In today's fast-paced, often chaotic world, it's easy to become overwhelmed by fear. Whether it's fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of the unknown, this powerful emotion can often control our thoughts and actions without us even realizing it. But what if we could choose something different? What if we could choose love instead of fear?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Motivational Intelligence Podcast, we sit down with John O'Leary, bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for living an inspired life. John takes us on a journey of transformation, sharing his personal experiences and insights on how shifting from a mindset of fear to one of love can radically change the way we live and lead.

Recognizing Fear for What It Is

One of the core messages John shares is the importance of recognizing fear when it arises. Fear, while often seen as a negative force, isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it can be a powerful motivator, urging us to take action, stay focused, and make important decisions. John uses fear to push him to get up early, eat well, stay active, and make the most of his days.

However, the key point John makes is that fear should only be a starting point, not a permanent place to dwell. While fear might motivate you in the short term, living in a constant state of fear can lead to anxiety, stress, and missed opportunities for growth. John points out that we are constantly bombarded by fear-driven messages from the media, politics, and even in our personal lives, and we often don’t even realize how deeply it affects us.

So how do we break free from this cycle? The first step is awareness—recognizing fear for what it is and choosing not to let it control us. Instead of allowing fear to dictate your actions, John encourages us to intentionally opt into something more powerful: love.

Opting Into Love

John draws inspiration from the words of OG Mandino, a self-help author who was ahead of his time in promoting love as a driving force in life. Mandino’s quote, “How do I greet every person I see? In silence and to myself. I say, I love you. Those spoken in silence. These words on wrinkle my brow, they shine through my eyes. They bring a smile to my face and the echo on my voice,” is a practice John has embraced in his own life.

By choosing to greet every person—and every situation—with love, John has transformed his interactions and mindset. This doesn’t mean that life becomes easy or without challenges, but it does mean approaching life from a place of positivity, kindness, and purpose. Whether it's how you greet a stranger, handle a difficult situation at work, or respond to a family member, choosing love over fear can create a profound shift in your life.

John’s daily practice of saying, “I love you, there’s nothing you can do about it,” before every interaction, has helped him approach life with greater compassion, patience, and understanding. It’s not just about changing how we treat others—it’s about transforming how we treat ourselves as well.

The Power of the Question: “What More Can I Do?”

John also shares a simple yet profound question that has guided his journey: “What more can I do?” Inspired by Jack Buck, this question has become a mantra for John and his daily life. It’s a question that shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s possible.

Instead of waiting for things to change, instead of wishing for a better future, this question empowers us to take action today. It encourages us to make a difference, not just for ourselves but for those around us. Whether in our personal or professional lives, asking “What more can I do?” can open doors to new opportunities, deeper connections, and a greater sense of purpose.

John credits this question with transforming his career, his relationships, and his sense of fulfillment. It led him to launch his Live Inspired podcast, write books, and speak to audiences around the world. But more importantly, it’s helped him live a life of significance, not just success.

What Can You Do Today?

John’s message is simple: Your best days are ahead of you, but they start with a choice. A choice to leave the past behind, embrace the present, and dream bolder about tomorrow. This is a message of hope, of possibility, and of action.

If you’re ready to stop letting fear control your life and start living from a place of love, we encourage you to listen to this powerful episode of the Motivational Intelligence Podcast. John’s wisdom, energy, and practical advice will inspire you to take bold steps toward living a more purposeful and fulfilled life.

Don’t miss out on this incredible conversation with John O'Leary. Tune in to this episode to learn how you can start living a life driven by love, how to embrace fear as a motivator, and how to transform your daily habits by asking yourself, “What more can I do?”

For anyone looking to explore these themes further, John O'Leary’s book "On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life" is an excellent resource. Through personal stories and actionable insights, John provides a roadmap to overcoming life's adversities and living with purpose and joy. ‍