217: You Were Born to Matter and Become Passion Struck with John R. Miles

217: You Were Born to Matter and Become Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Author: Simona Costantini January 30, 2024 Duration: 29:13

In a world where time and energy are valuable commodities, finding your true passion can be a transformative experience. It's a journey that leads to a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, ultimately contributing to your overall happiness. In this episode, we dive into a powerful conversation with John R. Miles, an expert on intentional behavior change, leadership, and personal mastery. John is the author of the book "Passion Struck," where he shares 12 powerful principles to unlock your purpose and ignite your most intentional life. Join us as we explore the nitty-gritty of discovering and living your passion every single day.

We start the conversation by asking John what happiness means to him. He describes it as a state of mind where he wakes up energized, excited about what the day has in store. For John, living a life that he loves and aligning his actions with his passions leads to a sense of happiness and contentment.

We delve deeper into John's daily routine, asking how he stays aligned with his passion every morning. John shares that he practices gratitude both at night and in the morning. Starting his day with a mindful walk, he immerses himself in the tranquility of nature, setting intentions and expressing gratitude. This practice grounds him and sets the tone for a day filled with excellence, enthusiasm, hope, and love.

We explore John's personal journey of finding fulfillment. John explains that he had accomplished much in his career but realized he was on a treadmill, always chasing the next achievement. The turning point was a period of burnout, severe depression, and apathy. Seeking guidance from a psychologist and career coach, John discovered the importance of crafting a well-rounded life with multiple areas of focus. This balance included physical health, mental health, spiritual health, emotional health, and relationship health. By finding harmony in these areas, John found true contentment and happiness.

John introduces the concept of "human mosquitoes" – the negative influences that derail our hopes and aspirations. He categorizes them into three types: "blood suckers," boundary destroyers; "invisible suffocators," pessimists; and "PITAs" (Pain in the Ass), selfish individuals. John advises setting boundaries and being consistent in their application. Recognizing these negative influences allows individuals to make informed decisions about their presence in their lives.

John emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and utilizing one's unique strengths. He advises focusing on tasks and activities that bring joy and working on improving weaknesses without overshadowing strengths. John urges embracing the journey and learning from mistakes. By giving ourselves grace and acknowledging our significance, we can make a meaningful impact on the world.

Discovering your passion is a deeply personal and transformative experience. It requires intentional mindset shifts, behavior changes, and deliberate actions. John R. Miles, in his book "Passion Struck," provides a roadmap to unlock your purpose and ignite your most intentional life. By practicing gratitude, setting boundaries, and finding alignment with your passions, you can create a life that brings you true happiness and fulfillment.

Don't forget to grab a copy of John's book, "Passion Struck," and embark on your own journey of self-discovery and intentional living. Remember, your happiness and passion are within reach.

We’ll touch on:

  • [0:00] Intro

  • [2:23] What happiness means to John

  • [5:03] Changing your life from feeling unfulfilled to filled with passion


We all ask those big questions about contentment and purpose at some point. Happiness Happens doesn’t treat those queries as abstract philosophy, but as a practical, weekly conversation hosted by Simona Costantini. Rather than offering a rigid formula, this podcast explores the many facets of a meaningful life through dialogues with thoughtful guests from various fields. You’ll hear from psychologists, artists, thinkers, and everyday people who have found unique pathways to fulfillment. The discussions are grounded in real experience, focusing on actionable insights that go beyond simple positive thinking. Each episode feels like a deep dive into a different corner of the human experience, whether it’s examining the role of community, the pursuit of creative passion, or the quiet practice of self-acceptance. Simona guides these conversations with a genuine curiosity, making complex ideas about well-being feel accessible and personal. The result is a resource that feels both expansive and intimately useful. Tuning into this podcast is less about searching for a single secret and more about gathering a toolkit-a collection of perspectives and practices that help you define what happiness actually means in your own life. It’s for anyone who believes that a more contented life is built from a series of conscious choices and deeper understandings, one honest conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happiness Happens
Podcast Episodes
207: How to Become Mentally Fit with DJ Logory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:59
In this engaging episode, I welcomed DJ Logory, Co-Founder of Acres of Diamonds and Founder with over 4 years of experience in mental fitness. DJ, a certified Heroic coach, shared his perspectives on happiness and mental…
206: How to Recover From Trauma and PTSD with Dr. Tim Lewis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:53
In this deeply insightful episode, I had the privilege of hosting Dr. Tim Lewis, a renowned expert in trauma and mental health. Dr. Lewis shared invaluable tools to enhance our lives, drawing on impactful books that have…
205: Four Books That Changed My Brain Chemistry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:39
In this podcast episode, Simona talks about Happiness Guide and discusses various tools for improving our lives, particularly focusing on books that have had a profound impact on her thinking. We’ll touch on: [2:28] Simo…
204: The Pursuit of Inner Peace with Shā Sparks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:40
In this episode, guest Shā Sparks delves into the profound question of what happiness truly means to her. She shares insights into her work and the journey that led her to it. After escaping an abusive relationship, Shā'…
203: Simona's Podcast Journey: Self-Discovery, Healing, and Empathy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:14
In this heartfelt episode, Simona shares her journey of self-exploration and emotional growth that began with the inception of her podcast. Simona emphasizes the understanding that every individual is on a unique path, s…
201: How to be a Better and Happier Leader with Navid Moosa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:52
In this engaging podcast episode, our guest Navid Moosa explores the concept of happiness and its personal meaning. Discover how to take control of your life and live on your own terms, gaining confidence as a leader and…
199: Finding Faith In The Journey to Our Happiness with Jon Beebe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:25
What does it take to have faith in yourself and your choices? This week I’m diving deep into what it means to have faith in yourself, in your beliefs, and the relationship between our feelings of faith and happiness. My…