Heroes!

Michael here. 👋

Happy Sunday.

This week’s new Philosopher’s Note on Failing Forward is powerful.

Here’s my favorite quote:

“When it comes right down to it, I know of only one factor that separates those who consistently shine from those who don’t: The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception and response to failure. Nothing else has the same kind of impact on people’s ability to achieve and to accomplish whatever their minds and hearts desire.”

Give that another read (or three):

“The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception and response to failure.”

How do you respond to failure?

In case that feels too grandiose or philosophical, here’s a super personal and super practical example:

Have you see Brian’s recent posts celebrating how much Emerson has achieved in chess in such a short time?

18 months ago, Emerson decided he wanted to be a Chess Master.

(Note: Just setting that clear, specific goal is HUGE! What’s yours?!)

Earlier this week, Emerson’s performance in a tournament put him in the Top 100 for his age group.

And yesterday, he beat Brian… while wearing a blindfold.

Now…

As you know if you read the first few micro-chapters of Areté, (or the Notes on our movement’s book), Emerson WORKS really, really, REALLY hard.

He also brings extraordinary enthusiasm to the game.

(👆Those two qualities happen to be the cornerstones of Wooden’s success pyramid.)

And…

Do you know how Emerson deals with failure?!

As Brian shared during a session with Phil Stutz that was captured in this +1 on Win or Learn (Again!):

“This is actually the thing that makes me the MOST proud of and excited for him… He alchemizes a lost almost INSTANTLY!”

Check out that +1 for a few of the tools Brian and Emerson (and you!?) use to relentlessly embody a growth mindset.

And remember: Phil Stutz says the way to identify who will be a star in Hollywood is to look at HOW FAST they recovered from rejections in auditions, and that THE most creative act in the universe is how quickly you can recover from a glitch.

Again…

“The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception and response to failure.”

What big goals do YOU have?!

And how do you respond to failure?!

Today’s the day to move from average to achieving.

Let’s get to it.

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1. Failing Forward by John Maxwell

This week’s new Philosopher’s Note is on Failing Forward by John Maxwell.

Here’s the intro quote to the Note:

“What makes the difference? Why do some people achieve so much? Is it…

  • Family background? Having a good family growing up is something to be grateful for, but it’s not a reliable indicator of achievement. High percentages of successful people come from broken homes.
  • Wealth? No, some of the greatest achievers come from households of average to below-average means. Wealth is no indicator of high achievement, and poverty is no guarantee of low achievement.
  • Opportunity? You know, opportunity is a peculiar thing. Two people with similar gifts, talents, and resources can look at a situation, and one person will see tremendous opportunity while the other sees nothing. Opportunity is in the eye of the beholder.
  • High morals? I wish that were the key, but it’s not. I’ve known people with high integrity who have achieved little. And I’ve known scoundrels who are high producers. Haven’t you?
  • The absence of hardship? For every achiever who has avoided tragedy, there’s a Helen Keller who overcame extreme disabilities or a Viktor Frankl who survived absolute horrors. So that’s not it either.

No, none of these things are the key. When it comes right down to it, I know of only one factor that separates those who consistently shine from those who don’t: The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception and response to failure. Nothing else has the same kind of impact on people’s ability to achieve and to accomplish whatever their minds and hearts desire.”

— John Maxwell from Failing Forward

Premium members can read or listen to the Note here!

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2. Mastering failures Win or Learn style

This is the fastest way to alchemize “failure” into fuel to go next level:

“Win or Learn.”

After any performance—especially those moments when things didn’t go as planned—ask yourself three simple questions:

  1. What went well? (Start here, always!)
  2. What needs work or what did I learn? (What insights can you take with you?)
  3. How will I get better? (What’s the next step for growth?)

This process transforms every challenge into an opportunity to learn and grow. Whether you win or learn, you keep moving forward—failure becomes fuel.

Add the “Win or Learn 123” target to your Heroic app and swipe each time you apply this 3-step process after a challenge. (Fun fact: The Heroic community has swiped this target 19.5K times all-time! 💪)

Let’s fail forward. Together.

3. Meet the trainer: Lori Mage

Lori’s Heroic journey began with a desire to live her most authentic, awesome life—but like many of us, she struggled to make lasting changes. Despite reading countless personal development books and watching TED talks, she felt stuck and frustrated, unable to break through.

Then, in 2008, she discovered Philosopher’s Notes on YouTube. That’s when everything began to shift.

Over the years, Lori incorporated the wisdom into her leadership classes, workshops, and coaching sessions, witnessing profound transformations in her clients—from weight loss to career changes.

In 2019, she joined Class I of the Heroic Coach program. The tools and practices she learned helped her lose over 60 pounds, build a thriving coaching business, and empower others to live courageously and confidently.

Today, Lori is a Certified Heroic Coach, a Level 2 Heroic Workshop Instructor, and the founder of her own personal development business. She’s passionate about helping others make meaningful, lasting changes.

Check out more of her inspiring story here!

And… as always, this story isn’t just about Lori.

It’s about YOU!

What does YOUR most authentic, awesome life look like?

How might you leverage Heroic’s wisdom, tools, training, and community to accelerate your growth and make that vision a reality?

Here’s to you, winning + learning en route to achieving! 🙌

P.S. Want help with that? Here are a few options:

Let’s do this, together.

4. How to set and achieve your biggest goals

What do you REALLY (REALLY!) (REALLY!) want?

As Brian highlights in this +1 on The Making of a Master, and as John Maxwell reminds us in Failing Forward, we’ve got to start with a clear, specific goal.

But setting goals isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about creating a process that helps you grow and adapt, even when things don’t go as planned.

That’s what Goals 101 is all about. In this 101 Master class, we dive into how to set meaningful goals that align with your highest values, master the motivation equation, and create a framework for turning setbacks into stepping stones.

You’ll learn how to identify your “Big 3” goals and build Heroic habits that fuel both progress and resilience.

Whether you’re refining your long-term vision or working on daily wins, this class will help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to go—transforming challenges into fuel for growth.

Check out Goals 101 and start setting goals that move you forward, even in the face of adversity.

Because, again, as Maxwell says, it’s not about avoiding failure—it’s about how you respond, and how your goals guide that response.

(Note: After checking out the class, share your takeaways and goals on Heroic Social with the hashtag #Goals101.)

5. Community highlights

A few favorites from another week of moving from Theory to Practice to Mastery, Together!!!

  • Levi’s Half Ultra Trail Marathon: Levi powered through nerves, leg cramps, and exhaustion to finish his first Half Ultra Trail Marathon—coming in the top half of finishers! His mantra of “Day One” and his connection with nature kept him moving forward, even through discomfort. Now, he’s eyeing the next challenge.
  • Vanessa’s New Leadership Journey: Stepping into her role as the new Principal at Red Bank Catholic High School, Vanessa is filled with excitement and gratitude. She’s not only embracing this new chapter but also planning to introduce Heroic principles to the RBC students this fall. Day 1. Let’s go!
  • The Just Do It Game Hosted by Alexandra: Ready to tackle that project you've been putting off? Join Alexandra and the Heroic community for a fun, free game—Just Do It! 🎯 Starting Monday, September 9th, we’ll gather for a series of calls and challenges to help you take action and crush your goals over the next 30 days. 💥 No more waiting—it's time to Just Do It! Click here to join the game and view all the inspiring stories from our Heroic community! Let’s Do This! 🔥♥️

Let’s keep striving, setting big goals, and remembering that every challenge we face is an opportunity for growth.

TODAY is the day!

+1. Wisdom from the week:

“The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”

— Carol Dweck

Social shareable quote in light mode or dark mode.

And this week’s Heroic +1s:

This week’s featured Meditation is Win or Learn (10 minutes).

And…

Have questions or suggestions about Heroic, or ANYTHING we can help with?

Join us on Wednesday at 1:00pm EST / 10:00am PST for Office Hours. Or reach out to our top-rated Heroic Service team by replying to this note or sending an email to support@heroic.us.

Alright…

With Wisdom + Discipline + Love + Courage + Gratitude + Hope + Curiosity + Zest.

Heroes Unite!

Let’s do this.

Day 1.

-Michael and Team Heroic

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