Pre-Programmed? Do You Believe You Are?

In this episode of Champion Reads, hosts and executive producers Jon Kovach Jr. and Ian Stermer dive into Aldous Huxley’s classic, Brave New World, and explore a powerful question: Are we really thinking for ourselves—or have we been pre-programmed by society to think the way we do?

Jon and Ian unpack themes of conditioning, control, comfort, and conformity, drawing parallels between Huxley’s dystopian world and our modern reality. From media influence to cultural expectations and social norms, they challenge you to examine where your beliefs come from—and what it truly means to choose your own thoughts.

Tune in, reflect deeply, and ask yourself: How much of “you” is really you?

In this episode of Champion Reads, hosts and executive producers Jon Kovach Jr. and Ian Stermer dive into Spencer Johnson, M.D.’s timeless classic, Who Moved My Cheese?—but with a twist. They explore the deeper question behind the story: Was it worth it? Was the chase, the struggle, the fear, and the change actually worth what we were pursuing all along?

Jon and Ian unpack the “maze of illusion” we often find ourselves in—careers, relationships, goals, and identities that may have been built on comfort, fear, or other people’s expectations. Through honest reflection and practical insights, they challenge you to examine: Are you clinging to old cheese? Avoiding necessary change? Or courageously stepping into the unknown?

Tune in to reflect on your own journey and ask yourself: What cheese am I chasing—and is it really worth it?

In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake and Jon Kovach Jr. dive into Habit 1 from Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Be Proactive.This principle flips the script on how most people live. Instead of reacting to circumstances, emotions, or other people, proactive individuals take full ownership of their choices, their attitude, and their results.💡 Key Ideas Covered:🔥 Responsibility = Response-AbilityBeing proactive means recognizing you always have the ability to choose your response. You may not control everything that happens—but you control what you do with it.🚫 Reactive vs. Proactive LanguageReactive people say: “I can’t,” “They make me so mad,” “There’s nothing I can do.”Proactive people say: “I choose,” “I will,” “I’m responsible.”🌱 The Circle of InfluenceInstead of worrying about everything outside your control, focus on your circle of influence—the areas where your choices can make a difference. As you act within that circle, it expands.👊 Owning Your ActionsWillie and Jon share personal stories where they had to step up, take ownership, and stop blaming external factors. Proactivity is the starting point of leadership.💬 Proactivity Is FreedomWhen you own your life, no one else holds the steering wheel. Proactive choices build confidence, discipline, and momentum.🎤 Why It Hits Different:This isn’t just self-help talk—it’s a daily challenge. Being proactive is about refusing to let excuses or outside forces dictate your life. It’s about becoming the author of your own story.🏁 Final Takeaway:Champions don’t wait for perfect conditions. They take ownership, take action, and create the conditions for success. Be proactive. Own your choices. Live your life on purpose.🎧 Subscribe to Champion Reads for honest, high-level conversations that turn powerful books into action-ready wisdom.🌐 Learn more and join the Champion Circle at: https://www.mychampioncircle.com#ChampionReads #7Habits #StephenRCovey #BeProactive #Responsibility #Leadership