And here it is, the last bit on what differentiators the Super from the Average: Highly successful people probably suck at 99% of everything! The main reason is that they have probably given up on everything else to focus on the one thing that you know them for. There is even social and personal failures … Read moreSuper Achievers part 5 of 5
Most high performers are lazy! You didn’t see that one did you? However, they have big dreams and goals so this means they have had to fight even harder to fight the laziness and distractions to achieve their goals. This means that although they have a lazy nature or trait they work 10x harder than … Read moreSuper Achievers part 4 of 5
Most successful people are Introverts! Yip! So if you are not the loudest and most talkative in the room, if you not the first to jump up on the Karaoke stage you don’t need to worry. Even though all the highly successful and famous people you think are comfortable in the lime-light and on the … Read moreSuper Achievers part 3 of 5
We not designed to cope with pressure but we can thrive on it! If you can use this to make you run its like Nitro boost to an engine. The fear of being found out that may not be the right person for the job or that you may not be doing what you supposed … Read moreSuper Achievers part 2 of 5
Apologies for the radio silence last week – I had a few things that I had to sort out and practicising what I preach made the decision that I had to pause my daily ramblings to get sh*t done! So to make up for it, and commit to the week, I will do another series. … Read moreSuper Achievers part 1 of 5
Yip – chose the pain and you will get the gain. You see we all know what we want – we want to be wealthy, we want to be healthy, we want to look good in a bathing suit etc etc. But no one wants to save their money instead of buying cool things, wants … Read moreDo you want the pain?
The only enemy we ever face is ourselves! Remember – we are only capable of seeing what we can actually see or what our mind allows us too. So if we only see challenges – then we will be faced with these all day long. If you see success and positive outcomes … you got … Read moreAre you your own worst enemy?
The secret to success is actually incredibly mundane. It is an incredibly monotonous journey to be successful. Sounds horrible, it is. 90 percent of success is the product of mundane repetitive actions. When you don’t feel like working out at gym, successful people are already on their second set! When you have completed your to-do-list … Read moreThe terrible truth of success
Our biggest problem is that we are always trying to conquesr the world. The first thing we have to do is conquer ourselves. You can not control the external or lead a team when you have not got control of yourself. You see the biggest problem we have is that we let our ambition drive … Read moreConquer yourself before the world
Doing more than you need to is the new norm. Doing what you have to is no longer enough – we have to go beyond just the “its done!” To be memorable we have to do more. Think about receiving gifts – if someone gives you a gift wrapped up in some brown paper or … Read moreDo more than you need to
It has been a fairly heavy week from living longer, to people that moan, and breaking away from our devices. So as today is Tequila day (it really is – https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/tequila-day/?timezone_offset=nan)and it’s a Friday I thought what the heck, lets get the salt and lemon and have a few good drinks with mates. Please remember … Read moreTequila day!
We have spent so much time fighting for freedom yet we are enslaved. Yip – We are slaves to our devices, social networks and all the other digital trappings. We step away from our machines to sit on a sofa and continue the entrapment by watching mind-numbing shows on TV. Slave and Screen – both … Read moreFreedom
Ask the proper question. It’s that simple. When you know what the actual problem is not what you think it is – then you can expedite the solving of it. If you can craft a good question – you will probably get the right answers. Identify the problem: How do I feel about X? What … Read moreSolving Problems
So if you have followed last week’s series and the cliff-hanger yesterday and are planning to live longer then I think I need to help you with the following. We all have these people in our circles. This is negative energy and if these people are chronic complainers it is even worse. The glass isn’t … Read moreHow to handle complainers
I hope you had a great weekend and really thought about the last weeks posts. So – the big reveal. We need to belong! To be accepted and be essential to something greater than ourselves. We are not wired to function as individuals – we need to be part of a tribe. Without this need … Read moreHow to increase longevity – part 6 of 6
Drink Alcohol! Yip – you read correctly. But if you didn’t read yesterday’s post then you missed the next key point to this statement. MODERATELY! There is a ton of research showing that 1 glass of wine or beer is directly related to reduction in heart disease and an increase in longevity. Did I mention … Read moreHow to increase longevity part 5 of 6
Gluttony will kill you early. The thinking here is that we over eat or eat to capacity. We need to learn to eat to 80% of our capacity. We don’t need to eat until we are popping – we need to eat until we kill the hunger pain. This is not an easy task – … Read moreHow to increase longevity part 4 of 6
Downshifting or shutting off. We all experience stress – it is actually good for us in short boosts – our bodies are designed to fire up against stress. However – continued and sustained stress is not good for us. It will kill you! So, as with everything in life, moderation is the call of the … Read moreHow to increase longevity part 3 of 6
Purpose! When you have no purpose – you have no reason to live. You have seen how people retire and then die! We have also heard the saying – work yourself to an early death! I think it’s retire to an early death. If you don’t have a purpose you will die. Something to do … Read moreHow to increase longevity part 2 of 6
I had positive feedback to the series format of last week so I am going to do it again this week. Cliff hanger. This is a 6 part so the final will only be next Monday – that way you can ponder the 5 parts over the weekend. So here we go: Movement – this … Read moreHow to increase longevity 1 of 6
This is the last of the series- and hopefully the most important. Life will be defined by the choices we make all the way along the journey! Who you chose to hang out with will shape you and who you become in life. Who we spend our time with determines what we talk about, opinions … Read moreTimely advice part 5 of 5
Your charm and good looks are not going to cut it! We spend our lives trying to protect and nurture our kids but we are doing them more harm than we are good. If we do everything for them we not helping them learn how to fail, how to work hard, how to actually do. … Read moreTimely advice part 4 of 5
If you searching for something that you love to do – best pack a lunch as its going to be awhile until you find it! We don’t love what we do – we need to do what we love. Don’t focus on what it is that you do – focus on why you want to … Read moreTimely advice part 3 of 5
No one owes you anything! Yip – its the truth. Unless you are a kid living at home (not an adult, a school going kid) the world and everyone else owes you nothing. You see, we spend the first few years of our lives getting given stuff – food, clothes, education etc. This is to … Read moreTimely advice part 2 of 5
The kind of advice we probably need to impart to the sub-30’s School wasn’t your real education – this is a maturation machine – how to prosper or how to succeed is probably not based on what you learnt at school! Learn about yourself and what you can do to improve yourself – make a … Read moreTimely advice part 1 of 5
We often make the mistake of thinking those around us are holding us back. It’s actually the opposite. You see if we didn’t have people around us that actually care about us and provide insightful and honest feedback we would just go off at full speed, no handbrake. Where at first this would seem like … Read moreHow to fly high
Once you have set your goals, forget them! Focus on the process not the result! Spend your time doing more (or less) of what is required to get to the goal. Focus on a system instead of the goal. Learning to do something in pursuit of a goal is the system or method of achieving … Read moreForget your goals
Get someone you know and trust to give you a good slap! This is non-literal so no phone calls with offers to come over and slap me please. It is something that we just need every now and then; a wake up call as such. You see the problem is that when we are a … Read moreA slap from a friend
As strong as steel is a statement we are all familiar with. Yet under certain conditions even steel gives in (albeit at over 1300℃) so we are not required nor expected to be strong all the time. What we do need to do however, is not let anything stop us in our path. Speedbumps and … Read moreBe steadfast
I want to look at when you are on a journey and those around you aren’t on the same trip! What we have to realise is that in order for the journey we are on to be better, stronger and more awesome is unfortunately not the norm to others!Yip, people are not looking to be … Read moreThe negativity of others
So there is a famous trademark that I didn’t want to use but thought after the posts from this week the easiest way to finish off the week was to be a bit more positive or re-enforcing. If there is something you want to do, do it. If there is something you have been putting … Read moreDo it
We are all stressed at the moment and this is understandable as there is a lot going on. Here is a couple of pieces of advice. Stop whining and start doing. Actions relieve tension. Try it – go and do something – you will feel better. Sitting around moaning about what you not doing or … Read moreHow to handle stress
It is really easy for us to dislike what we don’t have. An example; If you can’t get a taste of the new flavour of Coke – it is easy to say – it probably tastes bad anyway or I don’t need the extra calories … This is actually a verbalisation of envy! It is … Read moreIt’s easy to hate what we don’t have
Got your attention! When you don’t get the results you want from people you either have the wrong people or you have the wrong process of selecting people. Whether this is employees or suppliers – the selection process needs to be an art. Selection is the critical part. Anyone can apply for a job or … Read morePeople just suck
We are not naturally confident – it is a trait that is developed and amassed over time and through doing. Some are more confident than others and this is not because they have read a book or studied at school. Success is the key ingredient to helping grow confidence – you see when you are … Read moreHow to grow confidence
If we let obstacles stand in our way – our journey will end there. When presented with a challenge you have choices:Choose to stop, go around or through, or you can pivot! Pivoting is something that a lot of businesses have and are doing as we speak. I have! Today I have launched a spin-off … Read moreChoose your own Adventure
The Covid pandemic has actually helped unify us. In normal circumstances – when someone is contagious we would run away – but due to our situation being a global one we have actually all come together. There have been some bumps in the road and there will be more to come – but for the … Read moreCome together
Nope – not suggesting aggresive force here. It’s another learning from the lockdown. People have always (even if secretly) wanted to work from home. Due to the lockdown – we have been forced to do so and this forced change has shown us new ways of doing things. Ways of moving forward without going back … Read moreChange through force
So yesterday I mentioned 7 signs to look out for and that we need to change if presenting any of the tendencies. We need to look at the basics. Our health and family are now the most important things in our lives; not rushing to the shops. To be able to chat and spend time … Read moreLockdown back to basics
I know its only Monday – but I thought to get this in your minds so you can think and change over the week. As we move into the next phase of life with Covid-19 I have been thinking inwardly and looking at myself and others a lot more. The following seven signs are warnings … Read more7 signs your life is unbalanced
The secret is to slowly excite rather than rush in there like an inexperienced teenager on their “big night”. We need to build up our offer so that our clients are elevated through the process or journey to the final event. This ensures not only longevity for you and the brand – but also gives … Read moreCreate the WOW!
When you win, psychologically you are primed to win again and again. We can’t always win but we can help ourselves win. Take on a small challenge or project that you know you will win or excel in. Once you and your team are used to winning – then it comes naturally. Get addicted to … Read moreWinner effect
Yesterday I was talking about seeking approval. Today I want to outline what we can do to help others get the clarity and direction they may need. The greatest gift we can give is the power to succeed. Its easy to give a compliment – but this doesn’t help you grow especially if growth comes … Read moreTough love
Look for critisism. Ask what’s wrong rather than what is right. People are more likely to give you feedback that you can use to improve than to just blow smoke up your butt! As long as it is constructive – then critiscism goes a long way to help you figure out what you need to … Read moreDon’t seek approval
The world has gone a bit mad over the last week! Be that as it may. You are living your life! You are not a passenger, this is not just a ride that we going along the road to see where we land up. You create everything that happens – circumstances are there as the … Read moreJumpstart yourself
We always say that we give 100% of our time to … Well stop it! Your task is to give 100% of your time to a dedicated component of the output. Yes – that is what I said. Lets take a woolen jersey. The sheep provides the wool. Stop! That is all the sheep does. … Read moreDoing what you need to do
Saying “Thank You” and “Sorry” makes you seem caring and generous but some believe that it can also make you seem selfish or weak. The later sentiment is your own ego messing with you! However, we shouldn’t need to tell people that we said we are grateful and thankful either or that we made the … Read moreSorry and Thank You
To Insure Performance This is what “T I P” actually means. We all get it wrong though. We give a tip at the end of the meal for service rendered. My late uncle used to walk in to a hotel when holidaying and hand out dollar bills like it was raining them. Needless to say … Read moreGive a tip
In times like these we find ourselves drinking from the “pity-cup” Please stop it – negativity and sorrow attract more of this from the Universe. There are Billions of people worse off than you now, there are also people busy dying slow and painful deaths. Wow, this is depressing to write and I’m sure for … Read moreStop the excuses
We face these every day – it’s how we chose to deal with them that makes the difference. In this moment of infliction it seems like the world has ended. Get a grip – there will always be issues – so deal with it. Control the controllable – let go that which you can’t control … Read moreOvercoming obstacles
It is easy to quit when facing a problem or challenge. Instead of doing the 14 page strategy for a client – it’s quicker to have an excuse than do the work. This is the problem with business and people as a whole. So when faced with a crisis; find the solution not the excuse! … Read moreFind the solution, not the excuse
So now that your arms have recovered after yesterday’s exercise we need to get your mindset changed too. We need to look at the tribulation we are facing at present and figure out how we are going to adapt. There is no reset button – so accept it and figure out the best way for … Read moreHow to adapt
It is much easier to sit and do nothing than to get up and do work. In the current situation we have even more of an excuse to do nothing. A simple analogy – If you arms are folded and I push you over will you land on your face or unfold your arms to … Read moreIf you don’t fly, you will fall
Nothing unites us more than a common enemy. Well, this should be the time that we are all united then as I don’t believe a single one of us is not united against Covid-19! If we can all come together and unite in a way forward where we all win and benefit then the crisis … Read moreKeep your enemy closer
I woke up and thought about how do I find something positive in the world we find ourselves in. The first thing is to accept that the world we live in is now the world we live in. If we cast back to 911 – it changed the way we travel. Do you remember how … Read moreNew week, new mindset
It’s interesting to see how people are reacting to our new world. We have the denialists that are just hanging around waiting for things to just simply go back to normal, sorry but this is not going to happen.Then you have the panickers – stockpiling toilet paper and face masks. Others are learning how to … Read moreGet in the game
We all have things we don’t want to do or don’t like doing. Today is the day to do them. I am not suggesting that you do something that could be harmful like drinking 5 liters of sugar-filled drinks or a case of beers! I am talking about doing the things we avoid. If you … Read moreDo what you don’t want to do
No. I’m not saying don’t read. I said put the book down. It is pointless to read or ingest a library of books if you don’t actually action the ideas or content therein. You will never close a sale sitting on your couch reading. You won’t be able to give a Steve Job’s style keynote … Read morePut the book down
Yesterday I spoke about doing things when they need to be done; right now! What I realised, like show-jumping, we have another trend as humans: We like to put up hurdles or reasons why we can’t do something. We all do it. It’s much easier to explain away having to do something rather than sitting … Read moreJump over the hurdle
We are procrastinators by default and now with being in home isolation this trait is going to get worse. Break it! If your car is running out of petrol you fill it up right now! If the sink is overflowing with water you switch off the water, right now! You get it right? The problem … Read moreRight now
I have spent time this week starting with Mother’s day and then poiniting out the changes that are now our new normal. We still have a lot to be thankful for. I know a lot of people have lost: lost family, lost jobs, lost businesses etc. But you are still here! Be thankful. It is … Read moreBe thankful
Ok – so that sounds crazy – but it needs to be the new mantra. We need to realise that life has changed. We are not in a holding pattern – we are in the present – this is what our now is. Accept it and get on with it. So what does this mean … Read moreChange is the same
No, Martians have not invaded us (but close). The Covid-19 virus is out of this world and causing us unbelievebale stress. So let’s not fight ourselves! We need to spend this time preserving our relationships – both personal and professional. We need to be understanding and patient and most importantly manage our stress and conduct … Read moreWar of the Worlds
In these challenging times we seem to moan about a lot: The speed of the internet, not being able to go down to the pub for a beer with our mates etc. As some would say “Modern day problems” – well what about our Grandparents (or for some Great Grandparents)? They went to War! Yes … Read moreMake them proud
Yesterday was Mother’s day. We don’t show these special woman enough love everyday and so I hope you made an extra effort yesterday. The role of a Mother is to care, protect and nurture. We need to do the same for our businesses. We need to appreciate that they are ours to love and watch … Read moreBe a Mother
We all have lots of things to do – but we need to remember which of these are important and which is in the “just needs to be done” pile. I am not suggesting that you strive for mediocracy, actually quite the opposite – I am suggesting that you look at everything that needs to … Read moreYou only need to wow sometimes
For yourself! No I haven’t become narcissistic! You have built up your brand and your reputation. That is great but absolutely useless if no one knows about it. You need to get yourself out there. Update your digital properties (we can help you with that – have a look at the brand refresh I have … Read moreShare the love
I mentioned personal brand and your reputation yesterday. Once you have worked out who you are and who you want to be known as – you need to then develop the actual statement that defines or identifies you. The lesson – simplify the descriptor of who and what you are. Take a story or two … Read moreYou as you
If I asked you to describe yourself in one word what would that word be? More importantly – would others use the same word to describe you? Welcome to reputation 101! This is the most important thing for you and your business. Your personal brand is how and what you do but more importantly why … Read moreDescribe yourself in one word
Our lives have changed and we are all scared. We are going to have a mental trial like maybe never experienced before. Think about other life changing events like 911 – travel after that was never the same. Life and business won’t be the same either so we need to accept this and take back … Read moreUrgent Notice
We get so hung up in the losses that we dilute the wins. We have to treat business and life like a game. As long as you are always improving and having fun doing it then its worth doing. Too often we let the losses (and they come) eat at us. This is a negative … Read moreLeave the loss on the field
The last few days I have been talking about costs. I thought we should stop and asses the personal and emotional costs we are all currently experiencing. Are you ok? Once you have answered this question then you either need to get some help or find someone to speak to if you are not. Then; … Read moreEmotional check-in
We all know the saying – don’t throw good money after bad… Yet we still do it time and time again. A sunk cost is callled this for a reason – if the ship has sunk you not sailing on it again. So often we make silly decisions when it comes to spending money. It … Read moreIf it has already cost you
The discussion about price is something I am always asked by clients. How do you work out what you should charge?Am I too expensive?Should I discount? Sound familiar? The problem is that if you don’t have the money to afford quality now, where will you find money to pay to fix the cheap thing you … Read moreThe price is right
In these tumultuous times we now, more than ever, need to be prepared. No – I haven’t joined the boy scouts, but this motto is something most of us do not always adhere to. The lesson today is to prepare for that which we don’t know is coming. We may not have seen this worlwide … Read moreCan you weather the storm?
There are things in life we can not control. Take the following scenario: A train you are waiting for derails just before you were supposed to get on and you will now miss your meeting. There is nothing you can do about that. What you chose to do in response to the situation is how … Read moreHow to win at life!
We have all made bad choices or bad investments. This may be financial or even time wasted. The choice that you have is to try and see if you can repair or replace. You can try persecute or get retribution. In all these instances you will be throwing good money (and time) after bad. Take … Read moreHard lesson learned
We all try and please those around us. Whether its family or friends or even our employer. The problem is there will always be someone that we can never please. Someone that will just keep showing us that there is more to be done, or something else to focus on etc. You know who I … Read moreWho cares?
The problem today is we try find ways to cut stuff out. What we shouldn’t eat, what we should stop doing, what we need to do less of etc. This inadvertently programs us to give up on stuff or focus on removing items. Change your mindset into focusing on what you can add or get … Read moreAdd in rather than subtracting out
Unfortunately we can’t fast forward time so you can’t see what your actions today are doing to you tomorrow. Bad habits today, whether eating badly or doing things wrong, compound over time and come back to kick us in the butt later. The opposite is also true, all the small good things and habits you … Read moreTime to change
The problem we all have today is the continual desire for confirmation or even affirmation of what we believe is correct. From a very young age we were programmed to believe certain things and so our beliefs are somewhat limited. Break the mold and set yourself free. If you think about doing something; do it. … Read moreConfirmation is a killer
Yesterday I mentioned looking at the end goal and then working it backwards. We need to also look at ourselves. Who are you? What do you love? How would others describe you? Once you can answer these and take in (as well as accept) the feedback – you will be able to see if you … Read moreGot a mirror?
We all have ideas and know what we want to do. Most of us fail on the journey to get there. Is this because we weren’t good enough or didn’t know how to do it? It is more often than not the later. I knew someone who would pick up a book and read the … Read morePut it in reverse
A lot of people make the mistake of using the title self employed. I need to correct this. You are not! We all work for someone. When you work for a company you have an employment contract and get a pay check at the end of the month. When you have your own business you … Read moreWe all work for someone
Yesterday I spoke about being a leader rather than a manager. The human being is a funny animal. We crave attention, love and recognition. In the work space you will be surprised to know how many people would work for the same or even less money as long as they truly believed and felt they … Read moreRecognition is ignition
A lot of people think this is the same person. Sorry, its not. A Manager manages – duh! This is a person who has an authoritative position which in turn makes you subordinate to them and their requests. A Leader is someone you want to follow as they make you feel like you have learnt … Read moreLeader or manager?
When I was at school we used to refer to each year as a “Standard” not a Form, or Year or Grade (Grade is not a bad one mind you!) The problem in today’s world is we have forgot the meaning of standards! Too many people produce mediocre work or deliver just what is required … Read moreMaintaining standards
We all have lots of bad habits. I’m not talking about smoking or drinking too much (but you may want to consider those too). It is hard to effect change. We all have good intentions when it comes to this but it does not always go the way we planned. So don’t try change the … Read moreChange the habit
The most successful business people in the world are avid readers! We know reading is good for us and we also complain we don’t have enough time to do it. So here’s a thought. Get someone to read for you! I’m not talking about an audiobook (although these are great) I’m talking about chatting to … Read moreRead in a group
What a week! I hope that my Sprautumn thinking has helped. Last one before the weekend. Now for the physical! Is your actual space (or world) organised? We have looked at the emotional and non physical requirements this last week. Now the place where we work – whether this is physical ie clean your desk … Read moreSprautumn cleaning part 5 of 5
Today we look at Ops! I know, the boring stuff – but Operations are critical to both success, performance and cost management! Yes cost – we spend so much time on email, calls, logging etc. We need to streamline this – efficiency has a direct impact on the bottom line We need to ensure that … Read moreSprautumn cleaning part 4 of 5
I wish I could say Covid-19 was a nasty April fool’s joke but its not! So let’s be sensibile on our practical jokes today and think before we do! Back to the positive stuff! So now that we have looked at what we want to do and who we want to do it with – … Read moreSprautumn cleaning part 3 of 5
Yesterday we looked inward – so today lets look at our team! Who are the people that you need? Not who do you want to get rid of but rather – who could help you get the most of what you are trying to achieve. There is a difference. If you are a sole trader … Read moreSprautumn cleaning part 2 of 5
As I have readers in both hemispheres and some are going into Spring and others Autumn this week is all about “Sprautumn” The big focus at the moment is weathering the Covid-19 storm and this doesn’t care which hemishere we are in. Where Spring is a time of growth and new starts and Autumn preparing … Read moreSprautumn cleaning part 1 of 5
I chatted yesterday about being accountable to yourself and how to do so. What I left out was growing. If we are not learning or developing we are not growing. It is equally important to ensure that personal development or learning occur when looking at your actions. What did you do right this last week? … Read moreAccountability with personal development
The best way to get stuff done is to promise someone you will do it! Think about it – if you have a deadline – you have to make it or else there are ramifications. So, if you make a pledge to someone that you will get “x” done by such a time and date … Read moreBe accountable to someone
Ok. Sorry but it’s not possible. Whether you are rich or poor successful or broke we all only have 24 hours in the day! The differentiator is how we use this time. If our lives are measured in time and life is an energy force then we need to spend our time doing things that … Read moreHow to get more time
To turn a foe into a friend ask them to do you a favour! Yip. Simple. You see we spend our lives trying to please others. It is this biological trait that we can manipulate in business. When someone does you a solid (favour) their brains tell them they like you even if they don’t. … Read moreDo me a solid
Often there are issues or occurrences that are so big we feel that no matter what we do it won’t make a difference. Wrong. You see we may not always make a difference, or rather significant difference in the larger universe, but everything we do makes a difference in our worlds and those of the … Read moreMaking a Difference
But only for a short period of time. Yesterday I used the “F” word; sorry – hope I didn’t scare anyone. There is no need to be brave or courageous all the time. In fact I advocate against it as usually these are the people that get hurt! But when you have a big pitch … Read moreYou need to be brave!
It has become clearly apparent from both personal experiences as well as talking to people that one of the biggest causes of failure is the failure to try! We spend to much time trying to get it perfect or waiting to see when the time is right or worrying that it may be wrong! Sound … Read moreFailure or failed to try?
Instead of focusing on the “Big Idea” – look at all the components you need to achieve the goal. Once you have this “pathway” you can then plan step-by-step to achieve this goal. We often seem overwhelmed as there is so much going on or to do, but actually; if you break it down and … Read moreBreak it down for your brain!
The answer…. They not thinking of you at all. We are a selfish species – we think of ourselves and not of others. Just look at Toiletpaper-gate! It’s part of the genetics that have helped us survive. The only time people think about you is when you affect them – which ultimately is still them … Read moreWhat do people think of you?
When you are asked to do something by your employer; say yes. Not because you have time – say yes but ask which of the projects you should push out or client deliverables you should put on hold to do what they require. This way you are showing them you are willing but that it … Read moreAlways say yes!
We are so busy being busy that we become mechanical. It’s time to disconnect from the machine and be more human again. We need to remember that emotions are the core of humanity- we love, we cry, we get angry we hate and most importantly of all we forgive. What you need to do today … Read moreSelfless actions
A realization that will help you understand dealing with people is that everything that bothers you with how a person behaves or responds is actually on you! You see, people can only do or be what they are capable of. If you have an expectation or desire as to how they should behave this is … Read morePeople are the best they can be.
Laughter is the best medicine! There he goes with the clichés again. But maybe it’s true? We live in an over-serious time. Everyone’s scared of saying something or doing something or even suggesting something as there could be ramifications. It’s time to lighten up. Everyone enjoys a good laugh and yes it has been medically … Read moreWe need to laugh a bit more.
We all have them. The to do list. The problem is that we keep adding more than we check off. Adding something to a to do list doesn’t get it done. Actually it probably stresses us out even more as we look at it and go “ Nah – I’ll wait till later or tomorrow … Read moreTo die list
We all experience pain. Some physical. Some emotional. Some bearable and others send us to the doctor. Today I’m talking about the comfortable pain. Yes. That’s not a typo. Are you feeling pain but have made piece with it and learned to live with it? This is not now a medical blog. This is still … Read moreHow is the pain?
We all know people that are smart or smarter than us. But do we know why we think they are smart? Is it because they tell you they are or because you have seen first hand that they are? It’s simple – taking advice is good, taking advice blindly, not so good. Some people can … Read moreBut he is smart!
You don’t? Good then I am doing something right. In this current world we spend hours trying to let people know who we are. Posting every meal we have on Facebook or telling everyone where we are going and who we going with on Instagram. Everyone is trying to get their place in the sun. … Read moreDo you know who I am?
How many time is the answer staring you in the face? More often than you think. Not to go down the clichè route but generally we are so busy doing what we do for our clients that we “dont have time” to do our own … Bollocks. If you are an architect your offices should … Read moreOverlooking the obvious
Have you learnt to say “No”? Not necessarily to a request – but stop accepting mediocrity. Stop accepting procrastination! Are you tolerating a glass-half-full mentality? We need to stop accepting that which we are told to do, unless it’s your manager giving a valid and reasonable instruction at work I guess, but this is more … Read moreStop tolerating!
How much time do you spend watching sports or for the not sporty Reality TV? A bit of entertainment is good but what is amazing is how much people know about other people’s lives! If it’s sports – the stats, career highlights, etc and Reality TV what brands they wear, who they dating or breaking … Read moreThe L2L ratio
How many times has something bad happened to you but then later or the next day or even week the bad event was actually catalytic in something amazing? Running late for a meeting, stressing and panicking and when you finally get going you pass the scene of an accident that happened a few minutes earlier. … Read moreIt’s all in perspective
Really we are! Use a palm reader as an example. They can’t really read your palm. They just have a script that works well for most people. They tell you what you want to hear and outline a couple of things that would or could pertain to you. That’s why you make what they say … Read moreWe are all the same.
This is not a pageant. It’s business. So you don’t need to win the congeniality award. Being a leader means making the tough choices. No one ever said running a business was easy. Equally you don’t have to be liked by everyone. There is a difference between being liked and being respected. Aim for the … Read moreLose the popularity contest!
Nope not contempt. Actually. The answer is nothing! Let me explain. When a relationship between employer and employee moves towards the familiar zone the willingness to learn or acquire knowledge diminishes. Take training. If you are in the training business your staff are likely not going to ask you for advice. Why? Well for them … Read moreFamiliarity breeds …
Yes there is a typo but it looked better than spelling king; cing. As people and more so, highly motivated business people we tend to have bigger highs and lows than most. So if we do something and don’t see the results straight away we give up or feel deflated. This is normal and this … Read moreKonsistency is King
Yes you read correct. They will. You see more people will be happier when you are gone than those that will be sad. I know this sounds terrible but when you are successful or famous you have envious people and competitors and just those that are anti everything successful. So if only a handful of … Read moreThey will celebrate your death!
We all know how farmers toil the fields and sometimes leave them empty for a season to ensure they recover and carry on being fertile for seasons to come. We are no different. If we are not being productive in a job we get fired. If we don’t meet a deadline we get fired and … Read moreTime to prune!
The true mark of a great leader is someone who gets his team to think for themselves, do for themselves and most importantly of all , be themselves. A leader doesn’t tell you what to think. They need to get you to do the thinking and listen to what you have to say. If people … Read moreLeaders facilitate; Motivation dictates
If you don’t have a sister or daughter that has been in the Girl Scouts or not living in America then this may be strange to you. The Rule of 3 is how the Girl Scouts close the sale of their cookies (biscuits) outside shopping centres, libraries , hell anywhere. It simple: Don’t take NO … Read moreWant to buy some cookies?
Then you are failing! Comfort means content and content means you not doing and not doing … well you get it. Success comes from being uncomfortable. You have do the stuff you don’t want to do. Doing this will make you successful because if you do that which others don’t want to do then you … Read moreAre you comfortable?
Want to make money faster – do something scary! Do the things that people don’t want to do – however it doesn’t always come cheap! Training is always worth the price. You have to learn how to do the things that others don’t want to so that you can do the scary work, safely and … Read moreMoney Maker!
We don’t have to do what we do; We chose to do what we do. This is one of the benefits of being an entrepreneur! Part of doing what we do requires us to work with people. This is your permission to fire the ones you don’t want to work with. Fire the client that … Read moreFire them!
Sit down and ask yourself – “What is it that you are uniquely qualified to do?” We can all do stuff and generalism is mediocre – dig deep. What has happened in your life both personally and professionally that would set you up to be successful? An example – if you have bought and sold … Read moreWhat are you unique at?
The problem in most companies or teams is the focus on winning. That is an output. The goal should actually be focusing on the process. If you can work to the best and/or a flawless process or way of running your business chances are you will win. If you are focusing on winning then what … Read morePrepare to be the best; not to win.
Everyone talks about being part of something. The members of a team or the employees of a business etc. By just changing this slightly we should be talking about being the team or being the company. You see no one wants to just be a cog in the wheel. People want to be the wheel. … Read moreYou are the company
We often think of heroism as a soldier in war or a caped crusader in a comic book. This is obviously not always the case and this is about a different war. This is the war within. There is a hero in every single one of us. The problem is getting him or her to … Read moreDestroy the inner enemy
A lot of people think wisdom comes with age. This may be the case for a lot of the time but not always. Wisdom comes from what you learnt. Sounds obvious right. Yet we don’t realize it. Here’s a tip. At the end of the day sit back and reflect on the day. What did … Read moreThe price of wisdom
In most cases it comes down to you! Yip. You! There are numerous reasons but most of them have to do with you and your demands. You see people are just that, people. They are not machines and further for them it is actually just a job. It may be your company and you may … Read moreWhy you lose good team members
Most people die on the way down from climbing Everest, not climbing up! Morbid, I know, that’s why I saved it for Tuesday! You see you have to concentrate to go up as this is the goal. Coming down one tends to be more relaxed and so mistakes can happen. Business is the same. If … Read moreIt’s the descent that kills!
Welcome back from all the holidays! The idea of the break was to rest, reset and get ready. I hope you did! In order to be good, nah, great – we need to make sure we have more of what we need and less of what we don’t. As we coming out of the weekend … Read moreRevitalise to Succeed
I have mentioned before how little actions become big ones via compounding. As we enter the Festive season our resistance crumbles and our will power too. I am not suggesting that you don’t relax and recharge I’m just reminding you of how hard you have worked over the year to achieve the current status quo … Read moreChoices over the Festive period
They are both powerful but In very opposite ways. You see anyone can react. A sign of strength is not only physical but sometimes even stronger if verbal. We have all said things that hurt or been on the receiving end of hurtful words. Adding fuel to the fire normally is the direct result of … Read moreSilence over strength
Hitting rock bottom is not a bad thing. You see not only can you not go any further down (unless you have dynamite or heavy duty drilling equipment) but rock is a solid foundation and this is critical to build big structures. No I haven’t gone crazy, well not yet. People often say “It can’t … Read moreRock bottom is a solid foundation!
Yesterday I mentioned the price of ambition today let’s look at the actual physical cost. You see we all have our definition of success. For some it is actual wealth for others actualisation. There is no right answer here. You have to just be aware of the trade off so when do you have enough? … Read moreWhen is enough, enough?
Ambition is not the problem. Being over ambitious is! Don’t get me wrong. Ambition is good the problem is in the double edged sword. You see while being ambitious we tend to chase the goals bllindly. With heads down and focus on the goal what are we missing out on? If you are sitting with … Read moreThe two sides of Ambition!
We all have the same amount of time; 24/7/365. Here’s a newsflash – Elon Musk, Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos all have the same number of hours as you do and they get their shit done! It actually should be called Time NO management as you actually can’t physically manage it It ticks and disappears … Read moreTime NO management
We all have weaknesses. Not only is it hard to admit this – it’s even harder to work on them. It is far easier to just accept that you have a weakness and focus on your strengths. I have often said – That’s not really my area of expertise…. If its crucial to what you … Read moreDestroy your weakness!
We have all done it. Made an assumption that backfired or was totally wrong. I did it the other day. I was waiting for a supplier to come to a meeting. I sent a text message after 5 mins and then another after another 10 mins had elapsed. The problem was the second was scathing. … Read moreAssumptions ……
It’s a great idea but the reality is you can’t. Worse is trying to have it all or be it all. Let me expand. You can go after anything you want and you can try be anything you desire but the reality is there is no guarantees. You can do the hard work, put in … Read moreYou can have anything you want!
We are creatures of habit. So it makes sense that we develop routines or habits that lend themselves to us becoming better and more efficient. I like you read the Daily Deliaf every morning. I know I wrote it but I still read it and try to see what I can do to put it … Read moreActions into results!
I was thinking that maybe yesterday’s post was one-sided. To clarify, I do believe we should experience pain in order to learn and develop but we don’t need to go looking for it. Now that you understand the need for pain and loss to strive. Look around at what leads to the pain points and … Read moreAvoidance is the best line of defense.
Pain is important for growth. I’m not suggesting physical hurt (unless you are into that thing. No judgement). Emotional pain is not only the balance to joy but it is what makes us stronger and teaches us the ability to get over something and move on! We need to suffer hardships and difficult times to … Read moreNo Pain No Gain!
Have you ever sat down and looked at the cost of a meeting? No I’m not mad – I know it was free to go and meet someone – but it actually isn’t. Take a typical meeting – it starts with the small chat about the weather or if it’s a Monday – “How was … Read moreMeetings!
We all do. There is no one that hasn’t. The difference is what happens after the fact. Depending on how you handle a screw up it can go one of two ways: We move on or They (your clients) move on. Let’s hope for the former. If you do screw up or rather, when you … Read moreI screwed up!
Big Match Temperament! I will use a golf analogy today. If you play the game then you know all the cliches but the most famous one is “Drive for show, putt for the dough!” Basically a hole is 350m and the big hitters can do a good 280m from the tee. So almost there in … Read moreDo you have BMT?
You! We are the spreaders of all that is bad. Through our shares, retweets and the likes we help the mighty media machines spread the fear and fake news. It’s like frenzy mode. Have you ever watched people try leave a stadium in a rush? That’s how you are behaving when you share bad information … Read moreThe problem with the world is?
When a tree is small it is easy to yank out of the ground. The problem is as it grows so does its roots grow deeper. As the tree gets bigger and the roots get deeper the harder it is for us to remove the tree. In fact sometimes it is almost impossible to remove … Read moreYour habits are like a tree!
Even if you work for someone you are actually the Boss! You see your life is like an enterprise. You need to make sure that you have a steady flow of incoming funds and more importantly that there is less going out. You need to manage the people around you whether that’s your spouse, kids … Read moreYou run an empire!
What are you values and beliefs? We all have them. The difference is that most of us are prepared to change these or “shift” them according to the situation. An example. I am not a fan of hunting. If I am in a meeting with an important client and I find out he is a … Read moreDo what you believe!
Learn to say NO! It’s hard. I know. I am a pleaser so this is a difficult one for me too but let me give you some tools to help. Get someone to do it for you! Yip. Employ an assistant or even a virtual one. Make sure they understand what you want to do … Read moreOne simple action that will change your life!
I have posted some heavier content this week, especially the 3 part series at the beginning of the week, so I thought a lighter note or direction for today and weekend ahead. As it is the weekend and we are nearing the end of a long year. It’s important to remember that life is about … Read moreTime for an experience
There is a human effect called Mirroring. This is when we project our inner-selves into our views of others. Basically when there are things we don’t like about people or traits that bug us we need to question if this is not us projecting that which we don’t like about ourselves. I know this may … Read moreMirror Mirror!
So if you have read the past two days then this is hopefully the conclusion or some suggested solutions for you. What do you want?What is stopping you? and What do you need to do? Ask a simple question of yourself – What do you want from life or what is it you want to … Read moreGetting unstuck – Part 3 of 3!
We mentioned the 3 main causes yesterday but the following 5 are also important hence why I have made this post over a few days. Taking things for granted – sounds simple – it is. If we know that the office will be there and the staff will be there and our current customers are … Read moreGetting unstuck – Day 2 of 3!
We all have the potential to get Stuck! There is usually 3 main causes : Surrender – when you tell yourself that you are just not meant to succeed Routine – when you place yourself into a daily rinse and repeat cycle of doing the same thing over and over and guess what – achieving … Read moreGetting unstuck – Day 1 of 3!
Our biggest battle is between our ears. If you can calibrate your mind to be positive then amazing things can happen. I’ve talked about expectations and goal setting but the reality is that our minds are our biggest strengths and equally our worst enemies. If you tell yourself that you are sick, your body will … Read moreMake today the best day ever!
A girl has 2 apples. Mom asks for one. The girl takes a bite out of each. The mom scorns her and says she is selfish. The girl looks at her mom sadly and says. Here take this one. It’s the sweetest! How many times do we react to things based on what we see … Read moreDon’t decide on first sight!
Yesterday I spoke about setting your expectations and then you will achieve them. Today I want to continue with a similar phenomenon which involves your team and those around you. If you set an expectation for others, the human trait of the self fulfilling prophecy comes into play! They rise to meet these expectations too. … Read moreRaise others expectations too!
Expectation leads to manifestation. We get what we expect. If we tune our brains to expect an outcome then that is the outcome we will get. This is the opportunity but equally it is a threat too as while we are looking for that which we seek we stand the risk of missing out on … Read moreYou will get what you expect!
Every single one of us! You see we are not team players or wanting to achieve the goals of the company. We are trying to achieve that which we as individuals want. People don’t work for money. They work for what money can buy. They also don’t work for what money can actually buy but … Read morePeople are selfish!
There is no guarantees in life. We don’t even know if there is a tomorrow. I don’t want to be morbid on a Friday but the reality of life is just that. We don’t really know what is coming next. This is why we have to do everything NOW. Stop procrastinating and start doing. Too … Read moreDo it, NOW!
Here’s a simple reality. It’s ok to ask for help! Yip! It is not a sign of weakness actually quite the opposite. We are all going to have difficult times in our race to success. No one should have to ever be alone. A lot of people stay in their jobs because it is easier … Read moreIt’s ok to get help!
Trust me you want to be a GOAT. The Greatest of All Time. With the sports analogies of the week I thought to look at fine tuning even further. Today we need to look at the worst invention of all time; the speed bump. We have all been flying down the road and there it … Read moreHow to be a GOAT!
How many times have you watched those funny videos on Facebook when people almost win and they showboat just before the finish line and someone pips them at the last second? Business is the same. If you stop focusing on the Win you are telling yourself you can lose. Don’t look over your shoulder, don’t … Read moreFocus on crossing the line!
We have all seen those races on TV where the person coming 3rd or even further back makes a sprint for the line on the home stretch to win the race. It’s no different in business. If you think you losing the race then you are. However If you think you can win no matter … Read moreComing from behind
It is one of the human traits that guarantees failure. What I mentioned the “F” word! See; I wasn’t consistent in not talking about not failing. We generally set our goals in a certain location, mood or state of mind. On New Year’s Eve “I’ll stop smoking”, beginning of Spring “I need to eat more … Read moreInconsistency, the success killer!
We all know about body language and not to sit with your arms crossed when in a meeting etc. But what about your face? Have you had a meeting with someone who looks like they have a “smell” under their nose or like they would rather be anywhere except there listening to you? In some … Read moreAre you sending the wrong message?
I have been writing the Daily Deliaf for awhile now and I don’t charge for access or ask people to pay for access. I have had people ask me to mentor or host workshops or consult and this is what I love to do. The reason I write these though is because it a way … Read morePlease pay it forward!
This is a biggie! And I am sure you are guilty of this. It is cognitively impossible to multitask! You can not listen to a podcast while writing an email. You can’t write a strategy for a client while watching the latest episode of Blacklist on Netflix. In theory you shouldn’t switch between tabs on … Read moreYou CAN’T multitask!
Why is it that things that taste good are generally bad for you and vice versa? There will always be temptation. I would much rather eat a double cheeseburger than a quinoa salad. But if a healthier lifestyle is the goal then I know which one to chose. If you are on a path and … Read moreResist the change
Not watching TV! When you hear people say they work 7 days a week it’s kind of true. For highly successful people it’s more about love and passion (almost obsession) than work. We already have chatted about planning for the week on a Sunday so that’s 6 days a week but we left out Saturday. … Read moreSaturdays are for……..
Yesterday I spoke about the herd mentality. Our fear of not being liked or people disapproving of us leads us to not want to shake things up; to cause change. This can be directly correlated to success or failure. Take Donald Trump. Arguably the most powerful man on the planet. Yet 50% of his country … Read morePeople hate change!
People have a pack or herd mentality. It’s been ingrained in us by scholars, teachers and corporate for ever and a day. So it’s incredibly hard to break away from the pack or the norm and the worst part is normally we aren’t encouraged too either. Have you had your family or partner turn around … Read moreBreak the herd mentality!
No I’m not crazy and there are certain fears this doesn’t apply to; like my fear of spiders! This is a business reference. If you have a fear of public speaking go stand in a public square on a soapbox every day for a week and blurt out about some contentious issue (please don’t do … Read moreTurn your fear into a habit!
We all have bad days. Hell some days make you want to stay in bed and pull the covers over your head. Full disclosure I did that for a few days in a certain period in my life when I lost a business. So why did I get up? Because I had too. If you … Read moreSuck it up!
Ask yourself the following question: Will they be at your Funeral? If not – then you shouldn’t give a crap what they think. You see we all go around trying to get the blessing and acknowledgment of people and customers that in the end probably don’t care about you and most definitely won’t be at … Read moreWho cares what they think!
We have two main emotional drivers Fear and Desire. Unfortunately we spend more time being fearful! You see the subconscious mind is our protector (fight or flight response) but it is also debilitating. Fear not only stops us from success but it makes us sick too. If we spend too much time living fearful we … Read moreWe have a desire for fear!
It’s a human condition and happens to all of us. There is nothing wrong with feeling this way only if we don’t know how to deal with it will it affect us. So Switch off. This means disconnect from the world. Turn off emails. Social etc. Pause. Breathe. It’s seems like a silly comment but … Read moreFeeling overwhelmed? It’s normal
First off I don’t hunt this is a metaphorical post. A Lion doesn’t get enough calories from a mouse so he doesn’t hunt them! The idea here is that it takes the same amount of effort to hunt a small animal as it does a big one. Well 90%. You see in every hunt there … Read moreAre you going to hunt mice or elephants?
Not so long ago we used to be analogue! Using Map books to navigate (yip we where heathens using printed paper to show us the way) and libraries to research. Weird hey? However, now our digital assistants do everything for us. It’s the same with our staff! If we don’t let them learn on their … Read moreWe are hurting ourselves!
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Cliche? Well it could be. But it could also be the recipe for your success. You don’t have to invent anymore. You have to innovate or disrupt. You just need to look around you and see what is there. More importantly what can you do with what is there and make … Read moreBorrow from what is around you!
Taking a look at all the world changing inventions we need to also look at the long list of failed attempts. I’m pretty sure Nikola Tesla didn’t just run down to the local store and pick up a few pieces, threw them together and voila The Tesla Coil. How many times did Benjamin Franklin have … Read moreDid you fail or quit?
We should only be good at one or a couple of things. Stop watching TV, reading Facebook, posting your selfie on Instagram or looking at the latest headlines. Who is the MVP in the league team, who cares. The point is that in order to be the best at whatever you want to be the … Read moreWhy I suck at fixing things!
It takes mastering the little things to go from being great to awesome. Hard work is a given and we have accepted that there is no trophy for participating. You win or you lose. Don’t justify a loss by stating that you only lost by 1 point. You lost! In order to grow you need … Read moreYou need to be uncomfortable to grow!
Now that we have turned our clocks forward (Daylight saving in the Southern Hemisphere) It made me think as we effectively lost an hour. We spend our lives building our businesses and then fitting our family and friends into that. It’s only when you get to the later years that you may realize you spent … Read moreInvest in life not assets
We read a lot of stories Some of them are good and some bad. But it’s the ones we chose to believe and live and re-tell that are the problems. If you looking for excuses to not do something then it will be easy to find a story to support you in your negative ways. … Read moreWhich story will you tell?
Yesterday I spoke about the value of the older generation. I thought I would carry on the theme of value today. Don’t ask how much something costs. Ask what it’s worth. When it comes to investing in yourself do it. If a course or a lecture or seminar is going to help you and make … Read moreInvest in yourself
We don’t realize how valuable the older generation is! The knowledge and experience they have is priceless. They may not be tech savvy and you will need to show patience and respect when dealing with them as this is how they roll! I see ageism and prejudice towards the elder generation every day in business … Read moreThe value of the older generation
We spend our lives trying to be, wear and do what we think others want us to be and do. We dress the way they expect us too, behave and talk the way they tell us too etc. We need to spend more time being us and focusing on who we are. If we can … Read moreBe the Best Version of You
Is your business sustainable and diversified? Sounds like a bit of an oxymoron. But the two are most definitely linked. It is imperative that you source resources from sustainable sources. This applies to physical and services. You can’t maintain or grow a business on limited resources. Even if your resources are precious and rare you … Read moreSustainable and Diversified
We all know about paying it forward but in order for that to happen someone has to have started the chain right? Well be that someone. Instead of waiting for a good deed to find you and then an opportunity to pay it forward. Be the catalyst. Imagine if everyone that read this went out … Read morePay it first, not forward!
We can only control that which is physically directly in our control. Sounds obvious but something we all get wrong. If you are a golfer and you set up to hit the ball. Every single thing that happens in the swing is 100% in your control. The moment you make impact and complete your follow … Read moreAre you in control?
We spend our days trying to build our professional selves. It’s time to build you as you. People will not remember a CV they will only remember you and what impact you did or worse didn’t have. When it’s all said and done will you be remembered for achieving the sales target for 6 years … Read moreBuild YOU not your CV!
This may sound dramatic but it is unfortunately a fact. Given how hard it is for us a humans to focus and get down to doing what needs to be done. The actual time people take from us when they ask you a question or cc you on an email is not the only loss … Read moreStop letting people steal from you!
So many people who you think are overnight successes took about 10 years to get there. Apple made a few hundred products before the iPod. Game of Thrones one of the most successful TV shows ever but had you ever heard of the author before the show? You may not have but he had been … Read moreOvernight success takes about 10 years!
If you are happy those around you will be too! The energy you bring and give off is what will set the tone for the company or event. No one likes to be around negative people. When you are at a networking event do you go where the noise and bustle is or hang around … Read moreExcitement is Contagious!
Who do you do what you do for? This is a look at the people you work with and associate with too. This is also who benefits from what you do. Sometimes we have to stop and take stock. Remember that although it’s hard to get work if the client is taking too much time … Read moreWho do you do it for?
The HOW equals the quality. Are you happy to put your name to the output? Happy to sign off on it? Don’t do it if it’s not worth it. Don’t hand it in if you not prepared to sign it. You are your product and you need to be the best in fact you need … Read moreHow to get things done!
This is a critical part of the definition of success. Doing what you do with who you want to do it. Choose who you want in your business and personal life. The vision of your company is only as good as the people in it and with whom you surround yourself. Don’t associate or hang … Read moreDoing what I want to do with Whom I want to do it!
We have to learn to make the decisions that we want to not need too. If you say Yes to something you are saying No to something else. Let me use an example: If you agree to speak at a Seminar you are saying No to time with the family or friends. Yes to a … Read moreEvery YES means a NO!
When you win you become complacent. This is not school, we are not “All Winners” – I must just state now how much I hate this philosophy and look forward to the day the schools stop it and go back to teaching kids that there is a winner and losers. We are in a real, … Read moreThe Success Disease!
The biggest challenge is that the journey to success can often be mundane, long, hard and even boring. Think about a long car ride with your parents when you were a kid. All you wanted to do was just get there. “Are we there yet Dad?” There will be some exciting moments along the way … Read moreDon’t Fail on the Trail!
The final and most important. The Doing. We got the exercise and the sleep. We got the prep done now time for the actual doing. Wake up and kickstart yourself. Maybe a strong cup of coffee (or two) maybe some star jumps. Whatever you need to kickstart your body. Then read your book. Say what? … Read moreSpring Morning Routine Part 3 of 3!
Preparation is as important as doing. Seriously, think about it – You warm up before a race, you buy the ingredients and get them ready before you cook, so the morning routine should be an output of good preparation. I only have two tips: 1. Start the night before! An example – If you are … Read moreSpring Morning Routine Part 2 of 3!
Spring is the time for new beginnings (Sorry to my readers in the Northern Hemisphere). So I thought to look at some changes to the way we do things and the way we start our days. The importance of a Morning Routine includes not checking email not checking Social Networks and not making excuses but … Read moreSpring Morning Routine – Part 1 of 3
I’m not a hypocrite and I’m not deleting my feeds! I recently came across a quote from Thomas Jefferson “ The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.” The premise is that we read and even believe what the mass media giants want us too. … Read moreSocial Media needs to be Extinguished!
If you are noticing people around you being negative or sad (any emotion) chances are it’s you! You are reflecting the sentiment and emotion. The work, events and people around you are a mirror of you. So if you noticing lots of negativity then chances are it’s you that needs to change as you are … Read moreLook in the Mirror!
We owe it to ourselves to never back down. So if you staring down the barrel of a gun this probably doesn’t apply unless you Chuck Norris. The thinking is that when a challenge is presented, face it head on. Don’t back down. It’s disrespectful to yourself. Rise to the challenge, not the occasion. The … Read moreRise to the Challenge!
We are all in charge of our own destinies. Some people find it safer to work for others and that’s ok. I personally find it more risky. You see if I work for myself then I am 100% in charge of what does or doesn’t happen to me. However if I am working for someone … Read moreEveryone is an Entrepreneur!
Its at this time of the year that the Flat-Earthers have a hard time. You see here in the Southern Hemisphere we celebrating the start of Spring and up in the North Autumn is setting in. I’m sure they have an explanation for this like a fold-line along the ground that splits the different weather … Read moreSeasons change, Time you do to!
A little boy wants to buy a puppy. At the pet shop he sees that one of the puppies is lame and decides he wants it. The shop owner says to him “No you dont – it wont run it, it wont jump and you won’t have as much fun as you would with one … Read moreWhat is the Real Value of Everything?
Tech is supposed to bring us together but does it? Look at people in a restaurant. They are there but they are not emotionally there as they are on their phones. In a theatre are they watching the big screen or the one in their hands? We are actually disconnected by being connected. We need … Read moreAre you here or are you HERE!
Read the heading out loud if you have a Voice Assistant. The answer is not what you will expect. Learning is the most critical thing we can do. The problem is that we have become lazy. We ask Google or Alexa, Siri and Cortana everything. When you want a good strong body you go to … Read more“Hey Google” Am I Dumb?
An old man living by a school put a lock on the gate to stop the kids taking a short-cut through his property to get to school. After awhile when he saw the kids walking around the long way he then took the lock off but left the chain on the gate. The kids saw … Read moreWhat is Locking you out?
We spend too much time doing and not enough planning. We have tasks, to do lists etc. If we spent a few hours planning what we should or need to be doing it would be totally different. Step back from the trees and have a look at the whole forest. Being busy for busy sake … Read moreTime to see the Whole Forest!
This is why I write this blog and hopefully you read it every day. Picture a wheel on an axel. If you push it, it turns. But then it will come to rest. If you keep pushing and pushing it will spin faster and faster. This is what Deliaf is all about. Little pushes for … Read moreConsistency is the Key!
It’s far easier to look for and find problems, but that is a fail and not what we do here. Here’s a trick: First off Identify What is the problem? Then write down at least Three well researched and viable solutions and Choose the most Viable one after looking at all the solutions. This thinking … Read moreStart with the Solutions not the Problems!
Fear is a great motivator. All the successful people will admit they started out scared. You see if you haven’t done it before it’s scary right? But it’s more scary not giving it a go. It is a human trait that we fear that which we don’t know. The challenge is to embrace the fear … Read moreStart out Scared!
You can’t disrupt an Industry before you truly know it. Being an apprentice has set many people up for greatness. Henry Ford, Jamie Oliver and even Leonardo da Vinci. If you want to go into an industry that you don’t know anything about but think you have a game changing idea you need to be … Read moreLearn before you Earn!
And Putt for the Dough! If you are a Golfer you know this to be the Mantra of all Golfing Mantras. But it’s an important principle when it comes to your business too. If you not a golfer or you have never heard this – let me explain. An average Golf hole is Par 4 … Read moreDrive for Show…..
We create what we expect. Sounds simple. It is. It is also the reason we fail. If we expect to fail …… we do. It’s the same as the placebo effect of medicines. Our minds are incredibly powerful so if we program ourselves to succeed we have a better chance of doing so. The contra … Read moreWe Create what We Expect!
Having a Vision is great but if your team or family don’t see it then it’s pointless. As leaders we need to have those around us in our professional and personal lives see, share and most importantly strive to achieve the vision. Easier said than done. The problem is a vision is just that: The … Read moreA Vision Needs to be Shared!
Yip. It is you! The only reason a company is constrained is because of you! No matter how big or small your organisation is, how many people you employ, you will always be the object that stops or hampers growth! You see, you need to do the one thing that you do and do it … Read moreYou are the Company’s Bottleneck?
We all know the principle of compound interest. Well if you take the formula of how the interest starts to add up due to interest being charged on interest then we can see that there is a positive angle to this too. Really, there is a positive to paying more on top of what we … Read moreWe are what we repeatedly do!
Working too hard and not taking a break? Sound familiar ? In order to stay on top of your game you have to give your mind and body a break. I’m not suggesting go away for 3 weeks and do nothing (but if that’s what your body is telling you that you need then maybe … Read moreWant to do more? Try doing Less!
A key difference between successful and unsuccessful people is they both hate having to sometimes do what is required to succeed but the successful ones do it anyway. Success is based on what you do, Don’t do and How you respond to what has happened whether in your control or not. No Sports professional loves … Read moreYou and only You are Responsible !
Our problem is that as we get older or wiser we think we know everything. This action actually prevents us from learning. A child can take in and learn so much because they are, well, learning. The biggest sin we can commit is to rob ourselves of the potential to learn. If you are at … Read moreYou are Stupid if you Stop Leaning!
They teach us to be rational for a reason. To make us like them. Who are THEY? I am still trying to answer that but for now let’s say the teachers, lecturers, coaches etc. To be great you need to buck the system. Reason is the killjoy of invention and innovation. I’m not suggesting anarchy … Read moreDon’t be Reasonable!
It’s easy to get distracted by all the possibilities and opportunities out there. Hell, I am forever trying to do new things and get new products or services launched. Instead we need to sit down and identify three core drivers. Once we have chosen these we must focus on them, enhance them and go for … Read moreWhat are the Core Drivers?
We always say how little time we have or we don’t have time to do that etc. Here’s a news flash; Every single person in the world has the exact same amount of time as you do! Unbelievable right? All these years you thought famous and successful people had more time than we do, Nope! … Read moreNewsflash: We all only have 24 hours in a day!
I wrote about remaining calm under pressure yesterday and thought to myself maybe it was a bit to direct or instructional. So today I thought a bit of a warmer overlay to the handling of pressure and situations. Everyone falls. If you think of it like a ball though. When you drop a ball, it … Read moreBe like a Ball!
This is not another “Keep Calm and Carry On” T-shirt in the making. This is important for any leader as it defies the biology of what makes us human. When things get tough, and they do, we look to our leaders to steady the ship and guide us through. Some of you reading this are … Read moreThe Calm before the Storm
Let’s start with the messy journey of life. The fact that you are reading this means you won the 100 million lottery. Yip thats how many sperms went running the race to create you! To put that into prospect for you – the chances of winning the lottery (money) is 1 in 14 million – … Read moreEveryone is Lucky!
Do you have the A Team in your company? A lot of people get the whole team culture thing wrong! It is important to have fun at work! I love the way our company has 17 different cereals to choose from! We get to go on a team outing every 3rd Friday etc etc etc … Read moreTeam Culture is not just about Fun!
A lot of people say you should focus on what you are doing, or don’t get distracted by multiple opportunities (which is definitely one of my shortcomings) and so on and so on. This is good advice. There is however a difference between being focused and being tuned out! Have you ever sat down with … Read moreDo You Actually See What’s Going On?
You know when you walk into your home and your dog is always happy to see you? Maybe your family don’t drop what they doing to come greet you but your dog will. There is a lesson to be learnt here, how good do you feel when this happens? Try adopt this trait for when … Read moreMake Everyone Feel Loved!
I have said this for years. Unless you enjoy doing something (like you get excited at building IKEA Flat-pack items) hire a specialist. Do what you get paid to do and pay someone else to to the things you don’t. If you are a high achiever you shouldn’t be doing things like washing cars and … Read moreGet the right person for the job
I thought that given I was talking about taking advice from future you yesterday let’s give future you a gift today. Wow, writing this makes me think I’m in Back to the Future! We all like receiving presents so why not give yourself one every single day! I’m not suggesting you go out and buy … Read moreA Gift for You
YOU! There is a lot of chats going on about the new FaceApp. If you don’t know it, this is an app that lets you take a picture of yourself and see what you will look like when you are older. This is not about the app and what people are saying, this is about … Read moreThe Best Mentor is…
There is an old tale about a King who wanted to see how the people in his kingdom thought and more importantly cared about others. So, in the middle of the night he got a few of his men to place a large boulder in the middle of the main road leading in and out … Read moreWhat’s blocking you?
I had some interesting comments/questions/feedback on yesterday’s post so I decided to unpack the analogy a bit further. I said that you are your own Superhero and I meant it. Here is the way to actually unlock your masked alter-ego. Identify the people you consider heroes. They can be anyone. Your mom, The Neighbour or … Read moreSuperheroes unmasked!
If you chose someone from either the Marvel or DC Universe I hate to tell you that you are wrong! It’s actually YOU! You just need to find him or her! You see aspiring to be like your hero should be aspiring to be a better version of you. You don’t need a spandex outfit … Read moreWho is your Superhero?
Is preparing to fail! Sounds so obvious right? Yet so many of us get this wrong. Whether you are going for a job interview or cold calling a prospect, a lack of preparation is not only disrespectful to you and the client/interviewer but it is also a recipe for failure! Let’s take a DIY task … Read moreFailing to prepare…
Our minds are incredibly powerful. Hell this whole blog started because I spent too much time in my own mind. An experiment was conducted where old men were put in a room that was staged to look like the 1960’s. They believed they had gone back 20 odd years. Their hearing, appetite, mental state and … Read moreMind the Gap!
But is it really? Last post I wrote about being a leader not a slave driver. This was more focused around teams and working with people. The key lesson there and today is “Working with People”! There is no right or wrong when it comes to the number of people you surround yourself with and … Read moreIs 3 really a Crowd?
We need to remember that this is our company and that the team are generally employees. This is important for a couple of reasons. Your team are probably loyal and committed but you have to remember they are there for a primary reason, a paycheck! Work needs to be fun and rewarding for them. If … Read moreAre you a Leader or a Slave Master?
I had amazing feedback on yesterday’s post about the compound effect so I thought a “Part 2” was in order. You see – I am practising what I preach. This is the second day in a row that I am writing about compound effect. I hope I get better and better at this. But it’s … Read moreI’m Compounded
This is a powerful lesson. In finance this principle has been the core standard of creating wealth. By reinvesting the returns or interest earned on the primary capital investment the growth of the wealth is compounded as we earn interest on our interest. This is great advice but this isn’t an economics blog so why … Read moreCompound Effect or Affect!
Seem obvious right? Yet so many of us don’t actually learn every single day! Education is not necessarily only what we learn at school or university, We must never stop learning. Every day is wasted if we don’t learn something. Lessons aren’t always a positive outcome either. Remember this entire blog is based on correcting … Read moreYou have to Learn Every Day!
There is an old story about an eagle’s egg that rolled out of it’s nest and landed up in a chicken farm. The egg hatched and the little eagle was groomed and raised as a chicken. All its life it watched the birds in the sky flying and yearned to fly like them too. But … Read moreIf It Walks and Clucks like a Chicken is it a Chicken?
We can learn by example or by warning. By following what others do successfully this could potentially set us on the path to success. Equally, yet polar opposite, we can also learn by warning or being careful in seeing what has happened (if negative) and not doing the same thing. Seems logical right? Yet so … Read moreDo as I Do or Do as I Say?
Benjamin Franklin said “Time is Money” maybe that’s why they put his face on the US$100 Bill. There is a different take on this though. Yesterday I spoke about loving what you do. Today I want to continue that in pointing out what you spend your time doing. We spend so much time on Facebook, … Read moreTime is Literally Money!
When writing this post I wanted to put a picture of William Wallace (Braveheart) up and thought although it ticked the passion box it was more about Freedom than Passion. You see you have to really, really, really love what you do. If you wake up in the morning and go “Oh shit, work….” then … Read moreDo you REALLY love what you do?
I will save you the Google search, cognita incessabiles is Never Stop Learning! Now this seems obvious, right? Yet so many of us do stop learning. It’s become almost clichèd to say “We never stop learning” but I think that this is all it is, a statement! You see learning takes effort. Wrong! Learning happens … Read moreCognita Incessabiles
I have heard so many people say “Well it was average” or “It was just above the average”. Is mediocracy what you really want to aim for? Do you really think that you will get everything you want out of life being average? If you answered yes to any of the above, you should unsubscribe … Read moreIf You want to be Average this is not for You!
In this modern day there is the expectation of an almost immediate response to phone and email 24/7 by our clients. The secret is that it doesn’t have to be by YOU! Set up automated responses, Chat-bots or if you can afford it, a team. Remember that clients want answers but don’t necessarily want them … Read moreAlways on but not necessarily by You
It is important to track and measure things. Track and measure your investments both financial and personal. You don’t train without logging your progress. You don’t know if you making profits or worse losses if you don’t track your financials and most important of all you should track and measure your relationships. Personal and professional! … Read moreTrack and Measure
People say “how lucky he is” or “how blessed she is”. Luck probably has something to do with it but it’s not the beginning nor end of success. If you go to gym and train and eat properly 7 days a week you WILL see results. You will never be lucky or blessed with a … Read moreIt’s not a Blessing or Luck; It’s Hard F#@king Work!