Joel Brown, the creator of Addicted2Success, coaches over 200 aspiring entrepreneurs monthly as part of his exclusive Mind-Strong Alliance group. He has established himself as a leader in the motivational world, particularly online and on social media. He works to help people elevate their businesses, wealth, and lives. In a previous issue of The Edge, Joel shared some of his insights on motivation and success. Now, he joins us again to delve deeper into the mindset, practices, and lessons that have shaped his journey. With a global following and a reputation for real talk and practical strategies, Joel inspires dreamers to take action, embrace discipline, and build lives of lasting impact.
To what do you attribute your success, given your diversified professional portfolio in social media, publishing, public speaking, coaching, and podcasting?
My success comes from my desire to create something meaningful and to share it with the world. Seeing other people inspired by the content I’ve created is deeply fulfilling. If I were to lose Addicted2Success, I would still create inspirational content because I know how many lives we’ve impacted with our message. That gives my life meaning and keeps me focused on delivering value to others. Beyond that, I’ve always had a strong sense of purpose and clarity around my mission—to empower others to unlock their potential. That mission has guided me through every platform I’ve explored, from coaching and speaking to podcasting and publishing. I stay committed to consistent growth, personally and professionally, and surround myself with mentors and peers who challenge and elevate me. Success isn’t just about achievements—it’s about alignment with your values, persistence through challenges, and an unwavering belief in the power of your message.
Reflecting on your journey, was there a pivotal moment or experience that inspired your career in motivational speaking and personal development?
Several years ago, I cast my vision for success and wrote down that, by my 10th year, I’d be speaking on stage with Tony Robbins and Les Brown. I felt inspired by their work and felt the limitless potential within me when I first encountered their teachings. It fueled my passion for achieving personal success and inspiring others through my journey. Speaking is the ultimate way to connect with people and create a lasting impact on and off stage. That moment of writing down my vision was a declaration of who I intended to become. It gave me a sense of direction and deepened my commitment to mastering the craft of communication and personal growth. Early on, I realized that personal development was about improving my life and creating a ripple effect that could influence millions. The more I stepped into my purpose, the more opportunities opened—podcasts, interviews, coaching programs, and live events—all aligned with that original vision. That single act of boldly declaring my future helped turn it into my reality.
Having worked alongside industry icons like Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, and Gary Vaynerchuk, could you share some of the most impactful lessons they’ve taught you?
Tony Robbins taught me, “The greatest advantage you’ll ever have in life and business is truth, and the only way you gain truth is to gain experience.” His advice reinforced the importance of diving deep into your craft and embracing the challenges along the way. He showed me that genuine growth comes not from avoiding pain or discomfort, but from leaning into and learning from it. That mindset has helped me stay grounded, especially during tough times, and to see every obstacle as a stepping stone to greater clarity and resilience.
Gary Vaynerchuk emphasized that success has no shortcuts or hacks—it’s all about the process, aligning with your passion, and staying relentlessly disciplined in pursuing your goals. His no-nonsense approach to hustle and self-awareness taught me to build long-term value, not just chase instant gratification. He constantly reminds me that patience and consistency, paired with authenticity, are what drive real impact.
From Deepak Chopra, I learned the power of presence and internal alignment. His teachings helped me integrate mindfulness and intention into my everyday life and business. He reminded me that success isn’t just external—it’s also about inner peace, emotional intelligence, and living in alignment with your deeper purpose. Together, their lessons have profoundly shaped how I show up as a leader, creator, and coach.
Do you believe in methods like visualization and affirmations, and how have they contributed to your success?
I believe in visualization and affirmations because they help rewire the subconscious mind. When practiced consistently, they shift your internal dialogue and create a strong emotional connection to your goals. Visualization allows you to mentally rehearse success before it happens, which builds confidence and reduces fear when those real-life moments arrive. I’ve used this technique before major speeches, interviews, and even business deals—it primes you to perform at your highest level.
Affirmations work hand- in- hand by reinforcing your identity as capable, focused, and aligned with success. I often repeat statements that reflect where I want to be, not just where I am. Over time, this shapes not only how I think but, how I act. With daily gratitude, these methods create a robust inner environment that supports growth, resilience, and vision.
When working with clients, which strategies do you use to help them discover and nurture their passions?
It starts with asking the right questions: What excites you? What problem do you feel is called to be solved in the world? I guide my clients to explore their unique talents and interests while encouraging them to experiment and take action. Passion often emerges through doing, not just thinking. Once they’ve identified their passion, we build a structure around it, whether creating a business or developing habits to bring that passion to life. I also emphasize clarity and alignment—ensuring their goals resonate with their values—so they stay motivated, focused, and resilient when challenges inevitably arise.
How important is community in achieving success, and how has it shaped your journey?
Community is everything. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your values and drive can accelerate your growth exponentially. They hold you accountable and inspire and challenge you to reach higher levels. One of the reasons I created the Mind-Strong Alliance group is to provide a space where entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and elevate each other. Success is rarely a solo journey—it thrives on collective energy. Throughout my journey, the support, feedback, and encouragement I’ve received from my community have been pivotal. Being part of a group that understands your struggles and celebrates your wins creates momentum. It reminds you that you’re not alone, and that shared vision amplifies individual success.
What should people prioritize when starting their self-development journey to set themselves up for success?
Start by building self-awareness. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and values, and align your actions with your purpose. Too often, people chase external markers of success without first clarifying what success means to them personally. When you align with your values, you find more fulfillment and create a more sustainable path to success.
Self-awareness is the foundation of all meaningful growth. It allows you to make intentional decisions rather than reactive ones, and helps you recognize patterns that either move you forward or hold you back. From there, focus on cultivating discipline and consistency—two underrated but essential traits in self-development. It’s not about massive overnight change; it’s about showing up for yourself every single day, even when motivation is low.
I also recommend surrounding yourself with people who challenge and support you. Community is a powerful catalyst for growth, and mentorship can dramatically accelerate your progress. Finally, be patient. Personal development isn’t a quick fix—it’s a lifelong journey. Embrace the process, stay curious, and remain open to evolving. The external results will naturally follow when you build a strong internal foundation.
During challenging times, how do you stay motivated and focused?
Staying motivated comes down to having a clear vision and reminding myself why I started in the first place. Challenges are inevitable, but I see them as opportunities to grow. I practice daily gratitude, visualization, and mindfulness to strengthen my mindset. I also surround myself with supportive people who encouraging me to push through challenging moments. Motivation isn’t something you find—it’s something you create by staying connected to your purpose.
Can you share a success story from your Mind-Strong Alliance group that stands out to you?
One of the members, a young entrepreneur, came to me with a business idea, but lacked the confidence and structure to bring it to life. Through the group, we worked on building his mindset, refining his strategy, and setting clear goals. In less than a year, he launched his startup, gained his first big client, and has been scaling his business ever since. Watching him transform and step into his potential reminded me why I do what I do. It’s not just about the success—it’s about the ripple effect that success creates in others’ lives.
Jennifer M. Williams | Editor-in-Chief
