If you’re on a journey to take control of your finances and life, there’s a good chance you’ve come across motivational books that promise to unlock your potential. One that often appears on recommended reading lists is The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy by Lewis Howes.
This book blends personal development, life strategy, and lessons from successful people across multiple industries. But how does it hold up for readers looking to improve not just their mindset, but also their money habits?
Who is Lewis Howes?
Lewis Howes is an author, former professional athlete, and entrepreneur who turned a career-ending injury into an opportunity for reinvention. He’s best known as the host of The School of Greatness podcast, where he interviews a wide range of guests—from Olympic athletes and doctors to financial experts and spiritual teachers. His brand centers around personal growth, discipline, and building a life of purpose. With over 100 million podcast downloads, he’s become a familiar voice in the self-help and business world.
Lessons from The School of Greatness
The School of Greatness isn’t strictly about money, but it lays a strong foundation for building the mindset needed to succeed in any area of life, including personal finance. Here are a few key takeaways that readers often find valuable:
1. Cultivate a champion’s mindset
Howes emphasizes the importance of mastering your thoughts and emotions to pursue excellence. For those trying to improve their finances, this can mean changing your relationship with money and focusing on long-term goals like financial independence or early retirement.
2. Develop daily habits
The School of Greatness promotes structured routines, such as morning rituals, goal setting, and focused work sessions. These habits translate well to financial success. Whether you’re budgeting, saving for an emergency fund, or investing in the S&P 500, consistency is key.
3. Build a powerful vision
Howes encourages readers to define what greatness looks like in their own life. This vision includes career goals, relationships, health, and legacy. When applied to personal finance, creating a clear financial vision—such as becoming debt-free, buying a home, or retiring early—can help you stay motivated.
4. Learn from adversity
The stories in The School of Greatness often revolve around people overcoming massive obstacles. For many readers, this reinforces the idea that past mistakes with money don’t have to define your future.
Criticisms of the Book
While The School of Greatness offers plenty of motivational insights, some readers may find it lacking in practical, step-by-step advice. It leans heavily on inspiration and personal anecdotes, which can be powerful, but may not be actionable for everyone—especially those looking for concrete strategies on budgeting, investing, or saving.
Some critics also feel the book recycles common self-help themes without offering much new perspective. If you’ve read other books in the genre or follow personal development podcasts regularly, the ideas may feel familiar.
Why This Book?
Despite its broad focus, The School of Greatness earns a spot on our recommended reading list because of its impact on mindset—an underrated but essential element of personal finance. You can have all the knowledge about high-yield savings accounts or treasury bills, but without the right mindset, it’s hard to stay on track. Howes’ book pushes readers to think bigger, plan with purpose, and surround themselves with people who inspire them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about building wealth, investing wisely, and creating a legacy, your mindset matters just as much as your money. The School of Greatness doesn’t offer direct financial advice, but it does help you strengthen the mental and emotional habits that support long-term success.
For those just beginning their financial journey or seeking motivation, this book can be a powerful complement to more technical financial reads.
Pair it with books that dive into money mechanics, like The Psychology of Money or Your Money or Your Life, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering both your mindset and your bank account.
Winchell House 
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