
One thoughtful choice can uplift, empower, and heal.
(04:40):
One careless one can harm.
When you become more mindful of the power
in your choices, you begin to move through
the world with greater care and consciousness.
And I think that's something that a lot
of people miss.
They miss that whole point.
You know, hopefully, you understand what that is.
(05:04):
Does that make sense, everybody?
And hopefully, that can make sense for you,
but it also can make sense to those
around you.
And I know that a lot of times,
people don't understand that.
They don't understand, like, what this means.
(05:27):
And I'm here to tell you that it's
about you.
It's about your choices, but I realize your
choices can sway you sometimes.
So we need to learn how to lead
by example.
The most powerful form of leadership isn't found
in speeches.
Nope.
It's found in daily actions.
(05:47):
When you consistently act with honesty, fairness, compassion,
integrity, others take notice and say, what's that
guy doing?
What's that gal doing?
Whether you're a parent, a friend, a colleague,
or just a complete stranger, your behavior sets
a tone and becomes a silent call to
others to rise.
You don't need a title to lead.
(06:08):
You need courage, conviction, and truth.
The change you demonstrate inspires to others that
anything you demand of them is something they're
happy to do because you come off so,
let's say, polished and so ready and so
(06:34):
convincing, not in a false way, but in
a positive, integral way.
Number four, own your impact.
I can't say this enough to more people.
You have to make a choice to own
your impact.
All right?
I'm hoping that means something to everyone.
(06:56):
All right?
So what do we mean by that?
It's easy to underestimate how much influence you
have, but the truth is your words, your
energy, and your actions affect others.
Even when you don't realize it, owning your
impact means recognizing when you've helped.
And when you've hurt, it's about being humble
enough to admit mistakes and strong enough to
make things right.
(07:16):
Taking responsibility for the energy you bring into
the room transforms you into a conscious, connected
human being.
And I think that's what a lot of
people forget, that we are human.
I mean, we do make mistakes, but when
we do something with the human spirit, it's
like life transforms us.
Life changes us almost overnight.
Number five, be consistent.
(07:39):
Responsibility isn't a one-time act, guys.
It's a way of life.
Being consistent is how you treat others, honor
your values, and show up in the world
building trust and, of course, credibility.
Inconsistency breeds confusion and doubt, but steady, principled
behavior reinforces your integrity.
(08:01):
Even when no one is watching, doing the
right thing repeatedly will mold you into someone
others can count on day in and day
out and someone that you can be proud
of.
You, right?
So I think a lot of people want
to do things because they want to get
(08:22):
noticed.
They want to get on stage.
But that's not what makes a leader, okay?
It's the quietness.
It's the day in and day out.
It's the doing the right thing when no
one else is watching.
Stay informed, guys.
Number six, making responsible decisions requires knowledge.
(08:42):
In an age of overwhelming information and rapid
change, staying informed is both a challenge and
a duty.
It's not about knowing everything, but it's about
making the effort to understand issues before forming
opinions.
And I think that's something that a lot
of people, you know, they get confused about.
They don't realize that that can happen.
(09:03):
And I'm here to tell you that it
can happen if you're living your life with
truthful integrity.
All right?
With truthful integrity.
And again, that might sound a little crazy,
but I'm giving you the truth, right?
All right.
So, you know, let's move on to number
seven, all right?
(09:25):
Act locally.
World change often feels so big.
But local change is in ourselves, in our
community, in our towns.
And it's where your actions are most visible
and impactful, whether it's volunteering, supporting local businesses,
or advocating for community improvements or causes.
(09:47):
Your neighborhood is a powerful place to make
a difference.
When you invest time and care into the
people and places closest to you, the energy
spreads outward from the street to the state
and eventually the world.
Number eight, encourage accountability.
I can't stress this enough.
Responsibility flourishes when accountability is present.
(10:10):
So, I want to ask you to please
make that choice.
Make sure you understand that it is about
you, okay?
And sometimes, you know, we get really, I'm
going to say sidetracked by things that are
happening.
And I think that happens because, you know,
(10:31):
we don't necessarily understand why things are going
a certain way, right?
We don't usually understand that.
But I'm here to let you know that
it makes a difference, all right?
All right.
Number nine, practice empathy.
(10:51):
Practice empathy.
Empathy is the heart of personal responsibility.
We take time to understand others' feelings, perspectives,
and struggles.
We begin to make decisions that are considerate
and inclusive.
Empathy shifts us from being reactive to being
responsive.
It creates a space where people feel seen,
heard, and, of course, valued.
Practicing empathy day in and day out regularly
(11:13):
can reshape relationships, communities, and systems from inside
out.
I think when we talk, this kind of
goes in tandem with accountability.
Again, like I said, responsibility flourishes when accountability
is present.
I want to say this again.
And like I said, whether you hold friends
gently accountable or pushing for fairness and leadership,
promoting a culture of responsibility leads to integrity
(11:35):
-driven environments.
Accountability, as I said, isn't about blaming.
It's about growth, learning, and the willingness to
evolve.
Are you willing to evolve?
Are you part of the solution or are
you part of the problem?
I always say if you're not part of
the solution, then you are basically the problem,
all right?
I think that's a very important one.
(11:55):
Number 10, guys, never, never, never, never, never
underestimate your role in life.
It's easy to think one person can't make
a difference, right?
I'm just one small person.
But that's a myth.
Every movement in history started with someone deciding
enough is enough.
Whether you're influencing one person or a million,
your contribution matters.
(12:16):
Your presence, your voice, your kindness, they all
play a part in shaping a more compassionate,
just, and connected world.
Never doubt the power you hold when you
live with purpose and responsibility.
I know that sounds like, ugh, it sounds
like a mouthful.
Generally, I don't expect you to do all
(12:36):
this overnight, but I do expect you to
live a life of integrity, okay?
What I want to do is, this is
one of my favorite part of the shows,
is I basically want to give you some
personal stories and lessons from each point today.
And it's my hope that through these points,
(13:01):
I'm going to inspire you.
I'm going to get you to make changes
in your life, not because you have to,
but because you want to.
I think that's the whole key in life,
right?
If we make these decisions and we do
it for a reason, then our life is
(13:21):
going to change.
Our life is going to change and evolve,
and people around us will be like, oh
my gosh, what did you just do, right?
How did you do that?
And I think that's a real, I think
that's a real important thing.
I mean, a really, really important thing.
I mean, that's just being true.
(13:42):
So I come up with some stories, I
think, that will resonate with everyone here.
At least one of them will resonate with
you.
Let me kick it off, right?
So when we think about stories, right, and
we think about lessons, I want to start
with change, okay?
It starts within us.
(14:03):
I remember a time when I blamed a
colleague for a failed project, only to later
realize I hadn't communicated expectations clearly.
That moment taught me that if I wanted
things to improve around me, I had to
start with myself.
This was many years ago when I first
started my business.
I began reflecting on how I show up
in the world, emotionally, mentally, and professionally.
Taking that personal inventory helped me grow, not
(14:24):
just in work, but in relationships too.
The shift was subtle but powerful.
Once I changed the energy around me, well,
I changed too.
Choices matter, guys.
When I was in college, as an undergrad,
you know, I'm back in school for my
master's and PhD, I chose to support a
small environmental group instead of joining the more
popular organizations that small choice led to new
(14:46):
friendships, awareness, and ultimately a passion for sustainable
living.
Years later, I still am very keen on
using usable materials and trying to mitigate waste
as much as possible, not because it's a
trendy thing to do, but because I learned
how my daily choices add up.
(15:08):
Every purchase, every conversation, and every habit either
contributes to healing the planet or unfortunately harming
it.
Number three, guys, lead by example.
I once volunteered at a community center where
one of the younger volunteers would always leave
early and cut corners.
Instead of confronting him, I decided to stay
late, clean up, and help others quietly and
(15:29):
consistently.
A few weeks in, that same person started
staying after with me.
He showed me that leading isn't always about
calling people out.
It's about calling them in with actions that
speak louder than words.
So motivate people with the actions you have
because it's going to be a lot more
impactful than any words you ever could say.
(15:51):
Number four, own your impact.
During a podcast interview, which you know I
do hundreds, I accidentally mispronounced a guest's name
a few times.
Now, obviously, I go through this in the
pre-chat, but in the very beginning, this
happened.
After the episode aired, I felt horrible rather
than brushing it off.
I reached out.
I apologized sincerely and rerecorded the intro with
(16:13):
the correct pronunciation.
It wasn't about saving face.
It was about respecting someone's identity.
And that experience reminded me how even small
oversights can have a big impact and how
owning them can lead to respect and repair.
Number five, be consistent.
Years ago, I committed to writing thank you
(16:33):
notes after every business meeting.
No matter how casual some people laughed, others
were surprised.
But over time, it became part of my
brand.
One client told me, your note was the
reason I chose you.
And it's the flashiest thing I do, but
it's consistent.
And in a world full of broken promises,
(16:55):
consistency speaks volumes.
Accountability is way up there too.
It builds trust and keeps those doors open
so other people know that you're going to
do the right thing even when they're not
aware that you are or you're not.
Number six, stay informed.
I used to form opinions based on headlines.
(17:17):
That was before I was invited into the
media over eight years ago.
Until one day, I share an article without
reading it, and someone pointed out to me
it was misleading.
I felt completely embarrassed.
But it was a wake-up call.
This was about nine years ago.
Since then, I've made a habit to read
full articles, checking sources, and staying curious instead
of reactive.
(17:37):
Being informed doesn't mean being an expert on
everything.
It means taking responsibility for the knowledge you
carry and the knowledge you share.
So for those of you that choose to
share this show, I'm so grateful for you,
and I hope that it resonates with you.
And if it does, share it out because
I give you real truth.
But don't just take my word for it.
Watch the episodes, listen to the audio cast,
(17:59):
whatever worked for you, and share it because
it's in your heart.
Act locally.
After moving to a new town several years
ago, I joined a local cleanup event.
At first, it felt small, just picking up
trash in the park.
But then I met neighbors, discovered a local
nonprofit, and eventually helped organize a food drive.
That single event connected me to a whole
(18:19):
new purpose.
You don't need to go far to make
a difference, folks.
You really do not.
So I think it's important to understand that
sometimes the greatest impact is right outside your
door.
So why not start doing that now?
All right.
Number eight, encourage accountability.
(18:41):
On a team project, I once noticed a
teammate constantly missing deadlines.
Instead of ignoring it, I invited them in
for a coffee and gently asked what was
going on.
Turns out they were dealing with something very
personal.
With a little flexibility and structure, we got
things back on track.
That moment reminded me that accountability isn't about
punishment.
(19:02):
It's about opening the doors to communication, empathy,
and helping people rise to their best.
Because after all, nobody wants to feel bad
that they didn't do something.
They want to be the best for everybody.
So if you can help somebody be the
best, guess what?
They'll be your friend for life.
Number nine, learn how to practice empathy, folks.
(19:22):
I had a friend who was always late.
It drove me nuts.
One day I kind of responded to him
in a little bit of a quick way,
only to find out he was caring for
a sick relative and didn't want pity.
I felt awful at the moment.
That moment shifted my perspective from judgment to
curiosity.
Now I try to assume there's more to
(19:44):
everyone's story.
Empathy isn't just about being nice.
It's about taking time to understand and that
makes the world gentler for everyone.
I think that's a very, very important thing
that we all need to learn how to
do and embrace immediately.
Number 10, never underestimate your role.
(20:05):
A listener once emailed me saying an episode
I almost didn't publish helped them out of
a dark place.
I was stunned.
To me, it was just another episode, but
to them it was a lifeline.
That moment reminded me that what feels small
to us can be monumental to someone else.
Every word, every action, every bit of effort
you put into the world matters.
(20:27):
Don't sell yourself short.
You never know who's watching, listening, or healing
all because of you.
I have to tell you something.
We're getting more and more guests, as you
know, and we are very selective on who
we bring on the show.
We have about a six-month waiting list,
but I have to tell you something.
People reach out to me more and more
saying, hey, John, that show really inspired me.
I think this person would be a great
(20:48):
guest.
Of course, I'm a little bit standoffish when
they say it that way because they don't
even tell me why they're a good guest.
In order to get on the show, I
require a couple things.
One, you need to watch the episode of
the show because there's a couple shows that
I do in its entirety, prepare a brief
of some points and a few sentences of
why you'd be a good guest, and book
(21:10):
a pre-chat with me for 15 or
30 minutes, and I send a link.
I let people know up front, this is
not a sales show.
You know I don't sell you anything during
this show.
This show is about how I can deliver
information that hopefully you'll choose to incorporate into
your life that'll make you become a better
version of yourself.
(21:31):
My show's not always flashy.
My show's not always got the latest trends.
The tech show does, but this show is
just about what do people need today?
What is it people don't need?
What do I need to do?
I think that's important to know.
When we talk about these things, guys, it
(21:53):
comes down to what am I doing for
myself?
What am I doing now?
What am I doing?
What's happening?
I think that's a very important point that's
going on.
These are some very, very important things to
(22:20):
hopefully catch your attention.
Does that make sense?
Maybe you're wondering, and then again, maybe you're
not, but I know it can be hard
(22:43):
for some people.
Does this make sense to everyone?
Maybe you're wrestling with the fact of how
do I become this?
How do I do this?
I don't know about you, but I think
that can be very, very hard for many,
(23:06):
many people.
How do I do these things?
You might be saying to me, John, I
just don't know how to do them.
I think that's okay if you don't know
how to do them, because what you're going
to find out is that your life is
going to become so much better when you
(23:26):
start to learn who you are.
That's right.
I said who you are in life, not
as somebody else's.
You're not doing this to impress anybody.
When we take time to get to know
who we are, what we stand for, our
core values, it allows our why to become
(23:48):
really loud to us in a very powerful
and I'd say playful way.
Right?
Maybe you're saying to me, John, this is
not something I'm aware of.
Well, maybe you're not aware of it, but
I think the most important thing is understanding
how you can move to the next level.
(24:09):
Moving to the next level, I have found,
starts out with you becoming a better version
of yourself, but first you have to get
to know you.
Right?
And the way you get to know you
is something that is so amazing.
All right?
Really, really amazing.
That if you can truly do what you
(24:32):
want to do and you can understand that
you're here to basically make your life better
and you're here to make other people's lives
better.
Okay?
I think you might just get the answers
you're looking for.
Now, I'm not going to tell you that
(24:52):
they're going to happen overnight because they're not
going to happen overnight.
Let's just be very honest about that, shall
we?
And I think the reason that we want
to be honest about it is that when
we're truly honest, it's like we're able to
make this change that nobody really knew existed.
(25:14):
Right?
I know that sounds great.
Hopefully that makes sense.
And maybe it won't.
Right?
Does that make sense to everyone?
I hope you understand what
(25:44):
this all means.
Okay?
Hopefully.
Okay?
And if it's not, then I think it's
got to come down to why you do
(26:07):
something.
Right?
Why?
And I think that's a very, very important
thing.
I think the whole thing really comes down
to who are you as a person?
Right?
Who are you as a person?
(26:28):
And when we start to understand how we
are as a person, it can transform a
little bit of why we do things the
way we do.
Right?
Why?
And that's a hard thing for a lot
of people to realize.
Like, why did I say this that way?
Why did they say that that way?
Well, it wasn't to get you angry.
(26:48):
It was because of a reaction they had
to maybe a feeling that they got.
And so, many people fly off the handle
because they think, well, they don't think.
They just respond because of a condition they're
feeling inside.
You say something to somebody and it's not,
let's say, very kind or it's abrupt and
(27:09):
you take it as an attack.
So, I think we have to be mindful
of all these things.
And when we are, other people will start
to respond to us, guess what?
In kind.
They'll start to respond to us in kind.
And I think that's a really, I think
(27:32):
that's really a big thing that I can
tell you.
But I also know that it's not just
going to happen overnight, folks.
It is going to take you time to
figure out what this actually means.
And I know you're probably saying, oh, John,
this is kind of crazy.
This is kind of nuts.
But I'm here to tell you that it's
(27:54):
not nuts.
It is the truth.
And it's where we stand.
And so, when I say it's where we
stand, it's about the fact that you have
a choice to make these changes in your
life.
No one's going to make them for you.
All right?
(28:15):
Take some accountability.
Be responsible for things.
Learn who you are.
And connect with the world.
Because you're curious and want to, not because
you have to.
I'm John C.
Morley, serial entrepreneur.
Do check out BelieveMeAchieve.com for more of
my amazing, inspiring creations.
And I'll catch you guys real soon.
Okay?
(28:35):
Be well and have a fantastic evening.
Well, hey there, guys.
It is John C.
Morley here, serial entrepreneur.
It's great to be with you on Inspirations
for Your Life.
Today is June 11th, 2025, and welcome to
the show.
If you are new here, well, I'd just
like to say welcome to you.
If you're coming back, well, of course, welcome
back.
(00:38):
It's great to have you with me as
well.
Do check out BelieveBeAchieved.com for more of
my amazing, of course, inspiring creations, which you
can do 24 hours a day.
All right, guys, we have an amazing master
topic for this week, and that is, folks,
how connection, purpose, and peace transform our world.
(00:59):
Pretty cool, right?
Really, really cool.
And so when we think about what that
means, that dives into today's granular topic, personal
responsibility in creating a better world, series four,
show 24, episode number five.
All right, I guess the best thing to
do is dive right in, but before we
do, I do want to invite you to
(01:20):
head over to the kitchen, get yourself something
delicious.
Maybe it's hot.
Maybe it's cold.
Maybe it's a snack.
It could be a piece of fruit.
It could be healthy or not.
It's totally up to you, and hopefully you
will get something great.
(01:46):
And so I know that you guys are
probably interested to know what we're going to
talk about tonight.
Oh, let's get right in.
So in a world of, let's say, facing
complex challenges, the power to create meaningful change
doesn't just lie with its leaders or its
institutions.
It starts from within us, right, our core,
(02:09):
our heart.
In today's inspiring episode, we dive very deep
into the theme of personal responsibility and explore
how every thought, decision, and action we take
contributes to the kindness of the world we
live in, from owning your own impact to
practicing empathy.
Those 10 powerful principles are your blueprint for
(02:29):
becoming a positive force in your community and
beyond.
Whether you're looking to lead with integrity, drive
change locally or simply, it becomes more mindful
in your daily life, and this episode is
going to guide you toward living with purpose
and making a difference, one responsible step at
a time.
By the way, in case you did not
(02:49):
know who I am, allow me to introduce
myself.
I am John C.
Morley, serial entrepreneur.
I'm not only a podcast host, I'm also
a podcast coach, I'm an engineer, I'm a
video producer, and a lot more.
And it is my real pleasure to be
with you guys here on Inspirations for Your
Life, giving you some more amazing, amazing knowledge.
(03:10):
So I think that's really, really good.
And let's get started, right?
So number one, change starts within, right?
True transformation begins in the quietest moments that
we have to ourselves.
When we learn how to reflect, re-evaluate,
(03:33):
and commit to becoming better versions of ourselves,
it's easy to point fingers at society, politics,
or systems.
But real change begins when we look deep
in the mirror and ask ourselves, hey, what
could I do differently today?
When you take ownership of your mindset, reactions,
and choices, you decide to actually really unlock
(03:56):
the potential to influence the world around you
by cultivating integrity, kindness, and purpose from the
inside out.
You set the tone for the kind of
world you wish to see.
Number two, guys, choices do matter.
Yes, everyone, choices do matter.
Every decision we make, big or small, creates
(04:17):
a ripple effect from what we consume, how
we speak to others, to the causes we
support.
Our choices tell the world what we value.
Living responsibly means being intentional and understanding, basically,
the consequences of our action.
One thoughtful choice can uplift, empower, and heal.
(04:40):
One careless one can harm.
When you become more mindful of the power
in your choices, you begin to move through
the world with greater care and consciousness.
And I think that's something that a lot
of people miss.
They miss that whole point.
You know, hopefully, you understand what that is.
(05:04):
Does that make sense, everybody?
And hopefully, that can make sense for you,
but it also can make sense to those
around you.
And I know that a lot of times,
people don't understand that.
They don't understand, like, what this means.
(05:27):
And I'm here to tell you that it's
about you.
It's about your choices, but I realize your
choices can sway you sometimes.
So we need to learn how to lead
by example.
The most powerful form of leadership isn't found
in speeches.
Nope.
It's found in daily actions.
(05:47):
When you consistently act with honesty, fairness, compassion,
integrity, others take notice and say, what's that
guy doing?
What's that gal doing?
Whether you're a parent, a friend, a colleague,
or just a complete stranger, your behavior sets
a tone and becomes a silent call to
others to rise.
You don't need a title to lead.
(06:08):
You need courage, conviction, and truth.
The change you demonstrate inspires to others that
anything you demand of them is something they're
happy to do because you come off so,
let's say, polished and so ready and so
(06:34):
convincing, not in a false way, but in
a positive, integral way.
Number four, own your impact.
I can't say this enough to more people.
You have to make a choice to own
your impact.
All right?
I'm hoping that means something to everyone.
(06:56):
All right?
So what do we mean by that?
It's easy to underestimate how much influence you
have, but the truth is your words, your
energy, and your actions affect others.
Even when you don't realize it, owning your
impact means recognizing when you've helped.
And when you've hurt, it's about being humble
enough to admit mistakes and strong enough to
make things right.
(07:16):
Taking responsibility for the energy you bring into
the room transforms you into a conscious, connected
human being.
And I think that's what a lot of
people forget, that we are human.
I mean, we do make mistakes, but when
we do something with the human spirit, it's
like life transforms us.
Life changes us almost overnight.
Number five, be consistent.
(07:39):
Responsibility isn't a one-time act, guys.
It's a way of life.
Being consistent is how you treat others, honor
your values, and show up in the world
building trust and, of course, credibility.
Inconsistency breeds confusion and doubt, but steady, principled
behavior reinforces your integrity.
(08:01):
Even when no one is watching, doing the
right thing repeatedly will mold you into someone
others can count on day in and day
out and someone that you can be proud
of.
You, right?
So I think a lot of people want
to do things because they want to get
(08:22):
noticed.
They want to get on stage.
But that's not what makes a leader, okay?
It's the quietness.
It's the day in and day out.
It's the doing the right thing when no
one else is watching.
Stay informed, guys.
Number six, making responsible decisions requires knowledge.
(08:42):
In an age of overwhelming information and rapid
change, staying informed is both a challenge and
a duty.
It's not about knowing everything, but it's about
making the effort to understand issues before forming
opinions.
And I think that's something that a lot
of people, you know, they get confused about.
They don't realize that that can happen.
(09:03):
And I'm here to tell you that it
can happen if you're living your life with
truthful integrity.
All right?
With truthful integrity.
And again, that might sound a little crazy,
but I'm giving you the truth, right?
All right.
So, you know, let's move on to number
seven, all right?
(09:25):
Act locally.
World change often feels so big.
But local change is in ourselves, in our
community, in our towns.
And it's where your actions are most visible
and impactful, whether it's volunteering, supporting local businesses,
or advocating for community improvements or causes.
(09:47):
Your neighborhood is a powerful place to make
a difference.
When you invest time and care into the
people and places closest to you, the energy
spreads outward from the street to the state
and eventually the world.
Number eight, encourage accountability.
I can't stress this enough.
Responsibility flourishes when accountability is present.
(10:10):
So, I want to ask you to please
make that choice.
Make sure you understand that it is about
you, okay?
And sometimes, you know, we get really, I'm
going to say sidetracked by things that are
happening.
And I think that happens because, you know,
(10:31):
we don't necessarily understand why things are going
a certain way, right?
We don't usually understand that.
But I'm here to let you know that
it makes a difference, all right?
All right.
Number nine, practice empathy.
(10:51):
Practice empathy.
Empathy is the heart of personal responsibility.
We take time to understand others' feelings, perspectives,
and struggles.
We begin to make decisions that are considerate
and inclusive.
Empathy shifts us from being reactive to being
responsive.
It creates a space where people feel seen,
heard, and, of course, valued.
Practicing empathy day in and day out regularly
(11:13):
can reshape relationships, communities, and systems from inside
out.
I think when we talk, this kind of
goes in tandem with accountability.
Again, like I said, responsibility flourishes when accountability
is present.
I want to say this again.
And like I said, whether you hold friends
gently accountable or pushing for fairness and leadership,
promoting a culture of responsibility leads to integrity
(11:35):
-driven environments.
Accountability, as I said, isn't about blaming.
It's about growth, learning, and the willingness to
evolve.
Are you willing to evolve?
Are you part of the solution or are
you part of the problem?
I always say if you're not part of
the solution, then you are basically the problem,
all right?
I think that's a very important one.
(11:55):
Number 10, guys, never, never, never, never, never
underestimate your role in life.
It's easy to think one person can't make
a difference, right?
I'm just one small person.
But that's a myth.
Every movement in history started with someone deciding
enough is enough.
Whether you're influencing one person or a million,
your contribution matters.
(12:16):
Your presence, your voice, your kindness, they all
play a part in shaping a more compassionate,
just, and connected world.
Never doubt the power you hold when you
live with purpose and responsibility.
I know that sounds like, ugh, it sounds
like a mouthful.
Generally, I don't expect you to do all
(12:36):
this overnight, but I do expect you to
live a life of integrity, okay?
What I want to do is, this is
one of my favorite part of the shows,
is I basically want to give you some
personal stories and lessons from each point today.
And it's my hope that through these points,
(13:01):
I'm going to inspire you.
I'm going to get you to make changes
in your life, not because you have to,
but because you want to.
I think that's the whole key in life,
right?
If we make these decisions and we do
it for a reason, then our life is
(13:21):
going to change.
Our life is going to change and evolve,
and people around us will be like, oh
my gosh, what did you just do, right?
How did you do that?
And I think that's a real, I think
that's a real important thing.
I mean, a really, really important thing.
I mean, that's just being true.
(13:42):
So I come up with some stories, I
think, that will resonate with everyone here.
At least one of them will resonate with
you.
Let me kick it off, right?
So when we think about stories, right, and
we think about lessons, I want to start
with change, okay?
It starts within us.
(14:03):
I remember a time when I blamed a
colleague for a failed project, only to later
realize I hadn't communicated expectations clearly.
That moment taught me that if I wanted
things to improve around me, I had to
start with myself.
This was many years ago when I first
started my business.
I began reflecting on how I show up
in the world, emotionally, mentally, and professionally.
Taking that personal inventory helped me grow, not
(14:24):
just in work, but in relationships too.
The shift was subtle but powerful.
Once I changed the energy around me, well,
I changed too.
Choices matter, guys.
When I was in college, as an undergrad,
you know, I'm back in school for my
master's and PhD, I chose to support a
small environmental group instead of joining the more
popular organizations that small choice led to new
(14:46):
friendships, awareness, and ultimately a passion for sustainable
living.
Years later, I still am very keen on
using usable materials and trying to mitigate waste
as much as possible, not because it's a
trendy thing to do, but because I learned
how my daily choices add up.
(15:08):
Every purchase, every conversation, and every habit either
contributes to healing the planet or unfortunately harming
it.
Number three, guys, lead by example.
I once volunteered at a community center where
one of the younger volunteers would always leave
early and cut corners.
Instead of confronting him, I decided to stay
late, clean up, and help others quietly and
(15:29):
consistently.
A few weeks in, that same person started
staying after with me.
He showed me that leading isn't always about
calling people out.
It's about calling them in with actions that
speak louder than words.
So motivate people with the actions you have
because it's going to be a lot more
impactful than any words you ever could say.
(15:51):
Number four, own your impact.
During a podcast interview, which you know I
do hundreds, I accidentally mispronounced a guest's name
a few times.
Now, obviously, I go through this in the
pre-chat, but in the very beginning, this
happened.
After the episode aired, I felt horrible rather
than brushing it off.
I reached out.
I apologized sincerely and rerecorded the intro with
(16:13):
the correct pronunciation.
It wasn't about saving face.
It was about respecting someone's identity.
And that experience reminded me how even small
oversights can have a big impact and how
owning them can lead to respect and repair.
Number five, be consistent.
Years ago, I committed to writing thank you
(16:33):
notes after every business meeting.
No matter how casual some people laughed, others
were surprised.
But over time, it became part of my
brand.
One client told me, your note was the
reason I chose you.
And it's the flashiest thing I do, but
it's consistent.
And in a world full of broken promises,
(16:55):
consistency speaks volumes.
Accountability is way up there too.
It builds trust and keeps those doors open
so other people know that you're going to
do the right thing even when they're not
aware that you are or you're not.
Number six, stay informed.
I used to form opinions based on headlines.
(17:17):
That was before I was invited into the
media over eight years ago.
Until one day, I share an article without
reading it, and someone pointed out to me
it was misleading.
I felt completely embarrassed.
But it was a wake-up call.
This was about nine years ago.
Since then, I've made a habit to read
full articles, checking sources, and staying curious instead
of reactive.
(17:37):
Being informed doesn't mean being an expert on
everything.
It means taking responsibility for the knowledge you
carry and the knowledge you share.
So for those of you that choose to
share this show, I'm so grateful for you,
and I hope that it resonates with you.
And if it does, share it out because
I give you real truth.
But don't just take my word for it.
Watch the episodes, listen to the audio cast,
(17:59):
whatever worked for you, and share it because
it's in your heart.
Act locally.
After moving to a new town several years
ago, I joined a local cleanup event.
At first, it felt small, just picking up
trash in the park.
But then I met neighbors, discovered a local
nonprofit, and eventually helped organize a food drive.
That single event connected me to a whole
(18:19):
new purpose.
You don't need to go far to make
a difference, folks.
You really do not.
So I think it's important to understand that
sometimes the greatest impact is right outside your
door.
So why not start doing that now?
All right.
Number eight, encourage accountability.
(18:41):
On a team project, I once noticed a
teammate constantly missing deadlines.
Instead of ignoring it, I invited them in
for a coffee and gently asked what was
going on.
Turns out they were dealing with something very
personal.
With a little flexibility and structure, we got
things back on track.
That moment reminded me that accountability isn't about
punishment.
(19:02):
It's about opening the doors to communication, empathy,
and helping people rise to their best.
Because after all, nobody wants to feel bad
that they didn't do something.
They want to be the best for everybody.
So if you can help somebody be the
best, guess what?
They'll be your friend for life.
Number nine, learn how to practice empathy, folks.
(19:22):
I had a friend who was always late.
It drove me nuts.
One day I kind of responded to him
in a little bit of a quick way,
only to find out he was caring for
a sick relative and didn't want pity.
I felt awful at the moment.
That moment shifted my perspective from judgment to
curiosity.
Now I try to assume there's more to
(19:44):
everyone's story.
Empathy isn't just about being nice.
It's about taking time to understand and that
makes the world gentler for everyone.
I think that's a very, very important thing
that we all need to learn how to
do and embrace immediately.
Number 10, never underestimate your role.
(20:05):
A listener once emailed me saying an episode
I almost didn't publish helped them out of
a dark place.
I was stunned.
To me, it was just another episode, but
to them it was a lifeline.
That moment reminded me that what feels small
to us can be monumental to someone else.
Every word, every action, every bit of effort
you put into the world matters.
(20:27):
Don't sell yourself short.
You never know who's watching, listening, or healing
all because of you.
I have to tell you something.
We're getting more and more guests, as you
know, and we are very selective on who
we bring on the show.
We have about a six-month waiting list,
but I have to tell you something.
People reach out to me more and more
saying, hey, John, that show really inspired me.
I think this person would be a great
(20:48):
guest.
Of course, I'm a little bit standoffish when
they say it that way because they don't
even tell me why they're a good guest.
In order to get on the show, I
require a couple things.
One, you need to watch the episode of
the show because there's a couple shows that
I do in its entirety, prepare a brief
of some points and a few sentences of
why you'd be a good guest, and book
(21:10):
a pre-chat with me for 15 or
30 minutes, and I send a link.
I let people know up front, this is
not a sales show.
You know I don't sell you anything during
this show.
This show is about how I can deliver
information that hopefully you'll choose to incorporate into
your life that'll make you become a better
version of yourself.
(21:31):
My show's not always flashy.
My show's not always got the latest trends.
The tech show does, but this show is
just about what do people need today?
What is it people don't need?
What do I need to do?
I think that's important to know.
When we talk about these things, guys, it
(21:53):
comes down to what am I doing for
myself?
What am I doing now?
What am I doing?
What's happening?
I think that's a very important point that's
going on.
These are some very, very important things to
(22:20):
hopefully catch your attention.
Does that make sense?
Maybe you're wondering, and then again, maybe you're
not, but I know it can be hard
(22:43):
for some people.
Does this make sense to everyone?
Maybe you're wrestling with the fact of how
do I become this?
How do I do this?
I don't know about you, but I think
that can be very, very hard for many,
(23:06):
many people.
How do I do these things?
You might be saying to me, John, I
just don't know how to do them.
I think that's okay if you don't know
how to do them, because what you're going
to find out is that your life is
going to become so much better when you
(23:26):
start to learn who you are.
That's right.
I said who you are in life, not
as somebody else's.
You're not doing this to impress anybody.
When we take time to get to know
who we are, what we stand for, our
core values, it allows our why to become
(23:48):
really loud to us in a very powerful
and I'd say playful way.
Right?
Maybe you're saying to me, John, this is
not something I'm aware of.
Well, maybe you're not aware of it, but
I think the most important thing is understanding
how you can move to the next level.
(24:09):
Moving to the next level, I have found,
starts out with you becoming a better version
of yourself, but first you have to get
to know you.
Right?
And the way you get to know you
is something that is so amazing.
All right?
Really, really amazing.
That if you can truly do what you
(24:32):
want to do and you can understand that
you're here to basically make your life better
and you're here to make other people's lives
better.
Okay?
I think you might just get the answers
you're looking for.
Now, I'm not going to tell you that
(24:52):
they're going to happen overnight because they're not
going to happen overnight.
Let's just be very honest about that, shall
we?
And I think the reason that we want
to be honest about it is that when
we're truly honest, it's like we're able to
make this change that nobody really knew existed.
(25:14):
Right?
I know that sounds great.
Hopefully that makes sense.
And maybe it won't.
Right?
Does that make sense to everyone?
I hope you understand what
(25:44):
this all means.
Okay?
Hopefully.
Okay?
And if it's not, then I think it's
got to come down to why you do
(26:07):
something.
Right?
Why?
And I think that's a very, very important
thing.
I think the whole thing really comes down
to who are you as a person?
Right?
Who are you as a person?
(26:28):
And when we start to understand how we
are as a person, it can transform a
little bit of why we do things the
way we do.
Right?
Why?
And that's a hard thing for a lot
of people to realize.
Like, why did I say this that way?
Why did they say that that way?
Well, it wasn't to get you angry.
(26:48):
It was because of a reaction they had
to maybe a feeling that they got.
And so, many people fly off the handle
because they think, well, they don't think.
They just respond because of a condition they're
feeling inside.
You say something to somebody and it's not,
let's say, very kind or it's abrupt and
(27:09):
you take it as an attack.
So, I think we have to be mindful
of all these things.
And when we are, other people will start
to respond to us, guess what?
In kind.
They'll start to respond to us in kind.
And I think that's a really, I think
(27:32):
that's really a big thing that I can
tell you.
But I also know that it's not just
going to happen overnight, folks.
It is going to take you time to
figure out what this actually means.
And I know you're probably saying, oh, John,
this is kind of crazy.
This is kind of nuts.
But I'm here to tell you that it's
(27:54):
not nuts.
It is the truth.
And it's where we stand.
And so, when I say it's where we
stand, it's about the fact that you have
a choice to make these changes in your
life.
No one's going to make them for you.
All right?
(28:15):
Take some accountability.
Be responsible for things.
Learn who you are.
And connect with the world.
Because you're curious and want to, not because
you have to.
I'm John C.
Morley, serial entrepreneur.
Do check out BelieveMeAchieve.com for more of
my amazing, inspiring creations.
And I'll catch you guys real soon.
Okay?
(28:35):
Be well and have a fantastic evening.
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