Living Your Best Life Now – Lessons from Joel Osteen and My Journey

One book that profoundly shaped my approach to personal development is about living Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. His timeless principles echo themes of transformation, resilience, and faith—the lessons at the heart of entrepreneurial growth, leadership, and personal breakthroughs. This review isn’t just about the book; it’s about how its lessons intersected with my life challenges and successes and how you can apply them to living your best life now.

Living Your Best Life Now: My Firsthand Lessons

Welcome! I’m Ryan Zofay. Reflecting on my journey from a troubled past to becoming a successful businessman and personal development expert, I am reminded of the profound impact that mindset coaching and personal growth have had on my life. My story, as chronicled in my book, “An Unlikely Businessman,” is one of overcoming adversity and achieving success against all odds. I have always been inspired by Joel Osteen’s book, “Your Best Life Now,” which emphasizes the importance of living a life with found passion, purpose, joy, and fulfillment. I applied these concepts to transform my life and, even today, continue to unlock my full potential.

How I’m Living My Best Life Now: My Transformation Journey From Drug Dependent High School Dropout, Homelessness to Hope and Multimillionaire Businessman Mentor

Living Your Best Life Now: Go Beyond Joel Osteen via My Transformational Journey

Hey everyone, it’s Ryan Zofay here. Today, I want to share my journey of transformation—from being a drug-dependent high school dropout and experiencing homelessness to becoming a multimillionaire businessman, mentor, and founder of We Level Up treatment centers. Along the way, I discovered the power of living your best life now, a concept deeply rooted in personal development and inspired by Joel Osteen’s teachings.

I’ll share my story, how I applied the principles from Joel Osteen’s book Your Best Life Now, and how these lessons helped me unlock success in life and business. This is for you whether you’re struggling, stuck, or looking to elevate your life.

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My Story: From Rock Bottom to Rising Through Purpose & Passion

I wasn’t always where I am today. Poor choices, addiction, and a lack of direction marked my early years. I dropped out of high school, became dependent on drugs, and eventually found myself homeless. It was a dark time and a turning point that forced me to confront my reality and change.

I realized that living your best life now requires taking responsibility for your actions and committing to personal growth. That’s when I discovered Joel Osteen’s book for living Your Best Life Now. Its message of hope, faith, and self-improvement resonated deeply with me, and I began applying its principles to my life.

Growing up, my life was marked by significant challenges. I faced a tumultuous childhood, struggled with drug addiction, and even experienced homelessness. However, during these darkest moments, I discovered the power of resilience and the importance of seeking help. With the support of mentors like Tony Robbins and a deep commitment to personal development training and continuous improvement and learning, I began to rebuild my life.

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Applying LivingYour Best Life Now to My Life and Business

Joel Osteen’s living Your Best Life Now writing isn’t just a book; it’s a blueprint for transformation. Here’s how I used its lessons to rebuild my life and achieve success:

1. Enlarge Your Vision

Joel Osteen teaches that living your best life now, requires us to dream bigger and believe in the possibilities. When I started my journey, I had to shift my mindset from survival to growth. I began envisioning a life of purpose, success, and impact.

Living a life with purpose is a central theme in living Your Best Life Now. I found my purpose in helping others achieve their potential, which led me to establish We Level Up, a company dedicated to addiction recovery and mental health support. Learn about establishing your standards for success to drive towards your goals.

• My Application: I set audacious goals, like becoming a successful entrepreneur and helping others overcome addiction. This vision fueled my determination and guided my decisions. Find helpful tips on becoming a millionaire or begin with a positive day through best mindfulness practices and 5-minute morning meditation routines.

2. Develop a Healthy Self-Image

Self-doubt and negative self-talk can hold you back. Joel Osteen emphasizes the importance of seeing yourself as God sees you—worthy, capable, and full of potential.

• My Application: I worked on rebuilding my self-esteem through affirmations, therapy, and surrounding myself with positive influences. This newfound confidence was crucial in launching my coaching business and founding We Level Up treatment centers.

3. Discover the Power of Your Thoughts and Words

Your thoughts and words shape your reality. Joel Osteen encourages us to speak life into our circumstances and focus on positive outcomes.

• My Application: I replaced negative self-talk with empowering affirmations. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” I started saying, “I will.” This shift in mindset helped me overcome obstacles and stay focused on my goals.

4. Let Go of the Past

Holding onto past mistakes and failures can prevent you from moving forward. Joel Osteen teaches that forgiveness and letting go are essential for growth.

• My Application: I forgave myself for my past mistakes and used them as lessons rather than excuses. This allowed me to move forward with clarity and purpose.

5. Find Strength Through Adversity

Challenges are inevitable, but they can also be growth opportunities. Joel Osteen reminds us that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

Here, Osteen emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even in adversity. I learned to focus on solutions rather than problems, which helped me navigate the challenges of building a business and overcoming personal struggles. Learn more about positive thinking strategies with the help of a success coach like myself.

My journey taught me the value of faith and resilience. I could persevere through difficult times and stay focused on my goals by believing in myself and my abilities. Explore how to be the change you want to see in the world.

• My Application: When faced with setbacks in my business, I leaned on my faith and resilience. Each challenge became a stepping stone to more tremendous success.

6. Live to Give

True fulfillment comes from helping others. Joel Osteen encourages us to live generously and make a positive impact. That’s why I wholeheartedly embrace a servant leadership style and ethical Sanctified Soul Business Transformation management.

• My Application: This principle inspired me to found We Level Up Treatment Centers, where we help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Giving back has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

7. Personal Growth

Osteen’s book highlights the importance of continuous learning and improvement. I dedicated myself to transformative leadership training, spending over 1,500 hours studying with mentors and attending personal development workshops. This investment in myself has been instrumental in my success as a businessman and online life coach. Discover the power of personal development for living your best life and transforming into the best version of yourself.

Joel Osteen’s book, “Your Best Life Now,” offers practical advice on living a more fulfilling life by focusing on positive thinking, faith, and personal growth. You, too, can apply some of these key lessons.

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How I Teach These Principles Today

As a personal development expert and coach, I’ve made it my mission to help others live their best life now. Through my coaching programs, keynote speeches, and online content, I share the lessons and strategies that have worked for me.

Here’s how I incorporate these principles into my teachings:

1. Personal Development

I emphasize the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. Whether through books like living Your Best Life Now or my programs, I encourage my clients to invest in their growth.

2. Leadership Qualities

Leadership starts with leading yourself. I teach my clients how to develop the mindset, habits, and skills needed to lead effectively in their personal and professional lives.

I have learned to embody compassion, resilience, and vision as a leader. My experiences have taught me the importance of creating environments that foster growth and transformation. By leading with empathy and empowering others, I have built a successful business and inspired positive change in those around me. 

3. Overcoming Adversity

I share my story to inspire others and show that no matter how difficult your circumstances, you can rise above them and achieve greatness.

4. Goal Setting and Vision

I help my clients create a clear vision for their lives and break it down into actionable steps. This process is rooted in the principles of livingYour Best Life Now.

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My Blueprint for Living Your Best Life Yet

If you’re ready to start living your best life now, here’s my blueprint for success:

1. Define Your Vision: What does living your best life look like? Write it down and make it specific.
2. Find Your Purpose: Identify what drives you and align your life with your passions. Learn about creating a purpose-driven life.
3. Set Clear Goals: Set actionable SMART goals through a personal development plan and achieve them. Learn about goal-setting strategies.
4. Work on Your Mindset: Replace self limiting beliefs with empowering positive affirmations of resilience backed by mastering your emotions and thoughts.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and cultivate a positive mindset. Discover mindfulness techniques.
6. Embrace Continuous Learning: Invest in your development to enhance your skills and knowledge. Explore personal and continuous improvement learning.
7. Take Action: Break your vision into small, actionable steps and start today.
8. Embrace Challenges: See obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn. Adapt an improvise and overcome mindset to rise above.
9. Give Back: Find ways to make a positive impact on others.

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Start Living Your Best Life Now

Living your best life now is a journey that requires commitment, resilience, and a willingness to grow. By applying the principles from “Your Best Life Now” and focusing on personal development, I have transformed my life and achieved success beyond my wildest dreams. Whether facing challenges or seeking to enhance your current situation, these strategies can help you unlock your full potential and live a life filled with purpose and joy.

Joel Osteen’s living Your Best Life Now was a game-changer for me, and it can be for you, too. No matter where you are, it’s never too late to start living your best life.

If you’re ready to take the first step, I’m here to help. Check out my accountability coaching programs and resources to start your transformation today. Your past doesn’t define your future. You have the power to create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Let’s make it happen together.

Ryan Zofay
Personal Development Expert & Founder of We Level Up Treatment Centers

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Resources

For more insights on personal development and leadership, consider these resources:

• Living Your Greatest Life
• How to Be the Change You Want to See
• Personal Development Workshops
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 Tactics for Success
• Inner World Mastery
• Dream the American Dream to Success
• Best Jobs for Career Change at 40
• Overcoming Adversity: My Story

Your best life is waiting. Let’s make it happen!

Your Best Life Now Joel Osteen​ Book Review

 I want to share my thoughts on one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read: Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. This book isn’t just a collection of motivational quotes or feel-good stories—it’s a roadmap to living a life of purpose, faith, and fulfillment. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or unsure how to move forward, this book is for you.

In this review, I’ll explain why livingYour Best Life Now is a must-read, how it transformed my life, and how you can apply its principles to start living your best life now.

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Why Living Your Best Life Now Stands Out

Joel Osteen’s Living Your Best Life Now is more than just a book; it’s a movement. With over 8 million copies sold, Osteen’s message resonates with people from all walks of life. The book is divided into seven key principles that guide you toward a life of abundance, joy, and success.

What sets this book apart is its practical, actionable advice. Osteen doesn’t just tell you to dream bigger—he shows you how. He doesn’t just encourage you to let go of the past—he gives you the tools to do it. Whether you’re looking for spiritual guidance, personal development, or a boost of motivation, Your Best Life Now delivers.

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Key Lessons from Your Best Life Now

Joel Osteen’s classic is built around seven guiding principles that help readers push beyond their limitations and cultivate a life of fulfillment and purpose.

Here are some of the most powerful lessons I took away from the book:

1. Enlarge Your Vision

Osteen teaches that to live your best life now, you must dream bigger and believe in the possibilities. He encourages readers to break free from self-imposed limitations and embrace a vision for their lives that aligns with their God-given potential.

• My Takeaway: This lesson helped me shift my mindset from survival to growth. I began setting audacious goals, like becoming a successful entrepreneur and assisting others to overcome addiction.

2. Develop a Healthy Self-Image

Your self-image shapes your reality. Osteen emphasizes the importance of seeing yourself as God sees you—worthy, capable, and full of potential.

• My Takeaway: I worked on rebuilding my self-esteem through affirmations, therapy, and surrounding myself with positive influences. This newfound confidence was crucial in launching my coaching business and founding We Level Up treatment centers.

3. Discover the Power of Your Thoughts and Words

Your thoughts and words have the power to shape your reality. Osteen encourages readers to speak life into their circumstances and focus on positive outcomes.

• My Takeaway: I replaced negative self-talk with empowering affirmations. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” I started saying, “I will.” This shift in mindset helped me overcome obstacles and stay focused on my goals.

4. Let Go of the Past

Holding onto past mistakes and failures can prevent you from moving forward. Osteen teaches that forgiveness and letting go are essential for growth.

• My Takeaway: I forgave myself for my past mistakes and used them as lessons rather than excuses. This allowed me to move forward with clarity and purpose.

5. Find Strength Through Adversity

Challenges are inevitable, but they can also be growth opportunities. Osteen reminds us that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

• My Takeaway: When faced with setbacks in my business, I leaned on my faith and resilience. Each challenge became a stepping stone to more tremendous success.

6. Live to Give

True fulfillment comes from helping others. Osteen encourages readers to live generously and make a positive impact.

• My Takeaway: This principle inspired me to found We Level Up Treatment Centers, where we help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Giving back has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

7. Choose to Be Happy

Happiness is a choice. Osteen teaches that joy isn’t dependent on external circumstances but is a decision we make every day.

My Takeaway: I learned to focus on gratitude and find joy in the present moment, even during tough times. This mindset shift has been transformative in both my personal and professional life.

It’s a call to shift your mindset and see life through the eyes of faith—cultivating hope, gratitude, and belief in new possibilities. This resonated deeply with me as I rebuilt my life after facing significant personal and professional adversities.

How I Apply Your Best Life Now Principles in My Coaching

Joel Osteen’s book contains lessons that aren’t theoretical but actionable. Each principle became a step in my personal and professional evolution.

Craft a Future self

Osteen says, “To live your best life now, you must start looking at life through the eyes of faith.” When I first embarked on building my businesses and founding We Level Up, I had to extend my vision beyond what I thought was possible. There was a time when success seemed out of reach. As a young man recovering from addiction and overcoming self-doubt, it was overwhelming to see the bigger picture. Here’s what I learned:

• Set Bold Goals: I realized that small, incremental goals kept me stagnant. It wasn’t until I dared to dream more significant that my life took its first major transformation.
• Visualize Success: I began to focus on where I wanted my business to be, not where it was. Visualizing growth empowered me to take the necessary risks to achieve it.

Discover the Power of Your Thoughts and Words

This principle was pivotal in changing how I thought about myself and led my team. When negativity consumed my thoughts, my progress faltered. With consistent effort, I replaced self-criticism with affirmations like, “I’m capable of building something extraordinary.”

For entrepreneurs and leaders, words hold power—not only for yourself but also for your employees, network, and clients. Positive Zen communication skills foster creativity, collaboration, and resilience.

Find Strength Through Adversity

Challenges, as Osteen reminds us, are opportunities in disguise. My darkest days taught me that adversity doesn’t define you—it refines you. From financial struggles to the complexities of scaling a growing business, I leaned into these trials. Here’s a practical takeaway for turning adversity into your advantage:

• Resilience Over Reaction: Train yourself to respond to adversity with introspection and strategy rather than panic.
• Adaptability = Strength: My leadership challenges highlighted one thing—adaptability is a superpower.

For more insights on building resilience, visit my guide on overcoming challenges in leadership.

Live to Give

One of Osteen’s most impactful principles is living to give. When I began dedicating time and resources to uplifting others—whether through charity, mentorship, or leadership—my life started to change in ways I couldn’t imagine. At We Level Up, giving back isn’t just a principle; it’s part of our DNA.

• Why It Works: Servant leadership shifts focus from “me” to “we,” creating stronger bonds and inspiring your team to give their best.

Choose to Be Happy (Even on the Tough Days)

Happiness is a choice rooted in mindset. Even with a packed schedule and entire organizations relying on me, I prioritize joy by practicing:

• Active gratitude
• Small, restorative rituals like meditation
• Pursuing hobbies that fuel my creativity

If you’re struggling with aligning joy and purpose, my self-improvement workshops offer powerful strategies that work for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

How LivingYour Best Life Now Inspired My Business Philosophy

Running a successful 9-figure organization demands more than leadership skills—it requires belief in something more significant. Joel Osteen’s principles echo many philosophies I now incorporate into my transformational leadership style. Here’s how:

• Transformational Leadership: Just as Osteen encourages readers to rise above limiting beliefs, I actively empower my team to push boundaries.
• Servant Leadership: Giving back isn’t just a principle—it’s a business strategy that builds trust and loyalty.

Ultimately, LivingYour Best Life Now reminds us that leadership isn’t just achieving success; it’s lifting others as you climb.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you’re an entrepreneur or business leader trying to integrate these lessons into your life, here’s how you can start:

1. Develop Self-Awareness: Honest reflection allows you to identify limiting beliefs holding you back.
2. Structure Your Vision: Take time to create clear, actionable goals. Writing these down will make them feel concrete.
3. Build Resilience: Challenges are inevitable! Start viewing them as opportunities to grow.
4. Prioritize Giving Back: Devote a portion of your time, resources, or profits to initiatives that align with your mission.

Joel Osteen’s teachings are the spiritual undercurrent helping me avoid complacency in my personal and professional life. If you’d like additional insights into building unshakable confidence as a leader, check out my post on self-esteem-building books.

Final Thoughts—and Your Next Step

As Joel Osteen says, “When you focus on being a blessing, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance.” Reflecting on living Your Best Life Now, I see each lesson as an opportunity to grow in faith, leadership, and service.

If you’re ready to read and embody these principles, there’s no better time than today. Whether striving for personal breakthroughs, business excellence, or a renewed sense of purpose, the path starts with action.

Start living Your Best Life Now by exploring free resources on ryanzofay.com or attending one of my following transformational events.

No matter where you are today, living your best life is awaits—it starts with believing it’s possible.