Summary

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” Rabindranath Tagore

With a belief that people often learn best when they laugh most I bring to the show Daniel Ellenberg to discuss the importance of relationships. The need to belong is a natural condition do the human species as it many sentient beings. It assists to improve our chances of survival. We now know that there is a direct link to our well-being and longevity as it relates to the quality of our relationships in life – both inner and outer.

Having published books and research papers, coaching hundreds of others and delivering workshops and presentations on relationships, Daniel is somewhat an expert in this field. In this conversation, Daniel shares his thoughts and advice on how we can create and live a beautiful life by building more compassionate relationships. It’s a good one. Enjoy!

Guest Bio

Daniel Ellenberg, PhD is a co-founder of Relationships That Work®, founder/director of Strength with Heart® men’s groups and workshops, and a principal in Rewire Leadership Institute®. In his work as a leadership coach, communication consultant, licensed psychotherapist, seminar leader, and group facilitator, he helps people create meaningful, inspiring, and resilient personal and professional lives.

Daniel co-authored Lovers for Life: Creating Lasting Passion, Trust, and True Partnership with Judith Bell, contributed to The Communication Path, and Mastering the Art of Success, Volume 8. He is in private practice in San Francisco and Marin County. He is a board member of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom. Daniel specializes in helping people create more authentic, compassionate relationships with themselves and others.

Coaching

Topics of discussion 

• Relationships – internal and external.
• Why relationships are a fundamental human need.
• Inner relationships with our Self – Selves awareness.
• Why awareness and compassion are key players in strengthening relationships.
• Awareness lead to improved stimulus and response – take a moment to pause.
• Questions to assist us to course correct in life.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Meditation, Exercise, Gratitude, and Learning.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Pay more attention to your impact and recognise you have a choice over that.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Success is the realisation of one’s values.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

I think about what impact I want to have.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change in their life?

What do you really want in life? Is what you value in harmony with what you’re doing?

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Deep dish pizza.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Connecting with close people in my life.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts by Carol Tavris

Lovers for Life: Creating Lasting Passion, Trust, and True Partnership by Daniel Ellenberg and Judith Bell

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” Rabindranath Tagore

“Mother nature hasn’t seen fit to invest much neural architecture in Self awareness.” Lewis Cosolenno

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Not sure about that. Some do and some people may or may not.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

It means that I am alive.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

Feeling good and happy.

How to connect with Daniel

Email – Daniel @ rewireleadership dot com

Rewire Leadership Website

Relationships that Work Website 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

Coaching