My aim is to inspire people around the world one blog post at a time.
This is the place to nourish your mind, heart, body and soul.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch your own business. Maybe you want to escape the rat race and find peace in simple living. Maybe you want to improve your health. Whatever your dream is, it is valid!
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Dreams without action are just dreams. But taking action doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your job and burning the ocean. Small steps matter. It is the ability to plug away consistently at something over time that is the key. Small steps add up. You’ll get there!
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If you keep building slowly and consistently with passion each day, adding value that matters to you, then the growth will take care of itself. The keys to achieving success are patience and avoiding complacency.
The Body Keeps Score
When we think about trauma, it’s easy to assume it lives primarily in the mind. After all, isn’t trauma just a psychological experience?
Well, not quite.
According to renowned experts Bessel van der Kolk and Gabor Maté, trauma also embeds itself deeply into the body, affecting our physical health, behaviours, and even the way we perceive the world.
Their research offers profound insights into how unresolved trauma can wreak havoc on our lives and, importantly, how we can begin to heal.
So, let’s explore the key ideas presented in “The Body Keeps the Score” by Dutch psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk and “The Myth of Normal and When the Body Says No” by Canadian Physician Gabor Maté.
We’ll also look at strategies for reducing the impact of trauma on physical wellness.
The Magic of Momentum
Momentum is a simple concept, but it is so powerful it may seem magical. At its core, momentum is the force that propels us forward, whether in life or business.
But, understanding momentum goes far beyond Newton’s laws or catchy motivational quotes. It’s about leveraging small wins, building sustainable energy, and aligning your actions with strategic thinking.
To truly grasp the power of momentum, we need to examine its impact in multiple areas, such as science, strategy, and real-life success stories.
So, let’s begin by exploring the mental models that fuel momentum, see how initiative often dictates outcomes, and analyse how momentum has propelled some of the most iconic figures and organisations in history.
The Clock Is Ticking
Have you ever wondered how much time you have for yourself in a day and, more importantly, life?
With the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can feel like there's hardly any time left for what truly matters.
The key is to therefore be intentional with your time.
It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and let days, months, or even years slip by without really living. By being mindful of how you spend your time and consciously prioritising what's important to you, you can make the most of your time.
Life is short, and time is precious.
Carpe Diem - Seize The Day
As 2024 takes her last few breaths, many of you may be contemplating a few "New Year's Resolutions".
Resolutions you hope will bring about the change you desire in your life.
In doing so, you may want to consider the simple concept of Carpe Diem, a Latin phrase meaning "seize the day".
It’s a philosophy that encourages living in the present and making the most out of every moment.
This concept isn’t new and has echoed through the ages, from the poetry of Horace, who originally penned the phrase, to the impactful 1989 film "Dead Poets Society."
The film, directed by Peter Weir and starring Robin Williams as the unconventional English teacher John Keating, brings Carpe Diem to life in a way that resonates deeply with audiences.
Today, as we navigate the complexities of modern life, the lessons from this timeless film can guide us in embracing the philosophy of Carpe Diem in practical and meaningful ways.
Betrayed By Body Language
You have undoubtedly heard about body language, a fascinating world where words are not the only things doing the talking. From the tilt of your head to the sway of your hips, your body constantly sends signals that convey meaning and emotion.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone's words seemed to say one thing, but their body language told a completely different story?
Let's take a quick look at some of the subtle cues and signals that betray our true thoughts and feelings, even when we try to mask them with words.
Twenty Life Changing Paradoxes
Life is full of mysteries and contradictions that can leave us scratching our heads.
Yet, these paradoxes often carry deep wisdom, challenging our perceptions and offering profound insights.
Paradoxes challenge conventional wisdom and offer simple but profound insights into what it means to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Let’s look at some of these and embrace their contradictions so that we can navigate the complexities of life with greater ease and understanding.
On the Edge of Chaos
We live in a world where change is the only constant. Each day seems to bring a new development, a fresh crisis, or an unexpected breakthrough, often leaving us teetering on the edge of chaos.
This is not hyperbole but an increasingly accurate reflection of our global reality. Climate change, political instability, economic turbulence, and technological disruption are converging to create a unique and highly precarious moment for humanity.
It feels as though we are standing at a crossroads that, depending on our decisions today, could lead to vastly different futures.
There are arguably many actors contributing to the colourful global stage we inhabit. But in this essay, we’ll explore six critical global events driving us toward this precipice.
Each represents a source of both danger and opportunity and together, they illustrate how humankind is inching toward an uncertain future.
The Talent Myth
“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
When discussing success, we often imagine an inherent genius at work, a unique talent that propels someone to the top. From child prodigies to natural athletes, it’s easy to fall for the narrative that talent is the cornerstone of achievement.
Whilst talent is undoubtedly an asset and being a genius undeniably provides a unique competitive advantage, they are not always the driving force behind success.
In fact, in today’s complex and fast-paced world, other qualities like self-discipline, perseverance, situational awareness, and emotional intelligence may play a much more critical role in determining who thrives and who doesn’t.
So, let’s take a moment to reframe the conversation about success and recognise the often underappreciated elements that truly propel people forward.
Talking to Strangers
In his book “Talking to Strangers,” Malcolm Gladwell takes us on a fascinating journey into how humans interact with people they don’t know and the misunderstandings that often arise from these interactions.
We might think we’re good at reading people, but Gladwell argues that the opposite is true.
Through a series of thought-provoking examples, ranging from high-profile scandals to everyday encounters, he lays bare the hidden dynamics that govern our interactions with strangers.
This is useful because in today’s world we regularly interact with people from different cultures, backgrounds, both online and in person.
Sometimes You Are The Problem
Employees quit their jobs for many reasons, but the root of the problem is often found within a company’s culture, leadership, and management practices.
When employees leave, it’s easy for employers to point fingers or blame external factors such as market trends or the employees themselves.
But the uncomfortable truth is that, in many cases, the company itself is the problem.
Here are 12 hidden reasons why employees leave a company.
When the Bubble Bursts
Are we busy creating a world where children struggle to develop essential life skills?
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven society, we often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of parenting trends, educational reforms, and social media's pervasive influence.
While our intentions are often noble—ensuring our children are happy, safe, and successful—the reality is that we may be inadvertently stunting their growth.
Children today face many challenges that hinder their development of essential social and life skills.
From over-parenting to the distractions of digital technology, the environment we’ve created raises significant questions about our children’s preparedness for adulthood.
Let us take a closer look at a few.
So … You Want To Be A Leader?
Popular culture often romanticises leadership as a noble pursuit that comes with prestige, accolades, and widespread admiration.
However, the reality of leadership is far more complex and fraught with challenges.
To become a successful leader, one must confront uncomfortable truths.
These truths, though daunting, are essential for anyone aspiring to lead effectively.
Let’s explore these hard truths, demonstrating their significance through the experiences of well-known leaders and public figures.
What If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come?
We all live our lives assuming that tomorrow is a given; that we will always have more time. Time to pursue our dreams, patch up relationships, and do the things we’ve been putting off.
But what if tomorrow doesn’t come?
This question can make us feel uneasy or even scared, but it can also inspire us to live more fully today.
This question became painfully real for Holly Butcher, a vibrant 26-year-old from Australia who was diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer. Knowing that her time on Earth was limited, Holly penned a letter that has resonated with millions across the globe.
Her letter isn’t just about death. It’s about life—how to truly live in the face of the inevitable.
Rules Worth Breaking
Rules are the bedrock of societal functioning.
They create order, predictability, and a framework within which we can operate harmoniously.
From the laws that govern nations to the rules we set in our homes, these guidelines help us navigate life more smoothly and safely. Rules ensure fairness, protect rights, and maintain a level of decorum that makes communal living possible.
Most rules are designed with good intentions; generally speaking, following them is advisable.
They often stem from collective wisdom and experience, providing a tested path to achieving specific outcomes. Rules like "don't steal" or "pay your taxes" are fundamental to the functioning of a just society.
However, not all rules are sacrosanct.
Here are some rules worth breaking, even if it goes against what we've been taught …
Your Behaviour Isn’t As Consistent As You Think
Have you ever found yourself behaving in ways that surprise even you?
One moment, you're patient and understanding; the next, you're snapping at a loved one over a minor inconvenience.
This human inconsistency is not just a quirk but a fundamental aspect of our nature.
A renowned author and thinker, Malcolm Gladwell, stumbled upon a compelling explanation for this in the book "The Person and the Situation" by Richard Nisbett and Lee Ross.
The book argues that our actions are profoundly influenced by the contexts we find ourselves in, challenging the notion that we operate with a fixed set of moral and intellectual guidelines.
Instead, at the heart of our inconsistent behaviour lies a complex interplay between our internal traits and our external circumstances.
This dual influence can make us behave in seemingly contradictory ways. We are not always as consistent as we would like to believe.
Let's look at a few explanations for this.
The Kinds of Intimacy We Need
Many of us might immediately picture romantic or physical closeness when we think of intimacy in relationships.
However, intimacy encompasses a broader range of connections essential for building strong, fulfilling relationships.
Intimacy is thus multifaceted.
Let's explore the different kinds of intimacy and understand why they are vital for healthy relationships.
By nurturing these different forms of intimacy, we can create deeper connections, enhance communication, and foster a sense of trust and understanding that leads to lasting happiness.
Fooled By Randomness
Have you ever wondered how much of your success or failure is due to sheer luck?
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a renowned thinker and author, delves deep into this question in his book "Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and the Markets."
He argues that much of what we attribute to skill or foresight is often the result of randomness. In other words, we are frequently "fooled by randomness."
It can be hard to swallow, especially for those who pride themselves on their hard-earned accomplishments. However, Taleb's argument does not undermine genuine skill and effort; instead, he aims to highlight how we often overlook the significant role of chance in our successes and failures.
His thesis is both provocative and insightful.
Fifteen Life Lessons From Japanese Philosophies
Japanese philosophies are a treasure trove of wisdom, offering timeless lessons that resonate deeply with the human experience.
These philosophies, rooted in ancient traditions and cultural practices, provide insights into living a balanced, meaningful, and harmonious life.
When we integrate the lessons from philosophies like Oubaitori, Hara Hachi Bu, and Uketamo into our lives, we create a holistic approach to well-being.
These philosophies collectively teach us to appreciate our individuality, practice moderation, and gracefully accept life's ups and downs.
They remind us that life is not about striving for perfection or avoiding difficulties but about embracing our unique journey, making mindful choices, and finding peace in acceptance.
The Ways We Respond To Trauma
Trauma is like a rock thrown into a pond, creating ripples that affect everything around it. It can be a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope.
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that someone is weak if they aren’t as adept at dealing with trauma as you are.
However, how we respond to trauma varies significantly from person to person and is influenced by a multitude of factors such as genetics, upbringing, personality, and the nature of the traumatic event itself.
Let’s have a brief look at these.
Fortune Favours The Brave
Courage is a word that often evokes images of knights charging into battle, explorers venturing into uncharted territories, and everyday heroes standing up for what they believe in.
But what does it mean to be brave, and how does courage lead to financial or otherwise fortune?
In this article, we'll explore the concept of courage through the lens of Dr. Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator.
We'll also examine how taking bold risks has led to fortune for some of history's most well-known figures.
Dr. Peterson says you must "look where you least want to".
It reminds us that growth and opportunity often lie outside our comfort zones.