Most People Were Talked Out of Their Dream Before It Started | S2S 536
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In this powerful episode of 'The Secret to Success,' host CJ and his co-hosts—Carl, Jemal, and Eric Thomas—explore the transformative power of childlike faith and the barriers adults face in pursuing their dreams. Drawing from a personal story about CJ’s son Trey falling off a skateboard multiple times, the hosts illustrate how adults often impose fear, embarrassment, and limiting beliefs on themselves and others, stifling growth. They argue that true progress comes not from avoiding failure but from embracing it with the fearless mindset of a child who sees every fall as part of the learning process. The episode emphasizes that most people are talked out of their dreams before they even begin, not by external obstacles, but by internalized fear from well-meaning but unqualified mentors—like parents, family, or unsupportive communities. The core message is that to grow, one must shed adult cynicism and return to a state of pure, trusting curiosity. The hosts challenge listeners to attend their upcoming '1% Conference' not just for information, but to be surrounded by people who have 'been on the skateboard'—those who’ve succeeded and can guide others with proven systems. They stress the importance of choosing the right mentors, filtering out negative opinions, and showing up with expectation, faith, and a willingness to be a student. The episode culminates in a moving prayer for those trapped in despair, reinforcing the belief that God has already made plans for them and that transformation begins when they stop overthinking and simply believe.
Most people abandon their dreams not because of failure, but because of fear of embarrassment and judgment from others.
Childlike faith means believing in possibility without overthinking—failing doesn’t define you, it’s part of the process.
The people you surround yourself with (mentors, community) are more important than your own experience—choose those who’ve been on the 'skateboard' before.
Show up to transformational events like the 1% Conference as a student, not a teacher, to receive what you need.
Your mindset determines your reality: adult fear limits you; childlike faith opens doors.
The Power of Childlike Faith
“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
The Skateboard Story: Fear vs. Faith
“I was trying to make you afraid of something that you're not afraid of. Right. I'm trying to make you not take a risk on something you want to do because of how I feel about it.”
The Danger of Unqualified Mentors
“Who is your skateboard instructor? Who's the person going saying, you know what, a wiser teacher would have said, you're going to fall the first three times you get on the skateboard.”
The 1% Conference: A System for Transformation
“This is why we're going straight with fact. So I just want to say... We're not giving you some of the entertainment. We're not entertaining you.”
Show Up as a Student, Not a Teacher
Eric Thomas shares a pivotal moment at Stone Mountain where God asked him how he was showing up—was he the competitive OG or the shepherd? He realized he needed to show up as a student, not to prove himself. This mindset shift allowed him to help others, like Melissa, reach the top.
“Lazarus, come forth. Get out your sleep. Get out your slump. Get out of the state of death.”
“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
“For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”
Hosts
Eric Thomas
person
God
other
1% Conference
other
CJ
person
Carl Wesley Phillips
person
Trey
person
Lansing
place
Les Brown
person
Maxie's Boys' Home
place
Stone Mountain
place
Most People Have No Idea What They're Actually Capable Of | S2S Ep. 535
The Secret To Success with CJ, Karl, Jemal & Eric Thomas • 1h 1m • 4/2/2026
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The Secret To Success with CJ, Karl, Jemal & Eric Thomas • 45m • 4/16/2026
Most People Are Trapped Waiting for an Apology That's Never Coming | S2S 538
The Secret To Success with CJ, Karl, Jemal & Eric Thomas • 52m • 4/23/2026
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