TW Lewis

Philanthropist, former homebuilder, and author of 'Solid Ground.'

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we reflect with gratitude on the values that have shaped our nation—freedom, opportunity, personal responsibility, and the ability to pursue a life of purpose.

These enduring principles continue to inspire the conversations found in Solid Ground, reminding us that strong character and timeless values help build not only successful lives, but stronger communities and a stronger nation.

Happy America 250! May we celebrate our freedoms with gratitude and continue building on the solid ground that has carried our country forward for generations.

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

Thirty is NOT the new twenty. Read Solid Ground by businessman and philanthropist T.W. Lewis today - https://t.co/7MVhKpnGe8

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

In case you forgot...Solid Ground is on Substack! Subscribe today to get a weekly dose of advice on living a great life. https://t.co/pHqEvAJj1Y

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

For insights on how to lead a good and honest life, read Solid Ground: A Foundation for Winning In Work and In Life by T.W. Lewis. Learn more at https://t.co/7MVhKpnGe8

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

In memory of many, in honor of all. Thank
you to our fallen heroes. 💙

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

Good advice, because he's lived it. Read T.W. Lewis's guide to success today at https://t.co/7MVhKpnGe8

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

Visit https://t.co/7MVhKpnGe8 today to get your copy of Solid Ground, a guide to living a fuller and more meaningful life. ✒️

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

Advice For Recent Graduates: Work Harder AND Smarter If You Really Want To Succeed.

Graduation season is in full swing, and T.W. Lewis offers a timely reminder for new graduates: real success isn’t about choosing between working harder or smarter, it demands both from day one...

ADVICE FOR RECENT GRADUATES

I always chuckle when I hear people say, “Work smarter, not harder.” I’m all in favor of finding ways to work more efficiently, but why pretend as if you have a choice? The people who use this catchphrase sound like they’re trying to find a shortcut when, in fact, there are none. Anyone who has ever really succeeded will tell you it takes both.

That’s also how jobs are. Going to work from nine to five is like just going to class in high school or college. If that is all you do, you’ll do okay but probably not great. I’ve seen many people, including some with some great natural talent, go through life with a forty-hour-a-week mentality, and they always plateau early in their careers. Talent carries you only so far: if you lack that drive, you’re probably going to stall.

Hard workers, by contrast, set themselves up for success. When times are good, they get promotions. And when times get tough, and an organization needs to reduce its staff, who do you think gets laid off? Those who just show up and do the minimum, that’s who.

HARD WORK LEADS TO SELF-WORTH

There are many benefits when you work hard. You not only meet your goals, but hard work also offers a sense of real dignity. Knowing you’ve put in your best effort day after day helps dramatically elevate your self-esteem.

Self-esteem begins in our childhood and grows or withers based on the feedback we receive from our parents, friends, teachers, and, most importantly, ourselves. Hard work can even overcome years of bad programming. The best way to characterize self-esteem is as the tone you use when you talk to yourself.

So ask yourself: are you building your self-esteem each day or tearing it down? Self-esteem isn’t something others can give you through praise, compliments, or atta boys. In fact, unearned praise or flattery is pretty easy to see through and can even reinforce low self-esteem.

Deep down, you know whether you’ve done your best or not. When you delay gratification and do something estimable or worthy, your self-esteem increases. Once we take the time to turn this practice into a habit, higher esteem and self-confidence inevitably follow.

HARD WORK LEADS TO COMPETENCE

Many times, when we see successful people in sports, business, medicine, or anywhere, we wrongly conclude their talent or their brilliance is a gift. Sometimes we even envy them and wish we were so talented. Yet, very few of these people see their success as a gift. Instead, they will credit the hard work, sacrifice, preparation, and determination that preceded their success and made it possible.

Michael Jordan is a perfect example. Sure, he had all the natural gifts. He was six foot six, had long arms, was both quick and fast, and could jump out of the gym. But his real secret was that he outworked everyone on his team and was committed to constant improvement. As a high school kid in rural North Carolina, he was cut from the basketball team but kept practicing. He took his natural gifts and relentlessly improved them, becoming one of the best basketball players of all time.

EMBRACE THE STRUGGLE

The big takeaway here is that you can’t avoid the struggle. Nothing worth doing comes easily, so you should expect and be prepared for a struggle of some kind. This struggle will always require more hard work, persistence, and resilience than you expect. Only if you are conditioned for the hard work, have practiced persistence, and built up your resilience muscles will you survive the struggle phase and complete the journey of your dreams.

DON’T BE INVOLVED, BE COMMITTED

Success begins with commitment, one of those fundamental concepts people often overlook. It’s easy to stand by a goal when it’s new, and your will hasn’t been tested, but can you continue to do so day in and day out? Even when you’re tired and discouraged? That’s the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t.

Commitment means there’s no turning back. You can’t quit, because you’re in it for the long haul. Many good things begin to happen once you’re committed—things that would never have happened otherwise. Once you’re fully committed, you have to find solutions to the difficulties you will face. It’s an attitude that fuels your persistence and strengthens your resiliency, making success possible.

PERSISTENCE AND RESILIENCE

Delaying gratification can be quite a challenge in a world that expects and encourages instant gratification. It creates discomfort, especially when you’re not used to telling yourself no. But it’s all part of growing up—or it should be. After all, when babies are uncomfortable, they cry. Adults, however, should learn to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Self-discipline may not sound like fun, but it’s essential for success. If you get your way all the time, you will never need to persist. Not getting your way creates the need for persistence and allows you to build this skill.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING

Once you are out of school, no matter your field, you will compete with people close to you in age. The ones who start early, work hard, and stay late will get way ahead and keep progressing. If you start late, you will probably never catch up. And if you postpone the struggle, you’re postponing your success. That’s why your twenties are so important.

It’s in early adulthood that you have the time and opportunity to develop your skills, work toward self-improvement, and learn from failures. These timely investments in your success will certainly pay off later. The clock is ticking.

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month! For resources and treatment information visit the T.W. Lewis Melanoma Center of Excellence website at https://t.co/0J0a1nr9VA

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

☀️ Kindness costs nothing. This National Pay It Forward Day, remember… this isn’t just for today. The world gets better when we choose to show up for each other. Solid Ground reminds us that a happy life is built on the choices we make daily, start with kindness. https://t.co/sbwvyQrxzo

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

🙏 Invest in a better future...starting with what you read. Solid Ground is a step toward clarity, purpose, and lasting values. Visit https://t.co/7MVhKpnGe8

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

The T.W. Lewis Speaker Series at @gcu is bringing Solid Ground to life, connecting students with leaders who embody its principles of purpose, discipline, and character.

From legendary sports executive and businessman Jerry Colangelo, to GCU’s very own Levi Conlow, founder of @lectricebikes and 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, alongside Leigh Steinberg, the legendary sports agent, philanthropist, and author, and Brian Wellinghoff, Senior Director of Leadership & Outreach at Barry-Wehmiller and Co-Founder of Humanistic Leadership Academy, these voices are equipping the next generation to build lives and careers on a foundation that lasts. 💜

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

Arizona Gives Day is here! 🌵 And if you’re not able to give, consider volunteering! Generosity in all forms is what keeps our communities strong. Visit https://t.co/eAqzKjZA4Z

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 ✝️ Happy Easter!

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

Solid Ground: A Foundation for Winning in Work and in Life - The book for successful leaders. Get your copy now at https://t.co/7MVhKpnGe8

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

Years of business experience, a lifetime of knowledge, and an immense amount of invaluable advice...just a few of the things you'll find in Solid Ground by T.W. Lewis. Get your copy today at https://t.co/7MVhKpnGe8

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

The final chapter of Solid Ground: Finding Happiness. Read it now - https://t.co/oGBa4DRuPK

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” New Substack article out now: https://t.co/G2lWWBYamw

[TW Lewis @twlewis_]

Blessed with the opportunity to speak at the 2026 @dreamcitychurch Dream Conference! As one of the longest-running pastors’ summits in the world and one of the largest church leadership conferences in the country, this was an amazing opportunity to share Solid Ground with like-minded leaders. Learn more about the Dream Conference here: https://t.co/M8mTPMty2A