Ryan and Tyler dive into Hal Elrod's journey, uncovering key habits, resilience strategies and business insights for success.
How Hal Elrod built a life-changing empire
From a near-fatal car accident to overcoming bankruptcy and battling cancer, Hal Elrod’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Best known as the founder of "The Miracle Morning," Hal has transformed the lives of millions by introducing a simple yet powerful morning routine. But beyond his personal development teachings, Hal has built a thriving business empire in an industry where many fail.
In this episode of "The Sidekick Life," we dive into his journey and learn how he turned rock bottom moments into stepping stones for success, and inspired a global movement.
From financial ruin to personal growth
In 2008, when the U.S. economy crashed, Hal found himself in financial turmoil. His coaching business, which had been thriving, collapsed as his clients faced their own financial struggles.
“I lost over half of my income in six months, couldn’t pay the bills, and eventually had to foreclose on my home," Hal said.
Feeling lost and depressed, Hal turned to personal development. A friend recommended a Jim Rohn audio program that introduced him to a powerful concept:
Your level of success will seldom exceed your level of personal development.
Realizing he wasn’t growing into the person capable of achieving the success he wanted, Hal made a decision. He needed a structured routine to become his best self. But instead of choosing just one personal development practice, he combined six of the most effective methods into a daily morning ritual. This would later become "The Miracle Morning."
The birth of "The Miracle Morning"
Through extensive research, Hal identified six key practices that the world’s most successful people followed:
- Silence (meditation): Calming the mind to gain clarity
- Affirmations: Reprogramming the mind with positive beliefs
- Visualization: Mentally rehearsing success
- Exercise: Boosting energy and focus
- Reading: Gaining new knowledge daily
- Scribing (journaling): Reflecting on growth and progress
Initially, it was just an experiment. But after just two months of practicing his morning routine, Hal doubled his income. Seeing the transformative effects, he began sharing "The Miracle Morning" with his coaching clients – 13 out of 14 reported life-changing results.
“That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a personal breakthrough. This could change the world," Hal said.
His wife coined the name "The Miracle Morning," and Hal decided he had a responsibility to share it with as many people as possible.
The business behind the movement
1. Self-published book to best seller: Hal took the unconventional route and self-published "The Miracle Morning" in 2012. Despite no major publishing deal, the book became a massive success, selling millions of copies in 42 languages, almost entirely through word-of-mouth. With self-publishing, he earned $7 to $9 per book, which became a reliable income stream.
2. Keynote speaking and live events: With the success of the book, Hal became a sought-after keynote speaker, commanding fees of $30,000+ per event. Before 2020, he also hosted annual live events, further expanding his reach and income.
3. "The Miracle Morning" series: Recognizing the demand for industry-specific guidance, Hal co-authored a series of books, including versions for entrepreneurs, parents and real estate professionals. These additional books brought in more revenue and cemented "The Miracle Morning" as a global movement.
4. "The Miracle Morning" app: Understanding the need for a digital tool, Hal and his team developed the app. The app consolidated all six morning practices into one platform and quickly gained popularity, becoming a top-rated app with a 4.9-star rating.
“People were using multiple apps to complete 'The Miracle Morning.' We created one that does it all," Hal said.
5. Private coaching and mastermind programs: Hal also offers premium coaching programs, providing hands-on guidance for those looking to maximize their personal and professional growth.
Overcoming life’s biggest challenges: Cancer diagnosis and recovery
Just when life was at its peak, Hal faced another challenge. In 2016, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, given only a 20-30% chance of survival.
Instead of surrendering, Hal approached his illness with the same mindset that fueled his previous success:
- Taking 100% responsibility: Rather than relying solely on doctors, he incorporated holistic healing methods alongside chemotherapy.
- Applying "The Miracle Morning": He visualized healing, affirmed his survival and stayed physically and mentally strong.
- Focusing on gratitude: Rather than dwelling on fear, he found gratitude in every moment.
His dedication paid off. He beat cancer and came out stronger than ever.
“I Googled, read books, researched everything on how to beat cancer. My 'Miracle Morning' routine saved my life," Hal said.
Lessons from Hal’s journey
Hal’s story offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone striving for success:
✅ Consistency and commitment win: The success of "The Miracle Morning" was not an overnight phenomenon, it was built through relentless consistency and dedication.
✅ Multiple income streams provide security: After experiencing financial collapse in 2008, Hal diversified his income to avoid future instability.
✅ A powerful morning routine can change everything: Your morning sets the tone for your entire day, structure it for success.
✅ Challenges are opportunities: Every setback Hal faced became a catalyst for his next breakthrough.
Living life on his terms
Today, Hal’s business is structured around his life – not the other way around. He starts his day with "The Miracle Morning," works only between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and prioritizes family time. He even takes summers off to spend quality time with his kids.
“I designed my business to support my life – not to consume it," Hal said.
Who does Hal serve?
Hal’s mission is to serve anyone who knows they are capable of more but doesn’t know how to bridge the gap between potential and success.
"The Miracle Morning" is for those ready to take ownership of their lives and become the best version of themselves.
His journey is proof that with the right mindset, consistent action and an unwavering belief in oneself, it’s possible to turn adversity into advantage and build a life of true freedom.
