5 Benefits That Come from Discovering Your Why & Living It

“Follow your intuition, listening to your dreams, your inner voice to guide you. Katori Hall

I believe life’s goal is to live with greater freedom, fulfilment, and happiness. To do this, we ultimately need to decide on what that looks like for us and then go about discovering and developing our ‘Why’ from there.

Today I want to touch on 5 reasons, not the only ones, that you will benefit from by connecting with your why and using it to navigate you on your journey in this beautiful existence. I hope it brings you some value.

Adapted from a blog I wrote – Read the full version here.

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5 Benefits That Come from Discovering Your Why & Living It

Life’s goal is to live with greater Freedom, Fulfilment, and Happiness. To do this, we need to ultimately decide on what that looks like for each of us and then go about discovering and developing our WHY from there. There’s that WHY word again, the most powerful word I know.

Today I want to touch on 5 reasons, not the only ones, that you will benefit from by connecting with your why and using this as the tool to navigate you on your journey in this beautiful existence.

For me, asking the big questions about life and trying to experience, as best I can, living congruently with my inner “why” I have made some pretty exciting and rewarding discoveries. My wish is to share them using this platform.

When you follow your unique journey in life, according to your “why” life becomes that much more beautiful and here are five reasons why this occurs. (more…)

“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a mans growth without destroying his roots.” Frank A. Clark

Do I encourage feedback?  Feedback and criticism can be hard to swallow but, it’s essential if you want to make powerful improvements and progress in life. In this episode I share my thoughts on what feedback I choose to listen to, and how I handle and respond to it.

This is critical – Why? The reality we live in is directly a creation of how we choose to interact with it. There is a great quote by Charles R. Swindoll thats states, “life is 10% of what happens and 90% of how you react to it.” As this relates to feedback I suggest how you react to feedback is more important than the feedback itself.

I value my continual self-improvement. In efforts to become my best potential in life I listen to constructive feedback and draw from it the powerful benefits it can have.

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” Ken Blanchard.

Enjoy this thought. Peace, passion & purpose.

Optimal Health & Wellness

I speak with Dr Ron Sinha about metabolic health and how we can improve it. As a physician and the world’s leading insulin resistance expert, Dr Ron has much to share. As a highly sought-after wellness speaker in Silicon Valley, Dr Ron has first-hand experience working with individuals and companies to help improve overall health and wellness in the lifestyle dynamics of the 21st century. Discussing everything from exercise and diet to sleep and wearables. It will inspire change!

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Fundamental Wellbeing

My chat with Dr Jeffrey Martin, a fascinating conversation on how we can become a Finder and stop seeking. After extensive research, Jeffrey and his team have created a scientifically proven program for finding lasting inner peace and contentment. Enjoy! (more…)

5 Tips to Get Over a Creative Block

Narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Everyone knows the feeling of being stuck every once in a while—whether you’re a writer piecing together a novel, or an artist stumped for inspiration. In fact, even if you love your job, it’s still possible (and completely normal) to hit a block. However, not everything is a sign that you should give up and throw in the towel. Sometimes, all you need is to take a step back and re-assess your current situation. More than anything, it’s an opportunity to come back even more focused and realigned.

If that sounds like you, here are five things you can do to get over a creative block.

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6 Ways to Keep Your Career Motivation Strong Over the Holidays

Written by Laura Gayle and Narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

Let’s face it: The holidays can be far from a relaxing break from work, school, or other aspects of daily life. Instead, it’s often a time when many things speed up. Between attending  (or hosting) parties, going to work gatherings, seeing family, keeping kids busy, and shopping for groceries and gifts, you’ll pretty much find disruption every time you turn around. (more…)

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

By Donald Roberston

This book flection is written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Donald Robertson has done a remarkable job assembling this book of stoic wisdom and principles by sharing the journey and life of one great historic leader Marcus Aurelius. Captivating and educational! A brilliant introduction to the life of Marcus Aurelius – Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, and an outstanding combination of modern psychology and stoic philosophy.   (more…)

7L: The Seven Levels of Communication

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

Seven Levels of Communication is a book written by a highly respected and successful Real Estate Agent. Michael J Maher is said to be North America’s most referred to Real Estate Agent. This book is written of the back of the strategies that allowed Michael to build a one-million-dollar relationship business by his third year in the industry. This isn’t a book on how to communicate better, it’s a book about how to grow a business and build high-quality, trusting relationships. Although written for Real Estate Agents, I feel the same strategies can be applied to any business. (more…)

My Morning Routine: Why I Stopped Journaling

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

Journaling is essentially a daily practice that involves writing about one’s thoughts, feelings, events and activities that are happening in life at any given moment. When I began focusing on my personal development several years back, everywhere I looked people promoted the benefits of keeping a journal. I was informed that keeping a daily journal would change my life. And so, my journaling habit began. (more…)

The Art of Receiving

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi – Originally Published 7.11.2014

I got myself in more debt. I got myself more upset when more bills came rolling in. I got myself in a panic when I got myself fired and was not sure where the next paycheck would come from. How would I support my wife and kids? What would I do next? What would happen next?

What I asked for in life I received. It was how I reacted, not responded, that has taught me a heck of a lot in life. We all continue to learn as we experience life. It is what we do with these life lessons that count.

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Atomic Habits

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

James Clear in on a mission to assist others to make gradual, 1%, improvements, every day. His belief is that one does not rise to the level of their goals but rather falls to the level of their systems.

As a travelling photographer, professional weightlifter and now a respected expert on habit formation James says that many of us are more likely to admit defeat and succumb to self-blame when what they truly desire to achieve in life just isn’t happening. In my interview with James, he said it’s not you, it’s your systems. (more…)

Insight Hour Podcast with Joseph Goldstein

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Whether you are new to Buddhism, love it or just curious to explore religion from a modern holistic perspective than this podcast with Joseph Goldstein is sure to please. Personally, I didn’t have any idea who Joseph was until I started hearing many other podcasters and mentors refer to him, particularly in reference to mindfulness and meditation practices. That’s when I found this podcast which I do thoroughly enjoy.

Don’t expect a hyped up delve into the world of Buddhism. Expect down to earth, humble teachings from a man who shares many wonderful personal stories and experiences combined with his knowledge and wisdom of the enlightened path of Buddha. Remarkably insightful, calm and inspirational these are essential teachings that can be applied to real life situations regardless of your preconditioned beliefs.

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Under The Skin with Russell Brand

Russell Brand is a famous comedian and actor but has another side that keeps me curious and intrigued. His book revolution put Brand on the map as a somewhat political activist.

In this book, he captivated me with his insightful perspectives and a desire to inspire more peace in the world. If you listen to the audiobook, which Russell himself narrates, you’ll appreciate the humour and joy he brings to exciting and sometimes very sombre topics current to the state of the modern age. (more…)

Mindfulness at Work by Dr Stephen McKenzie

Dr Stephen McKenzie is a professor of psychology and researcher of medicine and preventative health. Having published a few bestsellers including this one and another that he did in collaboration with Dr Craig Hassed called Mindfulness for Life he is somewhat attuned to the marvellous benefits that arise from developing one’s awareness through mindful practice.

He has dedicated 20 years to specialised research in the areas of anxiety, stress depression and substance abuse and believes that mindfulness, a tool available to everyone for free, is an excellent antidote for such conditions. (more…)

The Cheese Trap by Neal Barnard

Neal Barnard is one smart guy that knows an incredible lot about the science of health. Having interviewed Neal on my podcast, I was swept away by just how humble he is. I feel he possesses a great deal of poise, empathy, understanding and kindness that kind of takes away the edge when speaking to anyone wearing a white coat. I think you’ll get the same feeling when reading this book on how to break the cheese addiction and escape the “Cheese Trap.”

Neal Barnard is an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. (more…)

The Waking Up Podcast by Sam Harris

Waking Up is a podcast by Sam Harris, a neuroscientist, philosopher and best-selling author. The podcast aligns itself with one of his five books called, Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality without Religion. The subtitle represents a major theme to his podcast. In his podcast, Sam explores some of the most critical questions about the human mind, society, and current events.

Having written five New York Times bestsellers including; The End of Faith, (more…)

My Practice of Elimination – 5 for 5: Part 2 

By Leigh Martinuzzi (revised – original post 07.09.2014)

Last week I revised an article I wrote on a practice I developed a few years back. To be honest, nothing too spectacular, but rather an exercise of clearing out the rubbish and replacing it with more good. You can check out the post here.

It came out of necessity. As I found myself halfway through the year, I began to notice patterns creeping back into my daily life. Things that I believed were disrupting the accomplishment of my goals. In reflection, I realised this and began to do work to remove what wasn’t working and improve on what was. (more…)

The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings on Authenticity, Connection and Courage by Brene Brown

Dr Brene Brown has become one of my new favourite people. Ever since I watched her TED Talk titled The Power of Vulnerability, I’ve been hooked on the knowledge and wisdom she shares. She has spent over a decade researching the topic of vulnerability which she would define as “uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure.” She’d further say that vulnerability is not either a good or bad emotion but rather the essence to all emotions that when understood and cultivated will allow us to walk into a greater sense of meaning, purpose and joy in life. (more…)

Walking Alone

“It’s better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction.” Diane Grant

In this episode I delivery my thoughts about the benefits of spending time alone. As I revisit this experience of a hike I did in a beautiful part of Australia I remind myself of the wonderful benefits that happen in taking some time out.  (more…)

Psyched Up: How the Science of Mental Preparation Can Help You Succeed

“Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude.” Dale Carnegie

Daniel McGinn says that our success and failure in life is often determined by a few crucial moments and it is in those moments we need to perform at our absolute best. In this book, the author McGinn shares some scientific findings and other observations that assist people in raising energy, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence before an important performance or opportunity. (more…)

Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment by Robert Wright

I loved this book. What an exciting and profoundly insightful read and one that is right up my alley. As I proceed on my journey in attempts to figuring life out and importantly trying to discover ways to dissolve suffering and regret to live with enduring deep happiness this book helps satisfy that itch.

Robert Wright has written a collaborative piece that combines the teachings and ideas of Buddhism with the science of psychology and science – particularly as it relates to evolutionary science, to highlight why Buddhism is true. (more…)

The Art of Receiving

Written & Narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi – Originally Published 7.11.2014

I got myself in more debt. I got myself more upset when more bills came rolling in. I got myself in a panic when I got myself fired and was not sure where the next paycheck would come from. How would I support my wife and kids? What would I do next? What would happen next?

What I asked for in life I received. It was how I reacted, not responded, that has taught me a heck of a lot in life. We all continue to learn as we experience life. It is what we do with these life lessons that count.

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5 Things That I’ll Be Doing This Festive Season

The “silly season” as they call it can be a chaotic time for many. There is so much going on, and as the changes to our routines are disrupted, we can experience anxiety, stress, unease and even disappointment or a little unhappiness. Of course, nobody wants this shit to infiltrate what’s meant to be an enjoyable, jolly time of the year, but it does, and I get it!

Over the years I have tried to relax, and although not always successful I feel I have learnt a thing or two. Unmet expectations are what I see as the most significant problem. We head into the festive season with beautiful visions of how things will be and yet when they don’t play our as expected; we become shitty, annoyed, and dissatisfied. The same is valid for how most of us experience life, right? (more…)

Summary

For centuries humanity has been working to empower itself with better tools and insights, from science and surgery to electricity and the Internet. A history of triumphs that we should be celebrating. However, what is the consequences of history, progress, free information as it relates to our ability to live life fully and with meaning?

In this episode, I have a conversation with Brad Harris as we tackle some questions in relation to history, progress, and modern day life.  How can history be used to give us purpose and better our advancement both individually and society as a whole? (more…)

“What if you were wrong? What if everything you ever believed was a lie? What if you missed your opportunity because you didn’t know your worth? What if you settled on familiar, but God was trying to give you something better? What if you decided not to go backwards, but forward? What if doing what you have never done before was the answer to everything that didn’t make sense? What if the answer wasn’t to be found in words, but in action? What if you found the courage to do what you really wanted to do and doing it changed your whole life?” Shannon L. Alder

I have found myself faced with a tough decision. It is causing me a level of discomfort, uncertainty, and unease. In absolute honesty, it’s not all that important, and for that reason, I am not highly stressed or concerned as I am confident that what eventuates will be as it should be. (more…)

Summary

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“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” Lao Tzu

In positive psychology, flow, also known as the zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does.

In this episode I was to share my thoughts on the benefits of flow, what is required to get there and how, and the challenges we might face. B Inspired! THY! (more…)

The Road to Character by David Brooks

“wisdom isn’t a body of information. It’s the moral quality of knowing what you don’t know and figuring out a way to handle your ignorance, uncertainty, and limitation.” David Brooks

This books studies and shares insights into what builds solid character. As David suggests this book is less about creating resume virtues and more so about creating eulogy virtues. The legacy of one’s life will be praised and remembered not for their successes but more so for their character. This book is not written to inspire and highlight success strategies, it is written for the fundamental purpose to inspire and highlight why character is paramount.

Discover Your Why! Free Coaching Call Valued at $250

Brooks views on the modern age is that many of us are driven by individualistic pursuits characterised by a desire for success. This nature he refers to is the Adam 1 that exists within all of us, some more predominantly so than others. The other nature is that of Adam 2, driven with desire to obtain and embody greater moral qualities. (more…)

Only What Can Suffer Is Real

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller

If only that which can suffer is real how does that assist us  to focus and act on only what is truly important. For what can not suffer that causes us suffering may been a unwise use of our time. A tricky thought but one that I feel has benefits. What are your thoughts?

Life like a holiday. I can hear the questions and doubt already. “Yeah right! How?” “It’s a nice idea but some of us have to work.” “Easy said than done.” For whatever the excuse, reason or doubt I would suggest it is exactly for those reasons that we must seek to approach life more like a holiday.

The hunter-gatherers travelled regularly, moving from one place to the next. This allowed them to continually change their environments and routines. I think this helped keep life interesting. The agricultural age forced us to remain put. Not great for the soul, sanity or our level of our happiness. (more…)

Do You Find Yourself Always Waiting in Life? 5 Rules To Improve Your Waiting

I was standing in line wondering if it was worth the wait. How often do you have that feeling? I see queues everywhere! I am an impatient man and to me waiting sucks!

There a lines everywhere, would you agree? I see them at the bus stops, at the cookie stand, at the movies, at the bathroom, I see them even when people are waiting to give away their money to pay a bill. Fucking seriously! Why wait?

Ok, so I get that there may be some excitement that comes by waiting. I have been in queues at amusement parks and see the love and excitement on the young children’s faces as they eagerly prepare themselves for the fright of their day.  That’s time well spent. But all that time spent when these feelings don’t exist to me is wasted time. Here is what I know about waiting and this relates to waiting for your life to begin.

#1. Waiting is just delaying what you want to eventuate.

#2. Waiting is depriving yourself of life.

#3. Waiting is a disrespectful use of time.

#4. Waiting is a belief that whatever will come will give your more.

#5. Waiting is only a step closer to the end.

I could go on but I will refrain. I have no patience. I like to have things when I want it and the time spent getting there needs to be well used. If not, then it is the old case of sacrifice now for hopeful benefits to come. I believe in waiting we are not purposeful and this is an unwise way to use the time that we have been given.

Think about it. When in did our ancestors wait and what did they wait for? The further you go back the more you might realise that perhaps they didn’t wait. This I can only attribute to the fact that they didn’t have all the privileges that are thrown in our face every moment these days.

They may have waited for the rains to stop, they may have waited for the trees to bare fruit, they may have waited for new life. What they didn’t do is wait for an extrinsic factor of life in hope that it would bring them more. I feel I have to be careful in my wording here. There is no need to wait for a moment that will raise your levels happiness. Happiness is already there.

The reason why most of us wait is for this pure reason. We want to have that feeling. A feeling of relief, a feeling of satisfaction. We want to experience a certain thing or we want to realise a certain state. Yet in waiting we delay! We may miss opportunities that could have been had by not wasting our time standing idly in line.

I was really early arriving at the airport, the reason why I write this post. I thought about the use of time as it relates to being somewhere that I don’t need to be well ahead of time. Then the thought came to me. I checked-in. I was the first there and had no wait time at all. This was a first. Previously my thought was to arrive right before check-in closed, that way I would be saving time and cursing through the process with little delay. This is not the case.

The longer you wait the longer the queue and therefore the longer the wait. I have found myself over and over again waiting in lines to catch a plane but on this day it was different. I got to check-in quick, wasting no time in lines and therefore allowing more time for myself. It is apparent that I had a few hours prior to boarding but those few hours were mine to have, not to be spent in a line. I can use that time with much more grace and purpose.

Here is what to do.

#1. Ask yourself why. Why is it so important to you to be waiting? Is there something else you could be better doing or is there something else that could get you ahead of the line?

#2. Once you know why ask yourself, “is there a more efficient way?” Often we just follow suit, doing what the crowd does. How could you get what you desire quicker?

#3. If waiting is a must how could you use your waiting time most effectively? It is often the case that when we wait we immediately write of the opportunities that might exist. This could include potential to network, enjoy the company you are with or doing some work. Technology allows as to get things done these days while waiting.

#4. Check out what the successful people do. When I say successful I mean to look at those that have avoided the wait. How have they fast tracked the result? Observation is a great thing and you may just discover a few tricks.

#5. Do you really need it? This relates to the first rule and that is the why. How by waiting will this truly make your life better? Is there something that you could be doing to better use your time?

Time is time. We only have so much of it and we all have the same amount of time each day. How we use that time is important. Make sure you use your time to live the life you desire. Don’t wait for what you want!

Summary

Linda Bloom, LCSW, is a seminar leader, author, psychotherapist, consultant, and expert in the field of human relations. She and her husband, Charlie Bloom, have been working with individuals, couples, and groups throughout the country and internationally since 1975.

She is coauthor, with Charlie Bloom, of 101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married: Simple Lessons to Make Love Last, which has sold more than 100,000 copies, Secrets of Great Marriages: Real Truth from Real Couples about Lasting Love, and Happily Ever After… and 39 Other Myths about Love. (more…)

Patrick Forsyth’s Take on Time Management, Speaking and Writing 

“There is an old saying that if you don’t know where you are going any road will do…”

In this episode I discuss thoughts from Patrick Forsyth on Time Management, Effective Speaking and Writing, Sales and Negotiation. Unable to speak with Patrick online I did the best next thing – provided some questions for him to answer that could help us all.

Patrick Forsyth’s work has spanned many industries, and countries. He has worked in most countries in continental Europe, including Eastern Europe and also works regularly in South East Asia. He has has written over 100 titles and has books translated into 24 different languages. (more…)

Tops Books of 2015: My top 10

Ok, so here it is, a little delayed but I got there. This is my 2015 top 10 book selection. Some of them are in my top 10 of all time.

Why is reading so important? Well for me its simple- I learn stuff. Sounds a little nerdy but the joy and excitement I get from learning is powerful in my life. I believe it would be powerful in anyone’s life.

It is a common behaviour among the successful as well, so it must have some credibility. Actually I heard a while back that reading a book every week is like doing a college degree every year. The rewards are huge.

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Summary

“Its not what happens to you but how you respond to it.”

Evan has a passion is to help people to get to the root cause of their health symptoms in order to live a true life of health and happiness. In this episode we discuss his journey and how he came to find this passion that has lead him to where he is today, at the young age of 24, and helping thousands of people improve their health.

When we talk about health for many of us we think about exercise as the solution yet the most critical area of really improving health starts with diet. In todays society we rely so heavily on medication to deal with our health issues and often over look the better approach of prevention.

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Tittle: Subtitle by Author

“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Benjamin Franklin

This book is a recipe for productivity. It will help you become more disciplined and focused in achieving all that you desire on your journey to living with greater passion and purpose.

The subtitle of the book gives you a good indication as to what you can expect and that is to learn how to dominate your day before breakfast. Throughout this book Jeff shares practices, tips and advice on how you can master your day, master your life and essentially become more effective in how you approach life.

The idea of dominating your day before breakfast is not a new one but is currently a little bit trendy. I feel it’s like the next meditation wave.

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I love sleep, most people I know do. Its nice, its comfortable and mostly it makes us feel good. How could you not love sleep?

Yet so often I hear of people with success claiming to have F-all sleep. They sleep only a few hours a night and operate fine. I call a big bunch of B-S to all that. This may be true for an exceptional few but for the most of us sleep is important.

In my research and conversations with people, clearly more knowledgeable on this topic than me, I have made some really cool discoveries. So I thought I would share them with you.

First let me just say that for everyone no sleep pattern will be identical, woman need more sleep then men, some men perhaps need more sleep than women, some will need more sleep than others depending on what they do in life, and some will find certain sleep hacks more useful than others.

For all that said, here are 5 pretty consistent sleep tips that I think would be adaptable to anyone’s sleeping habits.

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A Powerful Habit Changing Process in 5 Steps

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is no an act, but a habit.” Aristotle 

The New Year is here and for many of that means we have set some goals for the year and come up with action plans to take us there. The New Year marks for us new beginnings and a chance to make some changes, to transform and develop a new and improved self.

If everyday you can make yourself that little bit better just imagine what you will become over a lifetime of continual improvement.

It’s something about the first of January that for many of us represents a fresh start, a clean slate to keep on track and to accomplishing everything that we so desire in life. (more…)

Quantum Energy Healing & Performance

An insightful conversation today with Phillip about how they are using quantum energy to help people heal and improve overall performance. This is new science using frequency medicine to help accelerate your body’s recovery and optimize health. Used by professional athletes and everyday people with many amazing natural benefits. Have a listen and enjoy the show.

Check out more from Philipp and Leela Quantum Tech here. 

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Kindness, Meditation & Creativity

Ann joins me again for a second time on the podcast and in this episode, we continue our conversation about Transcendental Mediation and the benefits that are gained from this practice. We also touch on creativity and how kindness has a big role to play in our lives. Enjoy!

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Conscious Leader

Dom is the founder and CEO of DotConnect, a company dedicated to finding the best people for high-achieving companies. She has dedicated her life to recruitment and after many years of hard work, she found herself burnt out. She made a pivot and more recently she discovered the benefits of being more conscious – she became a conscious leader. Her company now has over 90 staff and helps many other companies and leaders reach higher levels of consciousness in the workplace too. This is her story, well worth a listen.

Connect with Dom here. (more…)

Letting Go of Nothing

Attachment! Defined often as that which blocks one’s ability to be truly happy with life. In this conversation, I speak with Peter Russell about the art and benefits of “Letting Go”. Spiritual, yes! Impactful on the quality of one’s life, absolutely! Please enjoy.

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Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In

An insightful chat with Kai Whiting discussing the benefits of stoicism on being better. In the post-pandemic world is this the new normal and what are the implications we will face. We delve in to living with virtue and in accordance with nature, explained beautifully with Kai in this conversation. (more…)

Alchemy of Herbs & Wild Remedies

In this interview, I speak with Rosalee de la Foret about her passion and knowledge for all things herbs. After suffering from her personal illness Rosalee discovered the amazing medicinal benefits of herbs and after many years of study and much more research, Rosalee is an expert Herbalist. She now shares her knowledge with others in an inspiring way how we can transform everyday ingredients into foods that can transform and maintain good health.

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Why We Swim

I love swimming and was super excited when Bonnie Publicist reached out for me to have her on the show. As a passionate swimmer, Bonnie became curious about why we swim and how this fascination for swimming is now one of the most popular activities in the world. While our evolutionary ancestors learned to swim for survival many of us now swim for pleasure, and others for exercise and healing. The pure joy of swimming I find rather meditative. In this interview, we discuss Bonnie’s curiosity into our love for swimming and the many associated benefits. (more…)

Gut Crisis with Keith Wallace

In this episode, I speak with Keith and discuss his new book Gut Crisis. Discussing Ayurveda medicine, gut bacteria, gut microbiome, digestion, diet, health information, and happiness. Enjoy!

Guest Bio.

Robert Keith Wallace is a pioneering researcher on the physiology of consciousness. His work has inspired hundreds of studies on the benefits of meditation and other mind-body techniques. Dr. Wallace’s findings have been published in Science, American Journal of Physiology, and Scientific American. He received his BS in physics and his PhD in physiology from UCLA, and he conducted postgraduate research at Harvard University. Dr. Wallace is founding president and member of the board of trustees of Maharishi University of Management (MUM) in Fairfield, Iowa, He is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Physiology and Health.

How to connect with Keith

Gut Crisis Website

Dharma Parenting Website

Maharishi University of Management Website

Full show notes from previous post: 

Coaching

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.

Wisdom Healing Qigong

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The Art of Possibility

This book flection is written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

The Art of Possibility, a book written by Rosamund Zander and Benjamin Zander as a guide to achieving fulfilment in all endeavours in life through practices of possibility. If all life, I mean absolutely everything is simply an invention on top of an invention then why not live in a world where creativity rules the journey in life and the happiness we experience?

In this book, the Zanders outline 12 practices that will help you to escape living a measured life guided by external demands and expectations to living an internally guided life, one enriched by your creative pursuits and limitless possibilities. A life where anything is possible. A life of possibility.

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The Pema Chodron Audio Collection

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

Pema Chodron is an American Tibetan Buddhist, author of many books and audiobooks, and perhaps one of the West’s most favourite Buddhist teachers.  In this audiobook narrated by Pema Chodron herself, she shares three of her most popular teachings including Pure Meditation, Good Medicine and From Fear to Fearlessness. (more…)

6 Ways to Invest in Yourself

Written by Laura Gayle, Business Woman Guide

Podcast narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

In nearly every situation, the likelihood of success is much greater when you adopt healthy habits and make a commitment to invest time and money into endeavours that will prove valuable for your future self. Most successful people find that throughout their careers, it is essential to focus on things they can do today that will help them perform better in the future. Investing in yourself is probably the most profitable investment you will ever make.

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The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents

By Hal Elrod, Michael J Maher, Michael Reese, and Jay Kinder

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

After a traumatic accident and said to have been critically dead for several minutes Hal Elrod went on to become an ultra-marathon runner, business achiever, author and international motivational speaker. He is the author of what many describe as a life-changing book, The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life that went on to become a New York Times best-seller and one of Amazon’s most reviewed books. (more…)

Impact, Not Income!

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

“Life is about making an impact not making an income.” Kevin Kruse

Service, giving back, helping others, and contributing are all feel good activities that we can do. I genuinely believe they are fundamental in living a life with greater freedom, fulfilment and happiness. And the ability to have a positive impact on the lives of others is available to us all. We can all do something every day that aims to serve others and have an impact. (more…)

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

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

“Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.” Benjamin Franklin

A question that I ask all guests that I interview on The Hidden Why podcast is what advice they would give there 20-year-old self. It was one that I heard other interviewers asking and found the answers intriguing, naturally, I decided to include on my question list.

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

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The Passion Paradox

My interview with Brad Stulburg the author of Peak Performance and The Passion Paradox, a very strong fit for the show. We start off by talking about how to elevate performance while avoiding burnout and as Brad shares, there are a few key common principles that are relevant to all. Focus on the principles, not the “hacks”. Then we talk about passion, how to discover it, how to harness its powers and avoid its dangers. (more…)

Making Space & Clutter-Free

“Clearing clutter—be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual—brings about ease and inspires a sense of peace, calm, and tranquillity.” Laurie Buchanan

Tracy McCubbin is a professional declutter. She helps people from all walks of life get more organised and declutter their lives. Personally, I appreciate the unbelievable benefits that come from living a clutter-free life, both physically and mentally. I also feel that the clutter and disorganisation of our lives are not always easy to detect nor are they benefits that noticeable. (more…)

No Rules Leadership

“Life is about making an impact not making an income.”

As a serial entrepreneur, Kevin Kruse has started and sold many successful businesses and had his fair share of failures, too. What he didn’t realise when starting out was that leadership and time management were integral to his success. He became a student and now shows others how to successfully lead and best manage their time. (more…)

Escape Self-Absorption, Let Go of The Ego

We can have everything we want in life by escaping our self-absorption. Everything! It is not that we should deny self-care or self-love. We shouldn’t seek to abandon our search and satisfaction of our primary human needs – food, shelter, belongingness, survival. Self-absorption is allowing the ego to rule and letting it obsess over fulfilling false needs. (more…)

12 Ways to Effectiveness

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi – Originally Published 11.11.2014

How many times have you got to the end of the day and while lying in bed before you nod off you wonder, “Shit, what did I really achieve today?”

In this episode, I share the remaining 6 productivity hacks to that have helped me get to the end of most days feeling better about what I achieved. Enjoy the show.
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Aware: by Dr Daniel Siegel

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

Dr Siegel is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. After completing his medical degree from Harvard University Daniel spent time studying family interactions with an emphasis on how attachment experiences influence emotions, behaviour, autobiographical memory and narrative. (more…)

The Common Grounds of Victimhood & Hate

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Belongingness – a deep and fundamental human emotion.

• Why? Survival and reproduction.

Humans are animals and as with many animal groups belonging to social groups provide protection. Although this is not as relevant nowadays because we can survive pretty well without being a part of a tribe, we still do desire to belong to a group or groups. The social bonds and relationships we form in our networks have been proven to have profound benefits to our overall wellbeing. (more…)

Let’s Talk about Death by Michael Hebb

Written and narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

Let’s Talk about Death (over Dinner): An Invitation and Guide to Life’s Most Important Conversation

For many of us, the conversation about death is one we’d prefer to avoid not to mention one that we’d be delighted to have while enjoying a meal around the dinner table. In this book, the author, Michael Hebb not only encourages us to talk about death but inspires it. Without a doubt a difficult and uncomfortable topic of conversation yet one that has significant importance. (more…)

The Positive Shift

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt

In The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity, a book by Dr Catherine Sanderson. In my interview with Catherine, we discuss the science behind thought and how our mindset (or thought patterns) exerts a substantial influence on our psychological and physical health.

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The Willpower Instinct

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Dr Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University who, using neuroscience and psychology, is dedicated to delivering practical tips and strategies to help improve the well-being of others. After the popularity of one of her courses, ‘The Science of Willpower’ McGonigal decided to write this book to elaborate and explain her work further.

In reading The Willpower Instinct I believe McGonigal successful answers the following questions: What is willpower? How does it work? Why does it matter? And, what we can do about enhancing our personal self-control? (more…)

The Enchiridion & Discourses by Haward B. Morse

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” Epictetus

Epictetus was a second-century stoic philosopher. Born a slave and raised within the Roman Empire. After his release from slavery, he found peace in Greece where is spent the remainder of his days.

This book is delivered in two parts, the first is short precepts, practical guides to the bulk of his work – The Enchiridion. The second part is the longer discourses of Epictetus. These writings are actually the works of his pupil Arrian. (more…)

12 Ways to Effectiveness

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi – Originally Published 11.11.2014

How many times have you got to the end of the day and while lying in bed before you nod off you wonder, “shit, what did I really achieve today?”

Is it a common occurrence? What about the successful, do you think they have days like these? We all do, don’t we?

In this article, I am going to share my tips for becoming more productive in everyday life. I am no guru, however, I believe one of my greatest strengths is my intense level of organisation and productivity and therefore I wish to share. (more…)

Life on Purpose by Victor J. Strecher

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

Here is another book about how to find our purpose in life and to be honest it’s a freaking awesome one. Seriously, it is! I found a tonne of inspiration and value within these pages. Note merely another person with a wishy-washy message on purpose.

Life on Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes Everything is a guide for anyone who is on the search for more purpose in life. Using philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, biology and other sciences, the author creates a clear to understand book to show its reader why having ‘purpose’ is essential for one’s wellbeing. He also reveals elements, practices and tools that will assist the reader on their journey.

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The Common Grounds of Victimhood & Hate

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Belongingness – a deep and fundamental human emotion.

• Why? Survival and reproduction.

Humans are animals and as with many animal groups belonging to social groups provide protection. Although this is not as relevant nowadays because we can survive pretty well without being a part of a tribe, we still do desire to belong to a group or groups. The social bonds and relationships we form in our networks have been proven to have profound benefits to our overall wellbeing.

People that are lonely or don’t meet this need to belong will have difficulty forming a level of self-identity. Who we are plays a critical role in how we think, the decisions we make and how we behave. If we lack a solid sense of identity – who are we, it brings our level of significance, relevance and meaning in life to a lower level. This is not a good thing. (more…)

The Art of Receiving (revised)

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi – Originally Published 7.11.2014

I got myself in more debt. I got myself more upset when more bills came rolling in. I got myself in a panic when I got myself fired and was not sure where the next paycheck would come from. How would I support my wife and kids? What would I do next? What would happen next?

What I asked for in life I received. It was how I reacted, not responded, that has taught me a heck of a lot in life. We all continue to learn as we experience life. It is what we do with these life lessons that count.

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Escape Self-Absorption, Let Go of The Ego

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

We can have everything we want in life by escaping our self-absorption. Everything! It is not that we should deny self-care or self-love. We shouldn’t seek to abandon our search and satisfaction of our primary human needs – food, shelter, belongingness, survival. Self-absorption is allowing the ego to rule and letting it obsess over fulfilling false needs.

The ego attaches itself to trivial matters. It cares not of others or even one’s personal well-being. It concerns itself with misleading ideas on how to protect one’s self-interests and uphold some kind of desirable identity. It does it in ways that are often inconsiderate, lacking compassion and of little long-term purpose. The ego is short-term focused. (more…)

Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

In this book, Dr Dan Ariely, A professor of behavioural economics at the Duke University uncovers why humans are predictably irrational. Every day we are responsible for making numerous decisions and what Dan was intrigued by is that despite our assumption that we are smart logical beings, we often make poor decisions that don’t seem logical at all.

Often emotions become entangled in the decisions we have to make. We overvalue, we procrastinate, and we make the same poor decisions time and time again. From his perspective, it seemed humans are highly irrational, hence his research behind this book. (more…)

Leadership – A Life-Skill

Succeed in Your Professional & Personal Life

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

Leadership is a skill not only favoured to those who manage large teams or coach at the local football club. I’d consider leadership a life-skill. We should teach it to school children along with several other important life-skills essential for living a successful and happy life.

Why? Because at some point in time, we will be required to lead others whether on a large or small scale. More importantly, we are at all times entirely responsible for the leadership of our life.

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Taping into The Unconscious Mind: A Modern Perspective

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

The unconscious mind is said to control the majority of how we act and behave. Some studies suggest as little as 0.08% of what we process happens on the conscious level. The brain is a marvellous organic operating system that sucks a heck of a lot of energy. To operate efficiently, our system runs on a network of memory and prediction. The unconscious is a powerful sub-system of our brain that helps us automate our lives. If that’s the case, it would make sense to learn how do we tap into the power of the unconscious mind?

Cognitive thought process takes place in the conscious part of the human brain and uses a significant amount of energy. We have to focus our attention, think, study and solve problems. Once we do, we can use the stored memory and unconscious operating system to make future predictions. (more…)

Our Love with Our Phones

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

Are the figures true? Do we now spend on average 5 hours a day on our mobile phones?

If like me, you are shocked to hear these figures, I don’t blame you. I remember reading similar stats on the average amount of TV time. In adding it up, you will quickly find that it equates to approximately four or five working weeks. That’s a bloody lot of time!

Imagine what else we could be doing with our time. Imagine if you had four additional weeks a year to do whatever you wished. Would you spend it on your phone? Probably not. I wouldn’t! Of course, this is time accumulated over an entire day. We wouldn’t possibly spend 5 hours back-to-back on our phone, or maybe we would. (more…)

The Beginnings of a Positive Mindset

Positivity is contagious. It spreads like wildfire. It is the key to engaging, influencing, building, strengthening and maintaining relationships. When you conduct your life with a positive mindset and commit to putting it into daily practice, you will raise your level of happiness.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve done a fair bit of research on positivity, however, to be honest, I almost feel as though I was born an optimistic. But I know, or at least believe, that optimism isn’t a natural trait this. Positivity is a learned trait, and regardless of how we’ve been raised, we can alter our negative or positive disposition. (more…)

Are You Moving Away or Moving Towards?

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

At the core, we are biological beings who are driven by pleasure and pain. The fundamental human motivation is survival, what motivates us to fulfil this is to move away from what may be as harmful or limiting and move towards what enhances or nourishes this need. What I’ve learnt is that most of us can either be more strongly influenced by and therefore act upon what we wish to avoid or what we desire to move towards. What type are you, away or towards?

After doing some research on this topic, I feel that I have a towards personality. As for my wife, I think she’s an away type. It is not a representation of good or bad, rather it represents why people have different motivations. Ultimately it will affect the way we operate. (more…)

Small Experiments and Testing

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

I believe the quality of our life depends on the experiences we have. Yes, there are circumstances and situations external to our direct control that undoubtedly will have an impact on the condition of our life and the experiences that we are either fortunate or unfortunate enough to live through.

What if we could influence these experiences?

Shaping them in a way that allows us to receive greater benefits. Looking for the positives in any negatives and even avoiding or removing ourselves from experiences that we don’t feel fit. That is why small experiments and testing in everyday life is a marvellous practice. (more…)

12 Strategies to Increase Your Effectiveness

Written & Narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi – Originally Published 11.11.2014

How many times have you got to the end of the day and while lying in bed before you nod off you wonder, “shit, what did I really achieve today?”

Is it a common occurrence? What about the successful, do you think they have days like these? We all do, don’t we?

In this article, I am going to share my tips for becoming more efficient in everyday life. I am no guru, however, I believe one of my greatest strengths is my intense level of organisation and productivity and therefore I wish to share. (more…)

The Common Grounds of Victimhood & Hate

Written & Narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Belongingness – a deep and fundamental human emotion.

• Why? Survival and reproduction.

Humans are animals and as with many animal groups belonging to social groups provide protection. Although this is not as relevant nowadays because we can survive pretty well without being a part of a tribe, we still do desire to belong to a group or groups. The social bonds and relationships we form in our networks have been proven to have profound benefits to our overall wellbeing.

People that are lonely or don’t meet this need to belong will have difficulty forming a level of self-identity. Who we are plays a critical role in how we think, the decisions we make and how we behave. If we lack a solid sense of identity – who are we? It brings our level of significance, relevance and meaning in life to a lower level. This is not a good thing. (more…)

“Be Impeccable With Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” Don Miguel Ruiz

Why sharing our feelings helps but venting only supports the ego that may induce and lead us into further suffering?

We’ve all heard about the benefits associated to positive affirmations. Dan McGinn, the author of Psyched Up, talks about the power in performance by using a technique called reappraisal. Similar to affirmations it’s about reinforcing the positive stories we tell ourselves to booster confidence and reduce anxiety. (more…)

“Try to imagine what it will be like to go to sleep and never wake up… now try to imagine what it was like to wake up having never gone to sleep.” Alan W. Watts

The opening quotes is a tough one to get your head around. At least it is for me.
I suppose it indicates a sense of “what if…”

What if life was over? What if you fell asleep and never woke up again? What if this was it?

In many ways this is it. This is the time we have and time is now. Today! In this moment. (more…)

The Minimalists Podcast by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus

“Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom.” The Minimalists

Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus are the Minimalists. Two friends who in their late 20’s decided enough was enough. They decided to get off the hamster wheel of life to create and live more meaningful lives. And in doing so, they became The Minimalists.

Minimalism: to live a more meaningful life with less. (more…)

Summary

“Marry your intention with the right amount of attention.” Mike Vardy

If you’re tired of “doing” productive and want to start being productive, you’re in the right place. In this episode, Mike Vardy, founder of Productivityist will show you how to define your days, funnel your focus, and make every moment matter.

A productivityist is a productivity enthusiast. They love to delve deep into the study of productivity, including all the tool and habitual behaviors there is to know. Exploring new ideas, processes, and ways to get things done. Personally, for me, it all boils down to the best use of my time. (more…)

Summary

This is a replay interivew that I did with Jenny Santi. You can review the full show notes here at episode 31.

Jenny Sanit is the best-selling author of The Giving Way to Happiness in which she shares stories and the science behind the life-changing power of giving.

It’s a wonderful conversation about giving, not only the benefits but also the tecnhiques. How to get more involved in a way that has meaning and also without not feeling guilty. (more…)

Passions – The Pursuit of Purpose Through Deliberate Practice

There is no doubt in my mind that pursuing our passions makes life great. Passion breeds purpose. It defines an internal motivation that pushes one into action and removes the unnecessary from our lives.

Every day we are all confronted with thoughts of passion. Things we wish to pursue that spark our curiosity and interest. Ideas of doing what we love. Weaving our hearts deepest desires into our daily lives make us dream and dreaming feels good! It is the source to enhance the flavours of an otherwise bland life.

We are all passionate about various things. Passions that have lived from the time we were toddlers and have since woven into the fabric of our personality and character. Some of which we still regularly pursue and shine a light on. Others that kept glowing and like oxygen to a flame only illuminate when we choose to bring breath to them. (more…)

Summary

Gut Crisis: How Diet, Probiotics, and Friendly Bacteria Help You Lose Weight and Heal Your Body and Mind

I first spoke to Keith back in episode 241 when we discussed his book Dharam Parenting. A great conversation about Ayurveda body types, consciousness and how to live a better life.

In this episode, we bring Keith back to discuss his new book Gut Crisis. Discussing Ayurveda medicine, gut bacteria, gut microbiome, digestion, diet, health information, and happiness. (more…)

Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era by James Barrat

“More than any other time in history mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. —Woody Allen”

We all think about the future, but perhaps we are too often narrow in our vision. The future excites me, and I think the reason why is because of a significant amount of uncertainty that exists. (more…)

Drop Your Schedules That Brings You Dissatisfaction

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” Lao Tzu

Healthy pressure is good in life. Having discipline and routine raises our levels of effectiveness. The benefits are that we are better able to pursue our aspirations and dreams. However, if the plans that we create cause us unnecessary displeasure or dissatisfaction in the process is it really worth it?

What if instead of being consumed by our schedules, thinking that they are our only options we take control back. Just as we own our plans and those things we wish to accomplish, let’s also control the journey. (more…)

Summary

“Health is the fundamental building block, an Ultimate Life Principle, to living a free, fulfilled and happy life.”

In this episode of The Hidden Why podcast, I bring back to the show my mate Daniel Van Veluwen. Who is he? Just like you and I, he is a guy just trying to figure life out. Specifically, his interest is within the realms of health. On his personal journey, he has explored the “why” and “how” of health. He has adopted a holistic approach to health in efforts to optimise health and improve overall longevity.

Like my desire to exploring how to live life as fully as I can, his dedication is to health. He has been the catalyst for my personal and continuing improvement in health. As it relates to suffering, happiness, regret, and simply maximising out the ability to be capable and effective, I believe health a fundamental foundation to living a kick-ass life.  (more…)

Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrowby Yuval Noah Harari

“This is the best reason to learn history: not in order to predict the future but to free yourself from the past and imagine alternative destinies. Of course, this is not total freedom – we cannot avoid being shaped by the past. But some freedom is better than none.”  

This is Yuval’s sequel to his New York Times bestseller, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. In this book, he brilliantly assembled Human kinds brief history in an attempt to highlight how the current socio-cultural climate of modern day life came to be. (more…)

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

“Two Core Abilities for Thriving in the New Economy 1. The ability to quickly master hard things. 2. The ability to produce at an elite level, in terms of both quality and speed.” Cal Newport

Anything that can assist us improving our skill in effectiveness is of value. Even though I consider myself a bit of an effectiveness guru there is always plenty of opportunities to learn more and I welcome it. In whatever paths we pursue, being effective will result in greater success and a happier pursuit in life.

This book not only gave me new thoughts, ideas, practices, and perspectives on how I can sharpen my effectiveness but gave me a friendly jab. A reminder as to where I’ve let things slip and inspiration to further improve my game. (more…)

Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant

“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” George Bernard Shaw

In this book Adam Grant explores what it takes to be original. It’s a compelling read that disrupts the conventional thinking as it relates to what makes anything unique and original. Adam’s research highlights how we can break conformity to generate new ideas. (more…)

Summary

Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in Psychiatry and Radiology. She received an NIH Director’s Pioneer Award for her research on emotion in the brain, and the 2018 APS Mentor Award For Lifetime Achievement.

In this episode, we discuss her new book, How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain, a book on how the brain constructs emotions — one that could revolutionize psychology, health care, the legal system, and our understanding of the human mind. (more…)

Summary

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”

Dr. Tasha Eurich is an organizational psychologist, researcher, and New York Times bestselling author. With a PhD in organizational psychology, she is also the founder of The Eurich Group, where she’s helped thousands of leaders and teams improve their effectiveness through greater self-awareness.

In her second book, Insight, Tasha delves into the connection between our self-awareness—what she calls the meta-skill of the twenty-first century—and our performance and success, both in and out of the workplace. Fortune calls it a “sprawling exploration of the psychic frailty that leads to self-delusion and self-aggrandizement, and—importantly—a compassionate, helpful guide for avoiding that path (or reversing it).” This forms the basis of our discussion in my interview with Tasha Eurich. (more…)

Smarter Faster Better: The Transformative Power of Real Productivity By Charles Duhigg

“The choices that are most powerful in generating motivation, in other words, are decisions that do two things: They convince us we’re in control and they endow our actions with larger meaning.”

In Charles Duhigg’s previous book, The Power of Habit, he researched into the reasons why we do what we do through the study of habits. It is brilliantly insightful and provides a framework to better understanding habits and how to form habits in life that are more purposeful.

You can review my full review here episode 313. 

I believe this book has set the benchmark for his work including his newest book Smarter Faster Better. His approach this time was to research the universal concepts that can help us improve our effectiveness, and in the process becoming smarter, faster and better and everything we do. (more…)

Dare to Disagree – Challenge Thought, Beliefs & Behaviours

“For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate.” Margaret Heffernan 

Are we all “yes” men? Do we agree with almost everything? The news we watch, the stories we hear from friends, the new direction our company is taking, the images we see, the lives we perceive people live, the politicians, our thoughts, conditioned perspectives, and beliefs. What happens if we challenged ourselves more to disagree? (more…)

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong by Eric Barker

“Fundamentally, your brain doesn’t like or want to believe in randomness. It always believes you have some control, even when you don’t. It may be delusional but we’re happier deluded. And delusion ironically makes us perform better on average.” Eric Barker

Eric Barker is an interesting dude. Why? It’s because of his fascination and curiosity for learning and teaching others how to create and live an awesome life. He asks questions that relate to success that many of us don’t. He seeks to find insight to the flip side of everything we’ve been told and everything most of us believe about what determines success. (more…)

Summary

Tim is the author of four books, including the New York Times bestseller Love Is the Killer App: How To Win Business & Influence Friends.

He is the former Yahoo Chief Solutions Officer and has consulted with industry leaders, governments and trade associations on sales processes, new media, leadership development and talent management.  He’s a top-rated speaker, talked about author and entrepreneur.

His philosophy on business life is simple: Share your knowledge, network and compassion to multiply the value of everyone you interact with. In this episode we focus on those three things. You’ll enjoy the value he brings! (more…)

You can build a long term further on short term thinking. Billy Cox

In this episode I chat about the benefits of long term thinking. Why it is beneficial for us to pause, and think about what we do rather than always chasing immediate pleasure and immediate results. A long term perspective will progress us towards a greater life. Think about it.

Coaching

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The Fly in the Ear of the Bull

In an interview I heard on the James Altucher Podcast, Yuval Noah Harari made this comment,

“In a way, a terrorist is like a fly that tries to destroy a china shop. The fly is so small and weak. It cannot move even a single teacup. So how does a fly destroy a china shop? The fly finds a bull, gets into the ear of the bull and starts buzzing. The bull becomes so enraged that it loses its temper and destroys the china shop. This is what happened in the middle east over the last 15 years,” Yuval said.

Since then I have found another story about a little fly and a bull. The moral of the story was about one’s self-perceived importance. When the fly attempted to get the bulls attention by buzzing in its ear and landing on it horn the bull simply said, “Little fly, I don’t care if you stay or leave. You are so tiny that your weight does not make any difference to me, so please be quiet and leave me alone.” (more…)

Ambition: Leading with Gratitude by Seth Buechley 

“Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.” Napoleon Bonaparte

Seth Buechley is a serial entrepreneur and found ambition very early in life, in his own unique way. Having grown up in a commune he learnt the art of work early on in life. While there are certain negatives of such an upbringing, as he explains, life in the commune developed within him a strong work ethic.

When it comes to ambition and self-motivation I believe that those who are grow up with a solid work ethic benefit greatly. When the reward of the work we do does not directly benefit us it can sometimes be more difficult to take action. (more…)

Numbing Emotions – We Cannot Target Specific Emotions

 I listened to a great Ted Talk by Brene Brown recently titled The Power of Vulnerability. Amazing talk and to no surprise about the great benefits that can come from being vulnerable. More on vulnerability another day.

One thing that she said within her that talk that stood out and was so powerful was this, “We numb vulnerability. We are the most in debt, obese, addicted and over medicated adult cohort in US history. The problem is that we cannot selectively numb emotion.”  (more…)

10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story By Dan Harris

“We live so much of our lives pushed forward by these “if only” thoughts, and yet the itch remains. The pursuit of happiness becomes the source of our unhappiness.”

Dan Harris is a mindful correspondent for ABC and co-anchor for the weekend edition of Good Morning America. His mindfulness nature has not always been present. After having a serious panic attack on national TV he realised that change was necessary and began his search.

This book is his story and journey into how developing a mindfulness practice in life has allowed him to become 10% happier. It is a journalist’s approach to finding the truth to the spiritual world of America, the science behind meditation and many Buddhist insights into living a more deeply satisfying life. (more…)

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

I first read this book in my early adult years. I think my parents purchased for me perhaps because they saw my obsession in money and creating riches. At that time the content struck me as new and very abstract. It was insightful and inspiring yet at times a little over my head. Life moved on and in most part so did the teachings of this book.

Think and Grow Rich is an all-time best seller and the principles it teaches about success in this book are in most part timeless. For those seeking riches in life this is a powerful read with practices that I believe will bring results if followed consistently and correctly. However, it is not only about money creation. I believe it can bring riches to all aspects of life. (more…)

Summary

Suze Yalof Schwartz is the Founder and CEO of Unplug Meditation, the world’s first drop-in secular meditation studio. She is also the author of Unplug: A Simple Guide to Meditation for Busy Skeptics and Modern Soul Seekers.

Discover Your Why – Free Coaching Call Valued at $250

In 2012, Suze learned a three-minute meditation that changed her life forever. Once she discovered meditation, she was determined to keep doing it but she could not find a place to easily learn and practice. After taking hundreds of hours of classes, reading every book possible, and listening to podcasts and lectures from the world’s most famous meditation teachers, Suze realized that meditation needed a makeover. (more…)

Powerful Questions That Will Impact How We Live Our Life

If we don’t pause and give ourselves space to ask and answer questions that matter, we may find ourselves living our life without great meaning or purpose. Questions have been the catalyst to my personal transformation and are the source and continually support for living a happy life.

These are a few questions that I ask in efforts to live with greater passion and purpose. There are more – if you haven’t yet please take time to download and review the questions in my Discover Your Why: Life Purpose Questionnaire, here.

I have recently read and reviewed two amazing books that research and address the power of asking questions. You can find the link to both reviews below and pick yourself up a copy of these book by using the amazon links provided. (more…)