The Power You Forgot You Had

Dear friends,

Sometimes, we forget just how much power we actually have in our own lives.

It’s easy to fall into a victim mindset—blaming our circumstances, our parents, our friends, or the world around us. And sure, those things influence us. But at the end of the day, we are the ones steering the ship. We are responsible for the way we respond, for the choices we make, for the lives we build.

Now, I know that’s a bold claim. I also know it’s one I can only make from a place of privilege. I’m writing this from a warm house, with food in the fridge and parents who support me. I’m not blind to that.

But even with that acknowledgement, I believe this: while we are shaped by others, we are defined by what we do next.

That’s why I loved this quote from John R. Miles, host of Passion Struck, when he came on The Grateful Podcast:

It’s so true.

We are incredible. But we are also often the ones standing in our own way.

How many times have you known exactly what you should do—but didn’t?

You should work out, but you hit snooze.

You should read, but you scroll.

You should go to bed, but you’re still tapping away at midnight.

We trade long-term growth for short-term comfort. We know better—but we don’t always act like it.

And that’s okay. Because once you realize it, you can start changing it. You can start building that muscle—the one that chooses discipline over impulse, dreams over distractions, growth over comfort.

This week, I’ve been thinking about what it means to actually love the journey. Not just the idea of it, but the real thing—the slow progress, the hard choices, the quiet wins that no one sees but you.

That’s what this newsletter is about. That’s what this week’s podcast episodes dive into. And that’s what I hope you carry with you as you keep pushing forward.

Let’s get into it.

The Grateful Podcast:

I have a podcast where I interview people much smarter and more qualified than me talking about how you can live a more purposeful life full of gratitude and ambition. 
I release episodes every Monday where I go over a lesson I’ve recently learned.

Every Wednesday and Saturday I release an episode with a very cool guest. 

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or find the video version on YouTube.

This week’s episodes:

Monday: The Power You Forgot You Had

I will dive into my thought process writing this newsletter and more personal examples of feeding obsession through scarcity.

Wednesday: Managing Your Time To Be The Most Effective You with Carl Pullein

Saturday: The Skills You Need to Succeed with Dr. Kevin Gazzara

Coaching:

If you’re ready to take action and need guidance, I’d love to help.

I have limited space available so if you’re interested, book a free 15-minute call with me to discuss your dreams and how to start making them happen. 

You can shoot me an email at [email protected] where we can get scheduled.

Lastly, the absolute best present you could give me would be to leave a 5 star review on my podcast. It really helps.

Make this week rock. Thank you so much for reading this; I’ll see you next week.

Stay grateful,

Jack Wagoner