Your Self Development Podcast: Recent Episodes
Norman
We are all hardwired for self development. It is without a doubt, our birthright. So, how about we work together to figure out what it is we want in our lives and start strategising to live it, be it, have it? We're going to need to grow to get it, to discover and leverage all the assets at our disposal, and yes there are more than a few!
So let's get started and make up for lost time. You've been heedlessly sitting on your own pot of gold for far too long. Now is as good a time as any to start playing to win, and time and opportunity wait for no one.
Keep the faith and keep the pace.
Norman, your Self Development Coach
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 91, and our wish of the day is:
May you discover your real self and progressively free yourself from the compulsions of conformity
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 90, and our wish of the day is:
May you never settle for less than you can be.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 89, and our wish of the day is:
May you consistently originate and accept ideas which are in harmony with natural law and uplift you rather than hold you back.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 87, and our wish of the day is:
May you be motivated to grow, to serve and to reach your full potential.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series.
This is episode 86, and we invite you to meditate on the concept of "worth" and how it can guide us to deciding on goals and objectives that actually excite and inspire us.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 85, and we are going to take a look at a great contradiction. Perhaps THE contradiction, that if, properly understood and appreciated, could help you move faster towards your most cherished desires.
And away we go!
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series.
This is episode 84, and join us as we explore a power that we have access to 24/7 that will enable us to achieve our most cherished goals.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 83, and our wish of the day is:
May you possess the consciousness that attracts prosperity to you
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 82, and our wish of the day is:
May you BE a good example, not merely a good reciter.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 81, and our wish of the day is:
May you remember to recite your Affirmations, especially when you are in your most resourceful state.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 80, and we’re diverging a bit to ponder a quote from a book I just read a little while back:
"Destiny is a determined opponent. Not many get the better of it."What do you think?
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 79, and our wish of the day is:
May you remain grounded in the field of limitless substance and possibility.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 78, and our wish of the day is:
May you alter the inner states of Mind that have been blocking the natural flow of prosperity and abundance in your Life.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 77, and our wish of the day is:
No matter what your work, may you let it be your own
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 76, and our wish of the day is:
May you rise above mistaken or mean-spirited criticism.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 75, and our wish of the day is:
May you use expectation to your highest advantage.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 74, and we’re diverging a bit from our usual wish for the day for a specific thought of the day attributed to writer, lecturer and editor, William George Jordan.
Here I share with you Mr. Jordan's powerfully inspiring take on Calmness.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 73, and we’re diverging a bit from our usual wish for the day for a story of the day. A story which brings to life several cherished principles of success and fulfilment. However, in the spirit of a beautiful thought for you, allow me to quote Thomas Carlyle, who said:
Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you’ll see farther.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 72, and our wish of the day is:
May you leverage to the max disciplined creativity.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 71, and our wish of the day is:
May you never sabotage yourself by thinking in reverse.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 70, and our wish of the day is:
May you give thanks consistently from the unshakable awareness that there is always an all-sufficiency within the apparent insufficiency.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 69, and our wish of the day is:
May you never criticize, condemn, or complain.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 68, and our wish of the day is:
May you consistently venture outside your comfort zone.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 67, and our wish of the day is:
May you revel and indulge in your privileged role as co-creator.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 66, and our wish of the day is:
May you consent to let your own uniqueness unfold and to let that which is attracted by your uniqueness manifest in your life.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 65, and our wish of the day is:
May you create the conditions that make the result of whatever it is you sincerely desire inevitable.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 64, and our wish of the day is:
May you behave in a way that best helps you achieve your short-term and long-term goals.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 63, and our wish of the day is:
May you transcend your senses when it comes to understanding who you are and what you are capable of achieving.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 62, and our wish of the day is:
May you deeply understand, accept and consistently act on the reality that you have been literally engineered for success.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 61, and our wish of the day is:
May you consistently think the positive thought, speak the constructive and encouraging word, and hold the creative success images in mind.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 60, and our wish of the day is:
May you maintain your mental independence and remain consistent in the face of herd instinct and social pressures.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 59, and our wish of the day is:
May your life be a daring adventure, if you so choose.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 58, and our wish of the day is:
May you firmly decide who and what you are committed to being and having in your life.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 57, and our wish of the day is:
May you have courage so that you may enjoy peace.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 56, and our wish of the day is:
May you always play to win.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 55, and our wish of the day is:
May you embrace and benefit from the reality that your fortune is not something to find but something to unfold. For it is already here.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 54, and our wish of the day is:
May you identify and neutralize your self-defeating habits.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 53, and our wish of the day is:
May you start and end each day cheerfully and enthusiastically.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 52, and our wish of the day is:
May you develop the awareness to recognize the sly disguises of opportunity.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 51, and our wish of the day is:
May your beliefs lead you to ever higher levels of fulfillment, success and happiness.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 50, and our wish of the day is:
May you maintain the will to shape your destiny.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 49, and our wish of the day is:
May you form the unassailable habit of persevering when overtaken by defeat.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 48, and our wish of the day is:
May you embrace change and vanquish irrelevance.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 47, and our wish of the day is:
May you have access to, and control over the emotional energies required to respond optimally to life's events.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 46, and our wish of the day is:
May you consistently prepare with intensity.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 45, and our wish of the day is:
May you understand and benefit from your gratitude as the ultimate perception-enhancer.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 44, and our wish of the day is:
May you understand down to the core of your being that Affirmations do not make things become True. They affirm what is already True.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 43, and our wish of the day is:
May you recognize and know what to do with the luck you get.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 42, and our wish of the day is:
May you consistently try to do something beyond what you have mastered, thus giving yourself the best chance to always keep growing and staying relevant.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 41, and our wish of the day is:
May you find vibrational alignment with what you most sincerely desire.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 40, and our wish of the day is:
May you give, and give abundantly of your life, interest, energy, thought, ability, love, appreciation and helpfulness.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 39, and our wish of the day is:
May you have the stability and the perspective to deal with both success and failure in spiritual poise.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 38, and our wish of the day is:
May your work be an opportunity to joyously live your making.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 37, and our wish of the day is:
May you never surrender your dignity, and may you always safeguard the dignity of others.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 36, and our wish of the day is:
May you consistently be more of a "how" thinker rather than an "if" thinker.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 35, and our wish of the day is:
May you always create a sense of certainty about that which you most sincerely desire.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 34, and our wish of the day is:
May you remain steadfastly dedicated to the goal you have set your heart on, but adapt your strategies, when necessary, in order to increase your effectiveness.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 33, and our wish of the day is:
May you consistently implement a system of self-analysis and self education.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series.
This is episode 32, and our wish of the day for you is:
May you live in the present moment, wisely and earnestly.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 31, and our wish of the day is:
May you continually mind your ability to contribute.If you wish to feel young and remain as active as possible throughout the rest of your days, then you're going to want to stay relevant through your contribution to the welfare of those who have invested their trust, and yes in some cases, hopes, on you. These are your stakeholders. Join us as we take a look at the issue of Relevance, and the critical role it plays in overall well-being.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 30, and our wish of the day is:
May you be in a really good state of mind when reciting your affirmations.If we look at affirmations as seeds - seeds of positive, constructive thoughts, and if we want those seeds to take root deeply in our subconscious mind and become stalwart habits, we've got to prepare the ground.
How can we accomplish this?
In this episode we take a look at some of the prep work involved in creating as nurturing an internal environment as possible for our inspiring, life-enhancing affirmations to shape our habitual ways of thinking in order for us to become the very best versions of ourselves.
Thanks for joining us on our "365 Day Best Wishes for You" series. This is episode 29, and our wish of the day is:
May you take the existence of your sincere and honest desire as the reassurance that you have the ability to achieve it.In this episode we'll take a look at the nature of inertia, and at the same time, we'll take a novel, pragmatic look at desire and how , when combined with faith, it can help overcome life-smothering inertia. We'll also show you that the very fact of having an honest and sincere desire is proof positive that you can achieve it.
A truly beneficial understanding of such a broad topic as this would take far more time than what is allotted in a podcast episode. But today we're briefly touching on a key action that you can carry out immediately. An action which will enable you to set a strong foundation of control over every result you sincerely and earnestly desire to bring to fruition.
I really love that word, "activate". It reminds me of something I read many years ago - something written by the inventor, Buckminster Fuller, who said: "I am a verb." When I started thinking about it, I realized that we are all in fact VERBS. Who we are, where we are in the physical and figurative senses are all the result of things we have DONE. And simple as it may sound, if we want to see different Results in our lives, we are going to have to Do different things. The selection and execution of What we Do is in our hands...it's up to us.
I try to consistently shy away from using stative, or should I say, static, verbs to talk about myself - words such as Be and Seem. "I'm not sad" - "I'm feeling sad" In the word "Feel" there is movement and possibility - If I'm feeling sad, then I can also feel some other emotion. Also just the use of the ing as in "am feeling" creates a stronger link with the present and the transitory nature of things, both good and bad. "I'm feeling bad" now, but I can also be feeling in some much better way, now, as well.
When we talk about "activating" the world around us, we are taking into consideration our role as primary mover and cause of Action in our lives and, to a certain degree, the lives of others.
The only way you can positively and constructively activate your world is to behave positively and constructively. It's all in what you do - how you act. The Law of Cause and Effect and the Law of Vibration and Transmutation of Radiant Energy come into play here.
Let's take a look at the triad - Thought, Feeling, Action, and let's make sure to keep to that order. It is critically important that we do. If, for whatever reason we move these elements out of sequence, we start to lose control of our actions and results.
Of course, how you act (the action part) is the 3rd leg of the Attitude Triad composed of Thought, Feeling and Action. It is not the first. Everything starts with Thought. What you think will affect how you feel. And how you feel will affect how you act - what you do, and how you do it.
Join us as we elaborate on this essential topic for autonomous and fulfilling living.
In one of the most challenging manuevers to pull off, we must evaluate ideas on their own merits. What I mean by this is that when we come across a new idea, we must evaluate it independent of the messenger and the context surrounding our relationship with the messenger. Now, of course, an amenable relationship with the messenger might prompt us to favor them over others and to actually pay attention and listen to them. It might give them the "sold" audience, so to speak - to gain our ear. But that should be the limit to it.
In this case, the question becomes: How can we think more objectively and for ourselves? How can we get better at building and maintaining that objectivity and ignoring the noise?
It is my understanding that there are many elements which influence our ability to think for ourselves. For me, chief among these is our Self-Esteem.
What do we mean by Self-Esteem? It all seems to come down to relationships and communication:
In other words, what is the quality of the communication with ourselves, our goals and the world at large - our communities and those whom we serve and are in regular contact with?
If Self-Esteem is another word for, "I know me" then what is it that we "know " about ourselves vis-a-vis the 3 above-mentioned relationships? Do we have hopeful, constructive and positively expectant attitudes toward ourselves, our goals and our communities? And if we don't, then what are we doing about it?
If I may make a suggestion, any problems with poor self-esteem can usually be addressed and to some degree improved on, by starting with the first leg of the triad: Your relationship with yourself. Take the time to learn more about yourself. Who are you? What are you good at? What are your particular strengths...and weaknesses? What do you love to do? What do you gravitate towards? This may not be an easy task to do, but it is ABSOLUTELY worth all the effort, energy and time you can put into it. There is no doubt about this. The key here is Honesty - to be frank and honest with YOURSELF. Honesty may be the best policy, and self-honesty is valuable beyond measure.
Thanks for joining us on our 365 Day Best Wishes for You series. This is episode 25, and our wish of the day is: May you apply your imagination purposefully to effectively reach whatever worthy goals you choose.
Here are eight questions we seek to answer in today's episode:
-
What do we mean by a "worthy" goal?
-
How can I determine if a goal is worthy of me?
-
What role does Desire play and how is it defined and directed?
-
What do we mean by Values?
-
What do we mean by Mission?
-
What's the difference between a Goal and an Activity?
-
How do we define Creativity and do you consider yourself Creative?
-
How can we increase the impact of our Imagination?
Thanks for listening and sharing!
Day 24 in our 365 Day "Best Wishes for You"series:
"May you Synchronize yourself in Mind with the flow of the Infinite."
My wish of the day for you: "May you have the flexibility to use whatever life gives you along the way en route to your goal(s)."
How can I enhance my daily discipline and avoid having to struggle and gut it out on an exhaustingly regular basis?
We're all going to experience moments of panic and distress...they are a part of being human. But how can we develop the resilience and habitual state of mind which will permit us to overcome those small bouts of panic, and retain control over our thoughts, feelings and actions?
How can you identify your most important and impactful competitive advantages without wasting time and energy unnecessarily? That, and much more, we will be exploring in today's episode. Thanks for joining us!
When we wish something good for someone, what we are really hopeful for is that they achieve the level consciousness that will see them be, do or have whatever it is they aspire to.
Tune in to find out the 3 levels of communication we need to work with in order to ensure our consciousness is in harmony with what we sincerely desire.
May you become an expert at asking better and better questions. Your very destiny may depend on it.
Join us as we take a look at 2 sets of questions which will weaken or empower you - your choice.
Thanks for listening, and thanks for sharing!
How can we benefit from following our passion(s) even when they have nothing to do with how we earn our living?
Join us in today's episode as we analyze a thought by Mark Cuban, and touch on the practice of Cross-Training.
Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing!
Today's thought of the day is: "May you surround yourself with individuals who buoy you up during times of distress."
For those who may not have the individuals in their immediate circle on whom they may rely for encouragement, advice or particular physical means of support, join us as we recognize and reaffirm YOU as THE primary mover in your life.
Is a poor Self-Image holding you back? Do you find yourself thinking in unflattering terms about yourself at the most inopportune moments? Join us for today's episode as we explore a strategy you can implement immediately to reverse self-defeating thinking.
Thanks for listening, and thanks for sharing!
Join me as we put circumstancein its rightful place, and no longer permit ourselves to bow down to it.
Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing!
It's baseball season, so I'm going to refer to a baseball analogy uttered by, of all people, the famous University of Oklahoma football coach, Barry Switzer, who said: "Some people are born on 3rd base and spend their lives thinking they hit a triple."
I guess it must be nice to have been born on "3rd base", but many of us haven't - present company included. So, how do we close the gap with those who have come into this world with certain natural advantages in the lottery of life?
Listen to this short podcast episode to find out.
In the words of the great David Lee Roth: "If you like it, tell a friend. If you don't like it, tell an enemy!"
Thanks for listening, and thanks for sharing!
If everything starts with thought, then it goes without saying that the start of exercising control over your feelings starts with observing and closely guiding what it is we are habitually thinking about.
Join us as we explore the idea of Thought engendering Feeling, and what this means to the potential quality of our lives.
Thanks for listening, and thanks for sharing!
Join us as we take a look at the "why" and the "how" we can all make a meaningful, positive difference in the lives of others, and our own.
Thanks for listening, and thanks for sharing!
Do you want to take control of your life and build deep and compelling credibility at the same time?
Join us for this powerfully compact episode as we look at something you can do immediately to place yourself on the path of the life you aspire to.
Thanks for listening, and thanks for sharing!
Forget luck and circumstance. Ultimately, YOU decide your destiny.
Join us as we take a look at some of our most effective assets we own, free and clear, to make this happen!
Thanks for listening, and thanks for sharing!
May you enhance your Self-Control and achieve greater Self-Direction in all Meaningful areas of your Life.
What life has taught me about the key to mastering your results.
Thanks for listening and thanks for sharing!
As the great Earl Nightingale said when it comes to reaching your goals and living a fulfilling life, freely chosen: "You've got to do it yourself, but you cannot do it alone."
How do we resolve this apparent paradox in a way that accurately positions us in the best possible way in order to achieve our most cherished, dare I say, desperate goals?
Thanks for listening and sharing!
While consistently thinking about something we strongly desire will not, in and of itself, usually cause it to take concrete form, it is a critical step in the creative process - the process of creating a life freely chosen that fulfills us. Think deeply about what you want and the strategies to achieve it, and then go out and ACT ON THEM!
Like the tip of an iceberg, there's a lot more to you than meets anybody's eye, including your own. Tune in as we talk about the Self-Image, and the never-ending adventure of Self-Discovery - a trip worth embarking on!
If you have been patiently waiting for things to "go your way" and are increasingly frustrated at your lack of progress, tune in as we remind ourselves that the ability to take control of our lives is a birthright ability, one we are all born into, and which must never be surrendered.
If you have been feeling frustrated about when you will actually, if ever, reach your Goals, tune in as we talk about a Universal Law that, when correctly Understood and Respected, will help you achieve a greater sense of Calm and Trust in the fact that if you are consistently working your Effective Plan, you will Inevitably get to wherever it is you are Sincerely and Decidedly Aiming to Go.
If you have been allowing doubt and fear to stop you from going after some goal or objective you sincerely hold dear, tune in as we talk about one of our mightiest resources, available to every single one of us, Faith, how it can serve you, and how we can develop it in order to more intensely attract and more quickly move towards the life we aspire to.
We've all heard that what we put out in effort determines what we receive in terms of results - the classic cause and effect scenario. However, it is not only the effort that we put out that matters. HOW we do this in terms of our feelings and vibration go a long way towards determining the ultimate effectiveness of said actions.
My experiences have borne out that Gratitude is one of the most powerful, life-enhancing feelings we can consistently entertain. When felt sincerely and without any hope of something in return, Gratitude is one of the most fundamental causes we can rely on in order to live more fulfilling lives. It puts us in harmony with natural law like few other feelings can.
What are you grateful for? You don't have to look far...
"Being" an underdog is an experience we pass through as we step out and aspire to live a more complete and fulfilling life. It is but a temporary state, if we choose.
Join us as we see the underdog for what it really is: a healthy, normal phase of achievement - a phase common to us all at one time or another.
Imposter Syndrome seems to be more prevalent than we think. Its causes, external and internal, are varied. Handling the internal stuff is probably our most proactive way of combating this potentially devastating and joy-sapping syndrome.
Join us as we look at some simple, pragmatic actions we can take to better understand our true selves and start throwing off the binds of this insidious scourge.
It's time to live the life that we sincerely intend for ourselves!
You may disagree with me, but it has been made very clear to me that there are no formulas for success. Nor is living a successful, fulfilling life dependent upon any single "hack" or adjustment. Life is complicated and rich and varied. And while there is no pat formula that guarantees success, there are more than a few principles and "best practices" which can help us move along.
Join me in today's podcast as we take a look at some of the more obvious and impacting ones:
Honesty, Trust, Intuition, the Action-bias, Courage, and a hearty Embrace of "the mess".
Many of us are familiar with the juxtaposition of :
"Ready, aim, fire!" vs "Ready, fire, aim!"
Well, have you noticed that the one constant in both is the position of "Ready"?
(Be POISED to spring into action) You can better ensure you are "Ready" by understanding and acting on the before-mentioned elements and principles. Make these into habits, and you'll be in for all sorts of adventures and growth!
At the end of the day, I am convinced that passing through the Underdog experience is a CHOICE...a DECISION. We go for something freely chosen that we absolutely MUST have, be or do. We take our lumps, and if we persevere, learn, adjust and move forward more effectively, our chances of success greatly increase.
Join me today as I share an inspiring tale of of one of the greatest rock bands in the world as told in the riveting book "Van Halen Rising" by Greg Renoff. This particular story bears all the hallmarks of the worst of the Underdog experience...the dreaded buzzsaw. How did it come out in the end? Well, if you know the song, "Jump", I think it turned out pretty well! But it sure didn't look so clear when the story actually took place...
I guess that if you didn't want to feel like an underdog, then the best way to do so would be to stay in your comfort zone. I'm not sure that's the best place to remain. However, if you actually take up the challenge and step out of your comfort zone to pursue that which you are in harmony with, then there are actually strategies you can implement which will serve to help insulate you from the most noxious effects of traversing the underdog experience.
Join us as we take a look at these time-proven strategies together.
What are the mental tools we all have at our disposal when making the effort to reach a goal we've never even imagined before? At least just as important a question: where in the goal-achieving process does each of our assets come into play?
Join us today as we link mental assets (our superpower tools) with real-life, pragmatic actions which form part and parcel of the earnest attempt to achieve any worthwhile goal (a goal worthy of YOU).
When stepping out of your comfort zone and pursuing some big goals you've never attempted before, try these 4 steps to feel more at ease, and in the process, enhance your chances of success.
Why is it that when we hear people say, "You gotta be realistic" it's always in defence of our limits? In today's podcast we make the argument that the notion of "being realistic" has been misconstrued. We'll explore what happens when we take a REAL look at ourselves and our surroundings and posit that "being realistic" is actually THE key to a more fulfilling life.
If you wish to more accurately redraw the map of yourself and your circumstances, join us for this short yet incisive episode.
The law of Cause and Effect is well understood and makes sense: Take care of the causes, and the effects will take care of themselves. Some examples of causes can be a particular action or thought...or as we discuss in today's podcast, the right question. The better our questions, the better our results. It's not always easy to ask questions, let alone know if we are asking the right ones. But we've got to start somewhere, and if we do happen to ask an ineffective question, guess what? We get another shot at it!
In the spirit of stumbling our way forward to success, let's take a look at, what I consider to be, one of our most consequential innate super powers - the ability to ask more and more effective questions!
If you're already a person with a positive outlook but are not getting the results you want, join us as we take a look at the "roll up your sleeves and get dirty" part of the positive thinking equation. Let's combine thought with clear, constructive, consistent action and make sure both our thoughts and our actions are in-harmony and working together for us as we aspire to be, do, and live more!
When you are trying to find your voice and understand who you truly are, your unique story, and the infinite potential residing within you, the manner in which we see ourselves plays an important role. In fact, it is THE most important factor in the kind of lives we will eventually lead. In the context of the "underdog" experience, how we see ourselves will determine how we deal with this uncomfortable encounter, and whether we eventually win through in the end, or not. How can we "live" the underdog experience positively, and maybe, dare I say, happily and purposefully? Join me today as we take a look at some helpful tips.
Love is the answer, isn't it?
Let's take a serious look at the critical role Love plays in our freely choosing to experience the Underdog Challenge.
The "Comfort Zone" and "Doubt" - How can we better understand these twin challenges, and what strategies can we employ to break the grip they have on our lives and ultimately on our results?
When I was 15 I was thrust into a situation which, quite frankly, severely disrupted my happy adolescence in New York. Coming into my own, I was suddenly dropped to the bottom of the social and academic ladder, and had to find a way to climb back up. Although I had not chosen my circumstances, I still retained control over how I was going to respond. Was I going to throw up my hands and go with the flow, or was I going to stand my ground and strike my own way forward, embracing the underdog status in the process?
Obviously, I chose the latter - no mystery there! But what I learned along the way, and how it has influenced my life up to today, may encourage and embolden those faced with their own underdog threshold moment.
Pulitzer prize winner and oral historian, Studs Terkel, made an interesting observation many years ago when he said that there are no such thing as ordinary people - just uncelebrated people. Every single one of us is capable of doing extraordinary things. If there is anything ordinary about us it is merely in our results. Results which are not a reflection of who we are, but of what we believe to be the truth about ourselves and our relationship with our goals.
In this vein, I think it's imperative to clarify that an "Underdog" is not a personality type, but it IS a type of experience - a fleeting one, as all experiences ultimately are. "This too shall pass" was not declared in jest!
But the question remains: Why do some fail in their "underdog" quest while others succeed? What sets them apart? While the reasons can be many, we've pinpointed several pivotal ones which, if properly understood, and worked with, can increase your chances of authentically living that which you seek - that which placed you on the "underdog" path in the first place.
I think it was educator, Napoleon Hill, who said that one's biggest victories usually happen one step beyond a massively devastating defeat. It's almost as if Life is checking us out, asking us THE question: "How badly do you want it?"
The story I am going to relate to you was, for this 12 year old, soul shaking and without a doubt, demoralising. The perfect opportunity to tuck tail between legs and scamper home to safety. But I didn't do that. And my sticking it out made all the difference...back then when it happened...and even today. I carry it like a badge of honour. And whenever I need to remind myself who I am, I retell the story...to myself, to my kids, to whomever will listen.
It's a simple story, an accessible story, and maybe one you can relate to. Only one way to find out...thanks for listening.
If there's one thing I learned from listening to the great Studs Terkel it's that everyone has got a unique story. There are no "ordinary" people. But there are plenty of "uncelebrated" people, people whose stories go untold.
Join us for today's episode as I share my own underdog story.
Thanks for tuning in!
Dear Listener,
An Underdog is a Creator, acting to achieve an irresistibly compelling Goal with little if any concrete idea at the outset as to how they will reach it.
In accordance with this definition, what are the benefits of periodically experiencing "underdog" status?
Join us for today's podcast to find out!
Yours in learning,
Norman
Dear Listener,
In trying to come up with a more empowering, realistic and workable definition of what an Underdog really is, we are going to explore several topics such as:
3 general self-views and our level of control over each one
The pitfalls associated with thinking of yourself as competing.
I look forward to sharing!
Yours in learning,
Norman
Dear Listener,
When considering a language training program, I feel it's important that you consider wisely. Why? Well, because at the end of the day, it's your investment that will be affected. What kind of investment are we talking about? It's not just about money. At least as important is your time and energy commitment - neither of which can be recovered. As I once heard, "The energy you spent going up the stairs, you don't get back by going back down the stairs."
There are several key elements to look for when considering a language training program, and each can play pivotal role in the ultimate failure or success of your project.
Join us as we take a look at what those elements are.
Yours in learning,
Norman
Dear Listener, Dear Aspiring 2nd Language Learner,
It has been said that our habits determine our destiny. Have you ever asked yourself, "What would my life be like if I acted on one or two cutting edge habits, everyday for the next 365 days? How would I change? How would my life change?"
Now I ask you, aspiring 2nd language learner, what if you decided to do 1 or 2 cutting edge type activities everyday without fail for 365 days? What would your life as regards that target language be like?
There are many things we can do on a daily basis if we decide:
- listen to a podcast for 15 minutes while getting ready in the morning
- do certain grammar exercises everyday
- speak with s/o in the target language everyday for X number of minutes
But now we hit on THE POINT.
Do any of the above actions 3 fulfil the criteria of Active, Performance-based and Sustainable?
No, they don't...not all 3 criteria, and not automatically.
So what can we do?
Join us on today's podcast to hear about my story and how it led to a revelation in language learning which, when I put it into practice, changed my life.
I look forward to the privilege of your time.
Yours in Learning,
Norman
Dear Listener,
Massive, heroic victories come about as a result of enormous amounts of un-heroically plodding along...showing up and imperfectly getting it done ON A REGULAR BASIS.
Let's create spaces in our day when we can be creative and/or learn. For the purposes of this season, it has to do with learning, for the most part.
Authentic learning where concrete performance results are concerned is a constant exercise of do, fail, adjust, do, succeed, learn...do it all over again.
As the great Tom Peters says: "Fail faster, succeed sooner." Effort - failure - adjustment - effort - learning. Wash, rinse, repeat. You must do this often enough so that a critical mass builds up, of the 4, and you push yourself to the other side of autonomy in communication. But you must repeat, repeat, repeat...consistently. That's where personal efficiency comes in.
What do we mean by Efficient?
Join us as we explore this and other concepts to help us overcome our own barriers and obstacles to mastering our target language!
Yours in learning,
Norman
Dear Listener,
Let's be careful not to confuse what feels comfortable with what "works", is effective or better produces the results we are seeking.
A person can feel comfortable getting very inferior results.
Why then, do they continue doing it?
In many ways we are the product of our educational system - and some or many aspects of them may have nothing to do with effective learning.
There are many ways to learn to communicate effectively in a target language, and the beauty is that this is one of the areas of education, at any level, where an individual can, in fact, actively follow what might work better for them, even if it may not be as "academic" as they are used to.
What are some of the variables we need to take into consideration in order to better know ourselves as bona fide learners? Join us and find out!
Yours in learning,
Norman
Dear Listener,
Every type of transformation takes time. This goes for the negative as well as the positive transformations. And these time periods are known as gestation periods.
Each of your language communication goals has a gestation or incubation period. It will take a set period of time for the thought energy in the form of an idea to be transformed into concrete results - another form of energy. The daunting challenge is that we simply do not know how long that might take. Listen in as we take a look at strategies to help us better leverage this magnificent principle which, if properly understood, can lead us to all the splendour we look for in our lives, including in our language learning projects. Just as, if not even more importantly, this may also lead us to a greater sense of peace and well-being.
Thanks for listening!
Yours in learning,
Norman
Dear Listener,
Welcome to our renamed podcast: We Go 4 It!
It's been said that every effect has a cause, and if we wish to control the effects (ie. the outcomes or results), we're going to have to focus on the one thing we CAN control, which is our causes. In the classic sense of "Sowing and Reaping", we'll take care of the sowing (planting) and nurturing, and the reaping will eventually happen.
Within the context of our language communication goals and objectives, what are the effects we wish to engender, and how can we be more efficient and effective in engendering said desired effects?
In this context, our Causes are qualitative and quantitative in nature. What will we be thinking about while we are engaged in activating said Causes? Hopefully we will be present and thinking just about what we are engaged in doing at that moment. This requires focus, which we are fully capable of doing by our nature.
If we want to be able to DO/COMMUNICATE something particular in the target language, what are we going to need to KNOW? How often and for how long are we going to need to practice? How are we going to practice? How are we going to evaluate progress?
Focusing on Causes gives us something concrete to hang onto when we are traversing the occasional "bad days", which are part and parcel of the natural rhythms of day to day living. You cannot control all the variables around you, but you CAN control your Causes...what you are thinking and doing to move a bit closer towards your goal on a regular basis. That Power always resides within you at your beck and call waiting to be utilized. Let's embrace it and soar to whichever heights you have fixed your eye on!
Yours in learning,
Norman
Dear Listener,
A clear understanding of the Law of Rhythm is essential if we are to act consistently when pursuing our most cherished goals and objectives - the "Must Haves" I call them.
Not only is it important to understand how the Law of Rhythm works in general, but we must also become familiar and respect our own natural rhythms. When it comes to learning a new language, for example, it might be a good idea to have clear answers to the following questions:
When do I learn best?
When am I best able to focus?
When am I most relaxed and open mentally?
Where the ebb and flow external to yourself is concerned, an understanding of the Law of Rhythm will give you something to hang onto when deep within your campaign of "showing up" on a consistent basis. For it is consistency of right action that is a principal element in succeeding at whatever project you have set your sights on, regardless of external cycles.
Not everyday will be a great, or even good, performance day, but muddling through at times in order to maintain consistency of action is better than stopping altogether just because you feel you are not at your best. Rarely is it the perfect time to get anything meaningful done. It only looks that way in retrospect.
So treat yourself well by understanding your own unique performance rhythms and applying a couple of simple strategies to acknowledge external rhythms without being controlled by them.
It is, after all, YOUR choice.
Yours in learning,
Norman
Dear Listener,
For every problem, there is a solution. For every question, there is an answer. For the purposes of learning a 2nd language, we want to look through to the other side of our challenges in order to engage in pragmatic, non-dramatic identification of viable solutions that help us move steadily towards our objectives.
In this podcast we are going to take a look at the Law of Polarity (The Law of Opposites), and discover how it can help us solve some of our more intractable language learning problems. Some of these may be of the "existential" variety to the point that if left unresolved, they may force us to abandon our learning project altogether.
Here are just a few of the more common and pernicious ones:
"I'm too old."
"I've never learned a foreign language before."
"I have nobody to practice with. I have no opportunities to practice."
"I don't have time to practice everyday, to be consistent enough with my homework assignments, etc"
We'll also listen to my story as I explain how I learned Spanish for the first time at the age of 15, the particular obstacles in my way, and how I overcame them to become fluent. The same approach I then used to learn French 20 years later.
You never know, the next 15 minutes may very well hold the key you've been looking for.
Email me with your comments and your own stories. I look forward to hearing from you!
Yours in learning,
Norman
Learning another language is a masterclass in change. Change which can potentially take place on numerous levels. At its most fundamental, authentic change takes place at the level of one's vibration. Understanding this can serve to motivate us to engage in learning practices which will methodically and consistently affect our vibration as regards whichever language we are seeking to master. Understanding what "practice" is and engaging in this certain kind of practice will move you quickly towards becoming the person who will actually do it - who will communicate more effectively - and you become that person in vibration! At that point your gains become permanent - that is, an integral part of you. What a compelling proposal!
Don't compete. Create! But if you have to compete, make sure it's a fair fight. Here's one way to do it!
The Law of Perpetual Transmutation
Main points:
This particular law can form the foundation of belief, faith and eventually a powerful, compelling and irresistible expectation.
Watch and guard your thoughts about you, your goals and your relationship to them (the relationship with yourself and with your goals)
The power of mental practice of a language - thinking regularly and consistently in the target language
The nature of doubt and the critical importance of its complete and utter destruction. Even a little bit destroys "the organism" . How wholeheartedly and fully embracing the Law of Perpetual Transmutation will eliminate the tendency to doubt - nip it in the bud before it has a chance to flower.
This also makes a strong case for regular meditation and image building and dwelling (in). The more often and more intensely you "live" in your desired reality, the faster it will come to you.
What are the elements which, if properly blended together, can lead you to the achievement of your goals and aspirations?
Honesty
Love
A clear and compelling overriding goal or objective
Short-term, sign-post goals
An action-bias
Laser-like focus
Consistent, steady, effective actions
Belief - Faith - Knowledge
Expectation
Flexibility tempered with Tenacity
Pragmatic, strategic thinking
Gratitude in all things
Courage
Good practice habits
In what ways does learning a new language change us? Do we fundamentally become someone different?
What exactly is CONFIDENCE?
How do we know we are sincerely confident? How do we know we're being honest with ourselves, and not just posturing? how do we prevent ourselves from descending the rabbit hole of endlessly searching for, waiting on that elusive "Confidence" ?
What is required for someone to transition to "confident"?
What does CONFIDENCE mean to YOU?
Let's define what we mean by "practice"
Can we practice thinking? And if so, how do we do it?
By extension, can we practice thinking in our target language? And if so, how can we do it?
The grand contradiction(?): You must cede control to obtain eventual power...REAL POWER. What does this mean to you?
How do we know we're using the right strategy to achieve our language learning objectives? How can we know if we're devoting our efforts to the right kind of activity and not merely spinning our wheels? How can we find this out? 30 years of experience have taught me that the only way to deeply and completely learn a language is to communicate in it. What do you think? What have your experiences to say about it?
What do we mean by Meaningfulness? How can our understanding of Meaningfulness help trigger and sustain our Motivation and positively impact our language learning project, and just about any other objective we are actively pursuing?
Why do we learn a 2nd or a 3rd language? What do our reasons have to do with what is defined as EDUCATION? And what role does the Action Bias play in all this?
Join us as we answer these questions and discuss what is known as the Activity Breakdown, and how it can help us to "find ourselves" in the language we are learning.
See you all soon!
What do we need to consider when breaking down a large, overriding, never before attempted objective into its most effective component parts or sub-objectives? What are some key questions we should be asking ourselves? How can we make the methodical, goal-achieving process work for us and what can this process teach us about ourselves?
How can we use the adult language learning process to develop our own blueprint for achievement? What are the parallels between 2nd language learning and personal growth in general?
Join us as we take a look at the possibilities of a life of achievement and fulfilment and the parallels drawn between learning a 2nd language and goal achievement in general. In this first episode, we'll set the groundwork for the subsequent episodes by reflecting on the answer to the question: How can successfully learning a 2nd or a 3rd language serve as a blueprint for future achievement in all other areas of our lives?