Every Day A New Thought: Recent Episodes
Thor Challgren
Welcome to "Every Day A New Thought." I’m Thor Challgren and every single day in 2023, I will bring you a New Thought. It can be a new perspective or a new way to think about familiar challenges. If you want to know how to live a better, more fulfilling, more joyful life, then I hope you’ll join me in 2023. What will we talk about? Topics that interest me include self-improvement, spirituality, philosophy, speaking, relationships, fulfillment, history and so much more. I also love to draw lessons from modern sources like popular movies, books, sports and current events. As the author of book on mindful travel, I also imagine I’ll draw on how we can begin to bring a vacation mindset to our everyday lives. What can you expect as a listener? Well, first, "Every Day A New Thought" will be a manageable listen. Each show will run three to five minutes. So it’s something you can easily incorporate in your day. My goal is to share a thought that intrigues me, and that hopefully you as well. Because the show is every day, I’ll also be able to conduct experiments. I may try something for thirty days then share what I learned in an episode the following month. I know one thing for sure. Whatever the show looks like on January 1, it will evolve over the course of the year. As new ideas occur to me, as you share your feedback, the show will evolve. I’m excited to see where this journey goes. So I hope you’ll follow me in 2023 with Every Day A New Thought.
Ever found yourself caught in the traffic, complaining about how it's ruining your day? What if I told you that you can transform your life by simply changing the way you react to such situations?
In this episode, I continue to break down my experience in "No Complaining Week." I just completed this week in "Mental Muscle," a spiritual boot camp experience I've done multiple times. "No Complaining Week" happens in the second week of "Mental Muscle."
Drawing from this experience, I delve into the negative power of complaining, and how it strips us of our power to take control of our lives.
This episode is an exploration of the causes and consequences of complaining, with a focus on making positive changes to our habits.
I share my personal experiences and the questions I ask myself when I notice a complaint brewing, inspired by the teachings of Dr. James Mellon and the wisdom of Wayne Dyer and Eckhart Tolle.
We'll also examine the underlying beliefs that often provoke our complaints.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find Dr. James Mellon's book, "Mental Muscle", here on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/2Eo6s4y
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Ready to break free from the endless loop of complaints? Join me in this first episode of a four part-series on complaining.
In this episode, I explore why complaining rarely solves problems. The key takeaway: redirecting your energy toward proactive solutions can change your life.
Inspired by Dr. James Mellon's "Mental Muscle: 16 Weeks of Spiritual Boot Camp," I'll explore the foundation of complaining and how it reflects our unconscious mind.
- When are you most likely to complain?
- What situations or relationships trigger your complaints?
- And most importantly, what can you do about it?
I'll delve into these questions and more, using insights from Randy Pausch's Last Lecture to guide our thoughts.
By the end of our discussion, I hope to inspire you to invest your energy into solving problems rather than complaining about them, and in doing so, achieve greater happiness and fulfillment in your life.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find Dr. James Mellon's book, "Mental Muscle", here on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/2Eo6s4y
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I share my perspective on a TED talk given by author Anne Lamott. Her talk is called, "12 Truths I Learned From Life and Writing."
You can find her talk HERE.
As I mentioned, you can watch MY TEDx talk here:
https://www.thorchallgren.com/tedx
Anne Lamott shares 12 truths in her talk, and I look at 3 of them in this episode. Here are three quotes from her talk that I unpack:
- "Every writer you know writes really terrible first drafts, but they keep their butt in the chair. That's the secret of life. That's probably the main difference between you and them. They just do it. They do it by prearrangement with themselves. They do it as a debt of honor. They tell stories that come through them one day at a time, little by little."
- “Everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes. Including you.”
- "Everyone is screwed up, broken, clingy and scared, even the people who seem to have it most together. They are much more like you than you would believe, so try not to compare your insides to other people's outsides."
I love this talk and highlight recommend you watch it, and listen to my thoughts on it, and how we can apply it in our own lives.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Can you truly attract abundance into your life by conveying the impression of increase to others?
In this episode, I explore into Chapter 14 of Wallace D. Wattles' classic work, "The Science of Getting Rich," written back in 1910.
This marks the conclusion of my four-part series on this influential book.
Wattles' insights continue to resonate even a century later. Success writer Bob Proctor recommends reading specific chapters from this book, including Chapter 14, for 90 days to reprogram your mind for success. In this final chapter,
Wattles emphasizes the importance of conveying the impression of advancement in everything you do and inspiring others with your unshakable faith in your own journey towards success. By doing so, you not only attract people to you but also motivate them to seek their own success.
Wattles reminds us that the desire for increased wealth is not negative; it's the aspiration for a more abundant life in all aspects.
The key takeaway is that when you genuinely desire success for yourself and others, people will be drawn to your energy and want to be associated with you.
If you're inspired by these ideas, consider reading the book and applying Wattles' principles in your life for 90 days to witness the transformation.
Subscribe or follow the show on your favorite podcast app and join me in this journey of self-improvement. As always, thanks for listening!
You find the first three episodes in the series here:
142: Unpacking The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles - Chapter 4
143: Unpacking The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles - Chapter 7
144: Unpacking The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles - Chapter 11
You can find Wattles' book here:
https://a.co/d/9CEH51B
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Can mere thoughts alone bring riches, or is action an essential ingredient for success?
In this episode, I explore Chapter 11 of Wallace D. Wattles' timeless book, "The Science of Getting Rich," written over a century ago.
I delve into the question of whether thoughts can manifest wealth independently or if they must be coupled with personal action.
The key takeaway here is that thought and action must go hand in hand to achieve prosperity. I elaborate on Wattles' emphasis on not dwelling in the future but rather concentrating on the present and taking action in your current circumstances.
By tuning in, you'll gain valuable insights into how combining thought and action can help you manifest your desires and enhance your life.
You find the first two episodes in the series here:
142: Unpacking The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles - Chapter 4
143: Unpacking The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles - Chapter 7
You can find Wattles' book here:
https://a.co/d/9CEH51B
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Immerse yourself in a transformative journey as we crack open the wisdom of Wallace Waddles' 1910 classic, the Science of Getting Rich, and uncover the profound power of gratitude. Not just in saying thank you, but as a pivotal mental adjustment that aligns us with the universe's bountiful creative energies.
In this episode, I talk about Waddles' principles of success and reveal how practicing gratitude can quickly multiply the good things in our lives - from wealth and health to relationships and success.
Let's decipher together Waddles' words, "Many people who order the lives rightly in all other ways are kept in poverty by their lack of gratitude," and discover the peril of dwelling on dissatisfaction and the transformative power of habituating gratitude.
Learn how to infuse your daily life with a mindset of appreciation, drawing on century-old wisdom that continues to resonate in today's world. So, get ready to amplify your life with gratitude, and don't forget to express your own gratitude by hitting like, subscribing, or following Every Day A New Thought on your preferred podcast app!
You find the first episode in the series here:
142: Unpacking The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles - Chapter 4
You can find Wattles' book here:
https://a.co/d/9CEH51B
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Are your thoughts shaping your destiny, or are you simply going through the motions of life?
In this episode, I dive into the mind-expanding pages of Wallace D. Wattles' 1910 classic, "The Science of Getting Rich."
Have you ever wondered if your thoughts could truly create your reality? Today, I explore this profound concept and uncover the hidden power within it.
In this episode, I'll guide you through Chapter Four, "The First Principle in the Science of Getting Rich," where Wattles unveils the transformative idea that thoughts are the building blocks of the universe.
Wattles challenges us to break free from superficial thinking and understand that true power lies in thinking beyond appearances. It's easy to react to the world as it appears, but the real work is in thinking truth, irrespective of what we see. This episode will show you why transcending appearances is the key to unlocking your full potential.
By the end of this episode, you'll grasp the immense power of your thoughts to shape your reality. You'll learn that by thinking in alignment with your true desires, you can conquer fear, achieve your goals, and become the master of your destiny.
Tune in now and embark on a journey of self-discovery as we unravel the timeless wisdom of "The Science of Getting Rich." Your future success begins with the thoughts you choose today.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find Wattles' book here:
https://a.co/d/9CEH51B
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you ever felt that nagging self-doubt creep in just as you're about to pursue your dreams? That moment when you ask yourself, "Who am I to do this?"
In this episode, I dive into the remarkable TEDx talk, "Programming your Mind for Success," delivered by the inspiring entrepreneur Carrie Green.
To watch Carrie's talk on YouTube, CLICK HERE.
As I mentioned, you can watch MY TEDx talk here:
https://www.thorchallgren.com/tedx
The key takeaway for me in this talk is understanding the power of self-belief and its pivotal role in transforming your life.
Carrie Green's story, recounted in her TEDx talk, encapsulates the essence of self-discovery and empowerment. She shows us that recognizing our true values and aligning our actions with them can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth. Carrie's journey from a successful yet unfulfilled entrepreneur to creating a global community of women entrepreneurs is a testament to the extraordinary things we can achieve when we silence our inner critics.
By listening to this episode, you'll gain the invaluable insight that self-belief is the key to unlocking your full potential. You'll discover the strategies to reprogram your mind, replace self-limiting thoughts with empowering ones, and take confident steps towards your dreams. Tune in now and start your journey towards a more confident, empowered, and fulfilled life.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Are you staring down a seemingly endless stretch of time or a monumental task that feels insurmountable? How do you maintain your focus and keep your spirits up when the road ahead seems never-ending?
In this episode, I delve into the art of enduring the long haul. I'll share with you a powerful strategy that can transform your perspective and make even the most challenging journeys feel achievable.
Discover the secret to conquering those daunting, never-ending periods in life by breaking them down into manageable segments. I'll illustrate this approach with personal anecdotes, from parenting an empty-nest child to pursuing a four-year ministerial training program. Learn how to shift your mindset and embrace shorter milestones, finding excitement and momentum as you near each finish line.
Tune in to gain the valuable skill of breaking down life's daunting challenges into manageable chunks, allowing you to conquer any long-term goal with confidence and enthusiasm. Don't miss this episode's insights on transforming your perspective and tackling life's longest journeys with ease.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the middle of a seemingly endless traffic jam, unsure when it will finally clear up? It's a universal frustration we've all experienced.
Of course most of us can check the map on our phones and tell when the traffic will clear up. And that knowing can make all the difference in feeling frustrated.
In today's show, I explore the secret to navigating the route to your dreams and how mapping your journey can give you clarity and peace, even in the face of challenges.
So, if you're tired of feeling stuck and uncertain, and you're ready to navigate life's traffic with confidence, then this episode is for you. Listen in and discover how goal mapping can make all the difference in your journey.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
We all face challenges in life, but what if we could change the way we think about them?
Instead of dwelling on the lowercase hurdles, why not focus on the UPPERCASE blessings that often go unnoticed?
In today's episode, I share a story of my recent trip to Alaska, filled with breathtaking scenery, sumptuous room service, and unforgettable moments. But there's a twist – amidst all the beauty, there were challenges too.
Discover how I shifted my perspective, turning potential setbacks into opportunities for growth and gratitude.
Join me as I explore the power of emphasizing the UPPERCASE moments in your life and learn how changing the case of your thoughts can lead to a more positive and fulfilling journey.
If you're ready to see your challenges in a new light and embrace the joys that often go unnoticed, I think you'll like this episode.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I pose a question: when you look at a picture, do you see the circumstances behind the photo? And do they matter?
I recently returned from an Alaskan cruise, and had an amazing time seeing the sights. On one morning, I took dozens of pictures as we sailed up Endicott Arm toward Dawes Glacier. Everything about this moment was perfect; the weather, the light, the glacier.
Oh, also, I had COVID.
But did that really matter? If you looked at the pictures I took, would you even care about that? Will I care about that years from now?
In this episode, I argue for the idea that the circumstances or conditions of our present moment may not matter as much in the long run.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
You reach a point in life, and you think to yourself, I’ve done everything I want to do in life. But have you? I just watched a TED talk that’s made me re-evaluate how I look at what’s mine to do. And I talk about it in today’s episode.
Clifford Stoll is an astronomer, physicist, and educator extraordinaire. In this episode, l venture into the depths of his dynamic TED Talk, "The Call to Learn."
Today, I share my three major takeaways that reshaped my perspective on teaching, learning, and the beauty of perpetual curiosity.
In this episode, I also mention a FREE four-video training series I created that will help you develop a sense of what's next for you.
As an empty nester parent, I know there’s a tendency to look back to what we’ve accomplished. We raised a kid or kids, and send them out into the world. But I’m not going to be a parent again. And I don’t want to sit around and wait to be grandparent. I want to go out and do something else. If you’re like me, you might be trying to decide what’s next for yourself. I’ve created this four-part video series where I talk about how to figure out what’s next for you. It’s free:
YOU CAN GRAB THAT FREE TRAINING SERIES HERE
Stoll's TED Talk is a captivating whirlwind, showcasing his unique approach to inspire young minds and demonstrating hands-on how learning science can be an exciting, fun-filled adventure.
Here's the link for Stoll's TED talk.
As I mentioned, you can watch MY TEDx talk here:
https://www.thorchallgren.com/tedx
Here's the other talk in this T.G.I.TED series:
118: T.G.I.TED - The Hidden Power of Smiling
123: T.G.I.TED - Visualization and Breathing Air From The Future
128: T.G.I.TED - How to Reframe What "Failing" Means
129: T.G.I.TED - Challenging the Myths: Age and Success
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Ready to challenge the norm and explore a new perspective on your life's purpose?
In this finale of my 'Put Yourself First' series, I talk about creating a two-month purpose.
Life is filled with transitions - moving from raising a family to the enigma of what comes next often leads us to think our next purpose must span years. But what if we considered a shorter goal, one that could offer a refreshing identity to experiment with?
In this episode, I guide you through the benefits of a smaller-scale approach, such as setting a two-month goal to run a 5K race and becoming a runner. This isn't just about running - it's about using this smaller goal to pivot from your current state, and maybe discover a new passion.
To help you along this journey, I offer a free training series filled with an extensive array of two-month challenges you could undertake.
YOU CAN GRAB THAT FREE TRAINING SERIES HERE
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
What if the next chapter of your life sees you accomplishing something even more significant than being a parent?
That's the question at the heart of the latest episode in the 'Put Yourself First' series. This thought-provoking discussion is designed specifically for those of you who've been in supportive roles, especially parents. We explore the challenging but essential concept of giving yourself permission to shine and to be successful in your next venture.
This episode is supplemented with a free video training series, 'Put Yourself First', offering a deeper understanding of giving yourself permission and addressing subconscious beliefs that may hinder your progress.
YOU CAN GRAB THAT FREE TRAINING SERIES HERE
As parents, we're accustomed to making others look good, but now it's your time to take the limelight. Tune in, reflect, and prepare to embark on an exciting journey towards a new chapter in your life, one where you give yourself full permission to be great!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
After ushering my daughter off to her new life chapter, my house fell silent and an overwhelming sense of emptiness, mingled with accomplishment, washed over me. It was from this empty nest that I found the inspiration to encourage others to celebrate themselves, their achievements, and the skills they've acquired throughout their journeys. Thus, begins a new series called 'Putting Yourself First.' I share my experiences in this period of transition, from leading a Girl Scout troop to coaching my daughter to her Gold Award, reminding you to acknowledge your growth and accomplishments.
So, have you ever paused to celebrate yourself after achieving a significant milestone? This discussion illustrates the importance of such a celebration, and how it can positively impact your outlook on future endeavors. I delve into the importance of celebrating personal achievements, using the experience of my daughter leaving home to kick off this reflective conversation. Additionally, I introduce a complimentary video training series, 'Put Yourself First', designed to encourage listeners to reflect on their lives, prepare for the next chapter, and most importantly, celebrate themselves. Let's toast to our accomplishments and cherish the skills we've honed during unique phases of our lives.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Ever found yourself with an empty nest and suddenly confronted with the question, "What's next?" I know exactly how that feels. When my daughter first moved away to college, I realized I was in a whole new phase of life, I had to give some thought about how to fill the sudden void.
I"m sharing my experience and the lessons learned in a brand new four-part series titled Put Yourself First. This series is all about making a conscious choice to prioritize yourself and embracing the opportunity to navigate towards a new chapter in life.
Now, who doesn't love a good pivot, a fresh start, or a new perspective? If you're looking for some inspiration, some direction, or just a friendly voice to walk you through similar experiences, this is it.
This series is accompanied by quick exercises aimed at helping you envision your future. So, grab your favorite pumpkin spiced latte and join me as we dive into the fall season and this new journey together. And guess what? Tomorrow, we're talking about the power of celebration, so be ready for a party!
Whether you're an empty nester or just someone pondering about their next chapter, there's something for everyone. Be sure to follow us for more daily thoughts and insights. You're not alone, and together we'll find our way forward.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Ready to unlock the key to true affluence and discover your unique purpose in life? Promise yourself this transformative journey as we wrap up our enlightening series on Deepak Chopra's Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, focusing on the seventh law - the Law of Dharma. This profound law reminds us that we each possess a unique talent and a unique way of expressing it, something that sets us apart from the rest of the world. When we harness this talent to fulfill a unique set of needs, we step onto the path to true affluence.
Our exploration of the Law of Dharma will take you through its three components - discovering our higher self, expressing our unique talents, and dedicating our service to humanity. We'll also share practical ways to incorporate this law into our daily lives. Deepak teaches us to focus on our spiritual practice, recognize our unique talents, and shift our perspective from 'what's in it for me?' to 'how can I help?'. The ultimate goal? To experience our lives as a miraculous expression of divinity, and to uncover true joy and the meaning of success. So, don't just listen - engage and embark on the exciting journey of discovering and fulfilling our true purpose in life.
All the episodes in the series are here:
099: Deepak Chopra's 1st Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Pure Potentiality#106: Deepak Chopra's 2nd Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Giving
113: Deepak Chopra's 3rd Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Karma
120: Deepak Chopra's 4th Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Least Effort
125: Deepak Chopra's 5th Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Intention and Desire
130: Deepak Chopra's 6th Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Detachment
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
What if the key to greater success and peace in life lay in releasing our grip, rather than holding on tighter? As we weave our way through the profound wisdom of Deepak Chopra's sixth law of success, the Law of Detachment, I invite you to ponder on this paradoxical concept. We'll contemplate the beauty of uncertainty and how surrendering to the unknown may just open up a world of possibilities, greater than what we have ever imagined.
Join me, as I navigate this intricate balance between our desires and the art of allowing.
Deepak Chopra suggests that our fear and insecurity often lead us to chase symbols, mistaking them for the real thing. But, what if we could break free from this trap?
I'll share three powerful daily affirmations that could guide you towards embracing the magic and adventure of uncertainty. Listening on, you'll discover how this field of all possibilities can orchestrate events beyond comprehension to bring about your desired results. So, let's welcome the unexpected together and enrich our life experiences.
All the episodes in the series are here:
099: Deepak Chopra's 1st Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Pure Potentiality#106: Deepak Chopra's 2nd Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Giving
113: Deepak Chopra's 3rd Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Karma
120: Deepak Chopra's 4th Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Least Effort
125: Deepak Chopra's 5th Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Intention and Desire
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Get ready to challenge your preconceived notions about age and success! Today's episode shines a spotlight on the inspirational TEDxTalk by data scientist Albert Laszlo Barabasi, 'The Real Relationship Between Your Age and Your Success'. Steer away from the popular belief, propagated by Albert Einstein, that monumental scientific contributions are reserved for the young. Instead, join me as we explore Barabasi's eye-opening revelations that while performance may have limits, success certainly doesn't, and it definitely doesn't care about your age.
In this thought-provoking session, we'll examine real-life examples from a variety of fields that defy the misconception that success has an age limit. From the sports field to scientific labs, we'll uncover inspirational stories proving that age is just a number when it comes to achievement. We'll discuss Barabasi's compelling key takeaway: creativity doesn't have an expiration date, productivity does. So, if you're seeking some motivational fuel, don't miss this episode where we remind you that success can knock on your door at any age, as long as you keep trying. Tune in for a lively discussion, complete with humor, captivating visual imagery, and a healthy dose of inspiration.
As always, thanks for listening!
As I mentioned, you can watch MY TEDx talk here:
https://www.thorchallgren.com/tedx
Here's the other talk in this T.G.I.TED series:
118: T.G.I.TED - The Hidden Power of Smiling
123: T.G.I.TED: Visualization and Breathing Air From The Future
128: T.G.I.TED - How to Reframe What "Failing" Means
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I talk about a TED talk I recently watched. It's by Jonathan Fields and it's called, "Turning Fear Into Fuel."
In this T.G.I.TED series, I'll share my insights on an inspiring and thoughtful TED talk each Friday. I'm doing this to celebrate the release of my own TEDx talk, which is, drumroll... NOW OUT! You can watch it here:
https://www.thorchallgren.com/tedx
In the TED talk given by Jonathan Fields, he talks about one of the biggest fears we have, the fear of failure. In the talk, he shares a personal story of how he dealt with the fear of starting a new business on 9/10/01... the day before 9/11.
I talk about a powerful reframe he shares in his talk, which is to ask, "What if I fail...AND RECOVER." Yes, all ask, "What if I fail?" and we can imagine that. But Fields challenges us to also imagine ourselves recovering.
As always, thanks for listening!
Here's the other talk in this T.G.I.TED series:
118: T.G.I.TED - The Hidden Power of Smiling
123: T.G.I.TED: Visualization and Breathing Air From The Future
We all admire people who seem to lead disciplined lives, right? Well, maybe not all of us. Gary Keller, author (with Jay Papazan) of the bestselling book, "The ONE Thing," says it's a myth that successful people lead lives of discipline. Rather, they focus their energy on developing habits that support their most important goals.
We're better off focusing on habits, and not discpline, he says. In this episode, I talk about the myth of leading a disciplined life, and share three big keys that Gary Keller shares in his book.
In the previous episodes in this series, I look at Keller's other "lies" that stop you from being successful. Those episodes are here:
EPISODE 121 - Gary Keller's ONE THING and Optimizing Your Willpower
EPISODE 122 - Gary Keller's ONE THING and Why Not Everything Matters Equally
EPISODE 126 - Gary Keller's ONE THING and 5 Reasons Not to Multitask
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
How many things can you do at once and still be effective? According to Gary Keller, author of "The One Thing," the answer is one. When you try to multitask, there are all sorts of reasons you won't be effective.
In today's show, I look at Keller's take on multi-tasking. Hint: he's not a fan. In fact, he shares five ways that trying to multitask short circuits you from being successful. I talk about all of them in this episode.
In the previous episodes in this series, I look at Keller's other "lies" that stop you from being successful. Those episodes are here:
EPISODE 121 - Gary Keller's ONE THING and Optimizing Your Willpower
EPISODE 122 - Gary Keller's ONE THING and Why Not Everything Matters Equally
As always, thanks for listening!
Deepak Chopra says "Intention combined with detachment leads to a life centered, present moment awareness. And when action is performed in present moment awareness, it is most effective."
Your intent is for the future, but your attention is in the present.
That's his Fifth Spiritual Law of Success -- the Law of Intention and Desire -- and it's the topic of my episode today.
How do you put this law into practice? Deepak Chopra says there are three steps to applying the Law of Intention and Desire, and I'll share those in this episode.
All the episodes in the series are here:
099: Deepak Chopra's 1st Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Pure Potentiality#106: Deepak Chopra's 2nd Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Giving
113: Deepak Chopra's 3rd Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Karma
120: Deepak Chopra's 4th Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Least Effort
125: Deepak Chopra's 5th Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Intention and Desire
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
If you've ever tried to schedule a follow up with someone to discuss a proposal to take next action, or to get their reaction to something, then you know it can sometimes be difficult pinning people down. Is there some secret to this?
In this episode, I talk about six words that make it way easier to schedule follow ups.
I'm continuing my series on the book by Phil M. Jones called "Exactly What To Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact." Last week, I talked about how to use the phrase, just imagine that's in Episode 119.
Today, I talk about a phrase that can be hugely valuable when it comes to scheduling meetings. And it's this: "When would be a good time...?"
As Jones says, when you use this phrase, what you're doing is you're prompting the other person to subconsciously assume that there is a good time, and that there's not another option. So you're already moving to the assumption that yes, we're going to talk about this. Now, the only question is, when are we going to schedule it?
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
We all know the power of visualizing, right? We know how important it is to visualize a future that we can imagine ourselves in -- to see, hear and even smell that future.
But can you really breathe air from the future? Yes!
In today's episode, I talk about a TED talk I recently watched. It's by Anab Jain and it's called, "Why We Need to Imagine Different Futures."
In this T.G.I.TED series, I'll share my insights on an inspiring and thoughtful TED talk each Friday. I'm doing this to celebrate the release of my own TEDx talk, which is, drumroll... NOW OUT! You can watch it here:
https://www.thorchallgren.com/tedx
In the TED talk given by Anab Jain, she talks about how her futurist lab literally created what urban air in the future would smell like, and as a result, leaders in the U.A.E. made different choices so their children would inherit a different legacy.
As we think about our own futures, it's important to bridge that disconnect between today and tomorrow, and to be as SPECIFIC as possible. This TED talk shows just how specific you can get!
As always, thanks for listening!
Here's the other talk in this T.G.I.TED series:
118: T.G.I.TED - The Hidden Power of Smiling
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Do you feel like you have so much to do that everything feels urgent and important, and you're not sure where to start?
In this episode, I explore the idea that not everything matters equally, and why focusing on the one most important thing can be the key to success.
Drawing on insights from the book "The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, I'll discuss the 80/20 principle, which suggests that 20% of tasks can lead to 80% of success.
I'll also talk about the guiding principle of the book, which is to ask the question, "What's the one thing you can do such that by doing it, everything else would be easier or unnecessary?"
Yesterday, in episode 121, I talked about the idea of willpower, and how we may think we should have unlimited willpower, but in fact, we don't. That's the fourth of what Keller calls the "Six Lies Between You and Success." You can find that show here:
EPISODE 121 - Gary Keller's ONE THING and Optimizing Your Willpower
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Do you ever feel like you should have an endless supply of willpower that you can just call upon whenever you need it?
Well, according to author Gary Keller, who wrote the book "The One Thing," that's simply not true. In fact, we all have a limited, finite supply of willpower, and it's important to optimize it if we want to achieve our goals.
In this episode, I talk about willpower. I share a fascinating study of parole board judges that illustrates the impact of willpower on complex decision-making. This study underlines the importance of tackling your most important work when your willpower is strongest to achieve optimal results.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Deepak Chopra talks about an age-old philosophy in India, the principle of economy of effort, or as he says, “do less and accomplish more.”
You start with an idea, and that idea manifests effortlessly. People may call that miracle, he calls it an expression of the Law of Least Effort.
That's his Fourth Spiritual Law of Success, and it's the topic of my episode today.
How do you put this law into practice? Deepak Chopra says there are three components to the Law of Least Effort, and I'll share those in this episode.
All the episodes in the series are here:
099: Deepak Chopra's 1st Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Pure Potentiality#106: Deepak Chopra's 2nd Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Giving
113: Deepak Chopra's 3rd Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Karma
120: Deepak Chopra's 4th Spiritual Law of Success - The Law of Least Effort
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Just imagine you're on a reclining chair lying on a beach in Hawaii or someplace tropical. The sun feels warm. There's a nice breeze. You've got a good book, you take a sip of your cool drink. There's a nice refreshing breeze.
Can you imagine that? Did you create a picture in your mind of that setting?
Today I talk about the power of two words. "Just imagine."
In his book, "Exactly What To Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact" author Phil M Jones shares how simple phrases can work powerfully on an audience. Last week in Episode 112, I looked at how we can use the phrase, "how would you feel if..." as a way to get excited about a future potential and make the other person consider taking action.
Today I look at "Just imagine..."
Jones says the value of this phrase is that you're letting the other person's creative mind build a case for you. They're creating a picture in their own mind. And it's likely more vivid than anything you could describe.
In this episode, I give several examples of how to use this phrase, as well as some suggestions on how to prepare in advance for using it.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
All episodes in the series
091 - "I'm not sure if it's for you but"
098 - "How open minded are you?"
105 - "What do you know?"
112 - "How would you feel if"
119 - "Just imagine"
"Exactly What To Say" by Phil M. Jones on Amazon
https://a.co/d/9MKpt40
It's the weekend! Time to smile! You remember how to smile don't you?
With today's episode, I kick off a new series on the show. I'm calling it, T.G.I.TED, or Thank God It's TED. In this series, I'll share my insights on an inspiring and thoughtful TED talk each Friday.
I'm doing this to celebrate the release of my own TEDx talk, which is...
{CURRENTLY NOT OUT YET... Grrrr]
But it will be out soon, I hope. As soon as it is, I'll share the link here. So check this and future Friday shows for my TEDx talk.
In today's show, I look at the TED talk given by Ron Gutman, called, "The Hidden Power of Smiling." This talk is super interesting, and is a great reminder of the power of smiling. Here's the talk link:
Ron Gutman - The Hidden Power of Smiling
In this episode, I share some of the interesting findings that Gutman shared, including the fact that just one smile produces the some positive brain chemistry as eating over 2,000 chocolate bars!
More on smiling in today's episode.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
I just got done spending $465,000 in the last 30 days, and boy is my wallet tired.
Actually, I spent this money playing something called the Prosperity Game, where you receive a pretend deposit every day, and then your "job" is to spend it that day. I started with $1,000 on Day 1, then increased that amount $1,000 a day for 30 days. In total, I spent $46,500 playing the Prosperity Game.
I describe this process in detail in Episode 81 and Episode 82.
Yesterday, in Episode 116, I shared how I decided to spend the money, and I talk about the two biggest expenditure categories.
Today, I share my insights on the whole process, and I talk about whether I'm going to continue playing the game.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
I just got done spending $465,000 in the last 30 days, and boy is my wallet tired.
Actually, I spent this money playing something called the Prosperity Game, where you receive a pretend deposit every day, and then your "job" is to spend it that day. I started with $1,000 on Day 1, then increased that amount $1,000 a day for 30 days. In total, I spent $46,500 playing the Prosperity Game.
I describe this process in detail in Episode 81 and Episode 82.
Today, I share my insights on how it went. In this show, I talk about what I spent the money on, and why I made those decisions.
In tomorrow's show, I'll sum up my insights on the whole process, and also share whether I'm going to continue playing the game.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Do you have a bucket list destination that you've always wanted to visit? How long has been on your list? Why haven't you made it there yet?
For me, it's Paris. I've been to lots of places in the world, but never Paris. I have all sorts of reasons why it hasn't happened yet, and in this episode, I share some of these. But honestly, those are just excuses.
If I really wanted to go, I'd find a way to make it happen.
In this episode, I share a process for looking at the reasons why you haven't been somewhere or done something. You say it's important to you, but it has happened yet.
I talk about a process where you can examine and then challenge those supposed reasons it hasn't happened.
In doing so, you will hopefully find yourself one step closer to your dream destination.
As always, thanks for listening to the show!
The TV series "Star Trek: Picard" just ended and (SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT) the 10-episode season provided a sense of closure for fans of the original Next Generation cast. I very much enjoyed this final season. After it ended, I reflected on my own reaction, and what that says about closure in our own lives.
In short, we rarely HAVE the kinds of moments of completion and closure that fiction, movies and TV provide us. This is one reason they're so popular. When done well, they give us something we long for in life. They serve as wish fulfillment.
But in this episode, I talk about how we can actually find closure by bringing our full presence to every moment in life. Easier said than done, true. But I make one suggestion on how we can do this.
As always, live long and prosper.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Deepak Chopra says everything that is happening at this moment is a result of the choices you've made in the past. A lot of us make choices unconsciously, and therefore, we don't think their choices. And yet they are.
That comes from his hugely best selling book, "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success." In this episode, I'm continuing my seven part series where I look at that book. And today I'm talking about the third of the seven laws, which is the Law of Karma.
The first two episodes in the series are:
099: Deepak Chopra's Seven Spiritual Laws of Success - Law #1 - The Law of Pure Potentiality
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2102555/12612587
106: Deepak Chopra's Seven Spiritual Laws of Success - Law #2 - The Law of Giving
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2102555/12662909
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you ever been in a situation where you're trying to convince someone of something, and no matter what you say, it just doesn't work? If only there were one thing you could say one phrase you could utter, that would be simple, elegant and effective.
Well, it turns out there is one phrase, you already know it. And it's probably one that's been used on you. And I'm going to share it with you today.
In today's show, I continue looking at the Phil M. Jones book, "Exactly What To Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact. This is my third episode exploring this book. Last week in episode number 105, I looked at how we can use the phrase, "What do you know about..." as a way to open up the other person to considering another point of view.
Today's set of magic words? "How would you feel if?"
I explore how you can use this phrase to explore what motivates people by asking them to imagine a future scenario in which their actions play out.
As you can tell, I love Phil M. Jones' book, as there is so much actionable information that's easy to use in a wide variety of contexts.
As always, thanks for listening!
All episodes in the series
091 - "I'm not sure if it's for you but"
098 - "How open minded are you?"
105 - "What do you know?"
112 - "How would you feel if"
"Exactly What To Say" by Phil M. Jones on Amazon
https://a.co/d/9MKpt40
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Let's way you're at a party. You see someone you know, but you've forgotten their name. You think to yourself, "and you are....?" We've all had this happen, right? We see someone we know that we've met, but we can't remember their name. What do you do?
In this episode, I talk about several ways you can handle this kind of situation. Two ways that are not so good, and one way that I recommend.
I also talk about the reason why many of us feel uncomfortable in these situations, and it comes down to how we view ourselves and our own authenticity. I also share a reframe on how we can get over that feeling.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
With so much change going on in the world, it's easy to feel sometimes like you're at the mercy of events outside your control, right?
In yesterday's episode, I talked about Jack Canfield's Success Formula and how your response determines your outcome. Today, I'll dive deeper into the three things you control that allow you to have the best response possible: your thoughts, your visualizations, and your actions.
So if you feel like events are controlling your life, listen to this episode and discover how you can take control of your response.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
"The Success Principles" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0YTVKLJ
I don't talk much about math on the show, but today I share a simple formula that can change your life. It's E+R=O.
Jack Canfield, author of "The Success Principles" refers to this as the Success Formula. In today's episode, I unpack this simple idea and describe the most important element in the equation. Hint: it's the one you have the most control over.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
"The Success Principles" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0YTVKLJ
Think about the last 24 hours in your life. Is there something that you did during that time that you loved? Just one thing?
If I said, tell me one thing that you loved in the last 24 hours, could you?
In today's episode, I talk about how powerful it can be to actively reflect on our just completed day, and ask one simple question: What did I love most about today?
There are several possible answers to this question, and each can lead to more happiness in your days ahead. Join me as I explore this question, and how I've personally used it recently.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Listen up. Today I share some information I got from listening to Arnold Schwarzenegger. You may have heard of him. He's accomplished a few things in his life. In today's show, I talk about the power of focusing on doing one thing at a time. Of course, this makes sense. But this advice works.
In Arnold's new podcast and newsletter (links below), he talks about his own routine of being singularly focused on doing one thing at time. Once done, he checks that off his list and moves on.
When you have a lot going on, it's easy to get distracted by everything that you have to do. You can look at your to do list and see all of those things. And sometimes that can feel overwhelming. But you do realize you can't do the entire list all at once, can you? No, you can't. Take it from Arnold.
As always, thanks for listening!
Interested in learning more about Arnold's Pump Club? You can sign up for his newsletter here:
https://sparklp.co/47cfe01b/
And the podcast episode I listened to is here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arnolds-pump-club/id1680075779?i=1000609250357
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Do you want more from life? More success, more abundance, better health, stronger relationships? If you want all that, you need to give that much in return.
That's according to Deepak Chopra's book, "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success." In this episode, I look at Law 32, the Law of Giving.
(Last week in Episode #099, I looked at the first law, the Law of Pure Potentiality. You can find that law here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2102555/12612587
Here are the two affirmations that Deepak Chopra shares:
**Wherever I go, and whoever I encounter, I will bring them a gift.
Today, I will gratefully receive all the gifts that life has to offer me.**
As always, thanks for listening!
Have you ever been in an argument or debate with someone who seems to have a strong opinion but lacks the knowledge to back it up? It can be frustrating to have a conversation with someone who doesn't seem to know what they're talking about.
In this episode I explore the power of asking the question, "What do you know?" as a way to challenge someone's opinion and get them to share the knowledge they are basing it on. I also talk about a famous movie scene from "Annie Hall" that perfectly illustrates this kind of situation.
Drawing on insights from the book "Exactly What To Say: The Magic Words for Influence and Impact" by Phil M. Jones, I share how using this phrase can either open up a constructive discussion based on facts or give you a better understanding of where someone's unreasonable perspective is coming from.
So next time you find yourself in a debate without some to settle the argument, try using the magic words, "What do you know about?" to better position your points and gain a deeper understanding of the other person's viewpoint.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
You know when you go the beach, and you stand at the edge of the waves, and they come in and wash over your feet. If you stand there long enough, you’ll begin to sink in. The sand will wash over your feet, enveloping them.
Over time, enough waves come and go. And soon, you’re stuck.
(METAPHOR ALERT!!)
In today's episode, I consider if sometimes life can get a little too comfortable, and like standing at the edge of the waves, we become stuck, and maybe even sink in.
I also share a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, from his essay "Circles":
“People wish to be settled; only as far as they are unsettled is there any hope for them.”Is there someplace in life where you're a little too comfortable, and maybe you've become stuck?
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Remember 11th grade chemistry and all the cool experiments you did? As adults, I don't think we experiment enough. I think Ralph Waldo Emerson might have agreed with me on this.
In a quote from his essay "Circles," Emerson says, "I unsettle all things. No facts to me are sacred; none are profane. I simply experiment, an endless seeker with no Past at my back."
In this episode, I explore what Emerson means by experimentation and how it can benefit us.
- I discuss the importance of keeping an open mind and disregarding labels when experimenting.
- I also talk about differentiating between simply trying something and conducting a more formal experiment.
If you're interested in exploring the concept of experimentation in your life, join me in this exploration of Ralph Waldo Emerson's thoughts on being an "endless seeker."
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're moving from one activity to another and struggling to shift gears? Maybe you just got home from a long day at work, and you're feeling tired, stressed, and frustrated, but you know you need to show up as the best version of yourself for your family.
How can you transition from one situation to another more effectively?
In this episode I share a three-step process for mastering transitions and shifting gears from one activity to another. This idea comes from Brendon Burchard's "High Performance Habits," and allows you to let go of tension, setting intentions, and show up as the best version of yourself in any situation.
Key points from the episode include:
- The importance of transitioning effectively, especially when working from home where the lines between work and personal life can blur
- The concept of "mental sorbet" as a way to cleanse the palate between activities and show up fresh for the next one
- The three-step process for mastering transitions
As we face transition moments every day, it's important to have a strategy in place for shifting gears effectively. By implementing this three-step process, you can release tension, set positive intentions, and show up as the best version of yourself in any situation.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of news? Do you find yourself checking the headlines multiple times a day?
In this episode I talk about the benefits of going on a 24-hour news detox, including reduced stress, improved focus and productivity, and increased mindfulness and self-awareness.
- Going on a news detox can reduce stress and anxiety by giving yourself a chance to step back and recharge.
- Taking a break from the news can improve focus and productivity by allowing you to concentrate on the things that actually matter to you.
- Going on a news detox can increase mindfulness and self-awareness by giving you the time and space to become more aware of your own thoughts and feelings.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the constant news cycle, consider taking a break and giving yourself the chance to recharge and refocus.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Welcome to Episode 100 of "Every Day A New Thought." Woo hoo!
Starting January 1, I have now published 100 consecutive daily episodes of the show, both here on the podcast, and also on my YouTube channel.
In this episode, a share a few of my insights on the first 100 episodes, including my thoughts on pushing through doubt and uncertainty.
I also share a brief essay I wrote in my ministerial program, called "The Power of Someone Believing in You."
I hope you enjoy this episode. As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
You've heard of the benefits of meditation and stillness, right? But have you ever wondered what meditation does, and why it's so valuable?
In this episode, I explore the first law of Deepak Chopra's best-selling book, "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success," which he calls the law of pure potentiality.
By the end of the episode, you will learn three ways to access this law and start living a life of true power and permanent fulfillment.
Here's a summary of what you'll learn from this episode:
- What the law of pure potentiality is, and other ways we can think of it
- How most of us live our live (object-referral living), vs. how we should live (self-referral living)
- Three ways you can access the law of pure potentiality
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe or follow the show on your favorite podcast app or YouTube.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
How open minded are you to learning new ideas? Especially ideas that an give you more impact and influence?
In today's episode, I share more magic words from Phil M. Jones's book "Exactly What To Say: The Magic Words for Impact and Influence."
Today's magic phrase is "How open-minded are you?"
By using the phrase "how open-minded are you?" when introducing new ideas, you can ask your audience to suspend disbelief and listen with an open mind. This phrase is particularly effective because everyone wants to think of themselves as open-minded, and saying no implies being closed off.
In this episode, you'll:
- Learn a new set of words that can be used to influence and persuade others
- Gain insight into how the phrase "How open minded are you?" can be used to get people to listen and suspend disbelief
- Discover examples of how to use this phrase in real-life situations
If you want to improve your ability to influence others, tune in to this episode of "Every Day A New Thought."
As always, thanks for listening!
"Exactly What To Say" by Phil M. Jones on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9MKpt40
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
What does signing autographs have to do with creating a vision for your future? In this episode, I look at how physical sensations can make your vision feel real.
Baseball pitcher Tug McGraw famously said, "Kids should practice autographing baseballs. This is a skill that's overlooked in Little League."
From a metaphysical point of view, he's 100% right. By engaging all your senses and imagining a specific moment that represents your goal, you can create a clear mental image and signal to the universe what you want
In this episode, I'll share:
- Why physical sensations are important in realizing your vision
- How to engage all your senses in imagining your future
- How to create a clear mental image of your desired outcome
Think about a dream or goal you have and imagine a specific moment that represents its achievement. What physical sensations can you associate with that moment?
Practice visualizing and feeling that moment regularly to create a clear mental image of your desired outcome.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Do you find yourself constantly complaining about the same thing but feel helpless to make a change? In this episode, I present a four-step process to transform complaining into action. Key points:
- Step 1: Identify what you complain about the most
- Step 2: Determine why you think you can't change it
- Step 3: Brainstorm ways you can change it
- Step 4: Decide which steps you will take and take action
By identifying what you complain about the most, determining why you think you can't change it, brainstorming ways you can change it, and then deciding which steps you will take, you can take back control of your life.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Do you struggle with procrastination? Are you tired of putting off important tasks and feeling unproductive?
In this episode, I explore the reasons behind procrastination and offer a simple solution to overcome it in just five seconds.
Drawing from Mel Robbins' bestselling book The Five Second Rule, I explains how to use a countdown to motivate yourself to take action. '
I also share a valuable tip to make this method even more effective. Tune in to learn how to use the power of the countdown to finally conquer your procrastination habit.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you ever thought about the interesting history or culture of where you live? In this episode, I encourag you to explore the unique aspects of your hometown and share them with others.
• I share his own experience of discovering the surprising history of his neighborhood, including an old airport and a movie filmed in the area.
• I highlight the benefits of learning about your city, including a greater sense of appreciation and interesting conversation starters.
By taking the time to learn about the history and culture of where you live, you can gain a deeper appreciation for your hometown and share fascinating facts with others. Become a tourist in your own home town!
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I explore the idea of "ready fire aim" and why maybe it's better to take action and make adjustments along the way.
- Too often, people spend all their time "aiming" and thinking about doing something, rather than taking action.
- In his book, "The Successf Principles," Jack Canfield offers an example of firing at a target practice range and adjusting based on where the bullet lands, rather than spending all your time aiming for the perfect shot.
- From my experience, I've learned that In writing, it's important to spew out the first draft and then make adjustments, rather than aiming for perfection.
- The key takeaway is to take action, make adjustments, and keep moving forward.
Overall, I encourage you to overcome perfectionism and the fear of failure by taking action and making adjustments along the way, rather than getting stuck in the planning and aiming stage.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you ever wondered what the meaning of life is? What if we have been looking at it from the wrong perspective? What if the meaning of life is not something outside of us, but rather inside us waiting to be discovered?
In this episode, I consider Viktor Frankl's perspective on the meaning of life, as detailed in his international bestseller, "Man's Search for Meaning".
- Viktor Frankl's "logotherapy" views the desire to find meaning in life as the primary motivational force in humans.
- Instead of searching for the meaning of life outside of ourselves, Frankl suggests we should recognize that life is asking us what our specific assignment or purpose is.
- By discovering and fulfilling our individual assignments, we can find fulfillment and meaning in life.
I hope you gain a new perspective on meaning in this episode.
As always, thanks for listening.
Man's Search for Meaning on Amazon
I'm not sure if this episode is for you, but have you ever struggled to pitch something to someone without coming off as pushy or salesy? Today, I share a powerful eight-word phrase that can deliver huge results in business and life.
(And by the way, I just used the phrase in the very first sentence!)
This insight comes from the Phil M. Jones' book, "Exactly What To Say: The Magic Words For Influence and Impact". Here are some key takeaways from the episode:
- Magic Words, as Jones describes them, are sets of words that talk straight to the subconscious brain.
- The eight-word phrase "I'm not sure if it's for you, but..." is a rejection-free approach that lessens the pressure on the listener.
- The word "but" is the real magic word in this phrase, as it grabs the listener's attention and makes them focus on what comes after.
Tune in and learn how to use this powerful phrase in your own life and business.
"Exactly What To Say" by Phil M. Jones on Amazon
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Want to know one way to get over procrastination? Make it easier to start things.
David Allen, in his book "Getting Things Done," discusses the idea of 'Getting Back to Neutral.' Meaning, at the END of a work session, return your work space back to neutral. Clean things up. Put things away. Make it easier to start the next time you want to work on this project.
In today's episode, I talk about the idea of getting back neutral and give some examples of how you might implement it.
Face it, one reason we may procrastinate on starting something is that the effort to start might seem too great. So if you make it easier to start, you're more likely to jump into the project.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you heard the football term, "end zone efficency?" It measures a team's success in actually finishing drives with a touchdown. We can think of our own finishing success rate this way. How much do you actually finish.
In today's episode, I talk about finishing what you start. This isn't always easy. Sometimes there are good reasons why we don't complete something, and I share a few of those reasons here.
I also share the story of writing my book, and how it took me several years to get around to publishing it. But once I decided to do that, the book as out in just over two months.
That's the power of deciding to finish what you start.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
How can you discover and protect your most creative space?
In this episode, I talk about the importance of discovering where and when you are most creative, and how to protect that space.
Creativity is not limited to creating art, but can involve anything that involves making something new.
Think about when and where you tend to get new ideas. Once you have a general sense of that, you can "protect" that space by deliberately avoiding filling it with other distractions.
For example, if driving is a place where you tend to get ideas, only listen to music during that time, so that you have more space to think about things that matter to you. I also recommend capturing those ideas by having a notebook or memo app handy.
By protecting and cultivating that creative space, you can enhance your ability to generate new ideas and innovations.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you ever taken the time to make a list of your favorite things? In this episode, I encourage you to be more deliberate about your choices and make a list of things they actually like.
Knowing yourself and what you like makes it easier to make choices based on your desires. I suggest taking 10-15 minutes of quiet time and ask yourself, "What do I like doing?" This would make a great journal prompt if you're a morning journaler.
For me, I like sitting in my backyard in the springtime, watching sunsets over the ocean while on a cruise, and the feeling of creative writing.
Knowing what you like also makes it easier to make choices based on your own desires and preferences, rather than just going along with what others ask of you.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
What is the missing ingredient to gratitude and how can we express it more deeply? In today's episode, I talk about the power of asking one simple question: Why?
In yesterday's episode, I talked about the idea of being grateful wherever you happen to be. You can make a simple list of everything you are grateful for, no matter the size or value.
Today, I talk about why it's important to not just focus on what we are grateful for, but also why we are grateful for it.
I encourage you to pick one thing or person your are grateful for and list the reasons why, allowing yourself to feel the emotion of gratitude. By doing so, you can create a different energy and activate a feeling of gratitude within yourself.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
What's the missing ingredient in gratitude? Everything! As in, focus on every-little-thing, not just the big things we usually think about.
In this episode, I talk about the importance of expressing gratitude for the little things in life, as well as the benefits of creating a gratitude list.
I suggest taking a few moments to look around your current environment and make a list of at least five things you are grateful for.
By doing so, you can become more aware of the things that bring you joy and cultivate a greater sense of appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
In tomorrow's episode, I'll talk about the power of adding "why" to your gratitude list.
As always, thanks for listening!
When you write a mission statement and go after what you want, things always work out, right? Just like in the movies. Well...
In today's episode, I look at the movie "Jerry Maguire," where the main character, Jerry Maguire, writes a bold vision for what he wants his life to be about.
In yesterday's episode -- #083: -- I looked at the beginning of the movie, where Jerry crafted his vision statement. I unpack some key lines from that sequence, and look at how we can apply them to our own life and vision.
Today, we'll talk about what happens to Jerry in the rest of the movie, and discuss what we can learn from it as we face our own uncertain challenges. Jerry has self-doubt, he faces oppositions, but ultimately he's helped and redeemed by allies.
I think the movie "Jerry Maguire" is a mission statement for how to take on risk. I talk about that, and more, in this episode.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
"Show me the money!!" -- that's probably the most famous line from the 1996 movie, "Jerry Maguire," starring Tom Cruise, Renee Zelweger and Cuba Gooding, Jr.
But there are three other lines I quote in today's episode, as I talk about how to craft a meaningful mission statement.
In the story, Jerry has a life epiphany that causes him to write his life's mission statement. In the course of describing it, and the excitement he feels, he uses three lines that I'll share in this episode:
- "What had I become?"
- "It was the me I'd always wanted to be"
- "The things we think and do not say"
I unpack those lines and apply them to how we can craft our own mission statement.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
If you received $1,000 today, $2,000 tomorrow, and an ever-increasing amount every day for the next 30 days, what would you spend it on?
In this episode, Part 2 in my 2-part series, I share my experience playing The Prosperity Game. Yes, over the next 30 days, I'm going to imaginarily spend $465,000.
Yesterday, in Part 1, I spoke about the mechanics of how to play this game, including:
- What you need to know to begin
- How to track your spending
- What types of things you could buy
- The most important mindset aspect of playing this game
You listen to that episode here.
Today, I talk about my personal approach to playing the game, including:
- Deciding if I would only buy new things, or would I also retire debt
- How much actual research would I do in making my decisions
- How specific would I be in my purchases
- What's the most expensive thing I've bought so far (hint: you can chill champagne in it)
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
If you received $1,000 today, $2,000 tomorrow, and an ever-increasing amount every day for the next 30 days, what would you spend it on?
In this episode, Part 1 of 2, I share my experience playing The Prosperity Game. Yes, over the next 30 days, I'm going to imaginarily spend $465,000. In this show, I talk about:
- What you need to know to begin
- How to track your spending
- What types of things you could buy
- The most important mindset aspect of playing this game
Tomorrow, in Part 2, I'll share some of my insights in playing this game for one week. I'll share some of the questions that came up for me, such as, Do I only buy new things, or can I pay down debt like the mortgage. I'll also share the most expensive thing I've bought so far.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
"I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do." Sound familiar? Maybe you've run into a customer service brick wall like this, where the representative says they can't help you any more. Oh sure, you could throw a tirade and end up on someone's TikTok (or worse, maybe you end up in jail.)
Instead, manage the situation using a four-step process I talk about in this episode. The steps are:
- Express your understanding of the situation
- Tell them you appreciate their efforts on your behalf
- Explain what your most important need is
- Ask what they CAN help you with
I use an example to elaborate on these four. Whether you use this in a travel situation, or another customer service road block, it's important to avoid anger and victimhood and instead change the energy you bring to the situation. Instead of saying "I want to speak to the manager," you'll think, "I'm speaking to the energy manager."
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Are you someone who likes to try new things. To be honest, I don't. Generally, I like things I like, that I'm use to. Like lemon-flavored Lacroix sparkling water.
But when I saw a new flavor at the store -- hibiscus flavor -- my first thought was: is that flower flavored water? That sounded terrible.
I next wondered why I was feeling resistance about trying this new flavor.
In this episode, I talk about how we often will say, "What if I don't like it?" as an excuse not to try new things. In this case, if I didn't like it, I'd only be out four bucks. Not a big deal.
Join me in a discussion of turning "What if I don't like it?" into "What if I love it?"
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Albert Einstein supposedly said "If I had to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem, and five minutes thinking about the solutions."
It's an interesting quote that has become popular over the years, and it's easy to see why. It sounds smart. And Einstein invented the theory of relativity, so who's to argue with him?
But did he really say that? In this episode, I share my findings on this question.
I also explore the idea of how long you should spend brainstorming vs. doing.
The idea behind the quote is that you should spend more time thinking about the problem than the solution. But is this really the best approach to problem-solving? In my opinion, it depends on how you define "thinking about the problem."
Sometimes when we face a problem, we spend a lot of time worrying about it or imagining all the ways it could go wrong.
In these cases, it's not a good use of our time to spend the majority of it thinking about the problem. Instead, we need to shift our focus to what could go right and spend time visualizing the positive outcome we want to achieve.
For example, if I were trying to solve a problem like a meteor heading towards Earth (the example often associated with this quote), I might spend 20 minutes visualizing what it would look and feel like if the solution worked, another 20 minutes brainstorming and analyzing the problem, and the final 20 minutes taking action to solve it.
While I'm no Einstein, I believe that this approach is a more effective way of problem-solving than spending a disproportionate amount of time thinking about the problem.
By shifting our focus to what we want to achieve, we can set ourselves up for success and increase our chances of finding the right solution.
As always, thanks for listening.
For more on this quote, check out THIS BLOG on the subject.
Remember the "That Was Easy" button you could get at the Staples office supply store? You'd push this button and it way say one thing: "That was easy!"
In this show, I bring back that button (including the sound effect) and ask: what could we accomplish if we thought it was easy.
Too often, we overcomplicate things. We imagine something will be harder than it is. And so we delay action, or take none at all. After all, it'll be hard, right?
But having a button that reminds us things can be easy is a great way to move us often inaction.
Tony Robbins has a series of power questions, one of which is, "What if it were easy?" He's asking us to consider that perhaps the things we're avoiding might actually be easy. And if they were, wouldn't we act on them?
If you like this episode, and want to bring more "easy" into your life, I have a FREE DOWNLOAD for you. I've created a PRINT AND TRIM PDF with images of the "Easy" button. Download the PDF, print it out, then put it anywhere you need a reminder that things can, in fact, be easy.
DOWNLOAD HERE
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's show, I talk about how to say no. Yesterday, we talked about saying yes, and I realized that saying no is equally important.
Sometimes saying no is easy, but there are times when you need to think about the ramifications of your decision and how it might affect your relationships. Today, I want to discuss three things to keep in mind when saying no.
First, decline with kindness. When someone asks you to be involved in a project or opportunity that isn't right for you, you can say something like, "Thank you for thinking of me, but it's not a good fit for me at this time." Remember, it's not about the idea or request, it's about what's best for you. Also, avoid giving feedback or being critical. Just say no and move on.
Second, after declining, say one good thing about the request. This can be as simple as paying a compliment or saying something encouraging. It shows that you still value the person and the opportunity, even if it's not for you.
Lastly, wish them well and follow up. After saying no, give them some encouragement. Then, at some point in the future, reach out and ask how things are going. This shows that you care about them and their projects, and who knows, maybe in the future, you'll find that the opportunity is a better fit for you.
So there you have it, three steps to saying no with grace and kindness. Remember, it's okay to say no when something isn't right for you. And by doing it in a thoughtful and respectful way, you can preserve your relationships and your reputation.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I explore the idea of saying "yes" and really meaning it.
I talk about how often we say "yes" without really thinking about it and how it can have negative consequences.
It's natural that we want to be helpful and make things easy for others, so we tend to say "yes" automatically. However, it may be better to pause and think about it before responding.
I encourage you to notice how you're feeling when asked a question and to consider if you are saying "yes" enthusiastically or if you're just going along with it. If we say "yes" without really meaning it, our energy won't be behind the task, and we may not do a good job.
My takeaway in this episode is to only say "yes" when you mean it and when you can feel good about it. Take time to pause and consider before responding.
In tomorrow's episode, I talk about how to say "no."
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Today, I'm going to ask if we're thinking too small. What if we could become "Off the Page" great.
You're probably familiar with the idea of a graph where it has a vertical scale. And if you think about that vertical scale, you might be where you are right now relative to your goals, your ambitions, whatever you want to achieve, you might be near the bottom of that scale.
But what if you're thinking too small? What if your potential isn't even contained on that page? What if you expanded the scale of what's possible, so that your greatness isn't even on the same page? What if you were "Off The Page Great"?
I want to challenge you to ask yourself the same question. Are you limiting yourself by thinking too small? Is your vision contained on that same page or can you go even further beyond what you previously thought was possible?
In this episode, I share my own experiences and thoughts on how to break out of this limiting mindset and aim for greatness beyond what you thought was possible.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I introduce a new series on the show called Travel Tuesday, inspired by my book "Best Vacation Ever."
With the spring break and summer travel season coming up, I share idea number 223 from my book, called "This is Where We're From."
The idea is to create an album of 10 to 20 pictures of where you're from to enhance your travel experience.
Often, when we travel, we meet new people and they want to know more about us, prompting us to show pictures of where we're from. However, many of us don't have an album ready to show.
With this this exercise, I encourage you to take pictures of your hometown and create an album on your phone.
I suggest including pictures of things like your house, neighborhood, landmarks, pretty pictures, and favorite activities.
Creating this album not only helps enhance your travel experience but also causes you to think about your hometown in a deeper way, appreciating the things that are beautiful and perhaps discovering new places to visit.
I encourage you to take some time before spring or summer to create a photo album of all the pictures of your hometown that you would want to share with others if you met in person.
As always, thanks for listening!
"Best Vacation Ever" book on Amazon
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I share the idea of radical responsibility. It's a mindset where we take responsibility for everything that happens in our life, even things we can't control.
Adopting this mindset can be a game-changer because it shifts us from a victim mentality to one where we see ourselves as capable of taking action and finding solutions. It helps us to rewire our brains and train ourselves to look for solutions to the challenges we face instead of just complaining about them.
To put this idea into practice, I suggest taking 10 to 15 minutes out of your day to label everything that happens to you and say, "I take responsibility for that."
For example, if your dog is barking, you could say, "My dog is barking, and I take responsibility for that." This prompts us to look for solutions like looking for ways to train our dogs not to bark.
Join me in this episode to learn more about this mindset and how to incorporate it into your daily life.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I'm going to talk about facing our fears and how it's similar to watching a scary movie for the second time. When we face something that scares us, it's like watching a movie for the first time. However, if we face it again, we know what to expect, and it becomes less scary. This idea can be applied to situations that we are afraid of in life, such as uncertainties about the future.
Author and podcast Tim Ferriss talks about "fear setting," an exercise he uses to examine things he is afraid of doing. He writes down all the things that might happen if he does something, what he could do to prevent them from happening, and what he could do to repair them if they did happen. He then writes down what benefits might come from an attempt or a partial success at this thing, and what the cost of inaction would be.
This exercise helps him face his fears head-on, and he can see that they're not as bad as he thought. It's a great way to deal with potential fears, and it could benefit anyone facing a challenge.
So think of facing your fears like watching a scary movie for the second time - it's not as scary as it seems!
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I talk about the idea of reframing our perceived failures in life as foreshadowing for future success.
I share a personal story about how I viewed not achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in my teenage years as a failure, one I regretted for years.
I also talk about my career as a writer. I didn't have the success I wanted, but eventually realized that the skills and relationships I developed during that time were actually foreshadowing my future success in other areas.
I explore how we can apply the concept of foreshadowing from storytelling to our own lives. I suggest that instead of seeing past failures as roadblocks, we can view them as opportunities for growth and preparation for future success.
This episode is a great listen for anyone looking to shift their mindset around failure and turn it into a positive force in their life.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I talk about how our own limiting beliefs and negative self-talk can act as imaginary speed bumps that slow us down on the road to our goals.
I discuss the example of a street painting experiment in London, where simulated speed bumps were painted to slow down traffic without actually installing physical speed bumps. The drivers slowed down mostly out of curiosity and uncertainty, not knowing what lay ahead.
Looking at this, it's worth asking if we are creating imaginary speed bumps in our own lives, such as doubting our abilities, fearing judgment or failure, or worrying about what others might think. These self-imposed limitations can prevent us from pursuing our goals and living our best lives.
Maybe what we really need is a can of mental turpentine, to remove the painted speed bumps. By eliminating our self-doubt and limiting beliefs, we can clear the path to success and achieve our goals without unnecessary obstacles.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I talk about million dollar ideas.
Do we have enough million dollar ideas? I think not, and the reason for this is that it's hard to know what an idea is worth until you see it come to fruition.
I've personally experienced the idea-to-success journey when I was a writer, working on screenplays on speculation, hoping to sell them in a bidding war. If a screenplay sold for a million dollars, it was considered a huge success. That was an example of how an idea could become worth a million dollars.
However, the definition of a million dollar idea is flexible and can mean different things to different people. For example, Napoleon Hill believed that he made many, many millions because he taught other people how to become successful in the ways that he had been. Therefore, you may never know if your idea is worth a million dollars, but that's okay. Your idea may lead to other people's success, and that's something to be proud of.
So what makes the difference in whether an idea ultimately becomes successful? It comes down to one thing: believing in it.
When you believe that an idea is worth a million dollars, you start looking for ways to make it happen.
One practical suggestion is to decide to come up with an idea that could be worth a fortune to you once a week. You get to define what a fortune means to you - it could be $1,000, $10,000, $100,000, or a million.
The point is, you get to decide what it's worth. It doesn't have to be a revolutionary or huge idea. It could be incremental, like thinking of one new way to market your existing business or adding value to a nonprofit you volunteer for.
Attach a label to your idea and say it out loud, like "this is a $10,000 idea." The key is repetition - the more you say it, the more you start to believe it and look for ways to make it happen. And who knows, one day you might just have a million dollar idea!
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I invite you to think of your life as a TV show, where you are the writer and executive producer. Drawing from the practices of TV showrunners, we can approach our lives with a bigger picture perspective, mapping out the broad arcs of where we want to go and what we want to achieve.
Take popular TV shows like "The Last of Us" and "Succession." In those shows, the characters go on a journey and evolve over the course of a season. The show may ultimately come to an end when the story has been fully explored.
I encourage you to ask yourself these questions as you think of this "season" in your life:
- Have I gone on a journey?
- Have I accomplished something big?
- Am I raising the stakes in my life?
- Have I grown since the beginning of this season?
- If there's no room to grow in this current role, is it time to end this story and explore new opportunities?
By looking at your life as if it were a TV show, you can gain a fresh perspective on your personal growth and progress, and ultimately decide what the season finale of your current season of life looks like.
As always, thanks for listening!
I am concluding my multi-part series on how I got and gave a TEDx talk. Today, in part six, I talk about my how I prepared on the day of the event, including my mindset and visualization approach to giving the talk.
I share my own personal approach to preparing for the day of the talk, including:
- How many times I practiced the speech before the day of the event
- The different ways I rehearsed it
- The value of constant repetition
- Why having stories can help with memorization
- How the day-of differed from the month leading up to the talk
- The mindset approach I came up with to deal with nervousness
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
I'm continuing my multi-part series on how I got and gave a TEDx talk. In this episode, part five, I talk about my own process of researching, applying for, and ultimately landing a TEDx talk.
For me, the first step was to search for a good fit by going to the main TED site and looking for events that were in the timeframe I wanted to give a talk.
Once I had a list of potential events, I researched each one to see if they were a good fit for my idea. I used a spreadsheet to track all this information, including what questions each event asked, and how I answered them.
I talk about all of this, and more, in today's episode. Tomorrow, I wrap up the series by talking about my preparation on the day of the event.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
This is the fourth episode of my multi-part series on getting and giving in a TEDx talk. I share my personal experience of preparing for a TEDx talk.
In previous episodes, I covered what a TED talk is, how to craft an idea, and the process of getting from applying to giving the talk on stage.
Today, I'll talk about how much work goes into preparing for a TEDx talk.
Let me tell you, it's a lot of work. I had dozens of drafts, notebooks, and printed-out drafts. I kept a notebook filled with all my ideas and brainstorms, as well as stories in early drafts that didn't make it to later ones. I moved stories around, cut things down, truncated stories, and added new ideas as they came to me.
I gave the talk to groups like my Toastmasters Club, and I got their feedback on it, as well as feedback from friends and family. And all of this was after I had already gotten the talk, so there was a lot of work that went into it before that point.
It's important to note that you don't get paid for giving a TEDx talk. You're investing a lot of your own time and money into this. You may hire coaches, read books, and spend money on travel expenses without any expectation of compensation.
So why do all of this? Hopefully, it's because you have an idea worth sharing and a passion for making a difference in the world. And once you give your talk and have that video of it, you have the chance to reach a wider audience and inspire others.
I hope my experience helps you understand what goes into preparing for a TEDx talk and motivates you to keep pursuing your ideas and passions. Thanks for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode of "Every Day A New Thought," I share my personal experience of giving a TEDx talk at TEDx Anchorage 2023.
In case you missed them, I recommend checking out the first two episodes of this series. This episode will focus on the logistics of giving a TEDx talk, specifically the time frame for the talk itself and the preparation process.
First things first, a TEDx talk can be no more than 18 minutes, which is a firm requirement if you want your talk to be posted on the TED site and their YouTube channel. For my own talk, it was about 2000 words long, delivered in about 16 minutes. All of the talk must be memorized, and this is for your benefit as well as for the organizers who are programming the speakers. They are expecting you to say things in a certain way, and going off the cuff is not an option.
When it comes to the preparation process, it usually takes about six months from the time of application to the actual talk. It's important to have a clear message and purpose for your talk, and to practice and rehearse until it seems like you're having a conversation with your audience.
Giving a TEDx talk can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with proper preparation and a clear understanding of the logistics involved, it can also be a rewarding one. Stay tuned for the next episodes of this series where I'll share more about my personal experience of giving a TEDx talk.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
I'm sharing my experience on crafting my TEDx Talk in a six-part series. Today's episode is part two, so if you haven't listened to part one, go back and check it out.
To create a TEDx talk, you need to distill your idea down into an easily recognizable phrase. For example, "Most people think X about a topic. But really, Y is true." This framework works because it frames your idea in a new and intriguing way, which draws the audience in. My talk, "Embrace Chaos on Vacation," falls into this category, as it challenges the idea that vacations should be all about relaxation and fun.
Another example is Larry Smith's talk, "Why You Will Fail to Have a Great Career." The blunt title challenges the usual positive approach to career advice, and the talk points out the excuses that prevent people from achieving their career goals.
When crafting your idea, consider using this framework to make it fresh and original. But keep in mind that not every idea will fit this format. In tomorrow's episode, we'll discuss the logistics of a TEDx talk, such as its length and preparation time. See you then!
Larry Smith's TEDx Talk - "Why You Will Fail To Have a Great Career"
Rory Vaden's TEDx Talk - "How to Multiply Your Time"
Ever wondered what goes into getting and giving a TEDx talk?
In this episode of Every Day A New Thought, I begins a multi-part Behind The Scenes series on my own experience of giving a TEDx talk.
Today, I start by talking about what TED and TEDx talks are and the differences between them. I discuss the key elements of a TEDx talk, which is an idea worth sharing, and what that means for the speaker.
I also highlight the importance of having passion for the idea being presented and the necessity of making it easy to share. Throughout the series, I will cover how to get and give a TEDx talk, logistics, and the amount of work involved in crafting one.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I share my thoughts on the things I don't like about the show.
This is the 60th episode, and as I reflect on beginning my third month of the podcast (Woo hoo!)
I talk about the discouragement I felt when I realized that I couldn't do everything I wanted to do with my show. From disliking the opening to the limited marketing time I had, I reveals the many misgivings I had about the process.
Despite all of this, I continued on anyway and today, I share the lessons I learned in the process.
I encourage you to look at your own life and ask if there's something you haven't started because you're afraid it won't be perfect. My message to you is this: let go of the idea of perfection and just get started.
If you're someone who struggles with self-doubt or feels overwhelmed by the idea of starting something new, this episode is for you.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you heard of invisible fences? They're used to keep dogs within a certain area without having a physical fence.
Thinking about this recently, I wondered if it's possible we might have invisible fences in our own lives? What if there are beliefs that we hold onto so tightly that they create a barrier between us and what we truly desire?
In this episode, I talk about how we might have invisible fences in our lives and how they can prevent us from achieving our goals.
I encourage you to think about something that you've been wanting to do but haven't. Could it be that you have an invisible fence around that desire, and your beliefs are keeping you from even approaching it?
If, so maybe it's time to break down that invisible fence and go after what you truly want in life.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's show, I talk about the power of giving lunchbox notes.
Do you remember when you were a kid and you would open up your lunchbox and find a little handwritten note inside from your mom or dad? It was always something encouraging like "you're the best" or "we believe in you". Didn't it just make your day to get one of those?
Well, as adults, we don't often get those kinds of notes anymore.
But recently, my daughter gave me a note as I was leaving for a TEDx talk in Anchorage, Alaska. It was for when I went up on stage to give my talk.
I didn't open it at the time, but when I did, it made me cry a little bit. It was one of those moments when someone believes in you and supports you. And that feeling of support made all the difference when I gave my talk.
So I encourage you to think about the people in your life who might need a little encouragement. Maybe it's a spouse, a friend, or a family member.
Write them a small note and stick it somewhere they'll find it, like their wallet or purse. You never know when that little note might make their day and give them the support they need.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I want to share with you my recent experience giving a TEDx talk in Anchorage, Alaska. I was the first speaker of the day and I had to deliver my talk in front of 100 people. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous about it. But there's one thing I did to overcame that nervousness and deliver a talk that I was proud of.
If you're ever in a situation where you have to perform or give a presentation, this mindset shift could be the key to overcoming your nerves and delivering your best work.
During my preparation, I realized that the mindset I had before going on stage was crucial. So I want to share with you the one reframe that helped me get through that moment.
First, I knew I was prepared. I had practiced my speech hundreds of times and knew every word by heart. But what really helped was the idea that my talk already existed in the Universe, the Quantum Field, and every possible way it could go well was already out there.
So when I was standing backstage, waiting to be called, I reframed the stage from a place to be scared of to a place where brilliance and perfection would flow through me. All I had to do was go down there and allow it to come through me because, of course, it was already there.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
You could live without your cell phone, right? I mean if you really HAD to?
In today's episode, I recount a recent mishap that almost derailed my trip to Anchorage, Alaska. On the way to the airport, I discovered my cell phone was potentially missing. Worry set in as I considered the worst-case scenario and the huge inconveniences of traveling without it. Could I live without my cell phone for five days?
Rather than completely give into panic, I began to problem solve how I could adapt to to this challenge, if I had to. This calm, rationale mindset proved key as I searched for the phone so that I could get to the airport in time for my flight.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I explore the surprising percentage of thoughts we have each day that are focused on the past.
According to research, the average person thinks upwards of 60,000 thoughts a day, and 90% of those thoughts are about the past.
As I delve into the math behind these statistics, I come to the realization that we spend about 54 seconds of every minute thinking about the past. But instead of letting ourselves get stuck in repetitive thoughts, I suggest setting aside 10 minutes a day to focus on new thoughts and ideas.
During this time, we can think about anything from a new business idea to a person we'd like to meet. The point is to shift our focus from the past to the present, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.
Join me on this journey of exploring how our thoughts keep us stuck and how we can break free from this cycle to live more fully in the present.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, we'll be exploring a quote that you've probably seen a million times on social media memes, "Do what you can, with what you have where you are."
This quote is often attributed to Teddy Roosevelt, but did he really say it? We'll take a closer look at the source and find out.
We'll also dive into the meaning of this quote and how it applies to our lives.
It's easy for us to believe that we'd be successful if only we had something more, but Roosevelt's quote reminds us to ask ourselves, "What can I do right now, where I am, with what I have?"
To apply this in our own lives, we'll start by listing what we have. We'll look at our skills, relationships, physical assets, and even our reputation. We'll see how we can use these resources to take action and move forward.
So join me as we explore the power of doing what we can, with what we have where we are.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode of "Every Day A New Thought," I discuss the importance of matching the energy of our goals in order to achieve them.
Using the metaphor of being on a highway, I propose that if you're standing still on the shoulder while all the possibilities of life are passing you by at high speeds, you won't be able to achieve your goals.
Instead, you need to merge onto the highway where those possibilities are and match their energy in order to be equal to them.
Practically speaking, this means doing the work and developing the skills necessary to achieve your goals. Ultimately, if you want to achieve your dreams, you need to merge onto the highway where those dreams are driving.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I wrap up my series on Don Miguel Ruiz's book "The Four Agreements." I've covered all four agreements in the previous episodes, which are: Be impeccable with your word, Don't take anything personally, Don't make assumptions, and Do your best.
Now that you've listened to the entire series, you might be wondering how to put these agreements into practice and make them a part of your daily life. In today's show, I share with you one practical way to start implementing these agreements in your conscious practice.
First, Don Miguel Ruiz suggests to simply do your best to honor these agreements, keeping in mind that your best may vary from day to day. He also recommends writing down your commitment to honor the Four Agreements in your journal or diary, to cement it in your mind.
My suggestion is to focus on one agreement per day for four days, rotating through all four. For example, start on Monday with being impeccable with your word, then on Tuesday, look for instances where you took things personally, Wednesday, avoid making assumptions, and Thursday, reflect on what you learned from the first three days and think about what you can improve.
The rest of the week, you could start again with the first three, but this time, live the agreement for a whole hour, or even all morning or all day. Think of this as building a muscle - the more you practice, the stronger you'll get.
I hope you enjoyed this series on "The Four Agreements." If you'd like to see more, don't hesitate to reach out to me on Instagram (@thorchallgren) or on my website (thorchallgren.com). Thank you for listening!
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I continue my series on Don Miguel Ruiz's book "The Four Agreements" by focusing on the fourth agreement, "Always Do Your Best."
This agreement is a crucial part of the four agreements and is the key to making the first three agreements work. Doing one's best is not a static thing, but rather it varies from moment to moment, depending on the circumstances. The key is to recognize when you're not at your best and then course correct and move forward.
To help determine if you're doing your best, ask yourself if what you're doing is enjoyable. If it's not, it's likely that you're not doing your best and it may be worth finding a way to bring more fun to it.
Additionally, it's important to note that our best will not always be the same, and that's okay. The idea is to continually practice and strive to do your best in each moment, without judgment or self-criticism. By doing so, you'll avoid guilt, blame, and self-punishment. It's a process, and with time, it will become easier to determine your best and make improvements.
In the next episode, I'll be wrapping up the series on the Four Agreements by providing practical tips for incorporating these agreements into your daily life.
The Four Agreements are a simple, yet powerful tool for personal growth and self-improvement, and I highly recommend reading the book and incorporating these agreements into your life.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
I'm continuing my four part series exploration of Don Miguel Ruiz's book, "The Four Agreements." In today's episode, I focus on the third agreement, "Don't Make Assumptions."
The book argues that much of the conflict and misunderstandings in our lives stem from assumptions we make about others and their thoughts or actions. Ruiz encourages us to find the courage to ask questions and communicate clearly to avoid these assumptions and their potential negative consequences.
With this agreement, we can transform our lives and avoid arguments, misunderstandings, and conflict.
Join me tomorrow for a discussion of the fourth and final agreement, "Always Do Your Best."
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I look at the second agreement from Don Miguel Ruiz's book, "The Four Agreements." The second agreement is "Don't take anything personally."
Ruiz states that nothing others say or do is because of you, it is just a projection of their own reality or dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be a victim of needless suffering. The importance of not taking anything personally also applies to our own thoughts and judgments about ourselves.
To break from this, it is recommended to take inventory of your judgments about others and yourself and ask yourself if those judgments are worth taking in.
My takeaway for today is to remember to not take anything personally and to be responsible only for yourself.
In tomorrow's show, we will be discussing the third agreement, "Don't make assumptions."
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I'm starting a four-part series based on the book "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz.
The book is based on Toltec wisdom and describes how our life is shaped by opinions from our childhood and society. The Four Agreements are a way to change that and live a life free from fear and full of joy, love, success, and abundance.
The first agreement is to "Be impeccable with your word". This means taking responsibility for your actions and not blaming or judging yourself. It also means not using your words against yourself, others, or participating in negative self-talk.
As Don Miguel Ruiz says, just this one agreement can change your whole life.
Tomorrow, we'll cover the next agreement, which is "Don't take anything personally".
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I reflect on the concept of labeling and its impact on our perception of others and ourselves.
We often judge people and assign them labels in our mind, like "rude" or "stupid," and these labels limit their ability to change and grow in our eyes. The same goes for the labels we put on ourselves, and they can affect our self-image and self-esteem.
To combat this, I suggest two steps: first, to be conscious of our thoughts and stop adding new labels, and second, to identify and remove the old labels we have put on ourselves.
The only labels we should be assigning are those for our office files.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode of "Every Day A New Thought," I discuss the concept of building your own advanced team.
You may have heard of the idea of a team that goes ahead to make arrangements for a big CEO or President. But did you know that you too have an "energetic team"? It's made up of the people you encounter in your daily life.
I suggest imagining how you want your interactions with these people to go, and creating your own advanced team in your mind. By doing so, you can have more control over your circumstances and ensure everything goes smoothly.
I challenge you to try this experiment for yourself. Pick a situation, whether it's a class, meeting, or even a Zoom call, and set up your own advanced team. Imagine people along the way who will help you. After the experience, take note of how it went.
Remember, you may not be the president, but you can still be just as effective by having your own advanced team go before you.
As always, thanks for listening.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Happy Valentine's Day! (Or if you're listening to this on the other 364 non-romantic days of the year... Happy Whatever Day It Is.)
In today's episode, I share on interesting experiment that you can try on Valentine's Day. Or anything other day.
The experiment involves PRAISE for someone in your life, and lots of it. So much praise, in fact, that the other person may realize what the experiment is. Or they may not. Either way, you'll learn something interesting about your relationship with them.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Recently, I had a long lasting cold that seemed to never end (and no, it wasn't COVID) It went on so long I actually said out loud, "Am I going to have this #&*%! cold forever." Yes , I actually said all those punctuation signs.
I immediately realized that was a fairly un-evolved question to ask. There are ACTUALLY two questions that are better to ask, and in this episode I show the TWO QUESTIONS I should've asked instead.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Do you know the correct way to walk into a church? Or if you are not someone who walks into churches, do you know the correct way to walk into a building or structure or monument that’s awe-inspiring?
In today's message, I explore the the two ways we can walk into any awe-inspiring structure. One ways is from a POV of humility bordering on "I'm not worthy"-ness. The second way is more interesting, It's from a realization that the mind and consciousness that created this structure is YOUR mind too.
Today's let's expand our mind as to what we're truly capable of.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
You’ve seen ice skating in the Olympics, right? Where the skater is being hyped because they are going to do some incredible jump in their program. '
And the announcers are telling you it’s about to happen and you’re watching and the skater begins the jump, and in that moment... you want them to be great, right?
Whenever you or I are giving a presentation, the same thing happens.
Today, we’re going to talk about why the audience wants you to be great. And I share three ways to think about HOW to be great.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Did Thomas Edison invent the light bulb, and is it true that he said he didn’t fail 10,000 times, he only discovered 10,000 ways it didn’t work?
In today's episode, I explore the famous quote about Thomas Edison and the light bulb. You’ve probably heard the quote, “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.”
Today, I explore whether Edison failed 10,000 times. And I ask if he could have actually succeeded in ONE try.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's message, I’m talking about a SINGLE LINE OF DIALOGUE from the massive hit movie, "Top Gun Maverick" with Tom Cruise.
I talk about why that line is so important in the movie, why it captures the spirit of the movie, and what it says about us, and our purpose in life.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
You know how when you place an order at a drive-through Starbucks, then they say, "See you at the next window!" And then they give you what you asked for at the next window? Well, the Universe is exactly like that!
You place your order with the Universe -- you speak what you want. And you better be clear when you speak it. Because when you pull around to the Universe's next window, you will get what you spoke.
I hope you enjoy this episode about ordering correctly. As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Do you ever have regret over things that have happened in the past? Like you look back and think, “why did I do that?” If so, in moments like that, say to yourself, “Past ME already got to live his or her life.” Meaning, that was a decision made by past you. That decision was already made. That action was already made. That life was already made. Past you did that.
In today's episode, I explore the idea of how we can more fully live in the present moment. The past version of me -- Past Thor -- already got to live his life. Now what is Present Thor going to do?
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you ever yelled at a baby? Probably not, right? Even if it was your own child and you were upset chances are, you would never yell at the baby.
In today’s episode, I’m going to suggest that we put a baby picture of yourself on your mirror. Once you do, I dare you to look at that picture and think a negative thought about yourself. I bet you can’t.
Also, you're going to smile more, and be more interested in life. All from one picture. Listen to why...
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's message, I explore the phrase "get rich quick." I ask the question, should we avoid the idea of getting rich quick?
Most of us get that riches don't necessarily come quickly. We have to put in the time and work to bring about great wealth.
But the notion I want to question is the implication in this statement -- which is that we aren't already rich.
In her book E-Squared, Pam Grout writes, “By trying to get rich, we are devoting our minds to the idea that we’re not already rich. Consequently, we’ve decided in advance to be broke.”
I don't know about you, but that's NOT a decision I'm on board with. So in today's episode, we push back on the idea of getting rich quick, and I share one MINDSET CHANGE that can actually bring about what we do want.
Here's the podcast episode I mentioned: Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop
Pam Grout's "E-Squared" on Amazon
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I ask the question, how often do you put yourself first? One way to test this is to ask what would happen if you and I were sharing a container of Neapolitan ice cream, and there's only one scoop left of each flavor. Which one would you choose? Vanilla, chocolate or strawberry? And would you feel the need to explain your choice to me?
An interesting way to think about how we express our preferences without feeling selfish. What would you choose?
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Here's a question you probably don't get asked often: how much would you bid on yourself?
Here's the scenario. You're at a fancy auction at Christies. You're in the audience with one of those fancy little paddles with a number on it. But in this hypothetical scenario, you are also on the stage as the next item up for bid at this auction. So when the bidding opens, here's my question. Would you bid on yourself? And if so, how much? Would you get into a bidding war over yourself.
Clearly, this is a question that's designed to get at my own level of self esteem, how I think about myself what I believe about myself, and what my inherent worth is.
In today's episode, I explore the idea of self worth in a unique way.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's message, I ask if maybe we have it all wrong when we use the phrase, "Easier Said Than Done." Maybe it should be "Easier DONE Than Said." Here's why...
When we start off by SAYING something, it means we are thinking about it first. And in the thinking process, it's possible we get derailed by thoughts and doubts. Meaning, we don't get to DOING it, and we certainly never get to "DONE."
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's message, I explore the power of making 30 day resolutions, as opposed to year-long ones. We've probably all made New Years resolutions that lasted -- what? -- maybe a month? Well what if we made it easier to stick to resolutions? One way is to shorten the time commitment required.
I decided this year I would adopt a practice of having 30 day resolutions. For the first month, I committed to (and completed!) a Dry January (no alcohol.) It worked really well, so I'm going to continue setting 30 Day Resolutions for the rest of the year.
I discuss the practice in this episode, and give some ideas of what you might consider for month-long resolutions.
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I'm celebrating. It's my birthday! Also, I've now done the first 30 episodes of the show, and I share three insights on the process of doing a podcast and a YouTube show EVERY SINGLE DAY!
As always, thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
You know that meme picture of the dog in a bar that’s on fire? The dog has a smile on his face, as the bar around him burns. And his captioned comment is, “This is fine.”
The enduring popularity of this meme is that you can use it in so many situations where you think there’s a catastrophe of some sort. And the dog is sticking his head in the sand and saying, “This is fine.” He’s ignoring the problem.
Or is he?
In today's message, I ask if there's another way to read this cartoon, one that suggests we all have the power to deal with crises like bars burning down around us.
Thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's show, I ask the question: is there a giant fist in front of your face?
Let’s say there’s something you want to do or accomplish. You want to see it clearly, but... there's a giant FIST blocking your view. Your own! What does this metaphorical fist represent? It could be anything. Let's say in this case it's your perfectionism.
So now, you can only see this giant fist that says things have to be perfect. Would you walk with this fist blocking your view? No. Would you have a conversation with someone, where the fist says that every word has to be perfect? No!
So take way the perfectionist tendencies, the fist, that blocks what you can see. In today's episode, I talk about ways to remove that fist and move on with life.
Thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's message, I ask if we have our goal-setting priorities backwards.
We all have goals we want to accomplish, and we "work" at those goals until they are achieved. But by calling it "work," does that take the fun out of the acting of accomplishing the goal?
Maybe instead, we should make "having fun" the goal. Have fun on the way to achieving the goal. Thanks for listening!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Have you ever been to a steel factory? Yeah, me neither. But I DO have a picture in my mind of what one looks like, when they pour the molten steel into a mold, and they make steel.
What if your life was like that? You make a mold of whatever you want, and the universe says, where do you want me to pour the steel. Today, we’re going to talk about creating the mold for what you really want.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's message, I explore how we can use our body language to increase our confident.
In a TED talk given by Amy Cuddy, she talks about how our own body language can give us more confidence and belief in ourselves. She shares research that has shown that people who adopt strong confident stances for just two minutes have higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Amy's method is one that any of us can adopt and it involves standing like a certain Amazonian superhero. Enjoy!
Amy Cuddy's TED talk HERE.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's message, I recall the TV show "Lost" to discuss how to move forward after facing a conflict that seems to have no resolution.
Sometimes there are conflicts you may have where it’s not possible to resolve an issue you have with someone else.
Let’s say you have a fight or argument. And for whatever reason, you can’t resolve it with them. But you can resolve the issue for YOURSELF, so you don’t carry the energy of the conflict into the rest of your day.
In this episode, I talk about several ways to resolve an issue in your own mind and move forward.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's message, I ask if you've ever considered giving a TED talk. I asked this question six months ago, and it led me on a path to give a TEDx talk in early 2023.
What does it take to give a TED talk? You start with an idea -- one idea worth sharing. In this episode, I talk about all the reasons you should consider giving a TED talk.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I explore how to have a conversation without it ending in a zero-sum argument. There's a way to state your opinion on a subject without denying or invalidating the other person's opinion. It takes some practice, but see if this one simple mindset hack helps you be a more effective communicator.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's message, I explore the idea of perfectionism by way of a recent hit movie: "The Martian."
The movie's lead character, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is an astronaut stranded on Mars. With a limited number of potatoes to survive on, he must ration his food in a PERFECT equation until he can be rescued.
Sometimes we view our own resources as limited, and we get hung up on having to ration them PERFECTLY. "I only have one shot / so much time / so much money." Sound familiar?
Well, guess what? We're not usually stranded on Mars. Today I talk about the movie, and how we're unlimited in scope.
The previous episode on perfectionism I mentioned is HERE.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
"Think and Grow Rich" is a classic in the field of personal development. But did its author, Napoleon Hill, truly live up to the teachings in his book? In today's message, I briefly look at the complicated truth about Napoleon Hill. I also offer some takeaways on how we can view mentors and thought leaders today.
In the episode, I mention a longer podcast episode where I look at Napoleon Hill. You can find that show HERE.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
You know the phrase, "What's the worst that can happen?" That's pretty common, right? But in today's message, I ask, why don't we say, "What's the BEST that can happen?" What we focus on expands, so for three minutes, let's explore the idea of preparing for the best.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Okay, be honest... how much of your day do you spend in "complaint mode"? You may not be a big complainer, but in today's message, I talk about how micro-complaints -- similar to micro-aggressions -- can really add up. Whether it's complaining about ourselves or others, getting a handle on micro-complaints can make a big difference in happiness.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
Imagine your life is a being played by an orchestra, and YOU are the conductor of that orchestra. In today's message, I play with the idea that our lives are like a symphony, and as the conductor of that orchestra, we are in charge of EVERYTHING. Ready to take a listen?
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I look at perfectionism and ask when we have to be perfect and when we don't. As far as I can tell, juggling chainsaws is one of the few times that really, truly requires perfectionism. Most everything else? Well, have a listen...
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I ask if it's possible to draw a new, bigger circle around ourselves. You have capabilities and experiences that you currently believe are within a circle. You have a boundary of what you believe is possible for your life. But beyond that circle, is who you can be going forward. Can we draw a new, bigger circle around what's possible? (HINT: Yes!)
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I ask the question, can you uplevel your game and still have fun? (HINT: It depends on your belief system.) Often we feel that working hard or "grinding" means we can't enjoy the process of achieving what we want. I challenge that notion in this episode.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I talk about how we can imagine every solution we need being on the other side of a circle of energy. Where did this idea come from? The movie, "Avengers: Endgame," where the main characters are saved at the end of the movie by a circle of energy that connects them to the solution to their challenge. You don't need to know the movie to get the metaphor, but I think you'll like this show.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I talk about the origin of the phrase, "waiting for the other shoe to drop." I discuss how, often, we use this phrase as shorthand for expecting bad things are going to happen. But what if it meant something good was coming instead. Thanks for listening to the show!
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I begin a 30-day experiment. Inspired by Pam Grout's book, "Thank and Grow Rich," I will begin each morning with the phrase, "Something amazingly awesome is going to happen today." I share more about Pam's experiment, and how you can try it out yourself for 30 days.
"Thank And Grow Rich" by Pam Grout
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I ask the question, are there times when it's better to let go over a perceived insult or slight? Inspired by a TEDx talk by Ashe Beckham, I talk about when to take a stand, and when to maybe just Let It Go.
Ash Beckham's TEDx Talk
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I challenge the idea of us saying we don't know how to do something. Because I believe there is a part of us that DOES know. There is always a part of us that knows, the trick is to remind ourselves of that. I share more thoughts on that in today's show.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I ask the question: do you have something in your life that acts as Red Bull for your spirit, for who you are, for your soul? Because in the same way we think about our focus and our energy, we should think about our spirituality, and look for something that can be our Spiritual Red Bull. So what might that be? I have some suggestions in today's show.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I look at the phrase "out of the blue," which we commonly associate with things happening in an unexpected or surprising way. But maybe we shouldn't be surprised. Maybe there's another way to think of creating from out of the blue. I explore that idea in this episode.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I'm going to encourage you to brag on yourself. How often do you say good things about yourself positive things about yourself. Let's talk about why that is, and how you can look for more ways to brag on yourself.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I ask, could you live anywhere? is there some place that you've ever thought about living? And why didn't you do it? I offer a process for discovering if maybe you have limiting beliefs that are holding you back from living boldly.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
We see the world from our our own POV, naturally. We are the main character in our story. Everyone else in our life can be thought of as a supporting character. But what if you are someone else's supporting character? What if you have the answer that someone else in your life needs? Today, I suggest that maybe we be the answer for someone else.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I ask the question, is it okay to have a Plan B in life? We've all heard of the "Burn the Boats" philosophy of the general who gave his troop no option but to succeed in their beach invasion. It as Plan A or else. But is that a sound idea in life? I weigh that question in today's show.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this episode, I talk about how a band aid solution can actually be a good thing.
I recently came across a different way of thinking about a band aid solution. And this was in Malcolm Gladwell, his book, The Tipping Point, where he makes the observation that a band aid solution can actually be the best kind of solution, because it involves solving a problem with the minimum amount of effort and time and cost. It's a good solution, because it uses the least number of resources
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In today's episode, I talk about the idea of adding an exclamation mark to your life. There are times when adding an exclamation mark to what we do, can highlight the thing that we've just done, and to make us feel better about it.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren
In this first episode - Happy New Year, by the way - I talk about my "experiment" to share one New Thought a day for the entire year of 2023.
You can find me here:
WEBSITE: https://www.thorchallgren.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thorchallgren