What 'vow' did Terry Crews and his childhood friend make that shaped his life?

Terry Crews and his best friend vowed to share any knowledge or wisdom they gained with each other. This commitment to mutual learning and transparency helped him navigate his challenging teenage years in Flint, Michigan, where information was often withheld.

How did Terry Crews escape the 'toxic masculine' world he grew up in?

Terry Crews learned from his wife that vulnerability is not weakness and that he needed to think his way out of situations, rather than fight. He addressed his narcissism and pornography addiction, seeking therapy and constantly apologizing to his family, shifting towards authentic self-reflection and communication.

What key lesson did Terry Crews learn from missing a game-winning shot in high school?

Terry Crews learned that if he wins or fails, it will be on his own terms. He reframed the failure as taking his shot when it mattered, instilling in him the importance of going for opportunities and eliminating self-sabotage.

What is the core philosophy of 'The Master Key System' book that Terry Crews recommends?

The book teaches the concept of 'in order to have, you have to do; in order to do, you have to be.' Terry Crews explains this means you must embody the identity of who you want to be now, and then your actions and results will follow.

How does Terry Crews apply 'creativity over competition' in his career?

Terry Crews believes that competition prevents creative thinking. He focuses on creating something entirely new and original, like his Egyptian-inspired furniture line, rather than trying to make a 'better version' of what already exists. He emphasizes that everyone is unique, and true success comes from embracing that originality.

What advice does Terry Crews give to new parents, particularly regarding discipline?

Terry Crews advises new parents to never shame their children, but instead to love them unconditionally. For discipline, he suggests allowing children to experience the natural consequences of their actions, enabling them to learn self-discipline rather than constantly being told what to do.

How did Terry Crews reconcile with his abusive father?

After years of therapy, Terry Crews approached his father with a genuine thank you, acknowledging that his father was the reason for his existence. This act of forgiveness led to his father breaking down and apologizing, providing Terry with a profound sense of healing, contrasting with the hollow feeling of earlier revenge.

What is Terry Crews' favorite quote and how does it inspire him?

His favorite quote is by Ralph Waldo Emerson: 'God will not have his work made manifest by cowards.' This quote inspires him to face his fears and act with courage, recognizing that vulnerability is a strength required for any great creation or endeavor.

What lifestyle change does Terry Crews credit for his youthful appearance?

Terry Crews credits intermittent fasting for about five and a half years as his most valuable lifestyle change. He follows an 8-hour eating window (typically 2 PM to 10 PM) and a 16-hour fast, which he says provides more energy and a spiritual sense of discipline.

How does Terry Crews approach mentoring others?

Terry Crews looks for genuine desire and commitment in those he mentors, often giving 'little tests.' He believes everyone gets a shot, but consistent lateness or lack of effort indicates a lack of true wanting. He also seeks feedback when letting someone go to ensure he wasn't the problem.

How does Terry Crews manage relationships, especially when needing to cut ties?

Terry Crews emphasizes that all relationships in his life must be voluntary. He's willing to block people or change numbers, even with family, if a relationship becomes problematic or coercive. He delivers honest but not mean feedback, asserting he loves them but needs to move on for his own path and higher stakes.

Key Moments

Terry Crews Interview | The Tim Ferriss Show (Podcast)

Tim Ferriss

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Terry Crews discusses art, resilience, negotiation, and authentic living.

Key Insights

Art was a vital outlet and escape mechanism for Terry Crews, influencing his life and career.

Resilience can be cultivated through a proactive mindset, even in the face of abuse and adversity.

Negotiation is a crucial life skill, essential for navigating difficult relationships and professional challenges.

Authenticity and vulnerability are strengths, not weaknesses, vital for personal growth and overcoming addiction.

Competition often hinders creativity; focusing on original creation leads to greater innovation and success.

Parenting requires discipline through consequences, not shame, fostering independence.

Courage is essential for creation and facing fears; vulnerability is a testament to bravery, not weakness.

The core principle of "people are not objects to be used, but people to be loved" should guide interactions.

THE ARTISTIC FOUNDATION

Terry Crews reveals his lifelong passion for art, which began in his childhood in Flint, Michigan. This visual orientation and creative drive served as an escape from difficult circumstances and a source of personal fulfillment. His early artistic talent was recognized by a teacher who encouraged him and even facilitated an art scholarship, demonstrating that his artistic pursuits were significant long before his athletic or acting careers took off. This foundational element of his identity continues to shape his approach to life and his creative endeavors.

RESILIENCE THROUGH ADVERSITY AND NEGOTIATION

Growing up in a challenging environment with an abusive father and societal obstacles, Crews learned the art of negotiation as a survival skill. This applied to navigating his father's temper, dealing with bullies, and interacting with coaches who demeaned him. He emphasizes that negotiation is not about capitulation but about strategic communication to achieve desired outcomes. This learned resilience and adaptability became crucial for overcoming personal and professional hurdles throughout his life.

THE POWER OF AUTHENTICITY AND VULNERABILITY

Crews candidly discusses overcoming personal struggles, including addiction, attributing his breakthrough to his wife's influence and his own journey toward authenticity and vulnerability. He learned that true strength lies not in suppressing emotions but in expressing them honestly. This shift allowed him to address his issues, leading to healing and a more genuine connection with himself and his family, ultimately transforming his life.

CREATIVITY OVER COMPETITION

He posits that true creativity thrives when competition is eliminated. By not focusing on beating others, individuals can explore unique ideas and forge their own paths. Crews illustrates this with his furniture line, where by envisioning a new concept without regard for existing designs, he created something novel. This perspective encourages embracing one's unique vision and allowing that originality to drive innovation and success.

THE LESSON OF 'TAKING YOUR SHOT'

A pivotal high school basketball game taught Crews the importance of seizing opportunities. Despite missing a crucial shot and facing intense criticism, he reframed the experience as a lesson in courage: he took the shot when it mattered. This led him to understand that failure is less daunting than regret and that taking initiative, regardless of the outcome, is essential for growth. This philosophy underpins his proactive approach to life and career.

PARENTING PHILOSOPHY AND CONSEQUENCES

Crews advocates for a parenting style that relies on natural consequences rather than shame. Instead of directly punishing children, he suggests allowing them to experience the results of their actions, fostering self-discipline and independence. This approach, exemplified by using a timed device for TV viewing, ensures that children learn from their mistakes without internalizing negativity, promoting healthier emotional development.

THE MANDATE OF COURAGE AND LOVE

Embracing the quote 'God will not have his work made manifest by cowards,' Crews emphasizes courage as the engine of all creation and personal progress. He argues that facing fears, whether public speaking or confronting personal demons, requires courage which, in turn, begets more courage. His ultimate message is to approach all interactions with the principle of loving people as people, recognizing our shared humanity and the transformative power of empathy.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Terry Crews' & Tim Ferriss's Wisdom for Life and Success

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Be authentic and vulnerable; it's a strength, not a weakness.

Embrace creativity over competition; focus on what makes you unique.

When facing fear, confront it head-on instead of avoiding it.

Practice self-reflection and ask yourself 'What am I scared of?'

For new parents, love your children unstintingly and let them learn from consequences.

Practice intermittent fasting to feel more energetic and disciplined (for older adults).

Be bold as an introvert; quiet strength can be very effective.

Ask 'What might this look like if it were easy?' when feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Live life in 'day-tight compartments' to manage anxiety.

See everyone as people to be loved, promoting empathy over partisanship.

Avoid This

Don't compare yourself to others or compare your good actions to their bad ones.

Don't shame your children; it instills internalizing that 'you are bad'.

Don't let your body always lead you; learn to say no to immediate desires.

Don't take a DIY approach to complex investments like cryptocurrency unless you have an informational advantage and can afford to lose.

Don't mistake the entourage for support; they can control you.

Don't be mean when ending relationships; be brutally honest but loving.

Common Questions

Terry Crews used his art scholarship to get into college while walking on to the football team. He also painted portraits of football players, appealing to their egos, to earn money and pay for art supplies, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit to survive.

Topics

Intermittent Fasting Mindset & Self-Improvement Creativity & Media Creative Thinking Addiction Recovery Toxic Masculinity Parenting Philosophy Reframing Failure Confronting Abuse Courage And Fear

Mentioned in this video

People

Tim Ferriss

The host of The Tim Ferriss Show, who deconstructs world-class performers and interviews Terry Crews in this episode.

Vitalik Buterin

The creator of Ethereum, mentioned by Tim Ferriss as a smart person interested in cryptocurrency.

Peter Thiel

Mentioned by Tim Ferriss as someone who shares a similar philosophy to Terry Crews regarding competition as the opposite of creativity.

Jacqueline Novogratz

Mike Novogratz's sister, described as an 'incredible woman' by Tim Ferriss, and featured in his book 'Tribe of Mentors'.

Zooko Wilcox-O'Hearn

The creator of Zcash, mentioned by Tim Ferriss as a smart person interested in cryptocurrency.

Warren Buffett

Cited by Tim Ferriss as an example of an introvert who trained himself in public speaking by joining Toastmasters.

Seneca the Younger

An ancient Roman Stoic philosopher whose writings are part of the 'Tao of Seneca' collection.

Terry Crews

An actor and former NFL player, the guest on this podcast episode, known for his roles in various TV shows and films, and his inspirational life story.

Jimmy Fallon

Mentioned as someone who interviewed Terry Crews on his talk show, where Terry's furniture designs were featured.

Matt Mullenweg

A technologist friend of Tim Ferriss, described as patient, tempered, and calmer, whom Tim uses as a mental model for responding to triggering situations.

Dan Gable

A legendary wrestling coach whom Tim Ferriss met in Iowa.

Tiger Woods

Used as an analogy by Tim Ferriss to illustrate the disadvantage of betting against professionals in fields like golf or cryptocurrency.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The author of the quote 'God will not have his work made manifest by cowards,' which is Terry Crews' favorite quote and guides his approach to life.

Steve Jobs

Cited as an example of someone who innovated by not competing directly (e.g., creating MP3s and the iPod instead of better records).

Mike Novogratz

A well-known investor with interests in cryptocurrency and blockchain, who Tim Ferriss would like to interview on his podcast; he is also the brother of Jacqueline Novogratz.

Dale Carnegie

The author of 'How to Stop Worrying and Start Living,' a book recommended for coping with anxiety.

Media

Arrested Development

A television series Terry Crews had wide-ranging credits in.

White Chicks

A film Terry Crews starred in, described by Tim Ferriss as 'very underrated' and 'fantastic'.

Bridesmaids

A film Terry Crews starred in.

The Expendables

A film franchise Terry Crews starred in.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

A Golden Globe award-winning Fox sitcom Terry Crews currently stars in.

The Newsroom

A television series Terry Crews had wide-ranging credits in.

Everybody Hates Chris

A television series Terry Crews had wide-ranging credits in.

The Longest Yard

A film Terry Crews starred in.

Locations

Flint, Michigan

Terry Crews' hometown, described as a factory town experiencing the crack epidemic and decline of the auto industry during his youth.

Silicon Valley

Tim Ferriss notes he lived in Silicon Valley for 17 years before moving to Texas, and got to know many smart people in tech there.

Hollywood

Terry Crews discusses the abusive negotiation tactics he experienced in Hollywood, similar to those he faced earlier in life.

Aratani Theatre

The venue in Los Angeles where this live podcast interview with Terry Crews was recorded.

Books

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

A book recommended by Tim Ferriss as a surprisingly sophisticated toolkit for defusing anxiety.

Tribal Mentors

A book mentioned by Tim Ferriss, from which the guest Terry Crews was identified, and where initial questions for Terry Crews were posed.

Breaking the Time Barrier

A PDF ebook recommended by Tim Ferriss about unlocking true earning potential and achieving a '4-hour workweek' in a service business.

The Master Key System

A self-help book Terry Crews highly recommends, which broke down concepts about 'being, doing, and having' in an understandable way, leading him to buy 20 copies for family.

The 4-Hour Body

A book by Tim Ferriss for which he used 99designs for cover competitions.

Man 2.0: Engineering the Alpha

A book Terry Crews read that introduced him to the concept of intermittent fasting (8-hour eating window and 16-hour fast).

Organizations

Interlochen Arts Academy

A world-famous arts camp in Northern Michigan where Terry Crews received a scholarship and studied art with students from various countries.

Cleveland Institute of Art

Terry Crews mentioned an art judge from this institute who recognized his talent during a competition at Interlochen.

Western Michigan University

The university where Terry Crews received an art scholarship and walked onto the football team.

USA Wrestling

The wrestling program that Mike Novogratz supported.

NCAA

Terry Crews criticized the NCAA as a 'jip' and refers to student-athletes as 'semi-pros', implying they are exploited.

Toastmasters

An organization mentioned by Tim Ferriss where Warren Buffett trained himself in public speaking.

Philadelphia Eagles

One of the NFL teams Terry Crews played for.

Concepts

Stoicism

A 2000-year-old philosophy from which Tim Ferriss borrowed the 'fear setting' exercise for defusing anxiety.

Companies

Los Angeles Rams

One of the NFL teams Terry Crews played for.

Washington Redskins

One of the NFL teams Terry Crews played for.

Bernhardt Furniture

A furniture company that gave Terry Crews a collection to design his own furniture line, which he approached with creativity rather than competition.

Chrysler

The company that provided a scholarship for Terry Crews to attend Interlochen Arts Academy.

San Diego Chargers

One of the NFL teams Terry Crews played for.

Products

Old Spice

A brand Terry Crews was famous for starring in viral commercials.

Software & Apps

99designs

A graphic design platform that Tim Ferriss has used for various needs like logos, website design, and book covers, specifically mentioning its use for 'The 4-Hour Body' covers and artwork for 'Tao of Seneca'.

FreshBooks

The number one cloud accounting software designed for self-employed professionals, recommended by Tim Ferriss for sending invoices, tracking time, getting paid quickly, snapping receipts, and linking credit/debit cards.