In short
Jon Gordon discusses how positive habits shape leadership and life, arguing that negativity is the bigger problem than “toxic positivity,” and that in an AI world “real” human connection becomes even more valuable.
Guest backgrounds
Jon Gordon is a best-selling author (32 books; 18 bestsellers, including The Energy Bus). His principles have been used by Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, school districts, hospitals, and nonprofits. He’s also a top keynote speaker seen on CNN, CNBC, Fox and Friends, and more. He played Division I lacrosse at Cornell and says he wasn’t naturally positive.
Key claims
One habit can change your life; gratitude walks reduce stress (you can’t be stressed and thankful at the same time). Leaders need mission, team, and scoreboard, plus connection (and spiritual connection). To avoid AI anxiety, learn AI to become “unexpendable.” Build habits by choosing a few simple ones and tracking them (e.g., step goals). Schedule real-life connection with friends weekly.
Notable examples
Heather’s step-count drop (80%) during her son’s departure, reversed by a daily step habit; walking after meals; sunlight on eyes in the morning; pickleball friendships; AI “real vs fake” concern.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOThe Importance of Positive Habits
0:55 to 3:05
Jon Gordon discusses the impact of positive habits on our reality and relationships.
“Our positive habits create our reality and the results and who we are.”
Jon Gordon's Journey to Positivity
3:05 to 8:01
Jon shares his personal journey from negativity to positivity and the power of habits.
“Okay, so you haven't been on in a hot minute.”
Supporting Leaders and Athletes
8:01 to 12:10
Jon discusses the challenges faced by leaders and athletes, and how he helps them overcome obstacles.
“And I'm proof that one habit can change the course of your life.”
Finding New Habits to Overcome Funk
12:10 to 14:00
Heather shares her personal experience of falling into a funk and discovering the importance of new habits.
“So it's helping them see with a greater perspective, but also helping them get connected to themselves, to others, and then spiritually to God.”
The Impact of Positive Habits on Well-Being
14:00 to 19:10
Learn how adopting positive habits can significantly affect mental and physical health.
“it gave six months of steps for Heather Monaghan.”
The Impact of Positive Habits on Well-Being
19:38 to 20:54
Learn how adopting positive habits can significantly affect mental and physical health.
“What made me start taking creatine in the first place?”
Starting Small: Implementing New Habits
21:09 to 23:22
Find out how to effectively implement new habits without feeling overwhelmed.
“So for people that just heard you break down a number of different habits, that would be great to implement their life.”
The Power of Gratitude in Daily Life
23:22 to 25:40
Understand the significance of gratitude and how it influences mental well-being.
“How do you help people to stay committed to doing the habits?”
Reconnecting with Real Life After Isolation
25:40 to 28:01
Explore strategies for fostering real-life connections in a virtual world.
“I have reminders all over my calendars, reminding me what I'm so grateful for when I'm on my runs.”
The Importance of Connection and Relationships
28:01 to 31:25
Learn about the critical role of relationships and social connections in personal well-being and leadership.
“One of the habits in the book is to make time with great friends because that is so nourishing for you, for your soul.”
Show all 22 chapters
Navigating AI and Authenticity
31:26 to 33:33
Discover the impact of AI on human connection and the importance of authenticity in leadership.
“So it's an interesting conundrum to see the impact a negative habit can have on you versus a positive.”
Becoming Unexpendable in an AI World
33:34 to 36:56
Explore strategies for individuals to remain valuable and essential in a rapidly evolving job market influenced by AI.
“hear you speak in person and to see the real Heather Monaghan and to know that it's real.”
Becoming Unexpendable in an AI World
36:57 to 39:06
Explore strategies for individuals to remain valuable and essential in a rapidly evolving job market influenced by AI.
“I believe we're going to go towards people being more and more entrepreneurial.”
Becoming Unexpendable in an AI World
39:14 to 39:26
Explore strategies for individuals to remain valuable and essential in a rapidly evolving job market influenced by AI.
“netsuite.ai slash Monahan, M-O-N-A-H-A-N.”
Becoming Unexpendable in an AI World
39:27 to 40:31
Explore strategies for individuals to remain valuable and essential in a rapidly evolving job market influenced by AI.
“Your cash should always be working for you, not sitting idle while you figure out your next move.”
Becoming Unexpendable in an AI World
40:35 to 42:58
Explore strategies for individuals to remain valuable and essential in a rapidly evolving job market influenced by AI.
“This has been a paid non-client endorsement of Wealthfront, which creates a conflict of interest.”
Embracing Technology in Leadership
42:58 to 43:54
Discover the importance of using AI and technology to enhance leadership.
“And I went through that same thing, as you know, and you don't need to have it all figured out.”
Understanding Toxic Positivity
43:55 to 45:46
Explore the nuances of positivity and the concept of toxic positivity.
“What about, you just mentioned something about being toxic positivity, which is something that I hear a lot of people talk about out there.”
Social Media's Influence on Positivity
45:47 to 47:52
Learn how social media feeds can shape our mindset and habits.
“And it's funny, a lot of people point to social media to say that that's where all this negativity is.”
The Power of Positive Habits
47:53 to 49:49
Understand who can benefit from adopting positive habits and strategies.
“I think that's a book in there for you, by the way, The Positive Algorithm.”
The Power of Positive Habits
49:50 to 50:34
Understand who can benefit from adopting positive habits and strategies.
“So I would say I wrote it for that person.”
The Power of Positive Habits
50:39 to 50:55
Understand who can benefit from adopting positive habits and strategies.
“Then you put in your information from the order.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Heather Monahan:If your revenues are at least in the seven figure, go to netsuite.ai slash Monahan. Built for the every industry. Ready for every boardroom. Netsuite.ai slash Monahan. M-O-N-A-H-A-N. Netsuite next. Join over a million people already building wealth with confidence. Head to wealthfront.com slash confidence to get started. Terms and conditions apply. If you want to try Momentus Signature Spec Creatine, head to livemomentus.com and use code confidence for up to 35 % off your entire first order. Livemomentus.com. Promo code confidence. Over 30 million customers have trusted Zazzle with their most important moments.
0:46Heather Monahan:Right now, save 25 % on your first order at Zazzle.com. That's 25 % savings on your first order at Zazzle.com. Go make something amazing. Zazzle.com. Our positive habits create our reality and the results and who we are. Our negative habits do as well. We are made for connection. We are made for relationships. And I think we're living in a world where people are just okay, not realizing how much they need it. Yeah, with AI, it is scary. But this means that real is going to be even more important. Real is going to be even more powerful. In an AI world, real becomes more valuable. It becomes more special.
1:27becomes rare, and it becomes something that people crave and want. Shouldn't we be more concerned about toxic negativity? I don't think we have too much positivity in this world or in our companies and organizations. No, that's not the problem. We have too much negativity. Let's talk more about that.
1:44Heather Monahan:I'm on this journey with me. Each week when you join me, we are going to chase down our goals, overcome adversity, and set you up for a better tomorrow. That's a no-see. I'm ready for my close-up. Welcome back. I'm so glad you're here with me this week. Okay, I very rarely have guests on multiple times, but our guest today has been on a few times, and you're going to see why. So, John Gordon, he's a best-selling author. I mean, wait a minute, 32 books? It's insane the amount of books this man has written. I just don't even understand it. And John, you're going to have to get into it and explain to us a little bit about the magic, about how you're able to create so much and the downloads that you get and how it all works.
2:25Heather Monahan:I think it's incredible. His principles have been put to the test numerous times by Fortune 500 companies, professionals, sports teams, school districts, hospitals, nonprofits. He's one of the top keynote speakers out there. He's been author of 32 books, including 18 bestsellers. The Energy Bus, which is just a whole other five children's books. I mean, the books that this man has created are second to them. They are the best out there. You've seen him on CNN, CNBC, the Golf Channel, Fox and Friends, numerous magazines, papers. I mean, the man is everywhere. He is a wonderful person, a friend of mine, and I'm grateful to have you back on the show, John Gordon.
3:03Heather Monahan:Welcome back. Great to be back, Heather. Thanks for having me. Okay, so you haven't been on in a hot minute. And so in typical John Gordon style, you've written another book in the last year, which is amazing. I've only written two in a lifetime. So I really cannot believe the amount. And for anyone listening, if you've never written a book, to write 32 books is unheard of. It's unbelievable. And John, for the people that don't know your story, for so many people just know you as Mr. Positivity, you know, out spreading the good word and writing these incredible books and giving these great keynotes.
3:38Heather Monahan:Can you take us back a little bit through your journey? And if you were always this positive, if you always had this calling or how you ended up here today? Well, my journey really ties into this book, Heather, because it's the power of positive habits. And I am not naturally positive. I grew up in Long Island, New York, Jewish, Italian family. So I like to joke a lot of food, a lot of guilt. And my dad was a New York City police officer, undercover narcotics. So he was fighting the drug cartels in the streets of New York, and he wasn't very positive. Loving man, but very negative. When I started speaking, you'll get a kick out of this.
4:14He said, I can't believe people actually pay you to speak. He said, when you were a kid, we paid you to shut up, is what he said. So I struggled with my mindset. And I struggled with a lot of performance anxiety as well as an athlete and a Division One athlete, played lacrosse at Cornell University. And my teammates cannot believe what I'm doing now because they're like, you were a mental wreck in college. And I really was. And then in my 20s, mover, shaker, trying to make things happen, trying to be successful, entrepreneur. restaurant owner, nonprofit, started the Phoenix organization in Atlanta, was getting all these young professionals involved.
4:51And I was doing a lot of cool stuff. And then I met Catherine, we had kids. And then I lost my job during the dot-com crash. I sold my restaurants. I went to go work for this dot-com, thought I was going to make my fortune, and everything just crumbled. And during that time, I was fearful, anxious, and being really negative. Like everything in my life that I was hoping for and dreaming for now was coming to an end. And I'm blaming Catherine for why I've not lived up to my dreams, why I haven't achieved my potential. And she said, you know, I'm not going to spend my life with someone who makes me so miserable.
5:26She said, if you don't change, we're over. And it was in the middle of a big fight. And I agreed to change because I wanted to stay married. And I began looking for ways to become a more positive person. And I found this research that said you can't be stressed and thankful at the same time. So I began doing a thank you walk. I coined the term thank you walk. I would walk and then practice gratitude on the walk. And I started to feel better. I felt a shift. Catherine noticed it. At the same time, Heather, I was praying, what am I born to do? Why am I here? I know I'm here for a reason because, I mean, I'm about to go bankrupt.
6:06I know how I'm going to pay the bills and I'm questioning my existence and my future. And writing and speaking came to me during that time. So I began writing and sharing what I was doing to become more positive. And this was during the emerging field of positive psychology. I had one of the first e-newsletters ever back in 2002. I started my e-newsletter and I'm emailing some of the ideas I was doing. I had five subscribers to my newsletter, my mother, my brother, my best friend from college, and I'm sending it to them. And they then started sharing that with others. And that actually led me on this quest to get better myself, which then led to a mission, you know, to help others get better.
6:47And I look back, this was the beginning. So years later, Positive Habits is just a natural extension of all the tips that I've been sharing over the years with my readers and all my books, and also in my weekly newsletter that I still write to this day. The subscriber list is a lot bigger now, but I send out a weekly positive tip. And a lot of the ideas in this book are from the collection of ideas I've been sharing. Now, I've been working with all these organizations and teams and sports, you know, athletes sharing these ideas with them, also CEOs and leaders. But it's not just that. I also created a lot of new tips and new habits as I wrote this book because I was researching ways we can elevate exponentially, not just mentally, which is where I'm strongest, but also physically.
7:35And I put in a bunch of physical habits in here as well. So there's now 93 habits to exponentially grow you. And so this book literally is the extension of my own journey. And I've done almost all these habits, not everyone, but I've done most of them. And they've literally changed my life. I'm a completely different person now than I was all the way back in 2001. And as a result of my habits, I've created a completely different life. And I'm proof that one habit can change the course of your life. One, for me, was that thank you walk. That thank you walk is where every book has been written. You said 32.
8:14Power of Positive Habits was number 33. And it became a bestseller. So now there's 19 bestsellers as the result of walking every single day, practicing gratitude, getting these ideas for these new books I'm supposed to write, all because of what happened. And I believe we're all one habit away from just changing our life, and you just got to decide what that habit is. And so as you go through the book, pick one, pick two, pick three, but definitely one you're going to start tomorrow, and you'll see the impact of that.
8:43Heather Monahan:One of the things that you mentioned was that you work with CEOs and athletes. And I think that there's a lot of misconception that certain people are just nailing it. They're born leaders. They're born positive that they don't need to hire the coach, the keynote speaker, or someone to come work with them. What is it about the people that you work with that you think maybe people have them on a pedestal and don't realize that oftentimes athletes and big leaders have more pressure than anyone and struggle more than anyone? Yeah, you know this well. You know that there's a lot of top leaders, a lot of top athletes, and they all shrug with their mindset at times.
9:19They struggle in different areas. They all have blind spots. They all have things they want to improve upon in ways they want to get better. They have wounds that they need healing with. And that's where I'm best, where I'm able to help them through their challenge. I was thinking this the other day, like I'm not the guy you call to go out and have a great time in Miami or New York City or a big city. I'm not that guy. You don't want to have a, you know, you don't want to call me to have a great time. You want to call me when you have a challenge. You want to call me when there's an issue. And you are dealing with something and you need to elevate.
9:53You need to figure out the solution. And that's what I'm good at. And these people, these people that you were talking about, the misconception is they don't ask questions. They have it all figured out. And they just got that way. They got that way because they worked harder than everyone else. And they focus on improving their skills. And they work on their craft. And they are always asking questions. Eric Spolster down in Miami Heat. if we got together tonight with a bunch of other coaches, he would have his notepad out and he would be taking notes from what every person said in there, even the high school coach, he would be taking notes and looking for that one thing that's going to help him elevate himself and his team.
10:33Heather Monahan:Even when, when you talk about, you know, these senior leaders, these incredible coaches that have these unbelievable track records, how do they've got to get into ruts sometimes. So when they do get into a rut, What is some of the advice or direction that you give them to snap out of it? Well, it depends on what's causing the rut. Is it a conversation they had? Is it a relationship issue? Is it complacency? Is it that they've lost their meaning and their motivation and their desire and their focus? For me, I know this. Every human being, you, me, every leader needs three things, a mission, a team, and a scoreboard.
11:13So we got to clarify your mission, help you with your team, and then help you measure your scoreboard and obviously rise higher in your scoreboard. So it's addressing those things. And a lot of times it's mission, it's purpose, but it goes back to also state of mind. When they're in a low state of mind, they're going to feel like their circumstances are more powerful than them. When they're in a higher state of mind, they're going to know the truth and they're going to feel the truth, that they have the power to overcome their circumstance. So when they're in a certain state of mind, you kind of elevate them and help them transform their state of mind and elevate their state of mind.
11:52And usually, again, it's always going to be reflected by a lack of connection. When they're disconnected, they're going to feel very powerless and weak. And the stuff they're dealing with is going to seem like the end of the world. When they're a high state of mind. They're like, it's all right. I got this. I'll overcome. No big deal. We'll get through this. So it's helping them see with a greater perspective, but also helping them get connected to themselves, to others, and then spiritually to God. They do need a greater connection. And when you connect to a higher power, that higher power gives you greater power.
12:28Heather Monahan:Well, I love that. Okay. So we're on a topic of the power of positive habits, your newest book, something that just jumped into my mind that I have to share. And you and I were talking about this before we got on the podcast today. My son graduated high school. It was this big life change for me. Suddenly my priority in my life is gone as he's in Europe, living his best life as he should be. And I felt I got into a funk, but I didn't even know it was happening, John. It was, it was so interesting. Like so many people When you're in it, you kind of can't see it. And so I didn't realize that I was down and I don't, I don't do sad.
13:09Heather Monahan:I don't do down. So I just kind of ignore it and keep going and think it's going to go away because this truly hasn't, this hasn't happened to me. Oh my gosh. In the last decade. And so I was not showing up as the best version of myself. And it was so interesting. A mutual friend of ours, Justin, had wanted me to start doing his Own It program, which was an app. And this comes right back to your book. He said, I want you to download this app and I really want you to start doing this program. I thought to myself, you know what, I'm just not feeling as great as I usually feel. Something's off. I'm going to try a new habit, right?
13:43Heather Monahan:And it was not strategic. I hadn't read your book yet. And so I thought, I'll just try something different to see if maybe you can help me get out of this funk. And it was so interesting. One of the things in his app measures your step count daily. And so when I merged it with my phone or, you know, however the information was shared, it gave six months of steps for Heather Monaghan. And suddenly I could see it in the way Justin's app is incredible. I'm sure you've seen it. So I look at the app, John, it was wild AF. That two-month window where my son was graduating and then leaving the house, my step count went down 80%.
14:24Wow.
14:24Heather Monahan:And so all of a sudden I saw the data. I was hitting the face with the data because I had this new habit that I was doing every day that I had to hit a step goal every day. And I started looking back when I was happy and normal, you know, I was outside running and walking and doing all these different things. My physical habits had changed and I hadn't seen it until I took on this new habit of using the app daily. So it was, that was really eyeopening for me to see just one small difference. Because now that I have a goal every day of steps, which I never even knew I had to have before, of course, I'm blowing the numbers away and I'm feeling so much better and I'm getting back to normal.
15:00Heather Monahan:But I didn't even know what's happening to me. How often do you think stuff like that happens to people? Oh, so often. And there's often a worst habit that we have that we need to let go of so we can replace it with a positive habit. And I don't know what your worst habit is, but there's probably some habit that was getting in the way also of you doing the exercise, taking the walk. And maybe, again, I'm not going to give you a hard time. Maybe you were drinking a little more because your son was gone and you were missing him. And that might've happened. And as a result of that, you're not feeling as good when you get up, so you're not taking your steps.
15:31Heather Monahan:I was staying up watching Netflix till one in the morning. Okay. So that's the habit right there. So, so there's your bad habit. And that bad habit led you to not getting up and taking that walk. Here's also what happened. Just analyzing this very quickly. We talked about mission team scoreboard. Your son was your mission every day. Every day you got up, you knew what you were doing and it was about him. Now he's gone and you're like, wait, my mission is gone. So you just told me I now have a new goal and my new goal is steps and to feel better. So that's a positive mission you now have again and it's finding that new mission.
16:04So it happens often to people when they're stuck and they don't know why they're stuck. And it's going to be emotionally, physically, mentally, and in some capacity, it's always spiritual in a way. Because if you were not watching TV and maybe you were going to listen to a sermon and feeling energized, but not staying up too late and doing that, you feel a whole lot better. Our positive habits create our reality and the results and who we are. Our negative habits do as well. So that's why positive habits are so important. And you talked about Justin. What's cool about Justin is there's about four or five physical habits in the book.
16:41And I got those habits from Justin. So I quote Justin in the book several times because I wanted to honor him and also thank him because he gave me these habits that said, you know what, you really need to put these in here. Because I said, all right, you're one of the best I know in this field. You're an incredible expert on health. What physical habits need to be in here that people should do? We got the dead arm hang, which is cool. We just hang from a bar, squatting like a child, like really getting down and squatting, which I couldn't get past a chair when I started it. Now I can get all the way to the ground.
17:11So much more flexible. I mean, it's incredible how it helps your knees and your joints and your body. Great exercise doing that. We talked about drinking more water, the power nap and sleeping just in the right way to do a power nap, like the right way, how to get more sleep and the best way to get sleep. Sunlight on your eyes in the morning when you first get up, get outside and get that sunlight on your eyes. That increases your cortisol levels, which creates alertness, also regulates your blood sugar level and allows you to sleep better at night. And then one of my favorite tips did not come from Justin, but it's taking a walk after meals.
17:45Like I'm now walking after every meal. You do this, you're going to get so addicted to how good you feel of taking that walk after meals. It's going to energize you. So yes, the physical habits helps us mentally. Mentally, when we're in a better mood, we are more physical. And so we have the physical benefits. And then again, it always goes to some level of spirituality. Where am I connected? And where am I disconnected?
18:13If you had been around this house the last couple of
18:19Heather Monahan:months, you would know total chaos. My son had graduation, a 19th birthday party, a going away for the summer. There was a lot going on. And if you've ever been the person planning the events, I'm talking the invites, the save the dates, the favors, the thank you cards, all of it. you know it gets out of hand fast. Zazzle is how you pull it off without losing your mind. One place, one style, fully customized from the first invite your guests get in the mail to the last card they leave with. Zazzle covers the full event. Invitation, save the dates, place cards, program, signature, party favors, thank you notes, all customizable to match your colors, your fonts, and your vibe.
18:53Heather Monahan:Order one or order 500. Whether it's an intimate dinner or 200 person reception, Zazzle scales with you. Three steps, pick a product, find or build a design, add your details. That's it. Zazzle handles the rest. Over 30 million customers have trusted Zazzle with their most important moments. Mine has been unbelievable because I am not the person who is a designer. I am not the person who even remembers to do the thank you card. I need Zazzle and Zazzle made it so easy for me to get through the last couple of months of events with my son. And I am so grateful we did and we pulled it off with style right now.
19:26Heather Monahan:Save 25 % on your first order at Zazzle.com. Go make something amazing. Zazzle.com. What made me start taking creatine in the first place? I mean, if you're not taking creatine, what are you doing? We are losing muscle the older we get. You need creatine in your life. Creatine is one of the most researched and effective supplements available. That's why Momentus created Signature Spec Creatine, their most advanced creatine ever, setting a new standard for creating quality. Momentus Signature Intraspec creatine is one of the only creatines to be manufactured in a pharmaceutical facility using reverse osmosis water purification and verified through an expanded six-stage testing process with four independent agencies.
20:13Heather Monahan:And that means Momentous creatine delivers 10 times fewer impurities, two to five times tighter heavy metal limits, PFAs, and microplastic screening, and more. They've even improved the product experience with an ultrafine powder that mixes effortlessly with no grit or clumping. The Momentous standard, the relentless pursuit of better and what you can always expect with Momentous product. And the benefits of creatine are real, support strength, power, lean muscle, growth, recovery, and even improve cognitive performance. So if you're going to take creatine, take it every day, make sure it's the best.
20:46Heather Monahan:Choose Momentous Signature Spec Creatine. It's the creatine I take. And I will tell you, it is so much finer, so much stronger, so much better than everything else out there. If you want to try Momentus Signature Spec Creatine, head to livemomentus.com and use code confidence for up to 35 % off your entire first order. Livemomentus.com. Promo code confidence. I ask you to try to find your passion. So for people that just heard you break down a number of different habits, that would be great to implement their life. But they're thinking, oh, that's way too. That's too many. That's just too much.
21:24Heather Monahan:I can't, I'm stuck right now. I'm not in a great headspace. I just don't feel my best. Where should someone start? What is that one thing someone can do that can help be the catalyst to get to all these things? That's why there's 93. What you do is you read the book and you start by reading the book. And there are a bunch of mindset habits in there because thinking is a habit. And as you start reading, you're gonna be encouraged. You're gonna be inspired. Hal Elrod, who wrote The Miracle Morning, said, man, John, just on chapter three, I'm on chapter three and it's already worth the price of this book.
21:53It's so good. but it's so energizing and encouraging. So I really wrote in a way that really inspires, encourages, and gives practical mindset tips. So I say, just start reading the book and have fun. And I've had people tell me that they start reading three or four habits a day. Next thing you know, they've read 20 habits, then they're at 30 habits. So you just do that. And as you read something you like, just jot it down. Just jot it down. No need to put anything into action right away if you don't want to, but just write it down. and eventually you'll have like 10 different habits that you love.
22:26You're like, oh, I love these 10 and I know I need these 10. Well, then break it down to your top three. Have your list of three and then just start with one. Just start with one. But if I was gonna tell anyone, where do you start now? It's the second habit in the book and it's taking a thank you walk, which is what I've done. I would say everyone could do that. Get outside and take a walk. And if you wanna combine it with another habit in the book, do it after meals. So after a meal, just eat breakfast, get outside and walk, get some sunlight. That's the third habit right there. You're doing it all at the same time.
Read the full transcript
23:00And you do that and you will feel so much better. And that's going to want to make you put the other habits into practice. But I didn't write this so that someone has to say, you know, I'm going to do all 93 habits. Although I've had a few people say, John, I'm going to make it my mission to do all 93. That was not the intention. Pick the ones that are right for you and the ones you will actually do.
23:22Heather Monahan:How do you help people to stay committed to doing the habits? So I gave the example of the app and there was the opportunity to measure the steps. One of a friend of mine says whenever he's starting a new habit, he tries to pair it with something, coffee in the morning with a gratitude journal next to it, something. What are some of the strategies or tips you can give people to make something stick? Well, we created a free tool, a free technology where when someone buys the book, we give them a habits developer where they pick your top three habits. And this creates a 30-day customized action plan for you to be able to implement your habits.
24:04Also, I got to say, Heather, this is not a book on the science of habits, right? I didn't write this like Atomic Habits where this is helping you to keep your habits and to maintain them. the goal was to give you a list of great habits that if you put into practice you will build a better life we actually asked chat gbt what's the difference between this book and atomic habits and chat gbt said atomic habits will help you build better habits this book will help you build a better life and the idea is what habits you're going to choose to build your life with and my whole approach in the book is as i share if you really love this and you make it simple which I've done.
24:43They're simple habits. You will do them and then they will become a part of your life. But I can't make you implement that habit for 30 days. You have to do it. And even the app will make you do it. The app will help you track it, but it's going to ultimately be up to you to make it stick. What I've done is give you really simple habits that you can actually act on and you can do. And when you do it, you're going to feel so good. You don't want to keep doing it. So that's what I've done. I've really made them simple and actionable. And that's what people have said, man, John, I'm doing it. I feel like a success.
25:17I already feel great. I read these other books. It's all these things that I just can't do. And it's just too much. You made it so simple, so actionable that I feel like I can do it. And then I'm empowered to do it. And I feel great when I do do it. So that's what it's all about.
25:29Heather Monahan:I love the element of gratitude that you bring forward for people. It's such a simple task and so many people don't do it. I am a huge practitioner of gratitude daily, writing down what I'm grateful for. I have reminders all over my calendars, reminding me what I'm so grateful for when I'm on my runs. I'm always thanking God for everything that I have. And when you choose to look through that lens, your entire day can change. So for people that haven't seen the power of gratitude yet, how do you convince them that that's a habit definitely worth implementing? Because research shows you can't be stressed and thankful at the same time.
26:08And when you're taking a walk of gratitude, you're flooding your brain with these positive emotions that uplift you rather than the stress hormones that slowly drain you and over time slowly kill you. So each day you're doing this, you're creating a fertile mind that is ready for great things to happen. You're creating connection within your brain, more neurosynapses. You're actually activating the part of your brain that uplifts you, encourages you, and it's tied to the same part of rational thinking, of unconditional love. So gratitude, love connects you to the creator of it all. And when you're thankful for it all, you actually feel that connection.
26:46When you're not grateful and you go into life feeling entitled or angry all the time, you're to go through life feeling very disconnected from God, disconnected from others, and disconnected from yourself. And that leads to a feeling of worry, anxiety, and stress. And by the way, I wrote this in The One Truth. The root for the Greek word of anxious means to separate and divide. So when you're anxious, you actually feel separate and divided. When you're grateful, you feel connected and united. Which do you want to feel? And this is why gratitude is so important.
27:20Heather Monahan:That's so powerful, especially in this world that we live in today what you're describing I was immediately thinking of COVID and you know being isolated it's not going to school but even since then my own world oftentimes I can go a week working on zoom meetings and zoom webinars from home and I'm not seeing people the way that I used to and I notice now especially now with my son gone that I have to hit the brakes and say oh no I'll come meet you for dinner I'll go do I have to force myself to get back out because sometimes our work life is really separating us. How can people find ways to make it a habit to get back out to real life when it's so easy just to scroll on a feed at night and watch Netflix?
28:02That's scary. One of the habits in the book is to make time with great friends because that is so nourishing for you, for your soul. I remember during the pandemic and I wrote this in the book. It's funny that you brought this up. During the pandemic, we were so isolated and disconnected. And that's when we actually flounder. That's when we struggle because we were made for connection. We were made for relationships. So I got together in Boston, where you're from, with my good friends from college. And we played golf. We hung out. We ate lobster rolls. It was such a great time. I look back on that time.
28:39It was so special to reconnect with old friends. And it was so healing. We talked about our lives, our families, our kids came back and felt like a completely different person. And I realized how important relationships were. And we need that. And you're right. My daughter, like you, she's a speaker, also helping my wife with Gordon Publishing. She's on Zooms all the time. And I'm like, Jade, you got to get out there. Because Jade is single. I'm like, Jade, unless you're going to meet an Uber Eats guy, you gotta get out there. Like, like, like no one's coming to your door unless hopefully like one day, maybe it might be magic.
29:12You never know. It might be the best looking Uber Eats guy ever. And like who turns out to be an amazing human being, hopefully, you know, but unless that's going to happen, like you got to go out and meet people as you get out there. And I think we're living in a world where people are just okay, not connecting real, not realizing how much they need it. And I know you, Heather, when you get out with your friends, when you finally get out, you're like, ah, it's like oxygen. I needed this. This feels so good. And you come home and you feel alive and you feel better. And you're like, why don't I do this more often?
29:47So how do you make it a habit? You schedule it. Once a week, get together with a friend for lunch. Once a week, go to a party or an event. Go to church on a Sunday and gather with a bunch of people. Once a month, get together with a bunch of friends and hang out and have a little get together and gather. Just make it a ritual and a routine where you build in time for friends. I play pickleball a lot now. And it's just great. I get together with these guys. Most of them are in their 30s. I'm 55, still crushing them. And they're like, we have the best time. And we banter, we talk smack, we have fun, and we become friends.
30:30And so wherever I go to a different city, I'll play pickleball with different guys. And I've developed all these friendships around the country doing that. That alone right there has been just a game changer in my life. And I now have a circle also. And my circle is where, you know, top business leaders are part of my circle and I mentor them. But they also become friends with all the other people in the circle. And that's been beautiful to watch all these friendships develop because you have these busy professionals, very successful. And now they're part of this group and they're all connecting with each other at my events, which is really fun to watch as well.
31:02Heather Monahan:I love that. Yeah. So it's so easy to lose sight of a good habit, like being outside of your house, being with people when it wasn't. It just used to be the way the world was until recently. And now to pump the brakes and say, wait a minute, I've got to put this on the calendar. This is a priority. And you're right. I notice a huge difference in myself when I am in person with people versus when I'm doing everything on Zoom. So that's almost like a bad habit that you allow yourself to fall into if you aren't putting that deadline on or that I've got to be out of that house today. So it's an interesting conundrum to see the impact a negative habit can have on you versus a positive.
31:42Netflix is not your friend in a lot of ways. Like, it really isn't. I have not watched Netflix in a few years. And I was just thinking, it would be a great idea, like World Cup is huge right now. And I'm loving the World Cup. And I just had this thought as you were saying that, okay, let's make it a positive habit. Don't watch it alone. Go to a local bar. Go to a local place where they're showing on big screen TVs and everyone's watching the game. Go do that. You don't have to drink. Just go watch and hang out. Have some club soda. Have some sparkling water. Have some iced tea. Watch the game with other people.
32:16And it's a blast.
32:18Heather Monahan:Oh my gosh, we see that in Miami. You cannot imagine, John, that there's so many people out everywhere. People are so high energy. And you're right about community coming together and having that shared experience of cheering on a team, which is all about connection. Okay, so in this strange world of AI that we live in, you know, how I see that there's a lot of lack of trust with people now. And we were talking about it earlier. You don't even know anymore who's real and who's not. How is AI impacting people's habits as you see it? Wow. Well, as we're talking, I'm like, is this the real Heather?
32:53I mean, am I really talking to Heather right now?
32:55Heather Monahan:It's the real Heather.
32:59So yeah, with AI, it is scary. Like Catherine, my wife sent me a thing the other day on AI and it was like an Instagram tip. And I'm like, what great advice. She's like, this is AI. I'm like, no way. I couldn't believe it. Like I was, I was fooled. There was a country song. I shared it with Jade, my daughter. And she's like, dad, that's AI. I'm like, are you kidding me? So it's scary, but this means that real is going to be even more important. Real is going to be even more powerful. I think in person events, you as a speaker, it's going to be even more powerful to come hear you speak in person and to see the real Heather Monaghan and to know that it's real.
33:42I think that's really important. So that's what we're going to see more of. So in an AI world, real becomes more valuable, it becomes more special, it becomes rare, and it becomes something that people crave and want. So I think we're going to return to that the more AI we become. And as a leader, AI cannot help you lead your team in the things that matter most. It can give you some good ideas, some direction, but it can't do what matters most, and that's love your team. That's care about them. That's invest in them. And that's going to be that human part of connection. So I've been thinking a lot about this.
34:21How can I speak to leaders in an AI-driven world? Become more human. Become more caring, more giving, more optimistic, more positive in how you lead them and invest in them and more encouraging with your words to your team to help them be their best. I think that's going to be more important than ever.
34:45Heather Monahan:What about the people that I hear a lot online on LinkedIn, specifically from people in my community saying, I'm so afraid of AI. I feel stuck. Some of the things that you were saying before, I feel stuck. I feel down. I'm afraid I'm going to lose my job. How do you speak to people that you hear on these negative spiral loops that they feel like everything is external happening to them and there's nothing that they can do? I think you have to learn how to use AI so that you are not expendable. It's going to be the people that know how to use AI that will keep their jobs because we're not going to have AI run everything.
35:21You're going to have a marketing guy like my marketing guy, and he's going to be really good with AI. And as a result of that, it's going to give him the ability to do the job of 10. So we're actually giving people superpowers in their job to do their work. And that's what we need to do to equip our people. I had an AI presentation to my circle and my team was on listening as well. And it was funny because I said, I said, all right, guys, well, everyone's getting fired tomorrow. It's been great working with you. And I, and everyone was laughing knowing I wasn't serious, but I said, no, really my goal is that every one of my employees I'll keep five, 10 years from now, and they will have just become so good at AI that they'll be able to do the job of 10 people.
36:01So I don't have to hire new people. I keep the ones I have, and they're really good at managing and using AI in their process and systems. So for the people out there, your job may be expendable. I'm not going to be a pie in the sky, fake optimistic kind of person. Your job may be expendable if you're in a low level job. If you're a decision maker, if you are a leader, if you are a leader of people, That, I believe, is always going to be necessary in today's world to lead the people that are leading AI. I think that's going to be a big part of what leadership is going to entail. So make yourself unexpendable.
36:41I don't even know if that's a word, but not expendable. Make yourself so valuable that they can't get rid of you in the work that you do. And I think that's going to be the key for any job you have. And if that's going to be the case, you know what's going to happen, Heather? Here's what we're going to go towards. I believe we're going to go towards people being more and more entrepreneurial. You're going to have to become an entrepreneur at own your business. Ray Titus calls it the ownership economy. I love it. He's down in South Florida, the ownership economy. And I believe that's where we're heading towards, where you have to start your own business, run your own business.
37:16You'll probably use AI to run your business. And everyone's going to have their own business. So we're going to need to teach entrepreneurs how to run their business, how to stay positive, how to build great brands, be successful, we're moving towards that. So people who lose their jobs, think about what job you can begin, build, and create that will allow you to have success in the future. I will never work for anyone ever again. I'm so grateful that I made that decision 20-something years ago when I lost my job. I said, I will never work for someone ever again. Somehow, someway, I'm going to figure this out and find my way.
37:52I said that to myself, and it became true. And more and more people are going to have to say that to themselves if they lose their job.
38:01Heather Monahan:Meet a different guest each week.
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40:41Heather Monahan:Wealthfront brokerage is not a bank. The base APY is as of January 30, 2026 and subject to change. For more information, see the episode description. Description area for disclosures to be added. This experience may not be representative of other Wealthfront clients, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Experiences will vary. Heather Monaghan and the Creating Confidence podcast, Collectively Media Partner, are not clients of Wealthfront. The media partner receives cash compensation from Wealthfront Brokerage for this paid endorsement placed in their podcast, creating a conflict of interest.
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42:57Heather Monahan:find your passion. Oh my gosh, it's so powerful. And I went through that same thing, as you know, and you don't need to have it all figured out. But today with AI, if you use a habit of maybe spending 30 minutes an evening reading about it, you know, testing out one of the new apps, immersing yourself in it over a month's time, you will learn so much. And I couldn't agree with you more right now. I wish that we had the technology that we have now back seven years ago when I started working for myself because you have to make so much less investment in order to have a team, in order to have this technology and all this information.
43:35Heather Monahan:And it's so much easier. So for anyone listening right now that does feel fearful about losing your job, please start immersing yourself in the technology, start learning and using and leveraging AI. And like John said, open your mind up to that idea that you can run a business, you can own your own business, and this is the time to do it. That is for sure. What about, you just mentioned something about being toxic positivity, which is something that I hear a lot of people talk about out there. Do you ever feel like people are misleading or just trying to, you know, throw sunshine on a real problem?
44:11That could be the case, of course, but I hate the term toxic positivity. I hate that term because that's a term that negative people use to bash positivity. Anyone who tries to be positive, they just say, oh, you're being toxic positive. So if you're toxic, you're not positive. If you're positive, you can't be toxic. So I don't like the term. They don't even go together. What is it really? It's a lack of empathy. It's a lack of care. It's a lack of meeting people where they are when they're struggling, going through a tough time. You have to meet them where they are, care about them, have empathy.
44:46That's real positivity. It's fake positivity when you don't meet them where they are. You say, hey, just be positive. Hey, you'll get through this. Oh, your dad died? I don't worry about it. Oh, your son's in Europe. You're missing him. Oh, come on, get over it. No, you don't say that. You say, Heather, I'm so, you know, I can understand why you feel that way. That makes so much sense. Of course you miss him because every day you were thinking about how you can make his life better and be there for him. And now he's gone. So of course you're going to feel that way. So you understand that person.
45:12You don't gloss over their feelings or minimize their feelings, which is what happens. But why do we call that toxic positive? Here's the other thing. with so many people asking me all the time about toxic positivity. You know what I'm going to say? I want to say this. Shouldn't we be more concerned about toxic negativity?
45:29Heather Monahan:Yes. It's funny when you think about it. Like, toxic negativity is a problem. I don't think we have too much positivity in this world or in our companies and organizations. No, that's not the problem. We have too much negativity. Let's talk more about that. That's the real issue, not toxic positivity. You are so right. And it's funny, a lot of people point to social media to say that that's where all this negativity is. But what's interesting is now with the algorithm changes, I have only positive stuff and AI on my feed all the time. And I am loving it because you can, I mean, that's a new habit for me that the feed has been rewritten.
46:08Heather Monahan:It's always messages from God and these beautiful messages. pay attention to what you're liking on social media because it definitely can create a new habit for you and a new mindset right Heather building a new house now and I keep on getting new designs of houses and home improvement people I'm getting a ton of those and also chocolate chip cookies I keep getting chocolate chip cookies brought up on my feed because I love to watch chocolate chip cookies being made I'm allergic to eggs so I can't have chocolate chip cookies. So I see these pictures. I go, oh man, let me look at that cookie. Cause I absolutely love chocolate chip cookies more than anything in the world.
46:45So every day I have new feeds of chocolate chip cookies and recipes for chocolate chip cookies. It cracks me up. And then pizza, I'm from New York. I love New York pizza. Don't have it that often. And that keeps coming up for me as well. So pizza, chocolate chip cookies and a home improvement. And then of course, my favorite, um, a lot of pastors with their messages on, on, uh, on great messages of faith. So we got God, cookies, and pizza and home improvement.
47:10Heather Monahan:I love the great caster's messages too. And that's something that I have on my feed as well. And it is so, I don't know. Again, it's like a habit that when you turn the phone on and you're getting positive messages from a feed, it just puts, it changes your mindset to remind you of these great messages to have faith. That's such a great point. That's such a great point you just brought up though, because I never even realized that the more you like things, The more you focus on the algorithm now is bringing that to you because it knows you like them, like them. So it wants you to stay longer on the app.
47:42What a great analogy for life. Like the more you like positivity and positive things, you'll then attract that and get more of that, which is actually how it does work. So I love it, Heather. I think that's a book in there for you, by the way, The Positive Algorithm. Let's go. Oh, my God.
47:58Heather Monahan:You're the only person I know that can knock out a book. You can do another one. I think I'm going to give you that one. That's yours. Well, but it is so interesting. And you know what I found to be very interesting when you first meet somebody or you're spending time getting to know someone and you look at their feed, John, like you just disclosed yours is chocolate chip cookies, pizza. It says a lot about who you are in these bizarre ways. But have you ever seen these people that you see their feed and it's all negative and it's Trump this and fighting this and war this. And I'm thinking, oh my gosh, where did social media come from?
48:33Heather Monahan:And what are you liking on there? But you're creating a very different reality. So good. So good. So true too. God gives us the ability to create our own algorithm in our life. And when we do, what we think about, what we say, what we believe, and the words we're speaking becomes the life we're creating. That's the power of the algorithm God has actually given us. I love that. That's so powerful. Okay, so for The Power of Positive Habits, who did you write this book for? Wrote it for you. I wrote it for, I wrote it for, you know, younger people that want to have better habits in their life. I wrote it for the business leader who wants to grow, who wants to exponentially grow.
49:19Like if you had to pick one person, it's that business person who knows there's another level in their life and they want to get to the other level. Well, this is a series of habits and strategies that will exponentially grow you so that you will then exponentially grow the people in your life. So it's really meant to help you grow so you can help others grow. And you can't grow others if you don't grow yourself. Don't let your team outgrow you. You've got to grow your leadership capacity to better lead your team. So I would say I wrote it for that person. But can your son read it just graduated college?
49:58Yes. And it will really help him as well.
50:02Heather Monahan:Don't you have some companion program or 30-day program to help people get started with the book? Yeah, that's our Habits Builder where you put in your three habits and you get a 30-day customized plan just for you and your habits. We also have a free action plan. So whichever habits you decide to pick, there's the action plan for that habit. it's a really big action plan because there's so many habits. And so all you got to do is go to
50:30powerofpositivehabitsbook.com. Powerofpositivehabitsbook.com. It's a long URL. And when you go to powerofpositivehabitsbook.com, you'll see the book there. Order the book. Then you put in your information from the order. You'll get your free action plan, your free habits builder, and you can start putting these into practice. And I promise you, you pick a few habits from this book, you start doing them, you'll see how it really transforms your life.
50:55Heather Monahan:Well, thank you so much for writing this book yet again. Number 33. 33. Number 33. And another national bestseller. Couldn't be more grateful for what you're creating, for the positivity you're putting in the world and the difference that you're making. Guys, get this book, Power of Positive Habits. It's a game changer. If you're stuck, if you're feeling like you're circling the drain, pull the trigger now and get started. Thank you, John, so much for being here today. Hey, thanks, Heather. God bless you and God bless your son. Praying for his safety and protection while he's in Europe right now, having the time of his life, but praying for a safe return.
51:34Heather Monahan:Thank you so much. And God bless you and your family. And guys, thank you for listening. Get the book. Until next week, keep creating your confidence. You know I will be. I'm on this journey with me. I decided to change that dynamic. I couldn't be more excited for what you're going to hear. Start learning and growing. Inevitably, something will happen. No one succeeds alone. You don't stop and look around once in a while. You could miss it. I'm on this journey with me.
From the publisher
Could one habit completely change your life? In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author and leadership expert Jon Gordon to talk about the daily habits that shape your mindset, relationships, and success. Jon shares the story behind his newest book and how a simple gratitude practice transformed his marriage, career, and sense of purpose after one of the lowest points in his life. We also break down why gratitude helps reduce stress, how to replace negative habits with positive ones, and why real human connection is becoming even more valuable in today's AI-driven world. Get ready to discover the one habit that could completely transform your life.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Why one habit can change the course of your life.
The 3 things every leader needs to stay motivated and focused.
The physical habits that improve your energy, health, and resilience.
Where to start if changing your habits feels overwhelming.
How gratitude strengthens your mindset and reduces stress.
Why real human connection matters more than ever in the age of AI.
Why AI makes authenticity and leadership even more valuable.
How to create habits that support your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
How to use AI without losing your competitive advantage.
Why toxic negativity is a bigger problem than "toxic positivity."
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This experience may not be representative of other Wealthfront clients, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success. Experiences will vary. Heather Monahan and the Creating Confidence podcast (collectively "Media Partner") are not clients of Wealthfront. The Media Partner receives cash compensation from Wealthfront Brokerage for this paid endorsement placed in their podcast, creating a conflict of interest. More details available via the referral link. The Direct Deposit Plus Investing Program from Wealthfront Advisers LLC and Wealthfront Brokerage LLC provides eligible clients a 0.25% APY increase above the base APY on eligible Cash Account balances (up to an overall boosted rate of 4.30% for a limited time when including the three month 0.75% APY boost for new clients) when you direct deposit $1,000 a month, plus open, fund, and maintain an investing account. Wealthfront may change or end the program at any time and determine eligibility at its discretion. Terms apply. Full details at wealthfront.com/promo-terms.
The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The base APY is 3.30% on cash deposits as of January 30, 2026, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. Funds in the Cash Account are swept to program banks, where it earns the variable APY. Same-day withdrawal or instant payment transfers may be limited by destination institutions, daily transaction caps, and by participating entities such as Wells Fargo, the RTP® Network, and FedNow® Service. New Cash Account deposits are subject to a 2-4 day holding period before becoming available for transfer.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Securities investments are not bank deposits, bank-guaranteed or FDIC-insured, and may lose value. Investment advisory services are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.