How vulnerability led Terry Crews to true power

Terry Crews is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. From his challenging upbringing in Flint, Michigan, to his journey through the NFL, Hollywood and personal struggles, Crews has continually evolved. In his memoir Tough: My Journey to True Power, Crews reveals a new layer of himself: his vulnerability. Rather than seeing it as a weakness, Crews sees vulnerability as a key to unlocking personal growth, authentic power, and true happiness.

In a culture where strength is often equated with stoicism, Terry Crews embraces vulnerability. Crews’ openness about his personal battles, including his addiction to pornography and the near-collapse of his marriage, is a testament to his courage. In the podcast, Crews explains why she shared these experiences in her book, saying, “Most men feel like we’re alone. You feel like you’re the only one… But in order to really achieve something, I had to be vulnerable.”

That vulnerability, she says, has allowed her to connect with others who might be going through the same struggles. By opening up, Crews hopes to break the cycle of isolation many men face and show that admitting your challenges is a path to true strength. He believes that vulnerability is not only about admitting failure, but also about approaching one’s life and making it better because of it.

Terry Crews’ journey to personal transformation wasn’t just about emotional vulnerability, but also about taking control of his physical and mental discipline. Crews shared how his struggle with addiction led him to an extreme approach to self-discipline, which included a 90-day “sex fast” and his practice of intermittent fasting. For Crews, discipline is essential to personal growth as it allows him to control his body, his emotions and his thoughts.

Crews explains that learning to control her impulses allowed her to regain control of her life: “You have more power than you think. Many of us feel powerless over our own bodies, over ourselves, but it takes training. , and you can do it.” His message is clear: personal growth and true power come from self-mastery, not external achievement.

In his memoir, Crews also addresses toxic masculinity and the harmful effects of living a life driven by revenge and ego. He reflects on his past and how he was once consumed by the need to “settle scores” and assert dominance. However, he discovered that true success and happiness could not coexist with a mindset focused on revenge. “You can’t have success and revenge at the same time,” Crews says, stressing that letting go of toxic mindsets is critical to finding peace and joy in life.

Instead of being driven by anger or a desire to “prove” himself, Crews shifted his mindset to one of service. He now defines success not by material achievements but by how many people he has served and helped. Whether through his work as a father, husband or entertainer, Crews’ new goal is to lift others up, not tear them down.

Terry Crews’ journey, recounted in Tough: My Journey to True Power, offers a powerful lesson in vulnerability, discipline, and personal growth. By sharing his struggles and showing how he overcame them, Crews provides a road map for others seeking to break free from their challenges. Her story is a reminder that true power comes not from external validation but from self-mastery, empathy and the willingness to be vulnerable.

Crews says, “You have more power than you think.” Her message is clear: anyone can find true power, but it starts by looking within, embracing vulnerability, and committing to personal growth. If you haven’t already, select Tough to learn more about Terry Crews’ inspiring journey.