“Being apathetic is a choice.”

In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with John R. Miles, founder of the Passion Struck podcast and a former U.S. Navy officer turned intentional living strategist, to explore how to break free from autopilot and design a life that truly matters.

John shares how to reconnect with your purpose, reclaim your identity, and challenge the habits that keep you stuck, starting with one powerful decision at a time.

🎯 In this episode, we explore:

– What it means to live with intention

– Why distraction is the greatest threat to your future

– How to build daily momentum through meaningful action

– The psychology of your “reverse bucket list”

– How to stop reacting and start designing your life

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✓ How to shift from passive to passionate living

✓ Tools to become an “action creator” instead of a bystander

✓ The power of making aligned micro-choices

✓ Why it’s never too late to start again

✓ How to stop micromanaging others and yourself

🧠 Who is John R. Miles?

John is the host of the Passion Struck Podcast (ranked Top 10 globally), a keynote speaker, veteran, and personal transformation expert. With millions of downloads and high-profile guests like Jamie Kern Lima and Gary Vee, his work empowers individuals to bridge the gap between intention and action.

📚 Explore his brand-new book Passion Struck on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Struck-Powerful-Principles-Intentional/dp/B0C8G5R5FZ

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to John R. Miles

02:34 – What it really means to live with intention

06:47 – Why most people live on autopilot (and how to break free)

09:55 – The role of self-awareness in designing your life

12:48 – What is a reverse bucket list — and why it matters

15:33 – How to stop micromanaging yourself and others

18:02 – Becoming an “action creator” and building momentum

22:21 – Letting go of the need to prove yourself

25:10 – Creating habits that support identity shifts

28:44 – John’s message to his younger self

31:10 – Final challenge: Start living like you matter

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