by admin | 14 Jun, 2025 | Andrew's Blog, Mindset
I have resisted it for a long time, but now I love ChatGPT. I’m using it at every opportunity and it’s really helping me do a lot of things quicker, more efficiently, and is saving me time. However, I’m becoming more and more aware that every time I use artificial intelligence, I’m neglecting the other AI that is far more powerful. That is my actual intelligence.
You may have heard of a term called ‘atrophy’. The definition is; partial or complete wasting away of a part of the body. For example, when someone breaks a leg, is in plaster, and doesn’t use certain muscles for a period of time, those muscles start to waste away. Atrophy doesn’t just occur in muscles that are unused. When you rely on eyeglasses for your sight, your natural vision will deteriorate. Any relationships you don’t pay attention to will waste away, a business that’s not focused on will start to fail, and most importantly actual intelligence that’s not used will erode.
I am totally in awe of my brain. Yes, there are times it tells me lies, times it leads me down the wrong path, and times I wish I could turn it off. However, it does incredible things. How it could possibly envision that I could become an author at a time when it seems so unlikely and then actually go on to do it is a miracle. How it helps me solve problems, create opportunities, negotiate with people, write blogs, and all the other amazing stuff it does, leaves me in awe.
However, the more I am getting into ChatGPT and artificial intelligence, the less I’m using my actual intelligence, and it is starting to atrophy. When I think about the reasons I use AI, the number one reason is to save time. Wrong reason. Why? Because the time I may be saving by using ChatGPT, I am using to do something that I really don’t need to be doing. So, I just need to get better at prioritising my time so I can use my actual intelligence instead of farming it out.
The other reason I use it is because I can’t be bothered thinking for myself about what to do. Again, wrong reason and I think it’s pretty obvious why. Really, what ChatGPT does is use other people’s brains to do something I’m fully capable of doing myself. And as I use it, and become dependent on it, I’m diminishing my own actual intelligence, my own problem-solving mind, and my own creativity.
We have been created with the most incredible body, and the most powerful mind that can help us solve, create, imagine, and live any possibility that we’re willing to conceive, believe, and then act on. Using chat GPT is like putting our brain in the cast. The longer it stays in the cast, the more it will waste away. I’m certainly not suggesting that you stop using AI, as I’m not intending to. However, I am very conscious of not wanting to get to the point that I’m destroying my actual intelligence.
For me, there’s something so wonderfully satisfying about solving a problem. There’s something so fabulously fulfilling about writing a chapter in my book that sounds great. There’s something incredible about knowing that the person reading this blog will be moved in a way that will help them in their life. There’s something very comforting, knowing that I can create any outcome in my life I choose. There’s something very special about knowing that my actual intelligence is exactly what I need to make a difference in this world. May I say, the same is exactly true for you.
Please, focus on your actual intelligence. Understand that you are incredible, just as you’ve been created. Understand that you don’t need ChatGPT or artificial intelligence to live a fulfilling, meaningful, abundant, and joyful life. Use it as a tool, but don’t rely on it to do your thinking for you. The brain you have relies on being used and will keep doing incredible things the more you use it and pay attention to your actual intelligence.
My podcasts this week are with Kate Watson, called The gift of giving, and Mark Hicks, called Love is the answer. In both podcasts, I encourage you to pay attention to the power of the human mind, and what it can manifest in our lives, specifically around love, giving, and becoming the best human you can be. I don’t believe artificial intelligence can do that for you.
If you’ve read this blog, thank you and well done. You have engaged your actual intelligence. Now, I hope you’ll take that incredible intelligence, apply it, and use it to transform your life into a beautiful reality. AI is incredible. Just make sure the vast majority of the AI you use is actual intelligence.
by admin | 7 Jun, 2025 | Andrew's Blog, Mindset
We all like to think we can get away with stuff, don’t we? Eating food we know we shouldn’t, watching stuff we know is inappropriate, saying things we hope no-one hears, or acting in a way we are sure nobody is seeing. Can I tell you this, and I hope you get it? Someone is always watching, even if you are sure you are alone. In fact, even if you are alone, someone is watching. That someone is you. The life we live and the outcomes we experience are the end result of the things we do. That being the case, I want to urge you to pay very close attention to what you do when you think no-one is watching.
I firmly believe, after many years of getting it wrong, that what is most important in my life is who I become, not what I accumulate or accomplish. I used to put on this very impressive front that people would see, but behind closed doors, I was far from the portrayal of the man I wanted people to observe. What I didn’t know at that time was, even though I was behind closed doors, people knew the truth. You can’t hide your character, you can’t cover your flaws, and you can’t mask the truth. So, the end result of my deception was debt, divorce, and darkness. This is my story, and I know it is the same for many people. Unless, of course, we can pay attention to what we do when we think no-one is watching.
For me, character is the most important thing. Who I am when I think nobody is watching is something I have become very focused on. Does that mean I am flawless and get it right all the time? Ha!! No, but at least I am more aware of it now than ever before. In fact, only this week I got it wrong, and was told in no uncertain terms. I have a very specific and scheduled LinkedIn Strategy I use each day to find; connections, people to collaborate with, possible speaking gigs, and people I could encourage and help to write a book. There are occasional times when I am a little careless and don’t do proper research before sending a message.
Last week, I gained a connection and sent a message to a guy, who seemed to have a positive influence in the lives of others, about the possibility of writing a book. What I failed to notice was that he was already an author. I have made this mistake a couple of times before and received a polite and respectful message from these people letting me know they were already authors. Well, this experience was very different. Stop, Andrew, stop!
Before I go any further with this story, I am going to stop. Why? Because what I realised, as I was about to share it, was going to be a total contradiction to the message I want to communicate with you in this post. I was about to make a judgment and hope a particular person wouldn’t see it. Wow!! I am so glad that I stopped myself and changed tact. Even though, on one hand, the continuation of the story would have reinforced the point, on the other it would have shown me to be an absolute hypocrite. Can you see how easy it is to slip into an action without really understand the full impact of that action and, who may be watching that action that we don’t know about?
I learned this lesson mid-blog, and it reinforced to me that without a very deliberate attitude, I can slide into judgement and hypocrisy. I am actually glad you were able to witness this process I just went through, because it proves we are all human and make poor choices. It also proves that we can stop and change direction at any time. Like me, if what you do and say when you think no-one is watching is different to when they are watching, then no matter how hard you try to hide it, your true character will be exposed.
In my podcast this week with Alain Salas, called Freedom is within, we discuss the power that is within every human to become the very best they can be, despite their circumstances. When you can develop this inner strength and self-love, you will be the same person whether you believe people are or are not watching. I want to encourage you from this moment, because your life is at stake, be very deliberate about what you say and do when you think no-one is watching.
by admin | 31 May, 2025 | Andrew's Blog, Mindset
As humans, we are very much affected by how we feel. In many cases, our emotions lead us down the wrong path. Why does that happen? Because, whilst we all feel emotions, and are compelled by them, we don’t always take the time to understand what they mean and why they are there. I often feel a resistance to do certain things. When we feel resistance, we often avoid that which we resist. However, I want to explain to you in this blog why resistance may actually be a green light.
It was cold outside this morning when my alarm went off at 4:52am. I woke with a start out of a deep sleep and, whilst I was snuggled up warm and cozy in my bed, I felt immediate resistance. To what? To what I was planning to do in that moment. I was resisting getting up, I was resisting going outside, and I was resisting the training session I chose to do. The great news is that despite my resistance, I got up anyway, faced the chilly weather, completed my training session, and now I feel great and glad I did it.
What else do I resist? Lots of things, like; jogging on the spot to get my steps up, my morning affirmations, prayer, making phone calls which may lead to rejection, having difficult conversations, eating salad when I feel like pasta, drinking water rather than something flavoured, writing, editing podcasts, and the list goes on. So, with all the things I resist, what don’t I resist? Also, many things, like; watching TV, sitting on the couch, chocolate, nanna naps, avoiding uncomfortable things, cheese, making excuses, and again, the list goes on.
As I study those two lists, and I would encourage you to do the same, I notice something significant. Do you see it too? If not, have another look, because when you see it, you can’t unsee it. It could be the thing that changes everything in your life, as it has in mine. So, what is it? All the things I resist are the things I get to do to be better in my life. Do you notice that also, when you look at the things you tend to resist? Okay, what about the things we don’t resist? Mmm, seems like a pattern appearing to me. You too? Most of the things I don’t resist are the things that are not enhancing my life or helping me become the best I can be.
So then, if the things I feel resistance towards are the things I choose to do that will help me be healthier, happier, more purposeful, better with people, and move me forward in all areas of life, then I should see that resistance as a sign. In fact, the feeling of resistance I feel should be the green light to take action on the very thing I am resisting. I should get excited when I feel resistance. I should get started when I feel resistance. I should use resistance as my guide to exactly what I should be doing. And, guess what? The same applies to you.
As you get into your day, I am sure there are things you resist. You can either let resistance win and avoid those things you are resisting. Or, if your life is important enough and the influence you have on the people you care about is a priority, then let resistance be the green light. When the light changes to green, we put our foot on the accelerator, and we go. Right? So, as soon as you feel any resistance to doing something you know will enhance your life or the life of someone you care about, then put your foot on the accelerator and go.
It sounds easy, but we all know it’s not. However, it’s simply a mindset, and over time, with the right focus, it will get easier and easier. In fact, in time, those things that you are currently resisting will become things you will embrace. To help you on the journey, listen to my two podcasts this week, Keeping your cool, with Saara Jamieson, and The sounds of silence, with Rich Lewis.
If you resisted reading this blog, but did it anyway, well done. How do you feel? Are you proud of yourself? We are always proud of ourselves for doing the things we resist, so I want to encourage you to really embrace this idea. If the things you resist are the things that will enhance your life and help you have a more positive impact on others, then I want to encourage you to allow resistance to be your green light.
by admin | 24 May, 2025 | Andrew's Blog, Mindset
Many times, over the years, rockets have been unsuccessfully launched into space. When it happens, a team of experts will assess to work out why it malfunctioned, adjust, and then re-launch. How many times will they re-launch? Until they get it right. The question I have asked myself and now am asking you is, if your life is malfunctioning in some way, is it time to re-launch?
It was such a pleasure to not only help Tory Trewhitt write his book Blokes Inc, but to be the MC at the launch of his first book. As we sat in front of a group of more than 100 people, I asked him questions, and he shared about his life in the wellness industry and the challenges he had experienced over the previous few years. As he spoke with passion about his journey and his purpose to help men, and as he moved the audience with his vulnerability, I knew this moment was the next re-launch in his life.
Tory was a successful coach and business owner in the corporate health space, when he saw an opportunity to re-launch. With that, he packed up his home in Melbourne, and moved his wife, three children, and his life to Byron Bay to start in the hospitality industry. He was excited, optimistic, and ready for this re-launch. What he didn’t expect was that in a few short years, he would lose all his money, cut off three of his fingers, seriously compromise his family dynamic, and spiral into a deep dark place. He disconnected himself from family and friends, he started drinking, he almost lost all hope, and he was on the verge of total destruction, when he realized it was time to assess, adjust, and re-launch again.
Tory is an incredible inspiration. He re-focused on the one thing he knew would help him most, and that was his wellbeing. He started exercising, eating better, and looking after his mental health. Day by day, he lifted himself out of the mud and the muck, and he found light and hope again. At that point, he re-connected with me to help him finally finish the book that we had started together 15 years earlier. Now he was ready to finish. Now he had the experiences and the content that could really help people. As we sat together talking at his launch, I could see the determination in his eyes, hear the passion in his voice, and see the visceral impact he was having on the crowd. I knew this was his next re-launch.
I know Tory will do great things, my question is always, what about you? How are you tracking in all areas of your life? I am sure some areas are flying with joy and abundance. Is there any part of your life that requires a re-launch? Be honest here, because you only get one shot at this life, don’t waste it. Please pay attention and if there are parts of your life that are malfunctioning, why not stop, assess, adjust, and then re-launch? How is your health and energy? If it is lagging, why not assess, adjust, and then re-launch? What is happening in your relationships? If there is conflict and disharmony, why not assess, adjust, and then re-launch? How is your bank account looking? If it depresses you when you think about it, why not assess, adjust, and then re-launch? You can re-launch at any time, so why not now?
If you have recognised that a malfunction is occurring and a re-launch is necessary, then please don’t wait, start now. To help you, I am here. You can start by listening to my two podcasts from the previous week, Looking for love, with Steve Gallegos and Life happens for you, with Michael Ostrolenk. Both will give you some ideas and some confidence to help you re-launch.
Many amazing achievements by many wonderful people have become reality over many thousands of years. Do you know why? Not because of luck. Not because of knowledge. Not because of talent. Not because of education. Not because of resources. Not because of circumstances. They have happened for one simple reason; re-launch. With every aspiration, there will be malfunctions. Those they get the outcome they want simply keep assessing, adjusting, and re-launching until they become the person and have the life they want. So, again I ask, is it time to re-launch.
by admin | 25 Apr, 2025 | Andrew's Blog, Mindset
In this world we live in, we often feel like there are many things we have to do. The moment we declare there is something we have to do, we often resent, avoid, or don’t enjoy the particular thing. What if I were to suggest there is actually nothing you have to do, but lots of things you get to do? Would that change things? I believe so.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the dentist, too long in fact. Finally, after noticing a little hole appearing in one of my teeth, I decided it was time to bite the bullet, and so I booked an appointment. Going to the dentist is one of those things we say ‘we have to do’. Let me offer another perspective.
I was having lunch with my dad and his partner Annette last weekend, and the conversation turned to dentists and teeth. My dad, coincidentally, was also having a dentist appointment during the week. Annette then explained what her grandfather did to his children. What she told me was actually quite jaw-dropping, pardon the pun. Her grandfather decided that as dental care was going to be inevitable, and expensive, he would save hassle and money and have all of his children’s teeth removed while they were young.
Yes, I told you it was jaw-dropping. So, Annette’s mother, brothers and sisters all had their teeth extracted and lived their lives with no teeth, using false teeth only. Wow, talk about a perspective builder. How grateful am I that I have a little plaque build-up, and maybe a hole or two in my teeth? How grateful am I that I actually have my teeth and that I can go and get them looked after at the dentist?
So, as I was about to say to myself, I have to go to the dentist, I stopped. I realised, I don’t have to go to the dentist at all, I get to go to the dentist. I choose to go to the dentist. I’m grateful that I am able to go to the dentist. In an instant, the thought of going to the dentist changed from a terrifying thought, to a very comforting and exciting one.
The reality is that I don’t have to go to the dentist, I don’t even have to look after my teeth. If I don’t care about the condition of them, I don’t have to do anything. Therefore, I get to look after my teeth, and I get to go to the dentist. Trust me, that is an incredibly empowering thought and attitude which applies to everything.
Have you ever said, I have to go to work? You don’t have to go to work at all, you can live without money if you choose to. Have you ever said, I have to get up and exercise or go to the gym? No, you don’t have to do that at all. If you want to live your life in an unhealthy way, that’s your choice. You don’t have to eat well, resolve conflict, show compassion, forgive others, save your money, invest wisely, smile, look for the positives in life, or anything else for that matter. Trust me on this; everything you do is because you ‘get to do it’ not because you ‘have to do it’.
The second you adopt the attitude that you get to do something, then you will feel in control, you will feel empowered, and you will feel excited. I want to encourage you, with everything that you do, to feel and believe that it’s something you get to do. It’s not something you have to do.
My two podcasts this week will really help you in this area and with this mindset. In my podcast with Arlene Miller called The jewel within, we talk about the options you have so that you get to strengthen your inner talk, your inner self, and your inner strength. In my podcast with Angelo Valenti called The easy way, you will learn that life doesn’t have to be so difficult. You’ll get to apply some very simple ideas and principles that’ll help make life flow in a much easier way.
Every day there are things you will do. If you believe you have to do them, there will be resistance, maybe even resentment. If you believe you get to do them, then you will do them with joy, with gratitude, and with ease. Enjoy everything you get to do this week.
by admin | 12 Apr, 2025 | Andrew's Blog, Mindset
When you look at the image, what do you see, apart from two very handsome men that is? The words I mean. Read it to yourself. Say it out aloud. Did you get it right? Are you sure? Look again. Read it again. Say it out aloud again. Got it?
If you got it, you would have realised that ‘and’ is written twice. Maybe you’re like me and didn’t see it until it was pointed out. It is such an obvious thing isn’t it? Why did you miss it? Why did I continually miss it? This is a very important question that I want to discuss this week.
My friend Ossie and I caught up after almost two years of no contact. We went for a walk on a stunning day, sat by the Yarra River, enjoyed the wonderful views, and caught up on the previous two years in each other’s lives. It would be fair to say we have both been through some challenges in that time. What I loved about our conversation, and what I love about Ossie, is that we were both able to see more in the situations we had experienced than the challenge. Initially it seemed overwhelming and undesirable, but when we looked again, from another perspective, it looked very different. That is the reason why it is so important to look again, so you don’t miss the truth and the opportunity.
My greatest desire this week, after you finish reading the blog is to look again at many situations that you believe are adverse. In fact, I would encourage you to read this blog again, as you never know what you may pick up the second time. So many times, I have looked at a situation in my life that seemed bad and reacted immediately, based on the first look. In most cases, it was the wrong way to look at the circumstance, and led to an undesirable outcome. Reacting to an initial emotion will often lead to regret. All you have to do, before responding, is look again and you will see the truth.
Why do we often miss the truth when we first look at something? Great question and I am not sure if I have the answer. Maybe because we live in a fast-paced world, and we don’t allow ourselves the time to look and reflect on what is really going on. Maybe it’s because we are looking at things from our own selfish viewpoint and how it immediately affects us. Maybe it’s because we are looking through a victim-mindset perspective and not how the situation can actually be a positive thing in our lives. Whatever the reason, I want to urge you, whenever you feel frustrated, angry, anxious, fearful, resentful, or offended, to take the time to look again more carefully. If you do, the truth will appear to you.
That health challenge you are looking at can be a cause for fear and anxiety, unless you look again. If you do, you will see areas to improve and the opportunity to become optimally healthy and inspire others. When looking at conflict, it can very easily lead to anger, frustration and resentment, unless you look again. If you do, with a desire to see the other person’s viewpoint, you will find empathy and compassion. When you look at a situation that is out of your control, you can feel helpless and fearful, unless you look again. If you look at what you can do and what you are in control of, you will see amazing possibilities that will lead to feelings of empowerment and excitement. Can you see why it is so important, in certain scenarios, to look again?
It was actually in my podcast with Pericles Rellas, called Financial thermostat, that I heard the Bird in the the hand’ metaphor, andhis own story of looking again. In my other podcast this week called, A values driven life, I talk with Carly Pepin about looking again at things through the lens of what is most important to you. Both podcasts have powerful conversations, and I encourage you to listen to them.
The life we live is very dependent on what we see, how we respond, and what we do as a result. As humans, we are very impacted by how we feel and driven to act as a consequence. Once you act, it can’t be undone or taken back. The words you speak, and the actions you take will always have an impact on your life and the life of others. So, it is my strongest recommendation that before you speak or act, you take the time to look again with a desire to see the truth.
