Curtis Morley is an author, coach, speaker, and “emotionologist” who has been an entrepreneur for most of his life. He is the author of The Entrepreneur’s Paradox, a Wall Street Journal bestseller. He also has a forthcoming book titled Counterfeit Emotions. His work focuses on helping people, including entrepreneurs, with personal development and growth. He has founded multiple companies and worked with many Fortune 100 businesses. He has also been recognized with awards such as Entrepreneur of the Year and has been included in the Inc. 500/5000 Hall of Fame.

Morley’s work and speaking engagements often center on the concept of “counterfeit emotions”—feelings that may seem authentic but can lead to destructive cycles of disconnection. He has developed a framework to help people identify and replace these emotions with authentic ones to live a more fulfilling life.

Links

The Entrepreneur’s Paradox: How to Overcome the 16 Pitfalls Along the Startup Journey

CounterfeitEmotions.com/recovery

RecoveryNotSobriety.com

Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community

Highlights

Curtis focuses on the myths surrounding pornography addiction. The discussion emphasizes the distinction between sobriety and recovery, exploring how understanding emotions can lead to more effective healing.

Key Insights

Sobriety vs. Recovery: Sobriety measures how long one can abstain from pornography, while recovery focuses on understanding and processing underlying emotions. True recovery involves addressing the root causes rather than merely avoiding the behavior.

Myth of Willpower: Overcoming pornography addiction is not solely about willpower. Many individuals struggle with deeper emotional issues that drive their behaviors, making it essential to address these emotions rather than just the actions.

Shame vs. Guilt: Guilt can be a motivating emotion that encourages individuals to make amends, while shame leads to disconnection and despair. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective recovery.

Connection and Community: Building connections and fostering community can significantly aid recovery. Isolation often exacerbates addiction, while supportive relationships can provide the necessary encouragement and accountability.

The Importance of Processing Emotions: Curtis introduces the “whole” method for processing emotions, which includes witnessing emotions, harmonizing through breathing, opening the mind to triggers, leading one’s life, and editing the meaning of past experiences.

Leadership Applications

Creating Safe Spaces: Latter-day Saint leaders can foster environments where individuals feel safe to discuss their struggles with pornography and other issues without fear of judgment, encouraging open dialogue.

Focus on Emotional Health: Leaders should prioritize understanding the emotional triggers behind behaviors rather than just addressing the behaviors themselves. This approach can lead to more meaningful support and healing.

Encouraging Community Support: Leaders can facilitate peer support groups or mentorship programs that promote connection among members, helping individuals feel less isolated in their struggles and more empowered in their recovery journey.

00:02:15 – Understanding Sobriety vs. Recovery

00:06:49 – The Difference Between Sobriety and Recovery

00:09:06 – Emotional Triggers and Leadership

00:10:08 – The Myth of Sobriety

00:12:12 – Transformational Recovery

00:13:27 – Sobriety is Miserable, Recovery is Peaceful

00:15:02 – Taking Your Demons to Lunch

00:18:08 – Addiction to Shame

00:19:09 – Addressing the Root Causes

00:20:21 – The Loop of Shame and Addiction

00:22:36 – Guilt vs. Shame

00:24:06 – Identifying and Surfacing Demons

00:26:44 – The Importance of Connection

00:29:34 – The Role of Community in Recovery

00:30:17 – The Whole Method Explained

00:36:21 – Overview of the Myths

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