In this episode, Mike shares his unique career journey, from his start as a radio DJ to becoming an award-winning speaker and content creator. We dive into how embracing curiosity and play can open doors to personal and professional breakthroughs, and how Mike’s passion for connecting with others has shaped his journey. He also reflects on the dynamics of family businesses, his insights from decades in franchising, and how systems like Sandler Training can empower entrepreneurs to achieve success while creating generational wealth.
Lessons from Mike Montague on the Conquer The Mind Podcast
Yes, even as adults. We can pay the bills, navigate the challenges of our careers, and still build lives filled with joy and playfulness. Mike recently shared his wisdom on the Conquer The Mind podcast, diving deep into the lessons he’s learned about careers, success, and the playful power of curiosity. Spoiler alert: It’s not all hustle and grind.
Here’s the biggest takeaway: Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or beyond, you can find purpose, fulfillment, and even financial success by embracing the playful side of life. Let’s break it down.
1. Start Small, Embrace Growth
Mike’s career began in a unique intersection of creativity and curiosity. As a kid, he learned to program computers when most people didn’t even have one in their home. Later, he dabbled in entertainment as a DJ, hosted karaoke, designed websites, and even got fired by Billy Idol. (Yes, that Billy Idol.)
What stands out isn’t just the variety of his experiences—it’s how he approached them. Mike followed this simple rule: never turn down an opportunity to learn or grow. Whether he was DJing for 12 people in a smoky bar or hosting a podcast with millions of downloads, each step taught him something that built his future.
Playful Lesson: You don’t need a perfect plan to start. Stop waiting for all the traffic lights to turn green and just go. Every experience—big or small—is a chance to level up your life skills.
2. Curiosity is Your Superpower
Mike emphasizes that success is fueled by a childlike sense of curiosity. When asked how he managed to learn so many skills—from public speaking to podcasting—he credited relentless exploration. As a lifelong learner, he not only read books and listened to mentors, but he also actively sought out new ways to apply those lessons in real life.
Curiosity isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the magic ingredient that makes you “unemployable” in the best way possible. By stacking your skills (e.g., learning sales, tech, communication), you can create endless opportunities for yourself. Even when one door closes, you’ll always have another one to walk through.
Playful Challenge: What’s one new skill you’ve been curious about? Set aside 15 minutes a day this week to start exploring it. It could be cooking, graphic design, or just learning how to tell better jokes. (You know the world needs more humor!)
The Myth of Hustle and Why Play Matters
Mike calls out the cultural obsession with hustle, grind, and burnout. Yes, you have to work hard to succeed, but working smart includes making time for play. Play is not just the opposite of work; it’s the secret sauce that makes work more productive, creative, and fulfilling. Think of it as the fun uncle of work—it hangs out on the sidelines, but its energy makes everything better.
Whether it’s hosting game shows, trying out karaoke, or simply experimenting with a new hobby, play has the power to energize us, spark creativity, and even teach us valuable life lessons. It’s not lazy or frivolous—it’s necessary.
Playful Tip: Find time to inject “micro-play” into your day. Dance to your favorite song, doodle during meetings, or take a walk and brainstorm ideas. These playful moments can recharge your mind and body.
The Five P’s of Life: A Blueprint for Balance
One of Mike’s standout concepts is his framework for balancing work and life through the “Five P’s”:
- Perform: Do the work that pays the bills and gets results.
- Practice: Set aside time to learn, grow, and improve your skills.
- Pause: Rest and recover. Recharge your physical and mental batteries.
- Ponder: Reflect on what’s working (and what isn’t) in your life.
- Play: Engage in activities that bring you pure joy.
Life is about finding a rhythm between these P’s. It’s not always perfectly balanced—some days you’ll need to perform more, while others might call for a pause or some well-deserved play. The key is checking in with yourself regularly to see where you’re out of alignment.
Playful Challenge: This week, pick one P you’re currently neglecting and focus on it. Haven’t played in a while? Do something that feels silly but fun. Need time to ponder? Journal about your goals or take a quiet walk to think.
Stop Searching for Your “What.” Focus on Your “How.”
Mike shared a life-changing insight: People waste too much time asking “What do I want to do?” instead of “How do I want to be?” The question of “how” shifts the focus from a specific job title or career path to the kind of person you want to become.
For example:
- Do you want to be creative, fun, and outgoing? Then find roles or hobbies that let you express those traits.
- Do you value connection and helping others? Focus on careers or activities that foster those interactions.
When you’re guided by your “how,” life becomes more about the journey than the destination—and you can make pivots without feeling like you’ve failed.
Playful Reflection: Write down three words that describe how you want to live your life. Then, brainstorm small changes you can make to bring those words into your daily routine.
Play is the Shortcut to Success
Mike also reminds us that play isn’t just for kids or weekends—it can be a powerful tool for career success. In his own life, playful pursuits like podcasting and hosting game shows have taught him lessons about branding, networking, and public speaking that directly benefited his career.
Play is where creativity, growth, and fulfillment intersect. It’s where you meet people, try new things, and stumble upon opportunities you never expected. Athletes, entertainers, and even top entrepreneurs know this secret: Play your way to success.
Let’s Get Playful!
Feeling inspired? Here’s a three-step challenge to help you embrace the lessons Mike shared:
- Take the Quiz: Visit playfulhumans.com/quiz to discover your play personality. Are you a jokester, a problem solver, or a party host?
- Pick a Play Activity: Choose one playful activity to add to your week. Whether it’s hosting a karaoke night, starting a passion project, or simply spending time laughing with friends, make space for joy.
- Check In Daily: Reflect on Mike’s Five P’s. Are you neglecting one? Write down a small action you can take to restore balance.
Remember, life doesn’t have to be all grind and no fun. By leaning into curiosity, stacking your skills, and balancing work with play, you can build a life that’s not just successful—but joyful, too.
So, what’s your next playful move? Tell us in the comments or share this blog with someone who needs a little more fun in their life!
