Categories
Belief consciousness Fear Growth Life Lessons

My Approach to Adversity, Disruption and Change

lightI am writing this newsletter (and blog post) on 19 March 2020.
And the state of affairs near and far has changed a radical amount since my last newsletter one month ago due to the corona virus (pandemic).
So my first acknowledgment is the insanely quick rate at which major change can occur. And often with rapid change, there is a whole lot of uncertainty left in it’s wake. Where I imagine many people are right now.

Therefore in this article I thought I would just share some of my thoughts and suggestions around how we can best navigate our way through this experience and beyond.

I am actually finding it a little hard to write now, without coming across as an insensitive so-and-so. You see, I know I am going to die at some point. And I am actually ok with that. I also acknowledge we will all die at some time, and I am at peace with the thought of that as well. So with that inevitability, I am more interested in how I am living now, and how am I contributing to the well-being of the other people on this planet, plus how am I contributing to the planet and all its inhabitants as well.

So I am for LIFE and that is what I will be writing about today. How to experience more life in these times of uncertainty.

Categories
Growth Honesty Life Lessons Overwhelm Perspective Success

A Strategy to Reduce Stress, Overwhelm and Crazy Person Syndrome

essentialThis article follows on somewhat from my last post where I talked about increasing productivity, creativity and effectiveness, but it is inspired by a book I recently finished reading called Essentialism by Greg McKeown.

If I was to choose to describe the way that I primarily live, my guiding philosophy, I would call myself a bit of a Stoic, and having read this book, I would say I am also a bit of an essentialist. There is actually a lot of overlap between stoicism and essentialism.

The motto of an essentialist philosophy is: LESS BUT BETTER

I am not sure about you, but I am liking the sound of that!

Who would like less commitments, responsibilities, projects or tasks on their plate?
I sure as hell have my hand up for that.

Let me explain a little bit more about what essentialism is, and then share some specific strategies.

Categories
Choice consciousness Growth Joy Perspective

5 Practices on the Path to Peace: Inspired by ‘Stillness is the Key’ by Ryan Holiday

Path to PeaceIt’s probably not the best idea to be promoting other people’s books when you have recently released your own book (The Successful Mind), but since my number 1 thing in life is to share the best of what I learn on my journey, we will be looking at some great ideas Ryan Holiday shares in his great book – Stillness is the Key.

His book has plenty of ideas, but I’ve picked five of them that resonate with my teachings and are totally doable, practical and have a great return on investment.

He talks about stillness being the key, and draws on the philosophical teachings of Stoicism, plus a number of Eastern systems and practices. And for me, deeper (inner) stillness is one of the pathways and essential elements to experiencing more peace in your life.

Actually here is a (big) question for you. Would you prefer a million dollars or the guarantee of a deep sense of peace for the foreseeable future?

Think on that. Do you want deep peace or the cash?!?!
And if you chose the money (which is ok), ask yourself this question: “What do I think the money will make me feel?” and “What do I want to feel?”

For me, peace is a beautiful goal to be working towards.
So let’s look at these ‘stillness’ practices.

Categories
Choice consciousness Growth Meditation

2 BIG Ideas!!

wisdomWelcome to the first newsletter and blog post of the decade. I am honoured to have you join me.

Today I am going to share 2 BIG ideas to take into 2020 (and beyond).

Last year I attended a magnificent retreat with one of the top Coaches in the USA and abroad – Michael Neill – who I have also offered to host in Bali in September this year (so keep plugged in to hear details about that).

There were two major things I took away from the event, which reinforced what I already understand about the nature of things, which I apply in my own life (sometimes more effectively than other times) and which I teach at my Life Masterclass (and yes that is a shameless plug…hope to see you there!).

So let’s jump right to them…

 

Categories
Choice consciousness Growth

Conscious Living in Support of Team Planet Earth

earthLet me start with a question or two…
Is it possible to have a healthy body, or to experience health in general, if the environment in which your body operates is unhealthy?Is it possible to be free of harmful toxins in your body, if the environment in which you reside contains harmful toxins (in the air, water, and soil)?

I think I can guess your probable response to those rhetorical questions.

In The Guidebook to Optimum Health, I talk about one of the 6 key pillars to experiencing a state of optimum health, as being detoxification (the others are physical activity, nutrition, rest, mindfulness and wholeheartedness), which is impacted by the daily choices we make.

Categories
Acceptance consciousness Emotional Growth Perspective

The Profound Lesson I Learned from A Balinese Rooster & A Dog

learnAre you curious yet?

Life lessons from a Balinese rooster and a dog…

I am not sure exactly how much of a roosters head is filled with brain matter, but I am guessing it is not that much. So how could a rooster teach me such a profound lesson?

I guess you are going to have to read on to find out…

Categories
Choice Confidence Growth Success

Confidence is Overrated (and Not Necessary for Success)

courageAt the time of this writing, I have been coaching a wide range of individuals, from all over the world, and from every walk of life for a little over 12 years.

And one of the most common things people tell me they want more of is ‘confidence’.

Somewhere along the line we have bought into the idea that CONFIDENCE = SUCCESS.
And that without ‘confidence’ you won’t succeed, or realise your dreams.

Here is what do I say to that?

“BULLSH#T!!!!”

Categories
Choice Growth Life Lessons Perspective Relationship

The Big 5-0. 5 Things I Am More Clear About as A Result of Turning 50

50I recently had the joy of turning 50. For those of you that have not yet made it, you might find something of value in my musings and for those that have already stepped beyond their 50th birthday, maybe you will find something to reflect on here – or have the chance the relive that magical moment.

Do I feel different?
Nope.Do I think it is funny that I am now a 50 year old?
Absolutely!Do I think people will think I am wiser now I am 50?
I hope so (he he he).

Now enough of me asking and answering my silly questions, let’s get on with the 5 lessons that might actually be useful for YOU. Here goes!!

Categories
Book consciousness Growth

The Successful Mind: Chapter 1 – Introduction

book introBefore you is a foundational pillar of knowledge, experience and wisdom I have come to understand and constantly apply to support myself, and my coaching clients, in creating the greatest possible life experience. My greatest desire is to help you create a joyful, rich living experience that provides you with all of the wonderful relationships and achievements that define a vibrant life. When you come to truly understand what I am about to share with you over the next few hours, and step into the direction that is right for you, your life will take on a whole new meaning and your journey into joy, health, vitality, success, and abundance will be underway in earnest.

I am excited to be able to share with you what I have joyfully, and also painstakingly, learned over the last 20 years. I also aim to fast-track your journey of coming to learn and understand this knowledge, because I know it to be a necessary and powerful stepping-stone on the path to evolution.

Categories
Acceptance Choice consciousness Fear Growth

Major Life Transitions: 5 Tips to Make Them Less Painful & More Easeful

Major Life TransitionsTransitioning from the known to the unknown is one of my favourite fascinations (and activities).I want to know how we can transition with more ease and grace. How we can remove some of the inevitable pain – or at least reduce it. And what are the things we can do that make transitioning something that inspires us, rather than frightens us, and causes us to pull back.

As I write this I am in the middle of a significant transition from being a Co-owner at The Practice (yoga centre), where I have been involved for the last 5 years, into setting up my own coaching and event management business in Bali. What I like to say is: “Bring on the adventure!” Because adventures happen when we step into the unknown.

The reality is, that everything in this universe is in a state of change. Some faster than others. So step one is to accept that change is a constant in life. In nature if something is not growing (changing) it is dying.

Theatrics aside. The more we can embrace change and the unknown, the easier life in general will become. Now let’s get practical.