Hopefully you ready yesterday’s post! Today we going to look at you. Every leader needs to answer the following 3 questions: 1.Who am I?You need to know the answer to this before you can lead others! Remember this is who you really are not who others think you are or expect you to be. What … Read moreMaking an impact – 2 of 2
Lets end the week with a 2 parter 🙂 What is the most impactful trait of being a leader? Authenticity! When you act, say and do all in the same way – people will follow you. This is impact! Take any of the great leaders – they walk the talk so to speak. They put … Read moreMaking an impact – 1 of 2
You can’t! You can not get people to do more than they want to and even more so, more of what you want from them. You see (and I have mentioned this a few times in the past) if you can understand what they want then you will be able to get them to want … Read moreHow do you get people to give even more
When you sit down to solve a puzzle there is (usually) some planning involved. One – you look at the pictureTwo – try get all the flat edges togetherThree – start the outside frameFour – start looking for identifiable pieces andFive -get frustrated! Business is the same. You have to have a clear picture in … Read moreSolving the puzzle
When you are presenting or even in a 1-on-1 and someone or many people disrespect you, what do you do? You stop! Yip, pack up and walk out. You see people will respect you at the level you respect yourself. It may seem harsh or even career-limiting but believe me it will not only be … Read moreWhen you are disrespected
The problem that a lot of people have is that they carry around with them all kinds of pent up anger and frustration. This becomes apparent when there is a bump in the proverbial road. You see you can look cool and calm on the outside but if you are holding on to built up … Read moreAre you Angry?
If you read yesterday’s post you should now believe it is possible so today we can look at a solution. We spend to much time doing things that stop us from doing what we think is impossible to do. The bottom line – instead of aiming to be in the top 10 why not aim … Read moreIt is impossible part 2 of 2
Happy Easter and Chag Sameach. I won’t lie I did enjoy a nice looooong weekend! Let’s get into the shortened week hard and fast! If I laid down a challenge that seemed impossible you would probably tell me that it is impossible! What if you changed your mindset to It is impossible ….. Unless….? You … Read moreIt is impossible part 1 of 2
Lets quickly recap the week: Accepting that everything is your responsibility Stop negative influence Invest in yourself Look at your own capabilities Today, to sum it all up – you need to realise that this is not a band-aid. It’s a journey! You have to journey to greatness – you don’t just wake up, read … Read moreTaking responsibility for you day 5 of 5
Failure, Rejection and Defeat. Looks like I just lost the plot! Life is a swing – for every high, there is probably a lot of lows. Reward requires risk. I am not talking financial here – the risk of failure. By taking a chance and stepping into an uncomfortable or unfamiliar zone the risk may … Read moreTaking responsibility for you part 4 of 5
Want the best investment in the market? It’s not Bitcoin, Facebook or Apple. It’s You! You need to invest time and money into yourself. Spend money and time on you. Although I am grateful that you read this everyday you need to do more and most importantly you need to pay for it! Its a … Read moreTaking responsibility for you part 3 of 5
You have to learn to shut off the distractions of other people and events that keep you away from your goals. You see – if you are busy letting information come into your field of focus that is not relevant to the tasks ahead you are basically sabotaging your own success. Listening to all the … Read moreTaking responsibility for you part 2 of 5
Last week I said I would look at how we can take responsibility for us. So lets do it over the week. You are the reason you are where you are now! It’s not a cause of events or companies you work for or friends you have. Everything that is wrong is your faultIf you … Read moreTaking responsibility for you part 1 of 5
We all want to be awesome! Here’s a news flash: You are! The problem a lot of us face is that we don’t actually believe we can be the best. The best are only the best because they have no competition or they work harder than anyone else – or both! Ask yourself: Did you … Read moreRelax, we will go big next week!
Don’t! Stress is a great way to motivate you to do and to conquer certain goals. If you can learn to deal with stress and harness it into making you meet the deadline, climb the mountain (literally or figuratively) or get from A to B when it seems impossible you will increase your outputs, performance … Read moreHow to beat your mind
Yesterday’s message may have seemed a bit harsh. Sorry – this is not a sugar-coated unicorn picnic, this is a what you need to hear blog! However, today I thought I would write something a bit lighter. Yesterday I spoke about what we do and say and how it has a ripple effect. Today I … Read moreHow to make people feel great
It is not that you are not trustworthy. Its actually probably something that you have said or done and where not even aware of. You see when you say or do something – a chain of events then starts. It may be a silly comment or a vile action. Whatever you do or say has … Read moreWhy they don’t trust you
Well if you can then you know the next words I say can make or ruin your day! You see – we all need encouragemnet to help us get through our daily challenges and so what we hear or percieve to hear is going to determine how we react or respond that day. You can’t … Read moreCan you hear me?
So – we understood the 4 C’s, then we scared ourselves into action, now – let’s look at the emotional aspect of the mind. Our minds are weak when it comes to its emotional EQ. Look at advertising – this is aimed square on at your emotionally immature mind. We get manipulated into buying things … Read moreMental toughness part 3 of 3
We are all mentally weak. Yip; sorry – but this is just the facts Our minds are what defeats us the most. You see our bodies and potential are far greater than our minds allow us to do. Our brains are programmed to make us survive. Any threat to this and it will tell us … Read moreMental toughness part 2 of 3
Being mentally tough goes a long way to making us better all round. We are more social, we are more confident which means we have a tendency to be more successful. There are 4 more components: ControlCommitmentChallengeConfidence It is crucial to be able to maintain Control. Once you decide to do something you need to … Read moreMental toughness part 1 of 3
Yesterday I spoke about the plan. Maybe I should have also asked a question: Are your goals too big for you? Do you keep hitting your head against the wall? The only way to achieve these goals is to become more than you currently are. It is not wrong to set big goals, but like … Read moreAre your goals too big?
Before they do – let’s look at what we can try do to avoid this. The idea is to always focus on the goal – but not to the detriment of possible opportunities or to be able to ride some storms. Think about getting from the top of a hill to the bottom. You can’t … Read moreWhat to do when plans go wrong
Change is the output of doing, and doing consistently! Infact – this is what we are doing together each and every day when I write these posts and you read them. So it’s actually about behaviour rather than the actual doing. Even if we don’t do it properly, by actually doing we are staying consistent. … Read moreHow to really change
Here is a couple of ideas. Remember the first time you did something or saw something you loved – remember the “wow” feeling – remember that – I have one – its the first signage job I did in my newly formed agency I lost money on the job but everytime I drove past the … Read moreHow to stay enthused
The secret to making something easier is to create a template. It’s no different when sending the same email to multiple people – you set up a template and then only have to change the name (even that you don’t have to do with some simple automation software). So what you need to do is … Read moreSuccess made easier
Nope – this is not a lecture about behaving or being kind in public (you probably should be – but this is on you not me). This is about finding a way to take some time out without having to restrict this to a specific action or task, like meditating. You see if you are … Read moreLock in good behaviour
We spend so much time looking at our business and trying to grow our business and making sure our cashflow is healthy. I have so many people say to me they want to make their money while they are still young enough to enjoy it. Here’s a thought – will they be healthy enough (or … Read moreYour business is healthy, are you?
More failure is caused by indecision rather than poor decisions! You are responsible for not being awesome and making awesome decisions. How to decide? Is it major or minor? We spend too much time deciding – decide if it is big or small- will this alter your life? Cost or worth? How much does this … Read moreMake great decisions
The theory of thinking positively is that it will then manifest positive things. Its a nice fairy tale and there is even a book about it. But unfortunately standing in front of a mirror and telling yourself that you are awesome and that today is going to be a great day etc etc is just … Read moreStop lying to yourself
I am a huge Simon Sinek fan – if you don’t know his work – please get one of his books and read it. Taking on the premise of “Start with Why” there is a very simple motivation technique to get anyone, including yourself, to do something and to do it on their own volition. … Read moreThe power of your why
Are you a Deer? Then stop staring into the headlights! We are all so good at setting goals and then ….. it all becomes overwhelming. This is the problem for 99% of us (me included). The problem is that we stay in the moment – we stay in the point of drowning in our multiple … Read moreAchieving the goal
In these daily posts I try and pass on ideas and advice that helps us all become better in business. Sometimes better as people too. I think it is important to remember that if we are not good at being people, people won’t think we are good! It is now more than important than ever … Read moreBe better?
You can’t. Our lives aren’t about the exciting times and more so about always being excited and stimulated. The idea is to do the mundane well and relish the exciting high points. So this doesn’t quite answer the question. Let me expand. The idea is to create excitement and keep the fire going. A fire … Read moreHow to get the fire started again
This is a difficult topic as there are numerous factors that need to be known and taken into consideration. So, remembering each situation and company is different, the general consideration here is : If you lay a test or challenge and offer the team the choice to rise and do it or sit out. Those … Read moreWhen do you let staff go?
Give it to them! Remember whatever you pay them is not only free but will return at 5x! You don’t get 5x? Then you are doing it wrong. We employ people at a fixed rate and sell their time or service at the money you want to make from them. So – when you are … Read moreWhen they ask for more
Yesterday I spoke about the members of your team and that they will eventually leave you. Today I want to address the culture of family in the workplace. The question is how do you create a family culture at work? The answer: You don’t! Think about the dysfunctionalities of families – maybe even your own! … Read moreFamily culture is bad
How do you deal when a key person leaves your company? Especially someone you were grooming for leadership or worse – succession! We feel like we have been personally attacked! Been beaten with a baseball bat even! There is something you need to remember; we are all selfish! We do for us not for you. … Read moreWhen they leave
If you have read the last weeks posts there was a common theme. I looked at fear and what fear means to us, how it stops us, how it cripples us and ultimately beats us. So today – go out and buy a pair of Nikes Yip that’s the answer. Make sure you wear these … Read moreSo what now?
So I have been addressing fear and the negatives and positives of this emotion. I obviously don’t know what your fears are – they could be personal fears for your relationships or fear of failing in business. There is no one single fear. Or is there…. Well – you asked. The biggest fear we have … Read moreWhat you actually need to fear
Fear is awesome. Embrace it! I’m not talking about the fear of hanging off the edge of a building with a thin rope – thats just stupid. I’m talking about the doubt and continual forces of negativity that you have experienced. The fear of (I’m going to use the F word); Failure! Fear reminds us … Read moreThe great thing about fear
Yesterday I touched on the path to greatness and most importantly – the resistance that is inside of you! The way to change the resistance is to tackle it head on! Raise the middle finger to this internal resistance and move in the direction that it is trying to hold you back from. Our enemies … Read moreThe path to greatness
We are all born equal so why are only a few of us great? The problem is in this question. We are all great! We all have the same desires and plans to be great at whatever it is we pursue. So why do only 3% of us become great? I am not talking about … Read moreWe all should be great
So, first week back writing and I decided on how to look at motivating our team and getting what we need to from them while they feel and believe that what they doing ticks their boxes. What about your boxes? Every now and then I have to pause and remember why I started writing Deliaf. … Read moreHow about you?
I haven’t gone crazy. The point for today is that money is not the be all and end all of motivation. If you haven’t read the last three day’s posts please do. A lot of companies get this wrong! We all work for money! This is a given. However – so many of us incentivise … Read moreAppreciation is better than Bitcoin.
Last year I spoke about the key to getting a team to do something is to understand what it is that they want to achieve in life and what they will do to achieve this. This is a core feature of motivation and one which I have covered again over the last couple of days. … Read moreHow to motivate others part 3 of 3
Teams or more so, employees used to only work for a paycheck and were not really interested in anything else. Boy have things changed. The modern day, more educated, employee wants to know that what they do or work on contributes to the bigger picture but more so and probably more importantly, helps them get … Read moreHow to motivate others part 2 of 3
It is time to take a small break. This has been an incredibly challenging year for us all and I do think that 2021 will continue to throw challenges at us. I want to thank you for sharing my journey with me and for allowing me to be part of yours too. This is a … Read moreYou time
Start with the truth! Yip – it’s not easy – but sometimes you have to stand up and explain that shit has hit the proverbial fan and this is how it is and possibly will be for the foreseeable future. People are looking to you to lead them; through the good and bad. We are … Read moreLeading in Crisis
Everything comes at a price! However – the cost of failure is way more expensive than the cost of success! You have to give to get – whether it is a gym routine or studying for a degree. However – the cost of giving up the time to lie on the couch and do a … Read moreThe most important decision you will make
Over the last 2 days I have been basically saying attack rather than defend. Lets bring it full circle. If a customer is looking for something and doesn’t know where to find it – they will probably either Google it or ask a trusted source. If you are not online or not part of people’s … Read moreLife – part 3 of 3
So yesterday I spoke about how we are on a repeat cycle. How we spend time doing what others want us to ie – checking social posts that they posted, or responding to emails that are important to them (but maybe not you?) Today – this idea can be applied to your relationships. Instead of … Read moreLife – part 2 of 3
Most people just live in a circle or repeating loop! We are a habitual bunch. We wake up, check emails (if you still doing this you haven’t read some of my previous posts), then get up – get dressed – join the race blah blah blah – go to sleep and start again tomorrow. Have … Read moreLife – part 1 of 3
The reason I write this blog everyday is as a pep-talk to myself. I decided to share it with my network as I thought that others may benefit from these ramblings! The reason we need to read something positive everyday is that the world is a dark place. We are exposed to more negativity than … Read morePositive input; positive output
The simple answer is that you can’t. You see people take inspiration from you, not because you want them to, but because they chose to! Inspiration is something that stems from being inspired not delivered by the person that they aspire to be like! If you try force inspiration or following on people, that is … Read moreHow to inspire others
We get to a point where we “relax” or get comfortable and then if there is a dip or bad period we realise that there is a potential problem. If you need to earn more – spend more! I am not advocating getting yourself into debt – I am outlining that if you have responsibilities … Read moreMaintaining momentum
Greatness is about having hyper-drive! It’s about been focused on a target or goal – and in this case – if you are looking to achieve greatness – then you need to be obsessed. This is not a negative or narcissistic post! If you want to be the best swimmer – you have to put … Read moreWhat is greatness?
Remember we don’t lead a company or bunch of objects or solutions! We lead people. We need to understand that in order to lead people you need to understand them and their needs! When you understand what people need or want (this applies to your clients too by the way) you can understand their trigger … Read moreLeading people
It’s an obvious answer but most of us don’t see it. It’s not yourself (well you should do that too) and it’s not your customers – that is your staff’s job. And there it is! Your staff or team! You see they are the ones that are taking care of your customers and if your … Read moreWho should you take care of first?
I cannot reiterate enough (and for those of you that are new to my blog) the difference between being a leader and being a dictator. It is paramount that you not only learn and understand the difference between these two points but actually be a leader. As we get closer to the end of another … Read moreLead without being a dictator
More than 50% of the top CEO’s in the world have a background in Finance and of those more than 20% are Registered Accountants! There is a reason for this: Investors want to know that the person leading the company knows and understands the value and importance of money! I have spoken to so many … Read moreUnderstand the numbers
Yip There is a big difference between being the center of attention or being the focal point. Attention is not always a positive thing – let’s take the recent USA elections. They were all-consuming for a lot of people and in such – everything else was pushed to the side. Then when it’s over, you … Read moreBe the center of focus not attention
We have all experienced the phenomenon of Googling for an answer and finding ourselves more confused than before we started. The same applies to seeking advice or chosing a system to help you be more efficient. Which book should you read? Who should you follow for advice (well hopefully I am on that list or … Read moreImprove through doing
I thought I would continue off of yesterday’s post. I mentioned my thoughts on Black Friday (and including Cyber monday yesterday) on my show #TechKnowledgy – last week and the point I made was that if you don’t need something don’t buy it! I’m thinking about what I wrote yesterday and then after reading the … Read moreDays of our lives
With all the days we have had recently, Halloween, Thanks Giving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday etc etc it got me thinking. “What is my favourite day of the year”? Then, I went down a rabbit hole and popped out the other side and realised the answer is today! The present! As it is named like … Read moreFavourite day of the year
As technology grows and advances at the rapid rate it is growing at we used to see entry or medial jobs being replaced by automation. Now we are seeing software facilitate or even replace medium point jobs too! We don’t need lots of accountants as the software can do the “bookkeeping function” – so just … Read moreAvoid being automated
Most decisions these days seem to be reactive! Things have changed, we need to pivot, its unprecedented times etc etc Its all rubbish! Things are always changing, you should always be pivoting (remember we used to call this being Agile …) and times are no more unprecedented than they are at any other bump in … Read moreDo you actually know what you are doing?
I often talk about having the right team, or working with the right people. Now that we are all working remotely or in disconnected teams, it makes it harder to get the team dynamic that some of us need to thrive. There are numerous apps and tools out there that help you stay connected and … Read moreSurround yourself with a good team
They are free. Yip – because its the power of human-kindness or care that makes miracles. Before attacking me, I am not talking about spirituality here. That’s a different blog. I am talking about business. If you are in a situation where you can help someone out that is doing it tough or down on … Read moreHow much does a miracle cost?
If I offered you a crisp $100 banknote will you take it? What if I offered a crumpled and older $100 banknote will you still take it? I am going to assume yes to both questions! The point is that no matter what the condition, money is still money. You and your skills or offerings … Read moreHow crisis can affect your value
Your team doesn’t really care about your vision. This is the first lesson you need to learn about being a leader. You, need to buy into theirs! This applies to your customers, family and everyone actually. People work for themselves. They work to earn a living and pay their bills and achieve their goals. If … Read moreHow to get people to buy into your dream
Don’t postpone happiness! Don’t say you will be happy when “x” happens. It never happens – you are either happy now or not. Don’t spend your life trying to make other people happy – this makes you unhappy – whose idea of happiness are you living? Finally, comparisons. Are you are always comparing that if … Read moreWhat makes you happy?
Habits are great! They center us, they help us keep a regulated routine and unless they are illegal, are usually good for us. So you missed something … It’s the end of the world! Is it though? The worst thing you can do is beat yourself up for missing a habit. Let’s take meditation. This … Read moreMissed habits?
How many times has something happened that you thought was just so bad and then after the fact realised it actually was good? No, I haven’t lost my mind just yet, I’m trying to point out that there are times in life that something happens to us all where we just feel that it’s the … Read moreAny you thought it was bad
I have often spoken about leadership and more importantly inspirational leadership. But, I haven’t realised or maybe have recently come to realise that things have changed. Now duh, I know things have changed just look outside, but today I’m actually talking more about the EQ side of things. In the 20th century we had the … Read moreThe new leader
We all know that we have to delegate tasks or get people to do things that we either don’t want to do, don’t have the time to do, or if you’ve been reading any of my previous posts shouldn’t be doing. However the problem for most people is that delegation stops at the point of … Read moreDelegate correctly
One of the best traits that you can have is passion. You see whether you are passionate about something you love or passionate about something you do as long as this is conveyed honestly in theory and most important of all consistently you will have the respect of all those around you including your competitors. … Read morePassion shows purpose
How busy are you. Everyone walks around saying “I am so busy”! What are you busy doing? Are you busy checking your email? Are you busy replying to all the likes on Facebook? Are you checking your Insta? This is not busy! This is unproductive! Today’s post seems to be a bit aggressive but there’s … Read moreIf you are busy, you are unproductive
I was asked the other day if I get nervous or rather why I don’t get nervous when I speak publicly when I do my show. The truth is I probably do but I have been doing it for awhile now so it’s maybe not that fear-gripping experience that a lot of people list when … Read moreTurn the spotlight around
We all seek to try to find balance in our lives. This is a waste of time. The problem is that in life nothing is predictable so therefore how do you try and strive to balance something that is continually changing, moving and adapting. You can’t. Can you see that if you accept the fact … Read moreUnbalance your life
I really didn’t want to have a clichè in the heading. But, I thought as we go into the weekend, which is generally a time to relax and reflect – try looking at your ability (or lack of) to show and practice patience. We are living in incredibly stressful times, everyone is more on the … Read morePatience is a …
We all want to be leaders. Most of you that are reading this probably are. In fact – all of you are – you see a leader is not a title or a position. It is a privilege! A mother leads her chlidern, a CEO leads a company, a Teacher leads a classroom. You get … Read moreFollow the leader
Part of human nature is that we are designed to identify, seek out and look for the negative. We can’t help it, it’s just part of our genetic code. I want to challenge you to try and look for the positive things that you’re seeing in your day. Let me give you an example. I’m … Read moreMy 4 P’s
Most people don’t see their true potential. In fact quite the opposite most people don’t see any potential. As a leader if you can help a member of your team see what you see in them it will go way beyond their expectations of what they are capable of doing. As a leader we owe … Read moreAffirmation
As there are talks of elections – or rather fights about power – it got me thinking. Why don’t I become president? No, I haven’t become Kanye West – I am deciding to be the leader of my world! You see we spend so much time listening to how much people will do for us … Read moreVote for yourself
This is a bit of a different approach to the daily motivational messages. We are very quick to judge based on what we see. Homeless people are dirty and a pest, right? But do we know how they became homeless? Do we know what or who they were before hand and what led to their … Read moreDid you judge too quickly?
We all experience pain. Some will experience unbelievable pain and loss in their lives. You have a choice! You can wallow and suffer in the pain and loss or you can take it and fuel it into a purpose or direction that hopefully stops it occuring for others or creates an awareness to help others … Read moreTurn pain into progress
We have all heard the saying that you either sink or swim. It’s time to look at the swimming part. You see when we were babies our parents threw us in the swimming pool and waited to see if we floated. I’m sure there’s been a few instances where over-concerned parents have had to jump … Read moreSwim or sink
You can’t push a button that’s not there to be pushed. Cliché that we hear all the time is “You really know how to push my button”! Remove the button! We allow ourselves to be emotionally controlled by other people. If we stop this or remove this power we will find that we are much … Read morePush my button
I am a huge fan of delegation and outsourcing. I write about it frequently. However, to be a true leader, you need to get dirty. An example. I once spent a day at Microsoft doing a course in geo-location app builds using a tool they had acquired. After 4 hours I had a working demo … Read moreGet Dirty
Yesterday I spoke about the importance of understanding emotional power when it comes to your team. More importantly when it comes to the fact that people do fail and will fail and how we need to deal with this. Today is just a statement that I’d like you to think about over the weekend. “Rather … Read moreUnderstanding emotional value
As a leader we have to realise something. You lead people and not products! People are emotionally driven (EQ) and in such how we handle them, lead them and engage with them will make all the difference to the company. It is common practice (and human nature) to scold or reprimand when people mess up. … Read morePraise the miss
Yesterday I spoke about being the hero. But what is the hero and what causes us to be heroes? We see that sometimes due to necessity a normal person can and does become a hero. Let me give you an example. If you were standing in the queue and someone needed urgent help you would … Read moreAwaken the hero
I have talked about being a superhero a few times in past posts. But let’s look at the two words separately: Super – Very good or excellentHero – A person admired for their courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities. Nowhere does it say a spandex outfit or a cape. I want you to sit back … Read moreTo be a hero
You see the more successful we are the more arrogant we can become. The know it all attitude will be the downfall of many great leaders, organisations and even empires! Ask the Romans! The biggest challenge in continued growth is knowing that you are still growing, still learning and still susceptible to fail! We get … Read moreAsk the Romans
Why do we admire certain people? What is it about them that draws us in or makes us want to be like them? I’m not talking about being a fan. This is not the crazy screaming teenager at a concert of some singer. I’m talking about real people that started out the same way as … Read moreWhat makes people exceptional?
In these challenging times everyone needs a bit of help or encouragement. Could you save a life? I’m not talking about physically performing CPR – I mean mentally. We often can’t see what is really going on with people and the pain or anguish they may be harbouring. This is not a cry for help … Read moreStep back from the ledge!
Yip. Get out. Well at least 99%. I’m talking about outsourcing. You see we think we can do it all ourselves and big companies like to employ lots of people to “be there” and do stuff. The reality is work from home has actually confirmed something that I have been doing for awhile now. Outsourcing. … Read moreGet out!
We all have skills or gifts that we could share with the world yet so many of us bury them. I have often been told by my wife that I should be training people in technology – but I have given her a 100 reasons why I shouldn’t. If she can see the potential in … Read moreDo you have buried treasure?
As we tire during the day’s activity – our natural reaction is to chose the quickest and easiest option when making decisions. This means (more often than not) we buy things we shouldn’t or make decisions that have a kick-in-the-teeth later on. The lesson here is that when you plan your day (I hope you … Read moreAvoid the midday slump!
In order to increase our productivity we need to relax. This is not an invitation to go lie on the beach and relax this is about the physical (and mental) relaxing of the muscles. The problem a lot of us face is we tense up under pressure. We clench our fists and jaws. Our shoulders … Read moreRelax to speed up
There is a difference between pressure and stress and worry and anxiety. The two are grouped but you want the former pair. In order for us to be Superhuman we need to be under pressure and stress. You see if there isn’t a do or die deadline chances are we won’t focus or knuckle down … Read moreBeing Superhuman part 3 of 3
Turn the want tos into have tos You see if you want to get something done it is not the same as having to get something done. Let’s rewind this a bit. Time does not stop. So if you have a deadline or an event to attend or even a flight to catch (hopefully we … Read moreBeing Superhuman part 2 of 3
There is a difference between WANT to do and HAVE to do. We all have wants and things we want to do. The problem is that these are generally fun things or not necessarily productive. Have to do’s are just that. You have to get the presentation done. You have to finish the report etc … Read moreBeing Superhuman part 1 of 3
We all have burning questions. The kind that makes our brains itch (or keeps us up at night). There are 3 steps to solving these questions: What can I do?Who can I ask ?What can I read? It really is that simple. By methodically progressing through the above chances are you will get an outcome … Read moreThree steps to solving a problem
I have spoken about pushing through the barriers. Side stepping or going over the walls etc this week. The last point for the week is the ripple effect. Compounding leads to bigger and greater returns. But sharing makes sure we all improve. Here is an illustrative example. I get inspired to write Deliaf with the … Read moreRipple effect
A tree takes a long time to grow and the reason is that it spends most of its early years getting its roots well and truly embedded into the ground. Today’s message pertains to both parents and employers. Start conditioning them and molding them young. For parents this seems obvious but for employers let me … Read moreStart young
Yesterday I spoke about hitting the wall so today I thought I would talk a little about what we could try do to avoid that even happening. Let’s be honest. At this time of the year we are starting to feel tired. Then you take a year like 2020 and it feels 10x worse. So … Read morePush through
When you hit the wall; don’t wish it was easier, wish you could work harder! You see we all have these moments – they are sent to test us and our core. Think of running a marathon. Before you start you have to picture the finish line. Then you stand at the start and the … Read moreWhen you hit a wall
What time, book or lecture was the turning point in your life? There was a moment or message that affected you (hopefully in a positive way) that elicited or motivated you to do. Its time to think about that moment and recreate or redo what it was. You see – as time goes on we … Read moreTurning point
We are now almost at the end of the first month of Spring (sorry Northern Hemisphere – its about to get colder for you). Hopefully by now you have cleared off the cob-webs, packed away the winter clothes and got yourself mentally and physically ready for Summer. This is not just about vacation planning and … Read moreSpring cleaned
We may be defined or remembered by one event – but what we forget is that everything we did before that event(and afterwards) led to the creation of that moment. Take Richard Branson – not an exceptional individual with lots of learning issues due to amongst other things, dyslexia. Yet – being on an island … Read moreBreak it down into small chunks
If you waiting for others around you it’s going to be a loooong wait! Here’s a question. What if they don’t show up? What if they are not there to help? Stop waiting – Go and do. If you wait for others chances are they are busy waiting for someone else too or rather getting … Read moreWhat are you waiting for?
Reward requires risk. This is not an invite to throw caution to the wind. This is more about personal and reputational risk. You have to take the risk of embarrassment and failure in order to reach your dreams. You see its safer to risk nothing to see if you could get something else. We are … Read moreWhy most don’t break through
You win when no one is watching. It’s not the event – it’s what you do to prepare for the event. The difference between success on the day is the work that goes in before hand. We all think about going big or being the best on the day – but the reality is that … Read moreHow to win big
We spend most of our time selling to people. Selling products or services or even ourselves. Here is a novel thought : Try help instead of selling. You see if you can identify a problem or help someone with a solution – chances are there are other peole that need the same solution and this … Read moreHelp not sell
In business we strive for 5 star reviews. Let’s be honest – it does work, people looking for services or solutions are going to do business with someone with 5 stars instead of 1! Why don’t we apply this to our personal lives? We should strive to be 5 star humans too. This doesn’t mean … Read moreFive stars are not just for reviews
You are always being watched! You never know who is watching and who they may be – more importantly – what they could do to the future of your life. This doesn’t mean that you should do things hoping to be “found”. No, you need to do things because you want to and its the … Read moreHow to change your future path
This can be as simple as standing every hour or walking 3 km a day. There are no rules here. This is about setting something and doing it daily. The doing it daily is the important part you see it is this commitment to training that will set you in good stead for whatever you … Read moreSet a challenge
The predictor of success is easy It is a rinse and repeat process. The problem for us is that we tend to get distracted. We tend to stop just short of striking oil or getting a “new direction”. The secret is simple – find someone that you resonate with as an advisor or mentor, I … Read morePredicting your success
Get advice. I was told early in my career that in business you have to have a good accountant and a good lawyer. Good understanding of the numbers and agreements of deals you will enter into are paramount to successful wealth creation and preservation. Have the right connections: Be in the right group, join the … Read moreBuilding wealth part 5 of 5
What does wealthy mean to you? You need to have a plan and this plan needs to be around investment return for your lifestyle. This means that you need to decide what you want to earn in a year, then build an investment portfolio that will yield this number. Once you have that – you … Read moreBuilding wealth part 4 of 5
Debt eradication! I speak to a lot of people and they tell me they are saving for a deposit on a home (which is great) or looking at getting a new vehicle but want to pay cash so as to not have to pay interest. Here is the cold hard slap in the face! If … Read moreBuilding wealth part 3 of 5
Do you have an indication of how much money you are spending month to month? Do you have a budget? If I asked you now – could you produce a budget for me to see? If you can’t you have no idea of how much money is flowing out and in and how much more … Read moreBuilding wealth part 2 of 5
I thought about this topic over the weekend and it lead to another 5 part series so here we go: Your net worth will sometimes match your self worth! Not my quote but definitely one worth looking at more closely. We are driven by our constant tracking of money. The challenge for a lot of … Read moreBuilding wealth part 1 of 5
Here is a positive message for the weekend. Hope is an incredibly powerful drug. Yip – a drug – you see if we have hope we see better results, we feel healthier, we are happier and generally more prosperous. Don’t know about you but that’s something I can get addicted to. As a leader – … Read moreHope
This is not found in success and fame – it’s actually derived from contributing to something bigger than yourself. How does this relate in our lives – well it’s actually quite simple. In business – if we can enrich the lives of our staff and customers – we have meaningIf we can help nurture our … Read moreHow to live a meaningful life!
High achievers don’t like mediocre people and mediocre people don’t like high achievers! in order to succeed in life and business: We have to get the right peopleGet the right people in the the right seatsGet rid of the wrong people andClearly define expectations The people have to like each other in order to succeed.it … Read moreWhat we don’t like as leaders
Yes I am using the F word! All the people we aspire to be like have failed (and sometimes really badly ) numerous times. Failure is the learning as to what not to do. You see we are scared of failing, but if you take the simple premis and even name of this blog; we … Read moreFailure is the stepping stone to success
Successful people do what you and I do. In some instances they don’t even do it that well. The secret is what they are NOT willing to do. It’s what they won’t eat or drink, do or say, go to the event etc. This can be applied to everything we do. Take personal relationships- if … Read moreDo you have a choice?
To recap – we have identified the influencers and set the stage or battleground. So now for the close. Tell the story! Explain all the challenges of the industry or outline a challenge that seemed insurmountable in history that we have overcome. We have the influencers, the stage is set and we have informed that … Read moreClosing the sale part 2 of 2
Sell to the Influencers first. If they don’t buy in or feel that it wasn’t “their idea” they can and often do sabotage the deal. Identify these people and focus on them – they may not be the decision maker, but they do influence it either for or against you. If you befriend the influencers … Read moreClosing the sale part 1 of 2
Yip. You are and not just a fib here and there. You are a constant and repetitive liar. You see every day you say you are going to do something but you don’t. You promised yourself a good gym workout. Didn’t happen. You swore to yourself that you would not drink coffee but you did … Read moreYou are a liar!
Whether you are aware of it or not, how people perceive you or see you is how they think you will be professionally. If your clothes are scruffy they will think your work will be too. Would you let a hairdresser with really bad hair cut your hair? We all try put on a good … Read moreHow you act is how you do.
Sounds weird but it’s true. You see we put people on pedestals and make them our heros or the people we aspire to be like. The problem is you don’t actually know these people and in such you actually probably don’t want their lives Some of these high-achievers have a public face and a reality … Read moreDon’t want what you don’t want
The old saying no pain no gain doesn’t only apply to the sports field or gym. As leaders we tend to be parental with our teams. The problem is that if they fail – we need to let them feel the burn! If someone misses their sales target – don’t start with “It’s ok, you … Read morePain for gain
You don’t need to be blind to be blind. The problem for most of us is that we do and see everything from our point of view or from our stand point. In order to be successful we need to be able to see what our clients see. We need to be able to see … Read moreOpen your eyes
When you ask the right questions – you open yourself up to receiving the right answers. So when you dealing with clients ASK Lead your questions with HOW Are you sure is better worded as: HOW sure are you? How improves the question. Then follow up with a What or Where or Who told you … Read moreAsk the right questions
If you were looking to push through something in the (concrete) jungle would you want to be a Rhino or a Zebra? It’s the same in business and even our personal life. We need to be tough, thick skinned and head-down with a purpose and focused with the end goal in mind. If you want … Read moreBe a Rhino
Given its monday I thought why not try and iron out some bad habits that prevent us from having a good week. Hindsight, should have probably published this yesterday so you had time to read it – but better late than never I guess! So how to screw up the week: Hit the snooze button … Read moreTwo ways to screw up the week!
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!
Why do you do what you do the way you do it? Have you progressed or changed the way you do things? Have you ever even stopped and asked yourself why do you do it this way? Are any of your processes or technology outdated? Are you still presenting the same way as you did … Read moreWhy you might feel overwhelmed