Does “launching” your teen mean kicking them out at 18?

If your child only becomes capable when you separate, something’s broken. In this video, Greg & Rachel Denning expose why “move out at 18” is a modern psyop that weakens families and robs teens of real independence. You’ll learn how to build capability before 18—so your young adult is confident, competent, and contributing while still benefiting from mentorship, connection, and family legacy.

Key Takeaways

✅ Failure to launch is a parenting-skill problem, not an age problem.

✅ By mid-teens, kids should be capable, confident, and contributing at home.

✅ Comfort & convenience sabotage growth—skills and systems build it.

✅ Teach life skills early: cooking, cleaning, finances, self-management.

✅ Mentor through 16–25: support big decisions, deepen character, build skills.

✅ Generational families win: keep wisdom, wealth, and warmth under one roof.

✅ If independence only follows separation, change the method—not the goal.

Chapters

00:00 Epic Adventures and Homecomings

03:02 Rethinking the 18-Year-Old Move-Out Myth

06:06 The Impact of Cultural Norms on Independence

08:43 Parenting Skills and the Failure to Launch

11:54 The Role of Education in Young Adulthood

14:41 Cultural Perspectives on Family Dynamics

17:44 The Dangers of Social Media Influence

20:31 Reframing Independence and Parenting Strategies

27:42 Empowering Children with Life Skills

34:52 The Importance of Parenting Techniques

44:43 Building a Family Legacy and Financial Stability

Memorable Quotes

🗣 “If your kids only become capable when you kick them out—you’ve already failed.”

🗣 “Comfort and convenience don’t create capable kids.”

🗣 “We’re unconsciously sabotaging our own success as parents.”

🗣 “Change the method—not the goal.”

Want help implementing this? Our Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method gives you the exact skills, systems, and scripts to end entitlement, grow contribution, and build a thriving, intergenerational family culture.

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

• Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!

• Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

• Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner

• JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! 

• Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

• Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

Are you torn between protecting your kids’ mental health and preparing them for real-world stress?

Most parents feel this tension—and many swing too far toward pressure or protection.

In this video, Greg & Rachel share a better path: don’t inflict pressure—be the anchor while your kids face it. You’ll learn how to build grit through trust, identity, and modeling, so challenge actually strengthens your bond instead of breaking it.

What we cover:

• Identity over willpower: why saying “I’m not a smoker” beats “I’m trying to quit.”

• Anchor, don’t apply pressure: your job is safety + modeling, not manufactured hardship.

• Results don’t lie: how your life becomes the proof your kids can’t ignore.

• Trust first, then stretch: push to the “next rock,” then keep your promise and carry them.

• Adjust your strategy: when you “get punched in the face,” learn, adapt, iterate.

• Do hard things yourself: kids spot hypocrisy—lead from the front.

• Make discomfort enjoyable: turn tough conversations, workouts, and cold plunges into shared wins.

  
  

Big Idea: Grit grows in connection. When kids know you’ll both challenge and carry them, they lean in, try again, and adopt a new identity that sustains lifelong habits.

Key Takeaways

✅ Be the anchor, not the pressure. Safety + example > force.

✅ Model hard things. If you don’t, they won’t.

✅ Identity drives habits. Become the family who does the hard, good things.

✅ Keep promises. Stretch to the “next rock,” then carry—that’s how trust is built.

✅ Iterate, don’t implode. When it’s not working, change your approach, not your ideals.

Chapters

00:00 New Beginnings and Reflections

03:18 Goal Setting and Identity Transformation

03:31 Preparing Kids for Life's Challenges

05:02 The Balance of Comfort and Growth

05:30 Building Resilience Through Experience

08:44 Adapting to Life's Punches

09:59 The Journey of Parenting and Education

12:19 Embracing Failure in Business and Parenting

13:59 The Importance of Adaptability and Learning

17:21 Influence Through Results and Personal Example

19:32 Living an Extraordinary Life as a Family

22:34 Teaching Resilience Through Real-Life Challenges

24:58 Iterative Learning and Effective Communication

28:39 The Power of Persistence in Parenting

Memorable Quotes

🗣 “Be the anchor—don’t be the pressure.”

🗣 “Results don’t lie. Pass the silent film test.”

🗣 “Identity changes behavior more than willpower.”

🗣 “Stretch, then carry. That’s how trust grows.”

Want help implementing this at home? Our new parenting course gives you the step-by-step systems to build trust, invite buy-in, and raise resilient kids—without yelling, punishment, or power struggles. Join the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class here.

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

• Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!

• Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

• Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner

• JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! 

• Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

• Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

Are you afraid to give something up—even if you know it’s holding your family back?What if the “sacrifice” you’re resisting is the exact bridge to the life you actually want?

In this powerful conversation, Greg and Rachel answer a listener’s question inspired by James Allen: “He who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.” They share the real sacrifices they made to build an extraordinary family life—from walking away from comfort and conformity to investing tens of thousands into personal growth, ditching entertainment for education, and choosing experiences and character over stuff. You’ll learn how to overcome the fear of loss, handle others’ opinions, and trade short-term ease for long-term joy, health, and purpose.

Big idea: It’s hard to call it a “sacrifice” when what you get back is better than what you gave up. Bottom line: The most important investment you’ll ever make is in yourself—and then in your spouse and kids.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Comfort is costly—trade it for purpose, health, and momentum.

✅ Invest in yourself first, then your spouse and kids.

✅ Entertainment steals growth; education multiplies it.

✅ Ditch “peacock pageantry”—results beat credentials.

✅ Own your outcomes—no blame, no excuses.

✅ Failure ≠ final—it’s fertilizer for your future.

Chapters

00:00 Daily Sacrifices for a Better Life

23:14 Intentional Living and Personal Responsibility

28:39 The Rewards of Sacrifice

31:27 EFL YouTube Outro Full Updated.mp4

Memorable Quotes

🗣 “It’s hard to call it a sacrifice when the return is better than what you gave up.”

🗣 “Most people are entertaining themselves to death—and taking their families with them.”

🗣 “Results are the only real qualification.”

🗣 “Only little people get upset over little things.”

🗣 “Failure is fertilizer—use it.”

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

• Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!

• Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

• Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner

• JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! 

• Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

• Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

Are your kids’ fights setting off your emotions—and the whole house?Most parents try to “fix” kids’ behavior to feel better. In this video, Greg & Rachel flip the script: change your emotional state first, and your family dynamics follow. You’ll learn how to stop masking (“trying to stay calm”) and start being emotionally authentic—so you model regulation your kids can actually imitate.

We unpack practical tools to raise your family’s emotional thermostat—even on low-sleep, low-food days: breathing exercises, light movement, gratitude micro-meditations, future journaling, and morning routines that shift your biochemistry fast. You’ll discover why sleep and nutrition are foundational, how to process triggers and “memorized emotions,” and how to radiate steadiness kids naturally copy.

Big idea: Nothing gets better until you do. When you upgrade your inner state, parenting gets easier, marriage gets warmer, and home feels safe again. This is how you cultivate a family culture of peace, courage, and joy—without pretending or suppressing.

Try this today (1-minute reset): Stand tall, inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 6 (x6 rounds). Add one gratitude sentence and smile on purpose. Notice the shift—then go connect.

Key Takeaways

✅ Nothing gets better until you do — when you raise your state, your family follows.

✅ Kids imitate without regulation — they copy your energy, good or bad.

✅ Trying to “stay calm” is masking — practice authentic emotional expression.

✅ Sleep & food drive mood — protect your physiology to parent better.

✅ Quick resets work — breathing, movement, posture, and gratitude change your state fast.

✅ Every family has an emotional thermostat — set yours higher on purpose.

✅ Mentor, don’t micromanage — see misbehavior as a cry for help and coach skills.

Memorable Quote:

🗣️ “Nothing gets better until I do.”

🗣️ “Kids imitate without regulation—set the state you want repeated.”

🗣️ “Trying to be calm isn’t calm. Authentic peace is felt, not faked.”

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Emotional States in Parenting

01:10 The Impact of Emotions on Family Dynamics

02:28 Understanding Emotional Responses and Reactions

03:54 The Role of Self-Care in Emotional Well-Being

05:29 Practicing Emotional Authenticity

06:51 Strategies for Changing Emotional States

08:21 The Ripple Effect of Parental Emotions

10:44 Emotional Literacy and Family Dynamics

12:21 The Emotional Thermostat of the Family

16:24 Understanding the Emotional Thermostat

20:58 Practical Strategies for Emotional Regulation

24:11 The Role of Parenting in Emotional Development

27:37 Seeing Children's Behaviors as Cries for Help

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

• Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!

• Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

• Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner

• JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! 

• Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

• Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

Do you feel good in your own home?

Does your family culture feel like a safe, joyful refuge—or more like constant conflict and stress?

Most parents spend 90% of their time fixing problems instead of preventing them. But what if the secret to a thriving home is in the things you never do?

In this video, Greg and Rachel Denning—parents of 7 and family coaches—reveal the small but powerful “never-do’s” that transformed their parenting and family culture. From eliminating sarcasm and insults, to saying no to video games, TV, and constant notifications, these intentional choices create a home environment where kids feel secure, confident, and deeply attached.

They share why attachment—not punishment—prevents misbehavior, how harshness backfires, and why saying “no” to outside noise means saying “yes” to family connection.

Raising kids is already hard enough. But by eliminating just a few destructive habits, you can dramatically reduce sibling rivalry, power struggles, and emotional distance in your home.

👉 Tune in to discover the things we NEVER do as parents that helped us raise 7 happy, respectful, and resilient kids—and learn how you can create a family culture your children (and others!) love to be part of.

Key Takeaways

• ✅ Eliminating sarcasm & insults builds trust and confidence.

• ✅ Harshness and yelling create distance instead of respect.

• ✅ Strong attachment prevents misbehavior better than punishment.

• ✅ No video games, TV, or junk food = more energy, focus, and peace.

• ✅ Saying “no” to distractions means saying “yes” to family.

  
  

  Memorable Quotes

• 🗣️ “If you don’t want to trade lives with someone, don’t take their advice.”

• 🗣️ “We never say mean or hurtful things to our children—ever.”

• 🗣️ “Harshness creates distance and fragility, which causes misbehavior.”

• 🗣️ “Eliminate the baby dragons before they grow into monsters.”

• 🗣️ “Other families send their kids to live with us because they love our family culture.”

  
  

  Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Small Changes in Family Dynamics

01:09 Creating a Positive Family Culture

03:05 The Impact of Sarcasm and Teasing

05:43 Building Strong Attachments Through Love

07:30 The Dangers of Harsh Parenting

10:19 The Role of Technology in Family Interactions

16:21 Intentional Living and Productivity

17:36 The Impact of Video Games on Success

18:18 Media Consumption: Radio and TV

19:45 The Power of Saying No

21:03 Healthy Lifestyle Choices

21:56 Communication and Emotional Authenticity

23:32 Addressing Problems Early

25:51 Creating a Positive Family Culture

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

• Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!

• Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

• Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner

• JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! 

• Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

• Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

Are you settling for a “make it work” marriage when you could build an extraordinary one?

Most couples drift into survival mode—roommates, not lovers—because they’ve never seen an amazing marriage modeled… and no one taught them the skills. In this episode, Greg & Rachel Denning share how to raise your marriage standard, resolve conflict fast (the “anatomy of an argument”), and build a shared vision that turns everyday life into marital bliss—without pretending problems don’t exist.

Big idea: If you’re not deliberately working on your marriage, you’re automatically working on your divorce.You’ll learn how to stop the same old fights, praise small efforts to reinforce positive change, schedule what matters (yes, intimacy!), and use the compound effect to transform your relationship. Whether things are tough or “fine,” these tools help you move from okay → incredible so your kids grow up with healthy models of love.

What you’ll learn

• Raise the standard: Why “make it work” is too low a target—and how high expectations create more happiness.

• Anatomy of an argument: Resolve conflicts quickly (not fake fixes) and stop weaponizing old grievances.

• Shared vision: Practical steps to get on the same page even if personalities and goals differ.

• Reinforce progress: Praise small attempts (date night invites, thoughtful gestures) so they happen more often.

• Schedule what matters: How planning creates space for connection & intimacy—instead of constant friction.

• Compound effect: The habits you invest in today build your legacy tomorrow.

  
  

Key Takeaways

✅ If you aren’t intentionally improving your marriage, you’re unintentionally degrading it.

✅ High standards produce higher joy and better outcomes.

✅ Conflict ≠ contention—you can disagree respectfully and resolve fast.

✅ Model love for your kids by prioritizing the relationship at home.

✅ Small, consistent actions compound into an extraordinary marriage.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Marriage

02:56 From Mediocre to Extraordinary

05:53 Setting High Expectations for Marriage

08:25 Conflict Resolution in Marriage

11:51 Self-Sabotage in Relationships

16:43 Creating Mental Space for Intimacy

18:16 The Importance of Retreats for Couples

18:49 Investing in Marriage: The Compounding Effect

20:28 Breaking Generational Patterns in Relationships

22:17 Creating a Shared Vision for the Future

22:44 Raising the Standard in Marriage

24:36 The Role of Coaching in Relationship Growth

27:04 The Value of Investing in Your Marriage

Memorable Quotes

🗣 “If you’re not deliberately working on your marriage, you’re automatically working on your divorce.”

🗣 “In marriage, we get what we tolerate—so raise the standard.”

🗣 “Conflict isn’t fighting; it’s the path to real resolution.”

🗣 “Praise small efforts. That’s how you get more of them.”

🗣 “Extraordinary isn’t accidental—it’s intentional and consistent.”

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

• Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!

• Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

• Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner

• JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! 

• Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

• Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

Is the “nuclear family” actually traditional—or even healthy—for your kids and marriage?

In this conversation, Greg & Rachel challenge a BIG cultural myth: the nuclear family (mom + dad + kids, all on their own) isn’t historically normal—and it’s often unhealthy and lonely in today’s hyper-digital world. Instead, they unpack what families did for most of human history—intergenerational, community-based, “tribal” living—and how ordinary parents can start moving that direction without selling everything or going off-grid.

You’ll learn how to question handed-down narratives, re-design work, school, and home life, and flip the ratio so your family spends more time together than apart—building skills, wealth, and resilience as a team.

Highlights you'll hear:

• Why isolation (9–5 + separate schools + separate lives) isn’t “traditional”—it’s recent.

• How multigenerational & community living builds real support, mental health, and generational wealth.

• Simple first steps: shared meals, home projects, family business ideas, skill-building, and flexible work.

• The future of family in the age of AI: double down on what only humans do—connection, empathy, creativity.

• A practical reframe: “What would have to be true for us to live, learn, and work together more?”

  
  

If you’re tired of doing family alone, this episode shows a realistic path toward tribe-style living—whether you’re in a city apartment, suburban neighborhood, or a budding homestead. You don’t need to move tomorrow; you just need to start asking better questions today.

Key Takeaways

✅ The nuclear family is modern, not “traditional.”

✅ Community > isolation for happiness, mental health, and stability.

✅ Shared work/learning = faster maturity, marketable skills, and generational wealth.

✅ Design life on purpose: meals together, family projects, aligned work/school choices.

✅ AI future = be more human: build in-person connection and a supportive tribe.

Chapters

00:00 Questioning Conventional Family Norms

02:53 The Evolution of Family Structures

05:48 The Importance of Community and Connection

08:28 Exploring Unconventional Lifestyles

11:23 Redefining Family Dynamics

14:01 The Future of Family Life

16:35 Creating a Supportive Family Environment

19:48 Building Generational Wealth Together

22:30 Embracing Change and New Possibilities

25:12 Living Life on Your Own Terms

28:18 The Role of Technology in Family Life

31:06 Designing Your Ideal Family Life

Memorable Quotes

🗣 “Question all the narratives—especially the ones that keep your family apart.”

🗣 “The nuclear family isn’t ancient; community living is.”

🗣 “Flip the ratio: more time together, less time apart.”

🗣 “In an AI world, double down on what’s human—connection and creation.”

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

• Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!

• Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

• Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner

• JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! 

• Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

• Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

Do you feel like parenting is one constant power struggle?

The truth is, your kids don’t need more control—they need more independence. In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning share their proven “fortress framework” for raising confident kids: strong family boundaries on the outside, with freedom to choose inside.

This approach gives children the chance to practice decision-making, learn from natural consequences, and grow into responsible, respectful adults—without constant nagging, yelling, or punishments.

👉 In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why independence in children leads to long-term happiness and cooperation.

• The difference between authoritative vs. authoritarian parenting.

• How to meet physiological needs first (sleep, protein, stable blood sugar) to prevent meltdowns.

• Why teaching the “why” creates respect and lasting change.

• How to stop the tug-of-war and end daily battles around meals, bedtime, and routines.

Bottom line: Parenting doesn’t have to be this hard. When you create freedom within boundaries, your kids naturally choose responsibility, respect, and joy.

Key Takeaways

✅ Control the environment, not the child—freedom thrives inside safe boundaries.

✅ Independence in children grows through daily decision-making practice.

✅ Natural consequences are better teachers than punishments.

✅ Meet basic needs first—most misbehavior starts with hunger or fatigue.

✅ Teach the why—understanding builds respect and self-control.

✅ Stop tug-of-wars: kids resist less when you stop pushing.

✅ Let kids make small mistakes early to avoid big mistakes later.

✅ Respect is mutual: kids rise to the level of respect they’re given.

✅ Authoritative parenting = firm rules, warm guidance, steady teaching.

✅ The natural state of kids is happiness when independence is respected.

Memorable Quotes

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges

01:05 Understanding Nuances in Parenting

03:02 The Importance of Control vs. Freedom

06:23 Creating a Safe Environment for Independence

08:16 Teaching Decision-Making Skills

10:09 Learning Through Experience

13:26 Respecting Autonomy in Parenting

15:52 Understanding Authority in Parenting

18:26 The Importance of Mutual Respect

20:12 Identifying the Natural State of Children

21:11 The Role of Environment in Child Well-being

21:45 Creating a Fortress of Safety

24:19 Rethinking Meal Times and Food Control

25:51 The Impact of Control on Family Dynamics

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

• Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!

• Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

• Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner

• JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! 

• Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

• Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

Are you exhausted from trying to do all the right things—but still feel like your family life isn’t extraordinary?

You’re not alone. 

Many parents work tirelessly to manage schedules, teach principles, read parenting books, pray, practice gratitude, and still feel burnt out, disconnected, and frustrated.

In this episode, Greg and Rachel Denning unpack a heartfelt question from a listener who has been “doing it all” since 2020—yet still feels stuck. Together, they reveal why doing more isn’t the solution and why misaligned priorities, half-hearted effort, and misplaced energy may be keeping you from the extraordinary life you crave.

👉 You’ll learn:

• Why trying is not the same as doing (and why results don’t come from effort alone).

• The secret to shifting from dread and obligation to joy and fulfillment in daily family life.

• How to know when your priorities are out of alignment—even when you think you’re focused on the right things.

• Why gratitude, surrender, and modeling are the most powerful ways to influence your family.

• The “two-sided coin” of success: working hard while also letting go and allowing flow.

  
  

This conversation will challenge you to stop tolerating mediocrity, celebrate your progress, and focus with intention on the things that truly matter most—your health, your marriage, your joy, and your family.

✨ If you’ve been wondering, “Why am I still not living the extraordinary family life I want?”—this episode will give you clarity and courage to finally change.

Key Takeaways

✅  Trying ≠ Doing. Real change only comes when you follow through consistently.

✅  Model first: your kids and spouse will follow your example more than your words.

✅  Gratitude & surrender shift your energy and attract more of what you want.

✅  Your priorities are the proof—if you dread “good” things, something’s off.

✅  Success is holistic: you can’t win at work but lose at home and call it extraordinary.

✅  Do less, but better—focus on the few things that bring real results and joy.

Memorable Quotes

00:00 Introduction to Holistic Success

03:38 The Struggle for Balance in Life

06:31 The Importance of Prioritizing Relationships

09:30 The Role of Modeling in Family Dynamics

12:08 Navigating Challenges in Parenting

15:09 The Complexity of Emotional Needs

17:54 The Power of Gratitude and Positive Focus

21:05 Recognizing Progress and Direction

23:55 Celebrating Small Wins

26:32 The Journey Towards Extraordinary Family Life

41:32 Prioritizing Pleasure in Relationships

46:54 The Importance of Personal Health and Ownership

53:50 Leading by Example: The Power of Personal Change

59:43 Finding Joy in the Journey

01:06:40 The Balance of Doing and Allowing

01:16:05 Clarity and Intuition in Action

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

• Don’t miss out on the Extraordinary Parent Mentoring Method class!

• Get Rachel's ⁠⁠Family Systems & Charts⁠⁠

• Get Rachel’s Extraordinary Family Life Planner

• JOIN GREG'S 90-DAY HEALTH & FITNESS CHALLENGE! 

• Join the Formidable Family Man Masterclass and Tribe

• Gather with us at the ⁠World School Family (Beach & Farm) Resort⁠ in Portugal

Do you ever feel so overwhelmed by a big goal that you back away and settle for “safe”?

Here’s the truth: in order to succeed, you have to fail more. And you’ll have problems either way—so why not live an awesome life? In this episode, Rachel & Greg break down the mindset and method they’ve used for 23+ years to make bold decisions, face fear, and move forward even when it’s scary.

You’ll learn how to:

• Flip fear from a stop sign into a signal you’re on the right path

• Use the “exchange rate” test to decide if a dream is worth the price

• Shrink overwhelm with step-by-step moves (exposure in bite-sized reps)

• See how obstacles transform you into the person who can live your dream

• Adopt the mantra: “I’ll either find a way—or I’ll make one.”

  
  

Bottom line: your fears aren’t facts. When you face them strategically, the “impossible” becomes doable—and your life expands.

Key Takeaways

✅ Overwhelm means growth is near, not that you should quit.

✅ Problems are guaranteed; choose the ones that lead to an extraordinary life.

✅ Exposure beats avoidance: tiny reps dissolve massive fears.

✅ Decide by “exchange rate”: is the cost (work/problems) worth the outcome?

✅ Identity shift: obstacles forge the person who can hold the life you want.

Chapters

00:00 Embracing the Sun: A Controversial Perspective

01:09 The Catalyst for Extraordinary Living

02:26 Overcoming Overwhelm: The Decision to Act

04:17 Facing Challenges: The Path to Growth

06:10 The Irony of Fear: Choosing a Boring Life

08:39 Transforming Fear into Opportunity

11:18 Breaking Through Barriers: The Edge of Comfort

13:45 Processing Fear: A Journey of Growth

15:29 The Power of Facing Fears

20:41 The Importance of Awareness in Overcoming Fear

24:05 Living Beyond Limits: The Flea Analogy

Memorable Quotes

🗣 “In order to succeed, you have to fail more.”

🗣 “Either way you have problems—so why not live an awesome life?”

🗣 “That ‘overwhelm’ is often the doorway—not a dead end.”

🗣 “I’ll either find a way or I’ll make one.”

🗣 “Obstacles transform you into the person who can live the dream.”

🗣 “Why would anyone choose to live a boring life?”

RESOURCES:

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