Adam Johnson is a husband, father, author, coach, and international keynote speaker whose work focuses on helping people develop sustainable self-discipline through clearly defined values and a practical system of five codes aimed at eliminating self-sabotage.
Adam’s life has been full of overcoming adversity in many forms. Starting at 18 years old, after missing out on a collegiate football career, he gained over 100lbs in a single year. Unhappy with the direction of his life, he took matters into his own hands and lost the weight in the same amount of time. This personal transformation led him to become a successful personal trainer in Chicago in the early 2000s until everything went away during the market crash of 2008.
At a crossroads, Adam decided to enlist in US Army at 28 years old where he quickly climbed the ranks as a combat medic and eventual drill sergeant. Despite his military success and impressive physical feats as an endurance athlete, Adam privately struggled with alcohol abuse. Recognizing the destructive path he was on, he began journaling to examine his behaviors, confront his habits, and chart a new direction in life. This practice of intentional self-reflection eventually led him to write his first book, Redefine the Discipline, where he shares his story and the five-code framework he now teaches around the world.
In this conversation, we discuss how to build discipline, various domains to challenge it, titles versus identity, personal ownership, flexibility, writing, replacing versus removing detrimental habits, and much more.
Adam’s extensive knowledge, confidence, and competence are derived from lived experience. Let his experience challenge you to improve yours.
Adam’s books: Redefine the Discipline & Close the Gap: A 90-Day Alignment Journal
Adam and his wife’s company: Grit Global
Adam’s appearance on Marcus Aurelius Anderson’s podcast for a deeper dive into his story: Acta Non Verba Podcast
Adam Johnson on Instagram: officialadamjj
Adam Johnson on LinkedIn: Adam J. Johnson
My podcast with his wife, Lara Johnson: GRIT with Lara Johnson
