You Owe You

Imagine waking up each morning knowing exactly who you are, what you're capable of, and where you're headed. Picture having the confidence to walk into any room, face any challenge, and pursue any dream without waiting for permission or approval from others. For too many of us, this feels like an impossible fantasy rather than an achievable reality.

The truth is, we've been conditioned to look outside ourselves for validation, direction, and even our sense of worth. We wait for the perfect opportunity, the right mentor, or ideal circumstances to finally start living the life we truly want. But what if I told you that everything you need to transform your life already exists within you? This book isn't about finding yourself in others or waiting for external circumstances to align. It's about recognizing that you are the architect of your own destiny, the CEO of your own life, and the only person who can unlock your true potential.

Taking ownership means recognizing that you are in complete control of your life's direction. It's the fundamental shift from victim to victor, from passenger to pilot. When you truly own your choices, your reactions, and your future, you stop making excuses and start making progress.

Consider Eric Thomas's journey from homelessness to becoming one of the world's most sought-after motivational speakers. At sixteen, he made the devastating choice to leave home after discovering his father wasn't his biological parent. Instead of processing this revelation constructively, he chose victimhood. He slept in abandoned buildings, ate from dumpsters, and blamed everyone else for his circumstances. For years, he operated from a victim mentality, believing the world owed him something and that others were responsible for his pain.

The transformation began when Thomas realized a crucial truth: nobody had forced him to leave home. Nobody had made him homeless. He had chosen to walk away from safety and security because he was hurt. Once he acknowledged his role in creating his circumstances, he could begin changing them. He went back to school, earned his GED, and eventually completed his PhD. The same person who once lived on the streets now speaks to Fortune 500 companies and professional athletes because he learned to take ownership of his life.

Taking ownership requires four essential steps. First, acknowledge your role in creating your current situation, both positive and negative. Second, set clear standards for yourself and refuse to accept mediocrity. Third, eliminate excuses entirely and commit to following through on your commitments. Finally, develop systems of accountability that keep you focused on your goals rather than your circumstances. Remember, when you stop playing the victim, you can start becoming the victor.

Your superpower isn't some mystical ability you need to discover through complex soul-searching. It's the natural talent or inclination that energizes you, the thing you can do for hours without feeling drained. Everyone has at least one superpower, but most people either ignore it or fail to develop it into something extraordinary.

Thomas discovered his superpower early but didn't recognize its value initially. As a child at summer camp, he naturally became the person who helped other kids adjust, who brought different groups together, and who could speak publicly without fear. However, instead of nurturing this gift, he often channeled it destructively, using his natural charisma to disrupt classrooms and seek negative attention. It wasn't until he joined a church community that he began to channel his speaking ability positively, eventually developing it into a world-class skill.

The key to discovering your superpower lies in honest self-reflection. Pay attention to activities that make you lose track of time, skills that come naturally to you, and moments when others frequently seek your help or guidance. Your superpower might be organizing, teaching, creating, problem-solving, or connecting with people. Once you identify it, commit to deliberate practice and continuous improvement. Study others who excel in your area, seek feedback, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Your superpower becomes unstoppable when you connect it to your deeper purpose. This isn't about what you do for a living, but about how you can use your natural gifts to serve something bigger than yourself. When your superpower aligns with your values and mission, you'll find the motivation to develop it to extraordinary levels.

Walking in your purpose means actively using your gifts in service of something meaningful. It's the difference between having talents and actually applying them to create positive change in the world. When you consistently operate in your purpose, you begin attracting opportunities that seem almost miraculous.

Thomas experienced this firsthand when he started the Bell Tower Ministry at Oakwood College. Instead of waiting for formal recognition or perfect conditions, he simply began sharing his message with fellow students. What started as informal gatherings grew into a campus-wide movement that attracted students, faculty, and visitors. The "miracle" wasn't supernatural intervention, but the natural result of consistently applying his gifts with intention and dedication.

True miracles are the product of preparation meeting opportunity. When Thomas recorded what became his famous "guru" video, it wasn't a lucky accident. He had been speaking and refining his craft for over twenty years. The video went viral because he was prepared when the moment arrived, and because he had been consistently putting himself in positions where good things could happen.

Creating your own miracles requires three key elements. First, show up consistently and give your best effort, even when no one is watching or paying. Second, remain open to new opportunities and different ways of expressing your gifts. Third, build relationships and contribute value to others without expecting immediate returns. When you combine consistent excellence with generous service, you create the conditions for extraordinary opportunities to find you.

Walking in purpose isn't always comfortable or convenient, but it's always worthwhile. The more fully you embrace your unique gifts and apply them meaningfully, the more the world will respond with opportunities you never could have imagined.

The greatest enemy of great is often good. When you're comfortable with good enough, you stop pushing toward excellence. True transformation requires the courage to leave behind what's merely satisfactory in pursuit of what's truly exceptional, and knowledge is the key that unlocks this next level.

Thomas faced this challenge when he had to leave his comfortable position at Michigan State University. He had built successful programs, earned respect from colleagues, and achieved a level of professional security that many would envy. However, he recognized that staying in his comfort zone would prevent him from reaching his full potential. Despite having no guaranteed income or clear path forward, he chose to step away from good to pursue greatness. This decision ultimately led to building a global speaking business and impacting millions of lives.

Education and continuous learning form the foundation of all lasting success. Thomas didn't just rely on natural talent; he earned multiple degrees, studied other speakers, and constantly refined his craft. He understood that in today's world, knowledge is the new currency. Those who commit to lifelong learning will always have opportunities, while those who stop growing will inevitably be left behind.

The path from good to great requires embracing discomfort and uncertainty. You must be willing to invest in yourself even when the return isn't immediate or guaranteed. This means reading books, taking courses, seeking mentorship, and pushing yourself into situations that challenge your current abilities. Excellence demands that you become comfortable being uncomfortable, because growth only happens at the edge of your current capabilities.

Remember that knowledge without action is worthless, but knowledge combined with consistent application creates unstoppable momentum toward greatness. The question isn't whether you can afford to invest in your growth, but whether you can afford not to.

You are a business, whether you recognize it or not. Your skills, knowledge, and unique perspective represent valuable assets that can be developed and monetized. The most successful people understand this principle and actively work to increase their value in the marketplace while maintaining authenticity to their core mission.

Thomas initially struggled with this concept, viewing himself purely as a minister and community servant. He gave away his expertise freely and never considered the business potential of his gifts. This changed when he began working with successful entrepreneurs who helped him understand that increasing his earning potential would actually expand his ability to serve others. By building a profitable business around his speaking and coaching, he could support more students, fund more programs, and reach a global audience rather than just local communities.

Building your business starts with recognizing your unique value proposition. What combination of skills, experiences, and perspectives do you bring that others cannot? Thomas realized that his background as a homeless high school dropout who earned a PhD gave him credibility with audiences that traditional corporate speakers couldn't reach. His authenticity and street-level communication style became assets rather than limitations.

The key to claiming your worth lies in understanding both your tangible and intangible value. Tangible value includes your credentials, experience, and measurable results. Intangible value encompasses your unique perspective, communication style, and ability to connect with specific audiences. Don't undervalue yourself because others might not immediately recognize your worth. Set your rates based on the transformation you provide, not just the time you spend.

Building a successful business requires surrounding yourself with people who complement your skills and share your vision. Thomas partnered with individuals who handled the business operations while he focused on his core strengths. Remember, you don't have to be good at everything, but you do need to be excellent at your core competency while building a team that covers your weaknesses.

The central message of this transformational guide is captured in its fundamental truth: nobody owes you anything, but you owe yourself everything. This isn't about selfishness or ignoring others; it's about recognizing that you are the primary architect of your own life experience. As Thomas powerfully states, "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will find a way."

Your journey toward an extraordinary life begins with taking complete ownership of where you are and where you're going. It requires discovering and developing your unique gifts, connecting them to a purpose larger than yourself, and having the courage to leave behind comfort in pursuit of greatness. Most importantly, it demands that you treat yourself as the valuable, capable, worthy individual you truly are. The time for waiting, making excuses, or seeking permission from others has ended. Your moment to step fully into your potential starts right now, with whatever resources and circumstances you currently have. Take the first step today, because you owe it to yourself to become everything you're capable of being.