How to Grow as a Person (And Why It Sucks) | Johnny Crowder | TEDxEustis

In this energetic and inspiring talk, recorded at TEDxEustis 2020, Johnny Crowder details the difficulties and pitfalls of trying to grow as a person. Utilizing his personal story, Crowder reveals the ways your human brain can short circuit your attempts to improve and shares the methods and tools you can use to sustain desired changes and grow as a person.
Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor, touring musician, comedian, writer, and the founder & CEO of Cope Notes. Amidst his psychology studies at the University of Central Florida and his mental health advocacy through the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Johnny found himself touring the world with his metal band, Prison, using the stage as a platform to explore taboo topics like consent, self-harm, and sobriety. With a keen personal understanding of multiple diagnoses ranging from bipolar disorder and OCD to schizophrenia, Johnny is uniquely equipped to provide creative solutions for the pains of mental illness and treatment with levity and wit. Whether at home or touring, Johnny's Cope Notes is an innovative mobile health platform that uses text messages to improve the mental and emotional wellness of users all over the globe. Along with his ministries, Johnny nerds out about exercise science, fingerstyle guitar, and, surprisingly enough, sneakers. Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor, touring musician, comedian, writer, and the founder & CEO of Cope Notes. Amidst his psychology studies at the University of Central Florida and his mental health advocacy through the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Johnny found himself touring the world with his metal band, Prison, using the stage as a platform to explore taboo topics like consent, self-harm, and sobriety. With a keen personal understanding of multiple diagnoses ranging from bipolar disorder and OCD to schizophrenia, Johnny is uniquely equipped to provide creative solutions for the pains of mental illness and treatment with levity and wit. Whether at home or touring, Johnny's Cope Notes is an innovative mobile health platform that uses text messages to improve the mental and emotional wellness of users all over the globe. Along with his ministries, Johnny nerds out about exercise science, fingerstyle guitar, and, surprisingly enough, sneakers. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@surasakwichairak]

friends of mine and i were discussing the other night how the younger generations are really taking this process of healing seriously, we are so tired of the cycle of suffering we have endured, our parents, their parents and so on. right on johnny, keep at it. great stuff.

[@copenotes]

Amen, you are absolutely right! I think a lot of people are waking up to the fact that burying our heads in the sand just isn't sustainable long-term, we have to look at these things head-on.

[@joeignace]

Absolutely. If we can help our young people take the necessary steps, we will be making generational change

[@copenotes]

Hey, all! Johnny here - thank you so much for watching this talk and sharing your stories. If you made it all the way to the end, what's the one habit you're replacing, and what do you plan on replacing it with? I'd love to hear from you!

[@cynimonroll5388]

Habit I'm replacing - binge watching metal health/self help ted talks, nodding and agreeing and having my mind blown with sudden understanding of things I do, then immediately playing the next one and not actually physically doing anything to act on what I've learned What I plan on replacing it with - Ted talks are awesome and I'm absolutely not gonna stop the binge watching them, but I am gonna start making notes so I have a physical reminder of things I want to work on, and then when I act on them in real life I can put a tick next to them look back at on those days where I feel like I'm back at the beginning to remind myself of far I've progressed and tried :) Thank you for the talk, it was really inspiring

[@joshcosco2]

Replacing the nights out drinking with meditation and something more positive. Also curious where you got that shirt from. I’ve seen your band live and listen to your music often and you are a great inspiration.

[@samantharobinson4639]

Inspirational talk. Thank you! I'm going to work on removing toxic people from my life and invest in more yoga and mindfulness. I'm also going to talk about myself, to myself much nicer and positive 😜

[@jadaiswhatimcalled]

I’m working on not getting defensive when someone tries to help me. I’m so used to be ready to defend myself and say why I did something, that even when I don’t have to, I still feel I should. What I’m replacing it with telling myself that that is not the case and this person is trying to help. I immediately tell myself they’re NOT attacking you, they are trying to understand you. They are trying to help you realize something. This is tough, I’ve been doing this for well over 20 years... I’m struggling every day.

[@inMikado]

To continue growing as a listener. The habit is that I have so many things going on with my startup and life that I'm not always present in a conversation. So I need to improve on the mantra of, "Be where your feet are."

[@stinklkb]

Him and the band he’s in is the reason I’m still alive and working on my mental health today

[@shift307]

This^

[@blueredcross]

Actually you're the reason, he just helped the process :)

[@Walmartshoez]

I’ve talked with Johnny after a couple of his shows. When he was with dark sermon and in prison. He’s an awesome, humble, and compassionate human being. His bands, his talks, his interviews, and his art have helped me tremendously

[@noaholiverauthentic]

cool, want to hear his music now!

[@giovanni-is-here]

Thats very cool!

[@glennhamilton3rd]

this is definitely a sign. needed this

[@phyllismknapp6038]

haha what you giving up?

[@Notthefootykevinrooney]

was the sign stop - go or yield?

[@just-4-meImworthit]

Hey I agree with Gkenn, no mocking okay!

[@colincampbell5068]

LOL love the replies

[@jessettucker]

haha this is turning out to be your biggest regret Glenn?

[@kayludes]

I met Johnny on World Mental Health day, after a show he did in Ohio. I had just been released from the hospital after a suicide attempt. Hearing his music, hearing his words, feeling that support.. hearing the music and the lyrics that hit me and seemed to understand me, has helped me continue to be here and exist today. Thank you Johnny, for all you’ve done.

[@copenotes]

I remember this day! So happy we met at the exact moment we did, and so happy to hear that you're still alive. Thank YOU for reminding me of the importance of advocacy and living to tell your story!

[@Damngoodchicken_]

@@copenotes sup. You single?

[@camilllaaa01]

Johnny I sat next to you as an intern a few years back. It's so incredible to see how much you're helping people, and all you've accomplished. I loved your TED talk, thank you for all you do!

[@copenotes]

So cool to hear from you again Camila! I was actually working on the Cope Notes logo on my lunch break at Schifino Lee, and I launched the website about 6-7 months before I left the agency. Definitely learned a lot in that setting. So glad we crossed paths!

[@ninamenes]

These are fabulous tools to tackle dis-ease within ourselves.

[@darkclouds3320]

Thanks Nina, saw it now.

[@haleeisener]

agree they are, good link to send.

[@theandreroseisme]

bout time someone started offering some real help tbh

[@darkclouds3320]

@@theandreroseisme cool

[@rubylcharlotte]

great Nina!

[@hannahtarek7974]

You're amazing, you remind me of my favorite professors

[@copenotes]

Thank you so much for listening, Hannah! Who's the professor? What were they like?

[@grazynaparadowska1306]

Mental health is the hot topic these days and for right reason. Sharing coping tools is how we get by I think!

[@copenotes]

I've been doing advocacy for over 10 years now, and it's been really interesting to see the conversation slowly shift from "quick overnight cures" to "coping and resilience." We can run and wish away the hardships of life all we want, but at some point, we have to face the music and admit that learning to remain strong and grow in the right direction is probably more realistic than trying to avoid the hard stuff altogether.

[@damianreed1959]

@@copenotes And you're most definitely apart of the reason we are moving in that direction Johnny, good work!

[@geenaremsby]

@@copenotes keep at it you are great!

[@erika-cheung]

I am going to now...

[@geenaremsby]

@@erika-cheung cool

[@IAmScoobeyDamIt]

Every one is struggling. EV-ERY-ONE. We aren’t alone in our human condition and the world is designed to deny who we are for the sake of the perception of others. Congruent talks like this are changing that way of thinking.

[@jovitasardens207]

Gone are the days of sweeping anything under the rug, we must face it now.

[@aliyahrhodes]

They really are. So grateful for these masks to come off and for healing to prevail.

[@copenotes]

Amen! Thank you for watching this - that's one of my main goals with advocacy, simply to change the way we think about the "exclusivity" of mental health. I once heard a statistic that 5 in 5 people live with mental health, which is totally true since we all have a brain. Love that.

[@tshaurich]

There is a wonderful rhetoric these days that it is normal and healthy to be in therapy. What isn’t said is that being in therapy doesn’t mean you are better or fixed or flourishing. It is a small part of the journey and a therapist is a sounding board, not a cure. We need to open this conversation up beyond the start points.

[@julestrescott]

Woe so true and thanks for firing this off to me!

[@dakjussord821]

Wow, thanks

[@valenciaponomarenco]

love this, really do TU

[@tshaurich]

@@valenciaponomarenco thank you

[@tylerkmorris]

agree, very true.

[@gracefairbank]

Coping is all we have at the end of the day!

[@copenotes]

Yes, and the relief that comes with knowing that other people have been through similar hardships, so even though we may feel alone at times, we're not the only ones ❤

[@grantrylan]

Finally! Somebody told it. Growth needs a lot of time! Usually, people only say do that and you get something. But nobody warns that sometimes you have to do it 10 or even 100 times! It needs time.

[@phyllismknapp6038]

agree with you Grant!

[@colincampbell5068]

True time is the key..

[@theothersideofego]

I have been fortunate enough to talk to Johnny, and he is the real deal. We all have walked with demons, many simply succumb. But this man has found ways out that work. I like him... and I like what he's doing.

[@copenotes]

Thank you for the kind words, Jonathan! Keep that head up :)

[@cool-cat-guy]

Hey JG, thanks for posting this talk, very cool!

[@janetsplace1953]

Great find Jonathan, I agree with you.

[@theothersideofego]

@@cool-cat-guy your welcome

[@theothersideofego]

@@copenotes No probs Johnny, awesome talk.

[@bradcouper]

Needed to see this today, and this isn't a play on words but my coping capabilities has been awful the past few years. Maybe it's covid maybe it's mindset, whatever it is I get this. Going to try it.

[@actionfigure2191]

I did too.

[@elviragabriele]

This one inspired me as well hey. Good stuff.

[@howiehumur]

All we can do is at least try hey.

[@bradcouper]

@@howiehumur 🤞🤞

[@bradcouper]

@@elviragabriele 👌

[@lauriemilner5180]

Took me forever to watch this, but I did and its good.

[@copenotes]

Thanks for circling back to give it a thorough watch! Glad you enjoyed it

[@tobiaskulik]

Experience versus education is always better and truer!

[@Enzo-Sardi]

And that is why I am a fan of therapists who are more f'ed up then me! they know their stuff!

[@Dylan-cu4ty]

Thank you for this talk, and thank you for the music you make. *Still alive.*

[@dannyturkin6229]

Cool Dylan, are you still okay now?

[@kristianzlee]

yes how are you Dylan?

[@raphkisento]

Hope you are still moving forward man!

[@thelamrirachid]

wow thats deep...

[@jim-chew]

Yes Man!!

[@gretaallison]

I am grateful that the narrative around process is changing. Comparing and judging ourselves never produces anything positive and every one has a unique journey, it's about time we accepted that.

[@copenotes]

Amen! The human brain is incredibly complex, and with so many variables from one life to another, comparison really is a trap.

[@maryyouson4404]

Yeah it's so much more of a holistic approach these days.

[@randipowers]

Same! So many people are scared to admit when they're not okay or need help, to me it's a sign of strength and the more people share the better we are.

[@bethshamblin]

This all hits so deeply. Life can throw some majorly unpleasant change at us - living is learning. Allowing ourselves to have our eyes, minds, and hearts opened can bring about some really beautiful change in us as people, though, if we let it. Thank you for sharing on this journey with us and for shedding light into the depths of mental health. We need more vocalization to continue breaking down barriers and stigmas. Love to all.

[@copenotes]

Thank you for listening and sharing, Beth! You're absolutely right, living is learning. At least we have some say in WHAT we learn!

[@janetsplace1953]

The mind can be so dangerous when it runs rampant and crazy, what a good young man, this talk is very important and should be seen.

[@chesterwatson2387]

Yeah this was real refreshing to see I must say.

[@rubyguil4622]

Thanks for sending Janet

[@janetsplace1953]

@@rubyguil4622 welcome

[@janetsplace1953]

@@chesterwatson2387 you are welcome

[@skyec8562]

he's a legend. the more people we have talking out loud about this stuff the better it will be for all of us long term.

[@o.t.2473]

I am still angry, negative, depressed and detached from reality. While watching this video a lot of the time I was thinking about how I would wear that cross upside down. I REALLY need to grow. Hopefully videos like this and continuation of treatment will help.

[@copenotes]

Dude, no lie, I used to tour in a band that had upside down crosses and pentagrams all over our merch! I used to wear a t-shirt that said "negative outlooks" on it - I was absolutely consumed with negativity, spite, doubt, frustration, anger... I'm only telling this to remind you that things absolutely can change, and so can people. Progress may feel slow, but I can't even begin to describe how "worth it" it is. Please stick with it - I promise you won't regret it! Set a calendar reminder on your phone to come back to this comment a year from today and let me know about all the growth you've experienced after 365 more days of working towards building a healthier you. I can't wait to hear all about it.

[@o.t.2473]

@@copenotes Thanks so much! It's feeling less and less cool everyday to be so angry. I will set that reminder. Thanks again and I don't know what kind of band you were in but you rock.

[@Aeonized]

I've been looking for an answer for a while, especially during the past year. And here it is: "Self-help" is not the answer, "personal improvement" is not the answer. The answer is, cope, appreciate life, be happy that it isn't worse and stay happy with that...

[@eileendoherty2836]

Aeonized amen 🤗🤗😢😢

[@thomaspowell3rd]

Coping and growing

[@barakaobama4017]

No. You cant stay happy if you dont work for your future happiness. You need to both be happy in present and work do that you can be happy in the future.

[@keranskeckter]

I am a fiend for tedx talks, I find them to be incredibly informative... But I have never come across one like this. So raw and real, honest and actual practical tools and practices to heeeelp. I am shook! This is so good!

[@ThisIsMyGalaxy]

Dude, this one is so great.

[@WEisMEnow]

Have never seen a talk this good or this hands on ever

[@copenotes]

Thank you for the love Keran! I've been an avid listener/watcher of TEDx Talks for years, and I know how high the standard can be - really appreciate your kind words, and so glad to hear it's helping you :)

[@donaldeaston441]

Same! Practical, logical tools to help people thrive! Love it!

[@lucyholmesisme]

I am also, and this is good.

[@slavacroates]

Long term change doesn’t feel like it on day 1, and it feels even less like it on day 100. It is about accepting each day for what it is.

[@stratulatlucian8064]

very true Slava!

[@copenotes]

Yep, but you already know the cumulative effect of all those tiny steps - they really do add up, and the effort is more than worth it once you get far enough down the line to recognize how much progress you've made!

[@SuperWyattguy]

Johnny and his band is the reason why im *Still Alive* .

[@copenotes]

Don't forget to give yourself some credit! I didn't do the heavy lifting, and neither did Prison - you're the one who chose to keep living. So, so proud of you, and so happy you're still here with us

[@thezoeriley]

We need a coping note book, or calendar, with something to do to help yourself every day of the year

[@copenotes]

That's exactly what Cope Notes was designed to do! Only it's all virtual, so you can carry it in your pocket :)

[@weissrose8003]

J and his work in his band prison helped save my life. This man is a true hero and a genuine amazing dude. Much love to J and to anyone struggling.

[@copenotes]

Thank you Weiss! Got your back - love the phrase "we got you, and you got you" - might have to start using that in everyday conversation.

[@ca-it-lin-ro-ss]

wow thats amazing - very cool.

[@dotheyrock8637]

A friend sent this, watched it 4 weeks later. I like it a lot, now to watch his music!!!

[@copenotes]

Better late than never! Thanks for checking it out - as for music, I'd start with "Still Alive" or "Reality" by Prison

[@felipeecoelho]

Came for the title, stayed for the message. The message is so right. Thank you Johnny.

[@copenotes]

Glad it gripped you! I thought about changing it so many times haha. Happy to see that it's coming off the right way.

[@lizyvuen]

good link to send me!

[@raulcassanova]

@@copenotes its very good Johnny!

[@trevoramani]

Me too!

[@arnoldcintron1621]

Sadly, you are so right. Life is not a movie. There is no moment and no happy ending. I have my own long mental health rap sheet, been in and out of so many treatments after so many diagnoses. There has been no one thing that ‘cured’ me, if anything what has helped me most is accepting that there is no cure and that I don’t need ‘fixing’ because I am not broken. I have taken all of those things I have tried over all those years to create my own flags and responses so I can support me to live my life my way. I’ll probably end up back in treatment or hospital again and that is ok because I know that I can ask for help and also know when to do it. Thank you for this talk Johnny- more people need talks just like this.

[@matTveshka]

Have you found that those who function differently to you pass judgement on where you are in your life? I have found this, I am happy on my journey, learning as I go but because I am not reaching the expectations that others have for me, they do not see my growth.

[@iamnotsia]

eh spot on. no cure just coping and acceptance. godspeed i say!

[@jycintabrown]

@@iamnotsia hahaha, oh That is the truth

[@arnoldcintron1621]

@@matTveshka and you expect them to? People only remember the bad stuff.

[@rubyguil4622]

Smart talk, I am watching again and taking notes, this seems like it has merit!

[@whatmotivatesyou6449]

haha, he has notes you know!

[@gastonedupriese]

maybe on post it notes? :P

[@josiemartaine4743]

what the doctor (Johnny) ordered

[@alberteshoeinfine]

Same here, this is great stuff.

[@buddyfranks]

We live in a world of instant gratification. And there are thousands of people posting quick clips on social media saying ‘I got better, here is my 3 top tips so you can get better too’. Being human is a lifetime process, we are never ‘better’ and we are always growing. We need to embrace being human rather than a product to be marketed.

[@morefunallthetime]

ain't no happy ever after, just learning and coping hey

[@jhonusalazar]

@@morefunallthetime Hard, but fair.

[@blueredcross]

So loved this Ted talk. I'm gonna start interrupting my brain right now 💆‍♂️

[@DeathByConfetti]

This was awesome Johnny. Stoked for ya!

[@stevepresserTV]

Thank you for taking the time to share these words of wisdom. Loved the talk!

[@oilverdennison]

Wow, like... how many useful tools can you have in a talk? You make it sound easy but I know it's not. Thanks for this man, a lot of us need this right now.

[@copenotes]

You're absolutely right - it's not easy, but it IS possible. The biggest lie in the whole "self-help" and "personal development" world is that anything can happen with the flip of a switch. This kind of progress takes time, but that doesn't mean it has to feel lonely. Got your back!

[@oilverdennison]

@@copenotes yes agree Johnny!

[@vivianpatgreen]

This is so solid, love Johnny...

[@imanitruez]

Lots obviously!

[@kwalombo_ta]

I can't believe he went through all that. Inspirational 🔥🔥

[@bestnewtunes8363]

And has come out the other side so much stronger.

[@dock9]

Johnny is the absolute best.

[@angela-jb6db]

thank you so much for this talk, really needed it 💕

[@iceixkiller1748]

I love Johnny Crowder this man is so wonderful

[@JoeShawWriter]

Johnny was as amazing to see in person as he is online. Congrats on crossing this particular item off your bucket list, sir!

[@copenotes]

Thank you for being there and giving a great talk! I think about it all the time, Joe.

[@sharingon101]

Still Alive. Thank you Johnny

[@rayromanski7875]

*Still alive.*

[@jinnko3817]

"Detached from reality" is exactly how I feel now. Sometimes, I just get really tired and I haven't had my own turning point for some time now while others look all figured out. However, I just decided to take a break and find myself through personal growth. It's not easy, because I've been so negative! This video helps me a lot. More steps to go and truly do grow. This gave me a little hope :).

[@copenotes]

So glad the video helped you and gave you hope! You will never regret doing the work of stepping back and finding yourself like you described. So proud of you.

[@joeignace]

I love this vulnerability! I believe that most people try to look like they have it all together so that others don’t see how much we are really hiding underneath.

[@emilymckellar7443]

Holy heck. Im not even really sure what to say. I don't know if I've ever related to someone more. It's great to know I'm not the only one. It's so helpful to find someone who can put your thoughts into words for you even when you don't know how to put them together for yourself.

[@copenotes]

Thank you for listening, Emily! Putting this into words hasn't always been easy for me - journaling helped a lot. I'm not sure how much writing you do on a regular basis, but even 5 minutes here and there with a blank Google Doc can really help hone the ability to translate these complicated (and often frustrating) thoughts into plain English. Rooting for you!

[@rainarray2439]

Best Ted Talk I've seen ('ve watched TOO MANY). You explaining it from a POV of experience but backing it up with Data🤓...The patient became the teacher. 👏👏 Keep Changing Lives One Brain Wave at a time. peace n love Mr.Crowder👍🤟 -Sammy

[@jwolf1293]

This is amazing. So proud.

[@dustinmcm5104]

After watching your video, I'm very impressed with your explanation. Thank you.

[@annabellnikolaus3610]

Love this!

[@davidphilips4713]

Absolutely Amazing!!!

[@lloydbetances]

Kindness goes hand in hand with mindfulness, we cannot have 1 without the other.

[@bigthinking1715]

Some people just have a default of kindness I think, because I see them treat their own self terribly and that's not mindful

[@copenotes]

@@bigthinking1715 I ran into this a lot - it was no problem to treat others with kindness, but I treated myself worse than I would treat my biggest enemy. I'm still learning more about how to be a better friend to myself each and every day. Definitely a gradual process, but well worth the effort!

[@peterluptovec6183]

Excellent speech adoration dude ... The way how you' showed yourself ... Your story touches me too

[@ducienmitchell9501]

This is so great and powerful and transformative!!!!!!

[@joeignace]

Growth often is extremely difficult and a not fun process, but by going through the motions now, you will save some much pain later.

[@copenotes]

It's honestly the same as a physical workout - sweaty? Yes. Will you feel the burn? Definitely. But will you thank yourself later when your hormones are balanced, you can walk up a flight of stairs without dying, your cholesterol is normal, you sleep soundly, and you live an extra 13 years? You bet.

[@Jaquableu]

Great talk. Thank you for your time and energy. I feel your light.

[@copenotes]

I really appreciate you watching this! Hope it continues to lift you up.

[@henryichu]

I have to remind myself every day that this is a work in progress and nothing happens over night. Each day it gets easier though.

[@copenotes]

Absolutely - I have a potential counterpoint though: What if it's not getting easier every day, but you're just building skills and getting better at navigating it? 🤔 Just food for thought. Great work either way! Keep it up

[@raphkisento]

@@copenotes Well that's a great way to think of it!

[@michealdrozd]

In a time where more and more are silently suffering, I believe Johnny's talk and the tools he puts up for offer are practical, logical and actually easy to grasp for those of us who need a little help. Loved this.

[@sophiawalters6908]

I really appreciate you sending this to me Mike, seriously... This is so helpful.

[@copenotes]

Michael, thank you for the kind words, and for passing this along to Sophia! The mystique around mental health has got to go. Simplicity and practicality have been missing ingredients for long enough! So glad you enjoyed this. Much love to you.

[@rongigz]

@@copenotes "Missing ingredients" ain't that the truth Mate. You're inspiring many of man, thank you.

[@michealdrozd]

@@copenotes Well done lessons man, keep speaking!

[@CherylBooth-ec4ew]

I co-facilitate a Griefshare group. Have passed along CopeNotes info to our group. This TED talk totally relates to the lengthy invasive process of grief recovery.

[@copenotes]

Thank you for sharing this with them, and for doing the very important work you do! You are changing lives every day Cheryl. Happy to work alongside you.

[@julienewmans]

That is a long list of qualifications as far as I am concerned. Living it and sharing what has worked for you is often more than a doctor can offer. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@janetsplace1953]

So true!

[@randubrown]

So many talks about personal growth but this one is the best for me!

[@copenotes]

Glad this one stuck out to you, Randu! We appreciate you watching all the way through. If you have any other good recommendations for other talks, send them our way :)

[@marcuscv827]

Man I've been following Johnny the past 6 months through his band and recently joined Cope Notes and it's helping me so much through depression and the darkest times of my life. All I see is positive and light through what Johnny is doing. Thank you ❤️

[@copenotes]

Marcus, thank you for listening to Prison and joining Cope Notes! So happy to hear these tools, and this talk, have helped you. Never forget to take credit for the changes you're making in your own life - you're the one doing the heavy lifting!

[@user-rb8co1xc6t]

I LOVE THIS GUY ABSOLUTELY❤️💖❤️💖

[@abbyfcruz]

You are paving the way for so many who continue to feel overwhelmed and unable to take the first step. Just the post it notes idea has me thinking and wondering if that's the sort of reminders I need. Absolutely awesome stuff here.

[@copenotes]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Abby! The first step has always felt like the hardest for me, but there's a relief in that - over time, all of these efforts really do start to feel more natural. What matters more than WHERE you start is THAT you start :) good luck, and know that we got your back!

[@jacquelinehogan3313]

Something about the paper and tangible element of post its that I really like

[@keranskeckter]

@@copenotes Post it notes Johnny, I think you might have saved me from myself with post it notes!

[@ginalipkin4849]

Highlighting how things are in a real true and passionate way, I will replace my evening time keeping pattern to a healthier one and get to bed for a more realistic time so I can be ready and prepared to get up for myself. All the best to you Johnny

[@copenotes]

Yes! Love to hear it. In fact, going to bed at a decent time is even more important than waking up at the same time every day when it comes to mental and emotional health. Cleaning up those last 30 mins before bed has had a big impact on me, and I hope it does the same for you.

[@jayyo1788]

Thanks 🙏🏻 you! And bless you more l!

[@kristinkosyluk2972]

So proud to know you, Johnny! You are a wonderful person and you did a great job with this!!! ❤️

[@alexleister]

He's heaven sent.

[@orangeblob]

I really got this, it is good to see someone who has dealt with and deals with this. He is real and honest. Bless him.

[@copenotes]

Thank you mate! That's what peer support is all about - just people opening up and being honest. Bless you back

[@camilaanders3419]

Internal RAM just does its thing. Schema therapy is where I learnt a lot about the way the brain wires itself for efficiency. I often have to check myself when I have huge emotions to check if I am just using old pathways. I mean, even doing that all the time is exhausting but it gradually becomes more natural.

[@hadlieghbaxter]

Schema for the win! I am getting a lot out of this talk too, thanks Cammy

[@copenotes]

I love the idea of "internal RAM" - great visual. The checking can be hard, but you're absolutely right, it does become more of a natural process over time. The "old dogs can't learn new tricks" idea is disproven every day by neuroplasticity research... maybe they should change that to "it's a bit harder for old dogs to learn new tricks, but it can be done" haha.

[@camilaanders3419]

@@copenotes 😉

[@ThisIsMyGalaxy]

You should be so proud of yourself man, the self awareness here is seriously inspirational.

[@copenotes]

Thank you my friend! Didn't come easy, and I'll never pretend it did - all of this stuff takes time and effort, but you know it's worth it. I'll bet you're already an inspiration to someone else in your life, you just don't know it yet.

[@emmajchance]

Self-awareness can be a blessing or a curse and Johnny is definitely making it a blessing

[@pagetderosier5267]

He's incredible!

[@briannestory9750]

true

[@janets1973]

Great video! Truth about change and life instead of the sunshine and unicorns so many marketers & advertisers want us to believe.

[@copenotes]

Haha if only it were all sunshine and unicorns... Honestly, getting real about it (and hearing others do the same) has brought me way more peace than the idea that everything should already be easy!

[@WEisMEnow]

I am so keen to check out Cope Notes!

[@zackpinonet]

The hitting rock bottom analogy reminded me of things I worked on with my therapist. I have this subconscious idea of being an artist means to be ‘poor and starving’ and that I can’t be creative without suffering and drawing from negative experiences. It is an ongoing process of accepting that creativity can come from so many places and that being a ‘real’ artist doesn’t mean to be ‘poor’. Such ingrained thinking is hard to shift but day by day, I am working on changing that.

[@avajayden1729]

yes so true!

[@trevoramani]

I've seen the bottom a few times...☹️

[@lilyschmyer]

Having Johnny point out the shear amount of negative thoughts we have a day it is no wonder it's easier to draw on such experiences.

[@rachstulen]

@@lilyschmyer you sent this to me and I am so appreciative, thank you friend

[@rosecaspern]

Tortured artist syndrome is a thing

[@janecoupe9862]

You have affected many lives, including my life, in various positive ways--through music, writing, speaking and behaving. Keep growing, learning and changing. To know you is to love you. xoxo J.

[@sandycrisp4518]

He's leading by an amazing example

[@BlenderisedMind]

Johnny boy! I've been looking forward to this since you announced you were gonna do it. And man, bloody well done! Thank you for the amazing message.

[@sorinareina]

He is a legend!!!!

[@chaimaamrouche4973]

I think that this is one of my favourite Tedx for now and for sure I will try to do wut the tattooed dude said.thank you Johnny

[@sandycrisp4518]

I know a lot of people who would benefit from hearing this, sharing right away!

[@geraldemery1417]

Was I one of them? This is brilliant, I can't thank you enough.

[@jamesmansfield8769]

Thanks this was so great not even half way through! And I'm needing it - if we also purify the digestive tract and that will empower the brain/mind and the entire mind/body to work even better quite quickly!

[@jackstanger]

gut health is so important!

[@jewelweed6880]

This is all in line with what I've been thinking lately. Still, I've got a lonnnng way to go.

[@priowgirl119]

we all do. it's a never ending process

[@alicjakmusia]

That line that it is not one text that changes a life eased my mind so much. I often feel guilt that if I had of done this or said that things would be different. It is the sum of our actions that matter, not a grand gesture. I just had a bit of a moment with this line and wanted to share.

[@copenotes]

Awesome point! It seems contradictory to think that every little thing matters, but at the same time, it is the long tail if micro-decisions that ultimately shapes our personality. Both are true at the same time, and that long-term perspective makes it much easier to work through short-term hiccups.

[@juicystar1370]

Same here, it's the little things, they accumulate!

[@markserbu]

Wow, great stuff John! You've come a long way...I'm proud of you!

[@zacharyserbu1250]

hey I found you in the wild :p

[@alexia6225]

Wow,this makes more sense why whenever I want to change my brain doesn't want to and why whenever I think of negativity it becomes a habit of mine 🙏lots of love from lexi here ❤️❤️❤️ keep spreading this knowledge and will support you 🎉❤️🎉🎊 thanks ones more ❤️❤️❤️

[@copenotes]

If your brain learned how to grow comfortable and familiar with negative thoughts, it can learn to do the same with positive ones! It's just a different version of something you've already done before. I 100% believe you can do it and I can't wait to hear about the difference this makes in your life.

[@alexia6225]

@@copenotes thanks alot I'm at the gate of my school right now....i don't know if it's God's Will but i got something to push me through ❤️

[@DJJonPattrsn22]

Outstanding, so well presented… Your genuine candor & honesty really makes this personal, meaningful, poignant, inspiring and powerful. Thank you!

[@copenotes]

Thank you so much for watching and caring! I've been working on being more honest and straight-up about the hard parts rather than shying away from them or pretending it was all easy for me. I appreciate that a lot.

[@rachelmorris6351]

Fantastic TedX talk!

[@pierrept]

I appreciate the thinking behind Cope Notes. I hope those watching this are inspired by Johnny's practical ways of reminding yourself that every little step you take, counts. Cheers Johnny, keep doing what you're doing, we need this now.

[@copenotes]

Thank you, Pierre! It's very easy to lose sight of the power of a single step, but even if you're not at the peak just yet, the view from a little bit higher up the mountain is always just a touch prettier.

[@mr_svm]

Awesome...

[@justintalbot3673]

I needed this. Thank you.

[@suebakernottly]

me too!

[@kurstank1953]

Proof that there is light on the other side of rock bottom, epic stuff.

[@copenotes]

The best part is that you don't even have to hit rock bottom to see the light!

[@11ThaoNguyen11]

@@copenotes how to gain perspective without it though?

[@kurstank1953]

@@copenotes yeah true... but you might need to!

[@jasonopdebeeck4444]

@@copenotes I like this, I like this a lot

[@copenotes]

@@11ThaoNguyen11 learning from the stories of others has helped me quite a bit :) keep seeking out stories of recovery and learning vicariously through the lessons others have learned the hard way!

[@duncanboone8226]

Brilliant Johnny, just brilliant.

[@copenotes]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and learn with me, Duncan!

[@theharnessingyourpowerpodc7715]

Thank you for this talk 🙏🏽

[@fenglov9111]

I am so grateful for finding this

[@copenotes]

Thank you for watching and using your platform the way you do!

[@leoliu6063]

Great job Johnny!!!!!!!! -Leo

[@copenotes]

Thanks for watching, Leo! Hope you enjoyed it

[@mrgoober8]

Awesome video!

[@ben-basi]

There's definitely a point we all hit when it's either sink or swim. This is really nailing the swim thing.

[@mariannemortimer7724]

No kidding< I have sunk enough over the years.

[@copenotes]

@@mariannemortimer7724 I spent many years feeling like I was sinking, but learning about my brain and how I can change it has definitely allowed me to experience that "swimming" feeling I was searching for! Hope this talk serves you in that way.

[@thegutcheck]

Great talk, sometimes common sense is so valuable - best of luck with this Johnny, I really get it. I'm going to check out Cope Notes!

[@actionfigure2191]

Me too!

[@pleaseinspiremetoday]

Have you been out recently? Common sense doesn't seem to be a commonality anymore.

[@copenotes]

Go for it! So glad the talk resonated with you, and I hope you enjoy every single text you get from Cope Notes. - J

[@freyawelch285]

Jonathan, you find the coolest videos!

[@iamarchiestewart]

Definitely found this one when I needed it most. Cheers

[@copenotes]

This is the magic of your brain at work! The fact that you are interpreting this talk in a way that resonates with you is proof that your brain is powerful, and sometimes, it's even working FOR you instead of against you. I don't know you, but I'm rooting for you Archie.

[@iamarchiestewart]

@@copenotes Thanks, really well done man.

[@tarahjaiden1680]

Cope Notes sounds like one of the best things I've heard of in a LONG time.

[@helenimnotready]

RahRah, this is the best send yet you know me so well

[@sectoronetwothree]

That was fantastic.

[@coopertanner3201]

It's about time we started being real and honest about what it is to struggle and how we can take small steps every day to change our world. Brilliant work.

[@abbeylordes7918]

And Johnny is doing it so perfectly, practical and informative!

[@copenotes]

I'm saying! Pretending that we're perfect doesn't help anyone. I am happy to see more honesty around the conversation too (especially in some of these comments) - I think it's long overdue. Thanks for the kind words :)

[@theeternallowlyoutcastrn]

Love this video! One of the few times I actually registered things

[@whatmotivatesyou6449]

Me too!

[@phillipnorris3rd]

Yes I do too.

[@albertwisniewski9398]

Cope it notes is the best idea I've seen in a while.

[@phillipnorris3rd]

@@albertwisniewski9398 I looked and it is a good idea but very expensive

[@marychristmaseveryone]

@@phillipnorris3rd You can't put a price on healing!