by admin | 11 Apr, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Mindset
No matter what is happening in your head, right now, success is bigger than it. Despite what has happened to you in your past, success is bigger than any poor performance you have experienced. Irrespective of your intelligence, talent level or ability, success is bigger than any situation. Aside from what other people may think or say about you, success is bigger than anyone’s opinion. Yes, it is available to you. Are you ready for it?
We, as humans, are far too quick to detract, discourage and diminish ourselves from achieving success, in many areas of life. I was just reading a couple of chapters from the book that a client of mine is writing, and she referred to a guy called Dr Rick Hanson, who said, the mind is Teflon for positive experiences and Velcro for the negative. In other words, negative experiences, self-deprecating thoughts and limiting beliefs seem more likely to stick and positive experiences, compliments and affirming thoughts seem to slide straight off.
You may be asking; what does ‘success is bigger than you’ actually mean? That is a very good question. It means; success is not about you, your past experiences, your previous successes or challenges, your ability, your intellect, your talent, your age, your connections, your financial position or any of the other things we hold inside of us and believe will impact our ability to be successful. I was listening to an audio seminar the other day and the speaker said one short but powerfully profound sentence to sum this up. He said, if you’re willing to commit, you cannot fail.
In my ‘TEARS of joy’ model, I have spoken about before, the S, which stands for success, is the predictable result of the Routines we create, based on the Actions we take, as a result of the Emotions we experience, due to the Thought, beliefs and perspective we focus on. Hmm, interesting. There is no I for IQ, N for natural talent, L for luck, C for connections, F for financial position or D for date of birth! The books I have written and the success I have had as an author, were not born from my education, my natural ability, my experience or qualifications. I was willing to commit, I did, and I was successful.
Nelson Mandela had all the odds against him in his desire to change the world, yet he was willing to commit, even through 27 years of incarceration. His success was predictable. JK Rowling, overcame significantly tough personal circumstances, and, more than 40 rejections from publishers, to get Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone finally published. Luck? Talent? Money? No way, she was willing to commit, and she committed until she got the result. A young boy with a stutter, bright red hair and big thick lens glasses, became one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever known. Ed Sheeran is a global phenomenon because he believed that success was bigger than him, and he committed to a process that predictably led to his life today.
What is the success you would like to experience? Want to be an author? Then get out of your head and get into committed action, and, it will happen. Want to be financially successful? Then get out of your head and get into committed action, and, it will happen. Want to be lean, fit and healthy? Then get out of your head and get into committed action, and, it will happen. Do you want to live a purposeful life of joyful longevity? The, stop believing it’s about anything other than committed action. Success is truly bigger than you, so stop using yourself as an excuse why you’re not getting what you want. Get clear, get committed and get into action and watch amazing success happen in your life.
by admin | 4 Apr, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Mindset
There are many things happening around the world right now that I don’t understand. The thing that amuses and baffles me the most, is the toilet paper situation. I don’t understand the need to hoard and I don’t understand why it’s so hard for suppliers to replenish low stocks. I think there must be people out there building homes out of toilet paper rolls, or they are setting up shop to make their own profit. Whatever the reason, I am running low and there doesn’t seem to be a change in the foreseeable future. It has got to such a desperation point, I have been forced to do something I never thought I would do. I am now folding, instead of scrunching!
I am a scruncher from way back. I have always felt safe scrunching, because to me the worst thing that could happen, whilst in that wiping phase of the elimination process, is tearing through the paper in that final swiping moment! I apologise for the visual you may be getting right now, but in my mind it’s a serious consideration. As they say in the classics, desperate times call for desperate measures, so, I am adjusting and making the necessary changes I need to make to keep my toilet paper supplies lasting longer. I’m scared and uncertain, but folding anyway, and I feel great about it as I’m learning a new skill. Just so you know, this is not a blog about toilet paper, or the serious debate between scrunching and folding, it’s about adapting to change.
In a heartbeat, everything has changed. I mentioned in last week’s blog, that very quickly my business was different, and without an attitude of adaptation, I would be in serious financial trouble, as many people are finding themselves right now. The difference between those who will thrive and flourish, compared to those who will suffocate and sink, comes down to a willingness to adapt, modify and change quickly. You will see evidence all over social media, and in your email inbox, of people transforming the way they do things. The question you need to ask is, am I thriving and flourishing or suffocating and sinking?
A good friend of mine, Fiona, has, this week, experienced the incredible liberation and joy of getting out of her comfort zone, adapting and doing something that scared her. Fiona is an amazing lady who runs a successful yoga, meditation and mindfulness business and, by her own admission, is a face-to-face person and not tech savvy at all. I am currently running a series of online video sessions for an organisation and wanted to offer a session on meditation and mindfulness, so I thought, who better to ask than Fiona to run it? I actually pushed her in the deep end a little, as it was only a couple of days before the session that I asked her to do it. I could hear the fear and trepidation in her voice as she said, ‘Y-y-y-e-s.’ Which was followed by a barrage of questions; ‘How do I do it? What if it doesn’t work? What if I forget what to say? What if my computer doesn’t work? And many other questions fuelled by the fearful and uncertain thoughts going through her head.
With the exception of technological know-how, the most important thing Fiona did have, was the courage to adapt and give it a try. Long story short, she did an amazing job and, at the end of it, described her feelings to me. She was very emotional, with gratitude, for being pushed out of her comfort zone to do something that she didn’t know she could do, and, would help her fulfil her path and purpose. As a result, she feels confident, empowered and excited about what is now possible for her and her business in this time of, once uncertainty, now opportunity.
Are you ready to start folding, even if it’s not comfortable or normal for you? Are you ready to look at this time in history and say with certainty that, ‘I am ready to adapt, change and turn the uncertainty into an opportunity?’ Find someone to help you, and get into the uncomfortable action of folding, because your life will never be the same!
Fiona Heart can be found at www.inspiringheart.com.au
by admin | 27 Mar, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity
I pride myself on my ability to see the positive side of things, to learn the lessons and to be an eternal optimist. I actually wear it as a badge of honour. I like that I am able to handle adversity and challenges with dignity, positivity and a solution mindset, although can be really annoying for some people, who just like to be miserable. Well, this character trait of mine was severely tested this week, and I am surprised by what came out of it.
It is a challenging time for the whole world right now, and there is an uncertainty about how long it’s going to last. This uncertainty can lead, and has led, to fear, anxiety and an insecurity in people coming up to the surface. I have been able to hold strong to my optimistic mindset for the most part; thinking positive, looking for solutions, getting creative and having faith that everything is going to be okay. On Friday, however, things went a little pear-shaped.
After losing quite a few paid speaking gigs in schools, libraries and companies, I was still feeling optimistic. I had come up with, what I believed to be, a very creative and well thought through solution. I did some writing, developed a program, created a video and got on the phone to start talking to people about it. The response I got was positive, which fueled my optimism and motivation to keep going. To be honest, there was an underlying fear and insecurity, but I ignored it and kept on my merry way, until Friday. Cancellations, followed by rejections, followed by non-responses started chipping away at my positive and optimistic exterior. The straw that broke the camels back was the cancellation of an appointment I was relying on. which cracked through to expose my fear and insecurity.
For the rest of the day, I fell into pity-party and victim mode.
My bottom lip rolled out, hit the floor and I allowed my mind to wander and start
exploring worst case scenarios. For the next few hours, I lived in fear with
all of those underlying insecurities about myself, bubbling up to the surface.
Well, thankfully, a conversation with a great friend helped me to feel a little
better, and I went to the greatest place on earth, bed, to sleep myself through
into a new day!
I got up on Saturday morning, did my exercise and had my daily conversation with God. I was thanking him for the blessings in my life and I found myself thanking him for my fears and insecurities. Why, you may ask, was I thanking God for my fears and insecurities? That’s a great question, and this is what came up for me; without the fears and insecurities to face, embrace and negotiate, how can I ever become the person I want to become? I mean, if I had no fears and insecurities, life would be too easy, not challenging and therefore there would be no need to really stretch myself to see what’s possible.
I don’t know if that makes any
sense to you, but the reality is, every one of us has fears and insecurities.
All of the positive posts you see on social media, and all of the empowering webinar,
live-streaming and video events that are available, are offered by people who,
like me and you, also have fears and insecurities. They are just helping themselves
face, embrace and negotiate those fears and insecurities by helping other
people, as I do.
My message this week is that it’s okay to feel fear
and insecurity. Anyone who tells you there is no need to be fearful or
insecure, is either a robot, or a liar. I want to encourage you this week to
feel the fear, bring it to the surface and face it, don’t shove it down and try
to ignore it. Look at it, question it, assess it and then embrace it. It is our
fear and insecurities that keep us safe, which is a good thing, just don’t accept
them as defining who you are. Spend some time this week facing and embracing your
fears and insecurities, then, come up with some actions that will help you
become stronger, better and more equipped for a life of joyful longevity.
by admin | 20 Mar, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity
My intention this week was to write a blog that had nothing
to do with the global crisis we are currently experiencing. Clearly, I changed my
mind, because, now more than ever, I feel like people need help to see the blessing,
find the good and turn this time in history into one that is not just about
surviving, but far more about thriving. With the right mindset, we can all use
this time to launch us into a new, exciting and successful period of our lives,
depending on what we choose. Many people, maybe even you, are choosing fear,
panic and reactivity, but I want to encourage a different choice. Why not
choose immunity!
I love the word ‘immunity.’ If you have ever watched Survivor, the greatest possession you can own in the game, is the immunity idol or necklace. Why? Because, it means you are protected, safe, secure and cannot be voted out. Every other player, without the idol, is vulnerable. This week, I want to show you where to find your immunity idol and how to win the immunity necklace, so that during this time in the game of life, you cannot be voted out or be vulnerable. The difference between what I will share with you right now, and the game of Survivor, is that in the TV game, once the immunity object is used, it’s gone. What you learn and apply from this blog will keep you protected, safe and secure forever. How does that sound?
The greatest fear people have at the moment is an infection of the Coronavirus. The reality is that the vast majority of people will never experience the sickness, however, everyone who lives in fear, panic and stress will experience a very different and far more dangerous infection which will impact their minds, bodies and lives. Of all God’s creations, your body is the most amazing miracle and is equipped with an immune system that will keep you protected, safe, secure, if you look after it. Are you ready to learn some simple steps to, turn on, power up and keep your immune system firing and protecting you, now and forever? If so, keep reading…
Mindset. If you understood that the thoughts and perspective you hold onto, create
an emotional response that will have the greatest impact on your immune system,
maybe you would look at things differently. The negative emotions; fear, panic,
anxiety, anger, resentment and bitterness, to name a few, will immediately shut
down your body’s immune system and leave you instantly vulnerable to all sorts
of issues. So, how do we control our emotional state? Simply by being aware of how
you are feeling, and, understanding that you control your emotions by the thoughts
you chose to focus on. Now more than ever is the time to find the positive angle
of what’s happening. Focus on the good, find the lessons and look for
solutions. The best thing you can do, right now, is TURN OFF THE NEWS and stop
reading newspapers! There are many more reliable and accurate places to stay
informed and protect your precious mind.
Laughter. Is the best medicine. Hang around people who are positive and funny. Laugh at things, no matter how bad they may seem. Watch funny movies, tell jokes and look for the humour in everything. You can always find laughter, if you look for it, and it will significantly boost your immunity.
Nutrition. Now is the time to fortify your body with high quality, nutrient rich and immune fortifying foods. Yes, eating takeaway, processed and packaged foods may be easier, but do you want easy, or do you want joyful longevity? Eat lots of fruits and vegetable, of all five colours, every day. Take a quality plant based food supplement to ensure you have enough fortifying nutrients. Be deliberate to make good natural protein, carbohydrate and fat food choices. You know what they are, you don’t need me to tell you.
Gut Health. Did you know that 75% of your immune system is in your gut? The trillions of bacteria that live in your gut with either strengthen your immune syetsem and keep you safe, or destroy it and leave you vulnerable. It all depends on your emotional state, and, food intake. Positive mindset, natural foods and probiotic will build, whereas stress, processed foods and medication will destroy. Make good choices.
The things I have shared very briefly in this blog, if taken seriously, are not just reactions to the current crisis, but are habits, that if developed, will keep you strong, happy and healthy for the rest of your life. My book The Wellness Puzzle, is the best book you could read right now, as it covers all these areas in lots of detail. Please for your sake, and that of the people you care about, choose immunity.
by admin | 13 Mar, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity
As I write this blog, the world has gone crazy. People are
doing illogical and irrational things, all based on an energy and attitude of fear
that is gripping and rippling around the world. I am going to ruffle some feathers
this week, I know it, and I don’t care. I never watch the news, listen to radio
or read newspapers, but all I hear about is Corona virus. It is affecting
businesses, it’s impacting schools, it’s changing people behaviour and there is
no toilet paper left on the supermarket shelves! I have just one thing to say,
if it relates to you… stop buying into the fear-mongering and return some of
the toilet paper so that other people can wipe their backsides!
Last week I wrote a blog was called, Nothing is bad, it’s
all content. I feel the same way about this virus, I just wish more people
felt the same way. Just so you know, this is not a blog about the Corona Virus,
it’s about what we focus on, where we expend our valuable mental energy, and,
the impact that will have on many other lives. Have you ever seen such a vast
and rapid wave of fear and irrational behaviour envelop the world? In all my
years, I have not, and, I’ve seen a lot. People think the virus is affecting
and infecting the world, let me tell you loud and clear – whether you agree or
disagree, like me for it or not – the virus isn’t affecting and infecting the
world, negativity and fear is.
Honestly, is it rational that people are buying all the
toilet paper, knowing that many people who also need it will miss out? Is it logical
and really worth cancelling events and group gatherings when some simple preventative
wellbeing and hygiene steps can be taken? Is it really important news that a
celebrity has the virus, when millions of people every day suffer from colds and
flu and it never raises a glance? Come on people, get your focus on what’s really
important in your life. If you watch the news, read newspapers and listen to
the drama, you will stop living a life of joy, and buy into a life of fear. Is that
what you really want?
Even just this morning I had a texting conversation with an
amazing lady who is about to launch her new book. She was thinking of cancelling
her book launch because of the fear that had infiltrated her mind and body. I
sent her this message; ‘It’s fine, all just media hype and fear. Don’t
buy into it and put your life on hold. People get colds, flu and viruses every
day, but we don’t stop living because of it. Stop listening to it and your life
will be better.’ She got the message, started refocussing on
her book launch and she is feeling better.
Energy is a force that comes from our focus. It is a powerful force that is infectious, for the good and the very bad, as we are currently seeing evidence of. We are in control of the energy we emit to the world and the results that will impact our lives and the lives of others as a consequence. You are in total control of what you focus on, so get your shit together, give any excess toilet paper to someone who has run out and get back and focused on the right stuff.
This is coming out harsh, I know it. I really do understand it’s hard when everywhere you turn, and with everyone you talk to, the fear is apparent. However, can I encourage you to take control of the things you can control, and, block out the toxic rubbish. Focus on being healthy, eating well, taking your vitamins, washing your hands, staying hygienic and doing what you can do. Once you have done all that, stop watching and listening to other people’s rubbish. Then, focus on your best life, focus on the things you love, focus on being a positive influence in this world and watch your positive energy and attitude ripple out and have an amazingly powerful impact on the world
by admin | 7 Mar, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Mindset
In last week’s blog I touched on an epiphany I had whilst
talking with the wonderful Fiona as she started on the journey to write her
first book. She, like me and everyone else on the planet, has had her share of
challenges in life. In fact, she walked into the meeting a little flat because
of a situation she had just dealt with. We discussed it, we talked about the
many things in life that seem undesirable, and words of wisdom somehow just
flew out of my mouth, I said, ‘It’s not bad, it’s content for your book!’
I am in a stage of repetition at the moment. I go through
these phases when I am led to share a particular message multiple times, because
it’s a critical message. This week’s blog and my last two blogs have a very
similar lesson. Just know, if I am repeating it, it’s important, so bear with
me, ok? What do I mean by, nothing is bad, it’s just content? I mean,
that upon reflection and with proper perspective, everything that happens in your
life, can be seen as; funny, entertaining, inspiring and/or a powerful lesson.
It’s really all in how you look at it, and whether you have the courage to
reflect and see what good can come out of it.
I have written seven published books, my eighth is with
publishers and I have just started my ninth. Let me tell you what the best and the
most powerful content for these books has come from times in my life that were
challenging, to say the least. My book Dance Until It Rains, is about
the life, cancer journey and death of my mother. It was the most tragic and
devastating time of my life, but, her story, the lessons I learned from her
courage and her inspiration have made wonderful content for a book that is
impacting lives more than fifteen years after she passed. In my book Accidental
Author, most of the content that helped me and is now helping other people write
and publish their own books came from the frustration and challenges of the
process. Doubting myself, rejection after rejection from publishers and the
many other seeming failures that has led to my wonderful success as an author.
In my book, Kicking On, the best content, entertainment
and lessons came from adversity. Getting knocked out and carried off on a
stretcher in my first senior game of football taught me resilience and the
courage to get up and go again. Having to wait twenty months and overcome
missing selection every single week between my first and second senior game of
football taught me the power of patience, persistence and continuing to show
up. Reading about being sacked from the football club in the newspaper helped
me learn about attitude and was the catalyst for the change of direction in my
career that led me to this point.
Can you see, why I get so excited when something unexpected and
undesirable challenges me in my life? I now know that every adverse situation
has come to challenge me, bless me, teach me and provide me with wonderful
content for my next blog or book. Now, you may not want to write a book or
blog, in which case the analogy of it being great content for your book is not
an appropriate one. But, are you a parent who wants to inspire and influence your
children in a positive direction? Are you a leader who wants to create a stronger
and more resilient team? Do you want to improve yourself and live a wonderful
life? If so, then just know this; nothing is bad, it’s all content for your next
blog, book, talk, meeting, story or conversation. Your perspective of circumstances
will determine the life you live, and, the ripple effect you have, so, enjoy
the content you will be provided with this week.
