The Happiness Hunter Podcast: Recent Episodes
Fiona Redding
This show will inspire you with practical strategies, tools and insights on how to shift your mindset and achieve life integration: to show up fully in every area of your life, today.
My mission in life is to share everything I have learned – and am continuing to learn – about turning my own life around and to really help you understand that happiness is to be found in the overcoming of obstacles and challenges in your life, and not in the absence of them.
To achieve your potential in life, you need to become your potential. And for that to be, you need to understand yourself, and learn how to harness your strengths and overcome your weaknesses.
You have the power within you to create whatever reality you choose, and I am here to help you know that if you don’t like what you are experiencing, then you can absolutely change that.
But you do have to choose, believe, and be open to all possibilities, and to keep showing up every day, even when it feels really hard.
Because if you do what is easy, your life will be hard. But if you do what is hard, then your life will be easy.
Most of the time we completely overcomplicate things because we either don't have a clear vision or mission, or we have lost our connection with it.
This lack of focus creates a state of overwhelm, doubt and uncertainty as we stumble around in the weeds trying to figure out our next move, trying to make sense of all of the options and choices we feel like we have, trying to make sense of the chaos.
This idea of keeping things simple, by remembering our why, remembering our purpose, remembering why we started in the first place. It opens things up. It creates the space for clarity, confidence and certainty, trusting that whatever move we make is the right one, because all of our decisions and actions are connected to a bigger aim. It keeps it simple.
Keeping things simple does not mean that things are not challenging or hard. Keeping things simple means that we don't get stuck in the obstacles and challenges, if we even create them in the first place.
In this episode, I'm sharing the back story of The Happiness Hunter, and how when I'm focused on my mission, everything becomes simple.
Napoleon Hill said that every misfortune has within it the seed of an equal or greater opportunity.
Opportunities don't always look like we might expect them to, and sometimes when we don't get what we think we want, we are really getting what we need. This can sometimes feel very painful.
But really, who gets to say that something is good, and who gets to say that something is bad? We are never in the position of being able to judge something, because we actually never have the full and complete picture.
In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a story about more than one opportunity ending up on the cutting room floor, which at the time was brutal. But what that experience opened up for me instead. And spoiler alert - it's the reason why I was able to finally get out of my own way and launch this podcast.
A brand is like an identity - an intangible marketing or business concept that characterises a company, product, or individual. A brand is not a logo, slogan or colour palette. These are the tools that help promote the brand.
YOU are your brand, and a strong brand is very clear on it's mission and values.
There is not much of a gap between a personal and professional brand, but it's helpful to think about you as a brand from both perspectives, especially as it is almost impossible to distinguish between your personal and professional brand in your digital footprint.
In this episode of the podcast, we explore the concept of "you as a brand" aligned with your personal and professional goals, as well as your core values.
- Knowing who you are and the value you bring to the table
- Finding your voice and platform
- Establishing your expertise
- Creating your brand image and how you show up
Have you ever felt powerless in a situation, or like you are giving away your power? Or perhaps you may have felt like you were exerting too much power, causing someone else to feel uncomfortable?
I think it’s fair to say that we all want to become more aware of the impacts of our behaviour, to have better relationships, to communicate more effectively and to understand without assuming.
In this episode of the podcast, you'll gain:
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a clear picture of the passive - assertive - aggressive spectrum
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understanding the different communication styles, and where you sit
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a greater understanding of your role - within any communication setting
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insight into the positive and negative character traits of masculine and feminine energy (which has nothing to do with gender)
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some tools and strategies to present yourself, to "read" the communication style and communicate and respond effectively
You'll have an opportunity to reflect on where you sit on the passive-assertive-aggressive spectrum, and what you can do to become more empowered in your behaviour.
Today's episode is about jealousy, and how when we are honest with ourselves about feeling jealous, we can harness this emotion as a motivational force.
Our emotions are always speaking to us, trying to tell us something.
Unfortunately, we often deny them. Squash them down. Or, we let them take over.
We get negatively consumed by them without the positive benefit of understanding what they are showing us about who we are, who we would like to be, what we would live to do, what we would like to have.
When we become aware of our emotional state, we can try and understand what our emotions are saying. When we can name them and feel them without getting stuck in them and being controlled by them - we will discover things about ourselves that we did not know before.
If you have ever felt jealous about someone or something (I know I have!) then have a listen to this episode and discover what your jealousy might be trying to tell you.
The term Imposter Syndrome was first coined in the 1970's by a University psychology professor called Pauline Rose Clance who noticed something was going on with the women in her class.
For the most part, the women she was observing had what she considered everything going for them - they had come from well educated and successful families, grew up in nice neighbourhoods, were healthy, financially secure and had access to every opportunity, and had a proven track record of success and academic achievement.
The Imposter Syndrome refers to high achieving individuals who are marked by an inability to internalise their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, and it is very, very common - and not just with women.
In this episode you'll discover:
- what it is
- how it presents itself
- the five different types of imposter
- how to address and overcome it
To become a goal getter, you need to learn how to set and achieve goals.
The brilliant thing about becoming a goal getter is not ultimately what you get at the end - although that is a wonderful bonus. The real prize to becoming a person who achieves their goals, is meeting the person you become along the way.
In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn the five reasons why goals die a death on the boulevard of broken dreams, and what you can do to make sure your dreams become your reality.
Enjoy this episode.
When we are waiting for perfection, or expecting perfection - for us to be perfect, for things to be perfect, for conditions to be perfect - we are going to be waiting for a very long time, because "perfect" in that sense, it doesn't really exist.
The best place to start, is here. The best time to start, is now. The best time to pick yourself up and dust yourself off, and to take the lesson - is now. And if you've had an idea planted in your heart, then you are the person to be doing it.
Whether you feel like you are ready or perfect, or not.
Because an idea, without execution, it is nothing. It is just an idea.
And how will you become the person who can do it, if you don't start doing it? How will you know it was the right or wrong thing to do if you don't get out of your head and into the field of play?
Accepting that within the very messy progress, lies the true perfection.
The way we learn and grow in life is through our experiences, through our mistakes, through what we perceive as our failures.
What if the the only real failure lies in never starting, or in giving up before it's done - because of a fear of imperfection?
If done is better than perfect (because what is perfect anyway, who says, who gets to determine that??) what can you let yourself off the perfection hook about, and give yourself permission to dive in and simply give it your best?
Why am I using a red pen? Wouldn't a green pen be nicer?
Writing a book - indeed any creative pursuit or the making of something that didn't exist before - is about doing, creating, building, action.
But to come to its full glory, it also needs nurturing and gentleness and love. If we have made something, created something, if we have planted a seed, then we need to love it and care for it and look after it.
We don't want to destroy it, especially when it is little. It needs time to grow.
It needs space to evolve. It needs lifting up. All things need balance to become.
In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a very powerful question you can ask yourself when you are in the process of creation.
To question (not doubt, or second guess) the energy behind your action, and to think about the balance you are bringing to your work.
And to have a new reference point for yourself - should I be using a red pen here, or would a green pen be better?
It Is Possible was published in 2023. You can get a paperback copy through Amazon or listen as an audio on Audible here
Today's episode is for you to have an opportunity to reflect on and remember why you started.
... and where you are now in relation to that decision.
Nearly 10 years ago, I made a life-altering decision that I just wanted to be happy.
And not long after that, that I just wanted to share what I was learning and discovering with other people.
And over the course of the last ten years, I've hit many challenges, gone the wrong way, got very lost, gone round in circles... yet lots of things have also been done well too.
But every time I get off track, I can go back to why I started, and this helps me refocus and regroup and get back on track.
Do you know why you started? Or do you feel like you are still waiting?
Some questions for you to consider:
Who am I?
What am I here to do?
What is my purpose?
Why is it important to me?
What are my strengths?
What lights me up?
What do I have to contribute to the world that I am meant to contribute?
How is what I am doing now reflecting that?
Remembering why we started. It can be challenging, but it's always worth it.
I’ve actually been quite stressed the last couple of weeks, more stressed than I have been for a long time, and this is what helped.
Being honest with myself (and others) that I was stressed, not pretending everything was ok
Taking responsibility for my behaviour
Working out my priorities and eliminating everything else
Meditating more
Walking more
Making a plan and then taking laser focused and targeted action, completely bypassing the thinking in my head
Meeting myself with compassion and forgiving myself
Sharing it here with you 💚
Fiona xxx
The quality of our base - or our foundation - is going to be reflected back to us in everything that we experience in our life. To achieve the outcome we want to achieve, in anything, there are always going to be a number of steps that we need to take.
Those steps need to be taken in an order, to build on each other to help us get to where we want to be.
The quality of our foundation and the strength of the steps we take on top of that foundation, will determine how successful we are at achieving our goals.
In this episode of the podcast, you'll have an opportunity to consider how the creation of a solid foundation will help you achieve your goals, and you'll also have a chance to think about how you might need to change to help you get there.
Large organisations have vision and mission statements as a reminder to the public and staff as to their operating principles and values.
Sports teams, schools and religious groups have a code of conduct as their reference point.
What these creeds and mission statements do is a reminder of how they operate in their best version.
They are aligned with their identity and how they show up.
Therefore it makes perfect sense for us to have our own.
The Happiness Hunter’s Creed is a reminder of how we show up as our best and highest version - individually and as a collective.
The power of this is being able to refer to it when feeling stuck, or “less than”, and asking yourself as you work through each point - “am I being this”?
"When I step into the vision of me as the best version of myself, the creed is how I think and operate. There are days where we can forget to check in and we operate and show up at less than ideal energy or attitude. By reading, connecting and reminding myself of this creed, it instantly lifts the standard of how I am showing up. And on those days and times when I feel some resistance to stepping into this fully, I hand write the creed into my journal and read it out loud, and repeat this until I feel myself wholly embrace it".
When you set a goal, do you name it and claim it?
Or do you set a goal and then sort of hope that maybe it might happen, but you are not really holding your breath?
Or - even better - do you stop yourself from even setting a goal in the first place, because it just brings up too much stuff?
In this episode of the podcast, you are going to have an opportunity to name your goal, and to claim your goal.
To allow yourself to go there, to allow yourself to dream, to allow yourself to fully own the deepest desires of your heart.
To stake your claim on it as already being yours.
And then I'll share with you an affirmation and a couple of simple techniques to help you shift your belief system, and to step into the realm of possibility: to believe it is possible, wherever you are right now in relation to that goal.
Are you wondering why you aren't seeing the results you'd like to be seeing in your life?
Have you just resigned yourself to this being it, that there is no point to trying anymore?
Or are you frustrated because despite all your very best efforts, nothing seems to be shifting in the way you would like?
Do you have a plan for success?
Or are you just winging it, not really aiming for anything concrete? But please - no more of the same?
Beginning with the critical - but very often overlooked - first and second steps, in this episode of the podcast, I'll step you through the process you need to put in place to create the change you want to see in your life.
Gratitude is so powerful because it shapes the way we see and experience the world: what we focus on expands.
So the more we appreciate, the more we have to appreciate.
We tend to say thank you for things we have already received.
Affirmations are powerful in that they help guide our thinking and help us to get clear on and focus on what we want.
Combined, they are even more powerful. I like to think of them as gratitude affirmations.
In this episode of the podcast, you can practice saying thank you in advance, with gratitude for that which you are intending, knowing it’s already a done deal.
Imagine if your mind was the internet, your questions were a google search, and you were the one typing the question into the search bar.
How do you formulate that question?
You take some time to think about what you want to know, you take some time to word it in the way that you think will deliver the most beneficial answer.
We know google is going to go searching all over the internet for the answer to that specific question asked - that is it's job after all - so we make sure we word the question in the right way to make sure we get the best possible answer possible.
We are not going to ask a question that we don't want the answer to.
The wrong question is still going to come back with the right answer to that question. It's just going to be the answer we don't want.
But if you ask the right questions, then you are going to get the right answer.
If you imagine your mind was the internet, just like google - ready and waiting to answer whatever question you ask, could you be asking yourself better questions, to make sure you get better answers?
Recently, I wrote a Memo to The Universal Marketing and Publicity Departments, handing over the creation of the marketing and publicity strategy for my new book, It Is Possible.
The way we create a life beyond our present reality is to get clear about what it is that we want, and then put it out there by taking action, and taking this action in faith. Believing before we can see.
So much of the stuff that that we do here in The Happiness Hunter is really about getting super clear about what it is that we want, and then putting it out there and taking action as if it is reality.
We need to get really clear about what we want and what we're asking for. We need to feel comfortable and not scared of asking for that. And then we have to be open to the guidance that comes in along the way. And then we need to take action on it.
It's a really simple formula.
This episode outlines the back story behind me writing this memo, but also shares a conversation it opened up with Jane Turner of Write with Jane, on her Youtube show - Conversations with Jane.
Imagine if your biggest weakness could become your greatest strength?
"Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit" - Napoleon Hill.
When we gain awareness of our weaknesses, when they have been exposed and highlighted, we have an opportunity to choose to change.
We have an opportunity to learn how to become strong in those areas we have identified as weak.
We have an opportunity to use our obstacles and challenges to grow and become stronger, and the steps that we take to overcome our shortcomings mean that we become better than we were before, not just where we were weak, but that strength lifts us in all of the other areas of our lives too.
How much time do you spend thinking about it, talking about it, worrying about it, procrastinating on doing it, beating up on yourself that you haven't done it yet, doubting whether you should do it, questioning the best way to do it?
Rather than just simply, doing it.
Outcomes are achieved and things get done when we get out of our heads and into the field of play. With no excuses.
Not thinking about doing it. Just doing it.
And then it’s done, and you’ve reclaimed all the mental space that not doing it was consuming.
You will feel amazing. You’ve proven to yourself what you can achieve, which builds trust with yourself, increases your confidence and helps you realise even better results.
Imagine what you could achieve if you got clear on what you wanted, you set yourself a goal, made a plan and then got it done.
What is possible for you, if you just got out of your own way, and did it?
One of the most significant pieces of advice I picked up when I first started my business was this - stay in your lane.
Staying in your lane basically means to focus on what you are doing; that the lane you are in, is the lane you are in.
The lane somebody else is in, is the lane they are in.
Our job is to know our own lane and not to drift into each others' lanes.
We can run alongside each other, inspire each other, challenge each other, lift and support each other.
But my race is my race, and your race is your race.
We each bring our own set of what makes each of us, us, to our own race.
We cannot BE each other.
Similarly, looking at what someone else is doing and being jealous or envious of them, mad at them, comparing yourself in a positive or negative light.
It actually has no bearing at all on your race and the lane you are in.
When you are looking around you, beside you, behind you all the time. All it does is stop you moving forward. When we know our lane, and stay in it, we can focus on being the best we can possibly be, and bringing the best of ourselves to our own race, without losing ourselves and wasting our time and energy to a lane we don't belong to.
In a nutshell, self-esteem is your opinion of yourself and your abilities. It is the determining factor in your happiness and success.
It includes:
- the judgement we pass on ourselves,
- a feeling of personal competence,
- a feeling of personal worth,
- a high level of intellectual self trust and
- a strong sense that it is okay and desirable to be happy in life.
According to Nathaniel Brandon, author of the Book How to raise your self-esteem, it is the sum of self-confidence and self respect.
In this episode of the podcast you'll discover:
- what self-esteem is (high, low, average and how we can fluctuate)
- self-confidence and self-respect
- how low self-esteem shows up
- the impacts of low self-esteem
- how to boost your self-esteem
- your next steps
I shared the other day, a post about faith. About my faith, and what it means to me. I know that this post reached a lot of people – more than most of the things that I share does. Which indicates to me that a lot of people clicked on this post, and read it. Even if they didn’t “like” it, or comment on it or share it. They read it. You may have been one of these people.
Faith is not a topic that we talk about much. It is often something that we keep hidden or keep to ourselves – for fear oftentimes. Fear of being judged, fear of being laughed at, fear of being ridiculed or challenged.
But for me, there can be no denying the profound impact that my faith in a higher power, in something beyond me, has had in my life. Prayer provides the channel for connection with that something greater, beyond the limits of our thinking minds.
I talk about so many tools that we can use to create really meaningful, sustainable change in our lives – practices like meditation, walking, journalling, visualising, goal setting, daily tracking, drinking water, connection with people and being part of a community…the list goes on.
But I don’t often talk about faith. About prayer. About letting go and trust and surrender. About admitting that we need help, that we can’t / don’t want to do it on our own. Prayer involves a deep humility. It can satisfy our desires, our yearnings, it can fill the deep empty hole of purposelessness.
About how when we pray, we are intentionally connecting with that higher power. We are sharing ourselves. We are asking that power to go to work in our lives, to help carry the load, to strengthen us, to heal, to help us, and in the lives of people we are praying for, in the lives of others.
Over the years I have at times in my life shared a prayer publicly. This has generally been during times of deep challenge or crisis in my life. It has brought me great peace to share, and I know that it has brought peace to those of you who have joined me. But I have also felt that perhaps I was over stepping the mark. That it might upset people, or cause a reaction and I would have to deal with the fall out from that.
And to be honest, I didn’t know if I was strong enough for that.
But now. I am.
Our faith is deeply personal. We don’t get extra points for making a big deal about it.
But when we prayer together, we all deepen our connection.
And as I shared the other day. My faith is a beacon of light, of hope, of encouragement, of understanding, of compassion, of forgiveness, of unconditional love.
And I know how much people are struggling at the moment. And I know this can help.
So, if I talk about walking, and encourage you to go for a walk. You can pick that up and run (or walk lol) with it, or you can just leave it be. When I talk about journalling, and encourage you to journal. You can pick that up, and run (or write) with it, or you can leave it be. The same with sharing a prayer. If you want to join me, please, feel free. But if not, then you can leave it be, as well.
But my work here is to share what I know helps. To share the tools and practices that are good to do, that help transform us from the inside out. I’ve always shared that meditation is the key to transforming our selves and our lives. But I’ve not shared to the same degree that prayer is one of the most powerful tools I have come across.And from this moment forth, this changes.
Prayer gives us something. And it needs to be experienced to be understood. You can’t understand it first. It’s beyond our understanding. We need to believe, first. And when we do. When we can believe first. Then miracles can truly come to work in our lives, and those of the ones we love and care about.
So here is a prayer I would like to share with you today, and if you want to join me, please do. This prayer was shared with me during a time in my life when I just didn’t know how I could go on. But, I did. Strengthened.
Prayer for when I am feeling lost
Lord, I reach out to you for your guidance. Please show me which way to turn. Calm my anxious thoughts, come speak into my mind. Strengthen me as I falter and feel weary. May I feel strength rising up within my heart. Bring clarity into my visions and dreams. I trust that you are with me, no matter where I go, Or what I decide to do. You journey with me always. Amen.
Love always,
Fiona xxx
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How aware are you of the words that you speak?
What comes out of our mouth, often tells us a lot about what is going on inside.
What comes out of our mouth will also let us know a lot about what we can expect to happen.
What comes out of our mouth has the power to shape the future. We need to learn how to use our words wisely.
Learning to tune in to the words we say, as we are speaking them, will help us to become more aware of what we think and believe, and when we are really tuned in, we will come to understand when what we say no longer serves us - and we can learn to think and then speak things differently.
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It is only through acceptance that things can change.
If we are resisting, rejecting, denying who we currently are, where we currently are, how we are – then we are going to stay stuck where we are.
When we can surrender to what is, that where I am now is where I am now and where I am now is perfect. To accept that for you to change, for things to change, for you to experience yourself differently, you have to accept yourself right now, just as you are.
Right now, just as you are, with all of your flaws, weaknesses, disappointments, all the hurt, the anger, the blame.
The first step is an awareness of what is right now, and then an acceptance of it. The change cannot come without the acceptance.
If you are perfect and worthy enough, right now, if you can completely accept yourself right now, just as you are, then it is perfectly ok to own and admit where you are and how you are struggling.
And through that acceptance, comes a surrender. And through this surrender to the present moment is how you move through it, accepting yourself the whole way.
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Let’s be honest. No-one really likes getting out of bed in the morning.
But getting up early, intentionally, with the right attitude, sets your day up on the right trajectory.
Pressing snooze for half an hour in the morning is not going to make you less tired, in fact, it is probably going to make you feel even worse.
There is a space in the morning that does not appear at any other point in the day.
There is a level of self-discipline that is involved in getting out of bed in the morning, earlier than what you are now. But this self-discipline creates space, and time and freedom. It also builds something within you.
Taking charge of your mornings – in the first decision of the day – is how you take charge of your life.
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Today's episode marks three years since The Happiness Hunter podcast was first released. And so it felt like a good thing to do to create the space in this episode for you to have an opportunity to reflect on and remember why you started.
... and where you are now in relation to that decision.
Nearly 10 years ago, I made a life-altering decision that I just wanted to be happy. And not long after that, that I just wanted to share what I was learning and discovering with other people. And the over the course of the last ten years, I've hit many challenges, gone the wrong way, got very lost, gone round in circles... yet lots of things have also been done well too.
But every time I get off track, I can go back to why I started, and this helps me refocus and regroup and get back on track.
Do you know why you started? Or do you feel like you are still waiting?
Some questions for you to consider:
- Who am I?
- What am I here to do?
- What is my purpose?
- Why is it important to me?
- What are my strengths?
- What lights me up?
- What do I have to contribute to the world that I am meant to contribute?
- How is what I am doing now reflecting that?
Remembering why we started.
It can be challenging, but it's always worth it.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It is so important that we take (read: make) the time for some quiet, healthy, honest self-reflection.
Otherwise we just meander through life, the years pass by... and then we wonder where all that time went, and nothing much has really changed.
Taking (making) the time to reflect can be deeply uncomfortable, and very challenging. But if we don't, then we deny ourselves the opportunity for something more; we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to grow.
And, by they way, this time doesn't magically appear.
We have to create the space for it.
Some questions for you to consider:
- Do you know what you want?
- Do you know why it is important to you?
- Do you know how to make it happen?
- Do you understand why it isn't yet?
And if you are struggling to answer any of these - send me a message.
Fiona xxx
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Most of our stress and overwhelm comes from too much busy in our head, too many choices, too many decisions- and lots of flapping, huffing and puffing (shallow breathing, not enough oxygen to our brain) and spinning our wheels with all the stuff we have to do RIGHT NOW.
In this episode of the podcast, you'll discover a simple strategy to help you get out of overwhelm and trying to do all the things (and probably not doing any of them well - if at all).
We get things done best when we are present and focusing on one thing at a time. Focusing solely on the task at hand, before moving on to the next thing.
What is the thing that will move the needle for you right now in the most meaningful way? Work out what that is. And then go do it.
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If you weren't your story, who would you be?
Who are we, if we are not the story?
How is that story relevant to today and the life we want to be experiencing?
How does telling that story match up with the new story we are writing for our life?
Pretty much, I can guarantee it doesn't.
But it's an old, familiar story, and we are comfortable telling it.
When we hold on to that story, constantly identifying with the self of old... breathing life into that story every time we remember it, every time we tell it, every time we emotionally connect with it.
How that keeps us stuck in the old story.
Even as we are trying to move forward.
We need to let go of the story.
We need to let go of all the stories we have around the story.
It's time to start telling the new story, and only telling that one. With a nod and a wave to the story of old, but that's it.
Sure, the old story is what got us to here.
But when we keep telling it?
We keep the story alive here.
Let's start telling all the new stories.
Being willing to let go.
To become.
Make sure you listen to this week's episode and see what comes up for you!
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If you think about an area of your life you are struggling with at the moment - chances are you are struggling because your behaviour in relation to that area does not reflect your values.
The challenge we mostly face with this is that we are either:
a) not clear on our values or
b) are not living our values (consistently) through our behaviour (eg do as I say, not as I do- in other words our actions do not reflect what we say is important)
Following on from the recent episode with Dr John Demartini on Honouring Your Core Values, in this episode of the podcast we are going to be talking about how you can get clear on your values and understand the behaviours that align with them, to help you see your way through your struggle.
Get clear on your values (what you have determined is important). And understand what that means in terms of your action (in actually living your values).
And from that place of alignment, you can begin to turn the ship around.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As Marcus Aurelius put it: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
Too often we don't take action, because we are scared it will be messy. We don't start, because we are worried that the action we are going to take is not perfect.
But what we want to do instead is begin to embrace the mess and the imperfection, understanding that whatever we do is perfect in its imperfection, and it is in our messy, imperfect action that we learn to overcome the obstacles standing in our way.
In fact, it is the only way.
It’s messy at the beginning and in the middle and sometimes at the end, and that is perfectly okay.
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In today's episode of the podcast, you'll get to hear from human behavioural specialist and founder of The Demartini Institute, Dr John Demartini. Having authored over 50 books (and counting), over the last 40 years he has worked across the globe assisting and guiding individuals and groups to greater levels of achievement, fulfillment, and empowerment in all areas of their lives.
We cover a huge amount of ground in this episode, and you'll have many opportunities to reflect on how your life is demonstrating your values - and gain some key insights into how you can make your life your masterpiece.
Some of the things we discuss, include:
- Determining your values and hierarchy of values
- Making decisions and priorities based on your values
- The Values Determination Process
- How money circulates in the economy
- Determining the difference between assets and consumables that depreciate in value
- The seven different types of wealth
- Self-depreciation as a feedback system
- Why the mind is our greatest treasure
- Prioritising action and prioritising perception
- Setting goals to master each of the areas of our lives
- Delegation
- Uncovering your creative genius
- Taking on challenges that inspire you
- The principle of reflection
- How being too proud or too humble prevents us from knowing and loving ourselves and others
- Creating sustainable fair exchange in everything
- Contrast and perception
- The power of reading and how to choose what to read
- Visualisation to activate priorities
- Getting clear on what you want, setting goals and being open to opportunities
- Your life as a masterpiece
- Measuring and tracking your achievements
- Why we need a vital and enthusiastic energy
- Habits and routines
- How having a true north reduces volatility in life
- Keeping a gratitude record to document opportunities
- Giving yourself permission to acknowledge what you set out and did
May you know yourself, and may you be yourself.
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Sleep deprivation is real, and is caused by a consistent lack of sleep or reduced quality of sleep.
Our body needs sleep; just like we need air, food, water and movement to function at our best. During sleep our body rests and heals itself, and chemical imbalances are restored.
Without enough sleep, our brain and body systems do not function properly. It is no accident that sleep deprivation is actually used as a form of torture as it is one of the quickest ways to break a person down mentally and emotionally.
It is estimated that somewhere around 70% of people are sleep deprived.
Chances are, that you are one of them!
If we want to improve our health, wellbeing, happiness, relationships and productivity, one of the first places to start is in making sure we are getting enough sleep.
There are two aspects to consider sleep from:
Sleep quantity and sleep quality.
In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn the immediate steps you can take to help you get enough sleep, to build in better habits and to improve the quality of sleep, through the lens of sleep hygiene.
Sleep well!
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On Sunday I got back from a two-week trip to Palm Cove, where I went for a workshop with the amazing International College of Meditation & Healing. I also took my kids with me too. It was an incredible experience and I’ve got lots to share about it. About priorities, rest, burn-out, grounding, boundaries and much much more.
I basically took two weeks off work, pretty much completely switched off. And I don’t think I have ever done that since I started my business in 2013.
In today's episode of the podcast, I am reflecting (in real time) the process of working through my challenges with understanding my boundaries and how to run and grow a business that is focused on service, that is in alignment with my values and who I am, but that also serves me and my family.
It's something that I am sure you can relate to, and I really encourage you to listen in.
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Creating the right environment and doing the right things at the right time. For us to succeed in our endeavours in life, we need to be practiced and we need to be prepared.
Often, we do things thinking we are doing the right thing, preparing ourselves for what is coming up - and in a sense we are. The action is right, but the timing is not.
We often miss this nuance. We do things, which are the right things to do, but it is not at the best time to maximise the outcomes.
In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a really simple example of how thinking we are doing the right thing, but not being fully across the conditions for which we are doing that thing, can sabotage our success.
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Recently, I completed my first half-marathon.
It was a goal I set at the start of the year, a goal that supported my bigger vision for my life - that is, to be the fittest, healthiest and happiest I have ever been.
Over the last few months, I have had to overcome a few challenges; with physical weaknesses being exposed and having to be corrected, with fatigue, with looking at my nutrition, vitamins and supplements, managing my time, and also becoming aware of patterns of self-sabotage (and catching them before they went too far!).
It has been a worthy goal to pursue, and I learned a great deal about myself in the process. It was a great example of something I talk about a lot - that goal setting is not about the actual achievement of the goal itself - rather, it's who we had to become along the way to become the person for whom it is possible.
Running has never been something that has come naturally to me, and it has only been since my late 30's that I ever even had a go at it. But over the last few years, it has been something that I have been more and more drawn to. I walk a lot, and the running isn't to replace the walking, for me they are two very different activities that each provide something unique.
In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing with you the behind the scenes of the process of the last few months. And while I am talking about it in the context of the half-marathon goal, the lessons and insights are universal.
It was such a fantastic experience, I loved it all, even the really hard bits. I am very grateful for the experience and I hope that you gain something really worthwhile from listening to this episode.
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Please join me to celebrate the 150th episode of The Happiness Hunter Podcast!
In this episode I'm reflecting on the experience of bringing this podcast to life every single week for nearly three years; through a global pandemic, pivoting the business, moving home three (!!!) times, lockdowns, home-schooling and many, many 4am starts to get it published to deadline.
Creating anything of any substance or meaning takes time and requires effort. There are no shortcuts.
When we play the long game, we set an intention, get clear on our vision. And then we just show up and take consistent action - no matter what - until our vision is realised.
If we are only motivated by external measures of success, then we will never succeed at the long game.
The rewards for playing the long game are many, but mostly they are not external - certainly not in the beginning.
As you go along playing the long game, you realise that the real reward tends to be more intrinsic - developing self esteem, confidence, self-belief, trust, patience.
Being willing to stick at things when the shine has worn off and you are just plugging away, requires determination.
Yet these are things that no-one can take from you. Once they are developed, they belong to you.
And that is the real prize. To become the person for whom it is possible.
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The Happiness Quotient or HQ is based on The Seven Elements Framework for Life Integration, which underpins a lot of the work that we do in The Happiness Hunter. The framework was initially developed in 2013, with a friend of mine, Paul O’Brien.
Since that time Paul and I have both gone on to refine and adapt the framework as we deepened our individual understanding of it's application to real life.
Undertaking your Happiness Quotient (HQ) is one of the first exercises we do when we begin working together. It's based on the framework, and asks you to reflect on how happy you are in each of the elements of your life. It can be a bit confronting, but this can also be quite enlightening, as it shines a light on and exposes where you may be struggling, but also lets you see those areas of your life that are going well.
In this episode of the podcast, you'll have the opportunity to reflect on your HQ and make a plan to take the next best step from where you are now.
And just so you know, when I first did this exercise - not one element of my life was working well, but today, that is no longer the case.
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Our rewards, outcomes and experiences in life are in direct relation to our attitude, our effort, our contribution, our service.
Our deeds are what counts.
So if we are not taking action, then nothing counts.
We need to be the catalyst.
If we want a different experience, we need to do something differently.
Like so much of what I share on this podcast, the original inspiration for this episode came from my teacher, Healing Master Issam Kadamani, and my reflections on his lessons.
So, have a listen to this episode, reflect on what it means for you and then go out into the world, and give the best of yourself today.
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We live in a very busy and noisy world, with a lot of distractions, noise and interruptions. From the sound of traffic outside, to the jackhammer down the road on the building site, to the ping of a notification or people talking to us.
Our ears are always picking up sound, even when we are asleep. Our brain receives the electrical signal and has to do something with it, it has to decide how to respond – even when the noise is not directly related to us. Always being “on” means that we don’t have the ability to go “in”.
Experiencing silence is very important to our wellbeing. We need peace and quiet, just like we need exercise, water and to eat well to nourish our bodies.
In this episode of the podcast, you’ll discover just how beneficial a low sensory environment is to your wellbeing, and have some time to reflect on how you can create the space for more silence in your life.
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One of the most challenging concepts for people to accept (including
those deep into the practice of self improvement and personal development) is that the world around us reflects our inner world.
The relationships, the bank balance, the number on the scales, the environment (be it toxic or healthy), the experiences – is a reflection and mirror of what is happening within.
This is big, and at times, quite an uncomfortable truth to be reminded of. Yet, it is liberating in the sense of recognising what it reveals about ourselves. Even better is that the solution to changing all of it for the better is within us.
In this episode of the podcast, we are talking about our ability to change our experience by turning the lens inwards, and I'm sharing with you some questions to help guide your reflection.
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Holding the line is when we maintain the existing position or state of affairs. It refers to former military tactics, in which a line of troops was supposed to prevent an enemy breakthrough.
This line is at the edge of where we have been.
It’s the line where our dreams come to die. Because we can’t hold it. And we retreat back.
This is the point of self-sabotage.
It is the point we quit.
It's the point where we say it's too hard, and I give up.
We tell ourselves it is not our time.
Staying the course is to pursue a difficult task to the end.
But if we can hold that line. And make a plan to push over that. If we can cross over. If we can say that’s not the way this ends this time.
If we can take the leap, as my teacher says, and if we can simply jump.
Then that’s where the magic happens.
Because that’s where we go where we haven’t been before.
Have a listen to this episode of the podcast, where I recently did just that.
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Happiness is the be found in the overcoming of obstacles and challenges in our lives, not in the absence of them.
It is though the obstacles and the challenges that we grow. It is though our struggles that we become more than who we are today, we learn things about ourselves, we let things go.
When we confront our challenges, when we face them. We feel the strength and gift of embracing the struggle.
In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing the two significant gifts in embracing our struggles, emotional discomfort and triggers.
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There’s a scene in the rockumentary ‘This is Spinal Tap’ where they have an amp. And because they are such a hardcore rock band, they have an amp that goes to 11.
But to get to eleven, you still need to start at one.
If we don’t start, if we don’t just pick up the guitar, metaphorically speaking, and have a go, then the amp is never, ever going to get to 11.
In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing about how we self sabotage, how we stop ourselves from ever getting to 11 - either by never starting in the first place or putting the brakes on before we can get there.
Once we start anything, we begin to collect data. And we can review this data which provides a glimpse into ourselves - our patterns and our behaviour. And it is this awareness which gives us an opportunity to do things differently.
Let's allow ourselves to get to 11, whatever that means, and wherever that will take us.
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What other people think about you, is none of your business.
But what you think about you. That is your business.
How you feel about yourself should not be determined by whether other people like you or not.
If you like yourself then it doesn’t matter what other people think about you - positively, negatively, good, bad, indifferent.
If you like yourself then you are friends with yourself. And if you are friends with yourself then you like and accept yourself, just as you are.
In this episode of the podcast (it's super short, and super sweet) you'll have an opportunity to reflect on the relationship you have with yourself, and how much you may be impacted by what you think the outside world thinks and feels about you.
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The problem and the solution are two sides of the same coin.
When we can understand our problem, we can understand the solution.
Our problem with other people is nothing to do with them. It is 100% our problem.
We may know this.
But are we really living it? Are we embodying what we know? Am we honestly implementing it in our lives?
Truly, knowledge and awareness are nothing without understanding and action.
In this episode of the podcast, I am exploring this idea from another perspective, and I really encourage you to listen in. If you are the problem, and if you can completely accept that, then equally, you are also the solution.
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Ideas are great, but they need to be believed in 100% and they need to be executed thoughtfully, purposefully. It’s not just about chasing fame or money or anything like that. To me it’s to create something that lasts and that makes a difference. To believe in creating something of substance. And to be determined to make it happen, no matter the environment or challenges. I’ve been reflecting a lot this week about putting out stuff of substance, really focusing on my contribution to the world. To be purposeful, and to strive for genuine connection. In this episode I'm sharing examples of two different things I read recently - about Kate Bush making £250,000 a week from royalties of her song, Running Up That Hill. A song that she wrote, performed and produced. A song that was first released in 1985. And of the shifting landscape in the VC funding world, with less capital available to fund start-up ideas. Do you believe in your idea(s) enough to make a go of them, regardless of the circumstances and the environment?
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Gratitude is so powerful because it shapes the way we see and experience the world: what we focus on expands. So the more we appreciate, the more we have to appreciate. We tend to say thank you for things we have already received. Affirmations are powerful in that they help guide our thinking and help us to get clear on and focus on what we want. Combined, they are even more powerful. I like to think of them as gratitude affirmations. In this episode of the podcast, you can practice saying thank you in advance, with gratitude for that which you are intending, knowing it’s already a done deal.
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How aware are you of the words that you speak? What comes out of our mouth, often tells us a lot about what is going on inside. What comes out of our mouth will also let us know a lot about what we can expect to happen. What comes out of our mouth has the power to shape the future. We need to learn how to use our words wisely.Learning to tune in to the words we say, as we are speaking them, will help us to become more aware of what we think and believe, and when we are really tuned in, we will come to understand when what we say no longer serves us - and we can learn to think and then speak things differently.In this episode, I'm sharing a few examples of how words become an instruction, and how we we can say it differently to create a better outcome.
When we are working towards something - when we have a clear vision, direction, mission, purpose. We need to trust that what we are going through is exactly what we need to go through to get us to where we want to be. That we need to clear the clutter that is blocking our progress, to open up new channels of thinking, expand our knowledge and awareness.It’s in the challenge or the struggle - otherwise known as The Dip or The Valley of Despair - that we learn stuff, we gain greater insight into ourselves, we get to know ourselves better and understand more. The darkness is the contrast for the light and it gives us greater appreciation.It’s very rarely easy. It often comes with pain. But if we can hold the course, and not give up, not retreat but keep facing forward whatever the cost, then we will always come through the other side. In this episode of the podcast, you'll gain a deeper insight into the process of change, and you'll know that you are not on your own.
There are two versions in which we show up. At our best, we are patient, loving, kind, courageous, forgiving, curious, and empathetic to the needs of others. We have an attitude of learning and growth. In our highest and best version of being, we value the self, know our worth, and contribute to life and others. This is referred to as the higher self. Showing up as your highest self means operating and living life in communication with a higher level of consciousness, without the restraints of limiting beliefs. And then there is the other side of the coin. In this state, we are emotionally reactive, stagnated, closed off to any new information, argumentative and operating in victim mode. This is a contracted and closed off energy space. This is referred to as the lower self. We also have free will. In this episode of the podcast. you'll have an opportunity to reflect on which self you are choosing to spend most of your time operating from.
The way we speak to ourselves about ourselves says a lot about the relationship we have with ourselves.When you speak to yourself - are you kind or are you mean?Do you lift yourself up, encourage yourself, motivate yourself, challenge yourself (in a positive way), show yourself grace, forgiveness and compassion?Or do you beat yourself up, berate yourself, talk down to yourself, take yourself down at every single opportunity you get?Imagine if we were talking about a friend or a person outside of you. Which one would you want to be friends with?The question for today is this - how kind are you to yourself... and how can you be kinder and nicer friend to your very own self?
Sometimes we need to go where we don't want to go, to get to where we want to be.One of Joseph E Campbell's most famous quotes is this; "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek".In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a recent struggle that I went through, speaking to you as I was right in the thick of it.Change can be really challenging and deeply uncomfortable, as we are forced to deal with emotions that which we have avoided dealing with for most of our lives.But eventually, if we want to move, if we want to change, if we want to grow - we have to face it.Our darkness is nothing to be feared.Denying, suppressing and avoiding dealing with our painful emotions does not make them go away.Being honest with ourselves and facing up to what we fear is the only way through.We want to learn to embrace the struggle - even as we are up to our neck in it - and to recognise that it is through properly owning our problems that we always find our solution.
Charlie Gilkey helps people start finishing the stuff that matters.Charlie is the founder of Productive Flourishing, a company that helps professional creatives, leaders, and changemakers take meaningful action on work that matters.He is the author of the book Start Finishing and The Small Business Lifecycle, and host of the Productive Flourishing podcast. Before starting Productive Flourishing, Charlie worked as a Joint Force Military Logistics Coordinator while simultaneously pursuing a PhD in Philosophy.Through actionable guidance grounded in thought-provoking theory, Charlie helps you take meaningful action on the stuff that matters in both life and work.I was so delighted to have Charlie join me on this episode of the podcast. I was first introduced to his work several years ago, specifically his approach to time blocking, and my mind was blown by such a simple concept. Charlie’s philosophy around living our best lives, productivity and his time blocking method was a game-changer for me, and I share his teachings with all of my clients. In this episode of the podcast we cover a lot of ground, from:* Charlie's background in military logistics * Living intentionally * The overwhelmed brain * Why to-do lists will frazzle your brain * The concept of time blocking * Understanding focus, admin, social and recovery blocks * How to communicate your time blocking preferences with others * Not all time is created equal * Factoring in invisible activities * and SO MUCH MORE
I hope you enjoy this episode and take what you learn to start to get stuff done.
Busy. How often do you use this word to describe your day?Overwhelmed. Frazzled. Drowning. Chasing your tail. No time to breathe.Trying to do all the things and be everything to everyone, and not necessarily feeling like you are accomplishing things.The crazy thing about this state, is that we think the only way through it is to just keep going and hope that things will get better and improve. But the problem with this strategy is that we get ourselves completely stuck in the weeds. And when we are down in the weeds, all we can see is weeds.When we get like this, it's very important that we use it as an opportunity to reflect what is going on.Why are we thinking, feeling, behaving in this way? What is driving it? What do we need to do differently to change the outcome we are (continually) experiencing?As the creators of our own life experience, it's our responsibility to become aware so that we can change it.In this episode of the podcast, we are talking about The Power of The Pause. Stopping creates a circuit breaker to get us out of the weeds and into the eagle eye present moment. It helps us to rebalance and regain focus. We can breathe again. From this higher perspective, we can gain a greater understanding of why we are where we are, experiencing what we are experiencing, and map out a pathway forward.
When you are feeling overwhelmed it can cause big problems…for you, your family, and your work…it seeps into every corner of your life.In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing the most common trigger points for overwhelm and the key strategies to put in place to help you:* Greatly reduce the chance of getting overwhelmed in the first place * Become more aware of your red flags so you can spot them and deal with them, simply and easily * Get back on track when the wheels fall off - immediately and for the longer term.
These are the same strategies I’ve taught hundreds of clients over the last eight years, to help them successfully overcome overwhelm.When you eliminate overwhelm from your life, you have…* Clarity on your priorities, and the ability to easily adapt to the natural ebbs and flows of life * Feelings of inner peace and calm * More confidence in your skills and abilities * Higher self-esteem * Less conflict in your relationships * A greater sense of control * A better relationship with time * The ability to get more done, with much less drama
... and so much more...
My teacher Dr Issam shared with us this concept about maintaining your energy and enthusiasm for something in your life.And to do this, you don’t allow whatever you are doing to stay at maximum potential. You do less than your motivation allows you, so your motivation never wears out, and you can sustain the energy towards whatever you are working towards. No pressure. No burn out. An enduring hunger. And constant satisfaction.For me this translated to - leave space. It’s like flattening the wave of energy so it lasts. Let it breathe. You don’t have to push everything to its limit. You can do less than what you can. We don’t have to fill every spare space, we don’t have to colour in every single thing, we don’t have to run till we can’t run no more. Space is good.Like pretty much everything he teaches us, it really made me think. Specifically with regards to my running. But this applies to anything.In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing how I applied this lesson to my running goal.I encourage you to listen in and have a think about how and where you can create space to keep the energy alive.
Gratitude helps us become aware in the present moment, and to help us see and appreciate people, things and experiences in our life from another, more positive perspective.When we are focused on the negative or the lack within a situation, this is what we are focusing on. We don't get to see the good. This then causes us to feel bad, and to continue to experience more of the same.When we can look for the good, the blessing, the lesson within the situation, and ask the question - what is going on here right now, that I can be grateful for? How can I think differently, how can I see differently, how can I feel differently about this?When we choose to focus on the positive, it immediately helps you to have a different experience.
Life is a wonderful dance of giving and receiving. But often, we block ourselves from receiving through a lack of belief, feelings of unworthiness, stories around rejection. At a level, we are much more comfortable to receive nothing, than we are to let things in.We might not like the experience of the lack, or the not having, but we don't know how to not experience it. It is just so much of who we are, deeply ingrained as to our identity and how we interact with life.But both giving and receiving are equally important. The flow. The waves come in, the waves go out. They don't just go one way.So when we block ourselves from receiving, we are blocking the flow.We want to give freely, abundantly, generously. And also, we want to allow ourselves to receive. In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a little story about letting go of a story that stand in the way of allowing, and the process I went through for it to happen.
Most of the time we completely overcomplicate things because we either don't have a clear vision or mission, or we have lost our connection with it.This lack of focus creates a state of overwhelm, doubt and uncertainty as we stumble around in the weeds trying to figure out our next move, trying to make sense of all of the options and choices we feel like we have, trying to make sense of the chaos.This idea of keeping things simple, by remembering our why, remembering our purpose, remembering why we started in the first place. It opens things up. It creates the space for clarity, confidence and certainty, trusting that whatever move we make is the right one, because all of our decisions and actions are connected to a bigger aim. It keeps it simple.Keeping things simple does not mean that things are not challenging or hard. Keeping things simple means that we don't get stuck in the obstacles and challenges, if we even create them in the first place.In this episode, I'm sharing the back story of The Happiness Hunter, and how when I'm focused on my mission, everything becomes simple.
What if the whole point of our existence was learning how to communicate properly?Not for others to learn how to get on with us, or to understand us, or to communicate with us in a way that we liked.But for us to learn how to get on with others, to understand them.For us to learn how to adapt to the environment we are in, and to speak and listen not for our own gain, or to prove a point, or to be right, but for the other person's benefit.Imagine how different our relationships would be. Imagine how differently conflict would be handled.Imagine how much nicer we would be to each other, how much more patient, how much more open, understanding and forgiving.When people know that they will be listened to, without fear of judgement, but able to express honestly about how they are feeling. That is when relationships transform.In this episode of the podcast, I am sharing a really simple technique to help facilitate highly effective and honest communication - both for the person expressing and for the person listening.
When we try to control things around us, like other people or our environment, this is a safety mechanism. Our primal instinct is that when we feel under threat or feel let down, we immediately try and want to control the situation. We do this when: • We feel unsafe • Fearful that things are not going our way • The need to be right and get the last word in or prove someone wrong • We have assumed without complete understanding or discussionIn this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing some examples of how this behaviour shows up, and the impact it has on other people. You'll have an opportunity to reflect on where you might be trying to control other people and situations, and what you can do instead.
We often avoid difficult conversations, because they are just that: difficult.Difficult conversations are a part of life, and being able to approach them in a logical manner can make all the difference to your experience of the process and the success of the outcome.In today's episode of the podcast, I am joined by Jacqui Brauman to explore different communication and conflict styles, and how an understanding of them can help us manage and avoid conflict during those difficult conversations.Jacqui is an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates, an NMAS accredited mediator, and a collaboratively trained lawyer, and has written and published three legal guides: ‘In Case of Emergency’, a practical guide for young families in the case of injury or death, ‘Death and Social Media, a guide to your digital estate planning', and 'The Sandwich Generation’.In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:* The five different conflict styles * How to have difficult conversations * Mediation and approaching legal conflict differently * Empowering assertive behaviour * Masculine and feminine energy * Understanding what the other person wants and knowing what you want * Being able to negotiate with confidence * Preparing for difficult conversations * The importance of feeling safe in difficult conversations * Starting and staying in difficult conversations * and much, much more
Make sure you listen in to this episode, as you'll gain a lot of insight into your own behaviour (and where you like to sit on the conflict scale) and how you can manage conflict in a more positive way moving forward.
The decision to decide to change can be hard.But what happens if you avoid the hard, and you don't decide?What happens if you just keep going as you are, and nothing changes?We really need to ask ourselves - Is that acceptable? For things to remain as they are?Indecision is a decision in itself. Avoiding the uncomfortable feelings, conversations, reckonings. This is a decision.Deciding not to decide is a decision.But something magical happens when we decide to decide.When we decide to say yes. To step up. To try something new. To do something different. To come at life from a new angle with a different approach.What could happen for you, in your life, in your business, in your health, in your relationships? If you simply decided to decide?Have a listen to this episode and ask yourself - where am I avoiding making a decision? Where do I need to decide to decide?
Napoleon Hill said that every misfortune has within it the seed of an equal or greater opportunity.Opportunities don't always look like we might expect them to, and sometimes when we don't get what we think we want, we are really getting what we need. This can sometimes feel very painful. But really, who gets to say that something is good, and who gets to say that something is bad? We are never in the position of being able to judge something, because we actually never have the full and complete picture.In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a story about more than one opportunity ending up on the cutting room floor, which at the time was brutal. But what that experience opened up for me instead. And spoiler alert - it's the reason why I was able to finally get out of my own way and launch this podcast.
Walking is an incredible way for us to balance ourselves, clear our mind, process emotions, boost creativity and improve our outlook. When walking is combined with coaching - we call this Walking Coaching - big shifts can occur.In today's episode of the podcast, I am joined by fellow coach, Robyn Patton. Robyn also utilises the practice of Walking Coaching within her coaching business and with her clients. Pop your headphones in for this episode and head out for a walk, as we talk coach-to-coach about why we love this method, and how combining it with more traditional coaching approaches can help improve your results.Robyn Patton is a highly experienced and accredited life coach and has operated in private practice for over 9 years. She specialises in working with both men and women and offers a powerful blend of knowledge, experience and intuitive wisdom to create phenomenal results in the lives of her clients. Robyn has over 25 years of clinical and facilitation experience including managing, mentoring, coaching and supervising staff. She has facilitated workshops and training sessions to a broad range of professions including people leaders, global and national corporations, emergency services, allied health and men's groups. Robyn specialises in personal transformation, life empowerment and using masculine and feminine essence for more aliveness and play. Robyn works powerfully to make real, measurable differences in her client's lives.
A brand is like an identity - an intangible marketing or business concept that characterises a company, product, or individual. A brand is not a logo, slogan or colour palette. These are the tools that help promote the brand. YOU are your brand, and a strong brand is very clear on it's mission and values.There is not much of a gap between a personal and professional brand, but it's helpful to think about you as a brand from both perspectives, especially as it is almost impossible to distinguish between your personal and professional brand in your digital footprint.In this episode of the podcast, we explore the concept of "you as a brand" aligned with your personal and professional goals, as well as your core values.* Knowing who you are and the value you bring to the table * Finding your voice and platform * Establishing your expertise * Creating your brand image and how you show up
Have you ever felt powerless in a situation, or like you are giving away your power? Or perhaps you may have felt like you were exerting too much power, causing someone else to feel uncomfortable?I think it’s fair to say that we all want to become more aware of the impacts of our behaviour, to have better relationships, to communicate more effectively and to understand without assuming. In this episode of the podcast, you'll gain:- a clear picture of the passive - assertive - aggressive spectrum- understanding the different communication styles, and where you sit- a greater understanding of your role - within any communication setting- insight into the positive and negative character traits of masculine and feminine energy (which has nothing to do with gender)- some tools and strategies to present yourself, to "read" the communication style and communicate and respond effectivelyYou'll have an opportunity to reflect on where you sit on the passive-assertive-aggressive spectrum, and what you can do to become more empowered in your behaviour.
Everyone experiences anxiety. It is a hard-wired response in our brains to the threat of danger. The challenge is that our brain cannot distinguish between a real, life endangering threat (eg a bear is going to eat me or quick, there is a fire!) and an imagined, or non-life threatening threat (the traffic is slow and I am going to be late or I have back to back meetings today). The chemical response in our brains is the same, and it is this response which triggers the anxious state.Sometimes we can recognise it, sometimes we have no idea that the name for what we are feeling and experiencing is anxiety. Becoming aware of it, is the first step.An educational leader, Dr Jodi Richardson supports teachers, parents and other professionals to navigate the challenges of anxiety and to develop the skills and confidence to help their students and children. Jodi is an international speaker, the best-selling author of Anxious Kids and Anxious Mums, host of the popular podcast 'Well, hello anxiety', and a respected media commentator on topics related to mental health, wellbeing and parenting.In this episode of the podcast, we have a really honest conversation about anxiety:What causes itHow it shows upHow to recognise itHow to make friends with it (yes, really!)What you can do to help prevent becoming anxiousStrategies to alleviate it's impactTake some time to pause, breathe and ground yourself by listening in to this episode, so that next time you get that anxious feeling, you can say smile, wave and say hello to it... before it takes over.Dr Jodi Richardson website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook International College of Meditation & HealingWell, Hello Anxiety podcastThe Mind, Discovered S1 Ep3 Anxiety) Craig Harper Russ Harris Seth Godin podcast workshop
When we are looking at making change, creating goals, achieving goals, moving from where we are. Whenever we want to create something new, there needs to be space for it. We need to clear the decks and create the room for the new to come in.When there is stagnated or blocked energy, or clutter, or all the space is filled with things that don't support the new vision and the change, then there is a block. To create space, we need to let go and remove the clutter.What is blocking the new from coming in for you?Mentally, emotionally, physically?In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing some examples and a simple process to help you create the space - to create the vision, take the action and let go of what does not support your goal.You'll learn the simple, highly impactful techniques to help you create space in all of the areas of your life, so that things can flow.
Every week on a Monday morning I have a meeting with myself. This meeting is about me being the CEO, CFO and all-round general boss of my life, being across all the things, knowing what is coming up, and feeling excited and expansive about the possibilities for what is ahead.The purpose of this meeting is to review the week that has been, to learn from this information and to look strategically at the week ahead. This process informs my daily goal setting and decision making. In this meeting I take a look at what is coming up in the week ahead, I set my weekly goals, check in with my beliefs and I track my (multi-million dollar) wealth activation plan. It's a super inspiring and motivating way to start the week, it helps keep me focused and looking at the bigger picture. If you are not already, this is a process I'd love you to think about introducing into your life and business too.
Wealth activism is about focusing on your values, priorities, objectives and outcome as the starting point. It is about getting very clear on your desired lifestyle; what you would like to be able to be, do and have and then making a plan to make it happen. The wealth management aspect - the product or the vehicle - comes next.In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by David Murdoch. David is a Wealth Activist and the founder of Paxton Bridge He works in the exciting space of Financial Advisory, focusing on family groups, private business owners and successful individuals within the C-Suite.I was really keen to get him on the show, because money is a real thing for a lot of us. Making it, spending it, saving it, growing it. I really loved the approach David had towards financial wellbeing and wealth activism and I know that our conversation today will be of great use to a lot of our listeners. Before we initially spoke, my belief was that I was in the middle ground after having implemented The Barefoot Investor and Profit First (both of which I highly recommend by the way) but not at the point to speak with a Financial Advisor - yet. And what I discovered, was that this was not actually true.In this episode, you'll learn more about:* The concept of wealth activism * The difference between wealth activism and wealth management * The questions we need to ask ourselves at the start of our wealth activism plan * The different asset classes and how do you choose where to invest * How to choose the best place to invest eg – building a share portfolio, investing in super, house deposit etc * The three aspects of your financial plan
Wealth activism (mindset and strategy)Asset management (investments). Traditional model, business etcIntergenerational wealth (estate planning)Success breeds success. This approach will have you focusing on the gain, not the gap, and incrementally building your wealth in a sustainable way.
How much time do you spend thinking about it, talking about it, worrying about it, procrastinating on doing it, beating up on yourself that you haven't done it yet, doubting whether you should do it, questioning the best way to do it?Rather than just simply, doing it. Outcomes are achieved and things get done when we get out of our heads and into the field of play. With no excuses. Not thinking about doing it. Just doing it. And then it’s done, and you’ve reclaimed all the mental space that not doing it was consuming.You will feel amazing. You’ve proven to yourself what you can achieve, which builds trust with yourself, increases your confidence and helps you realise even better results.Imagine what you could achieve if you got clear on what you wanted, you set yourself a goal, made a plan and then got it done.What is possible for you, if you just got out of your own way, and did it?
It's a good thing to check in with yourself, to make the time to see what is working, what to let go of and what can be reset. There is a lot that we can do to lead the charge in our lives, with many things within our direct control.In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Margaret Aboody of Luemo. Margaret is a workplace mental health and wellbeing specialist, who focuses on practical strategies to increase engagement, resilience and connection in workplaces.Working through Margaret's Re-set Model, we talk about:* doing the basics well * deliberately enjoying life * managing your mind * connecting with your back up team * busting your stress cycle
Now is a great time to push the reset button for a fresh start.You can find out more about Margaret and connect with her at https://luemo.com.au/
We all need guidance and support. Having someone in our corner and championing our success is often the quickest road to success. Someone who has the knowledge, skills, experience, wisdom to help us on our path.Often I am asked the question - do I need a coach or a mentor?The purpose of coaching and mentoring is to help you grow, develop and reach your full potential.While these two roles are similar, they are also different, with a different purpose, approach and outcome.In this episode of the podcast, I'm breaking down the difference in the two roles to help you decide which is the best pathway forward for you (and you can choose both!)https://www.thehappinesshunter.com
The end of a year and the start of a new year is a great opportunity to reflect on the year that has been, and what this means for the year to come.This process is not about hustle and taking massive action. This process is about giving you the mental space to relax and rest, with confidence that you have created the vision and a direction for the year to come.In this episode of the podcast, you'll have an opportunity to: take stock of where you are now get clarity on what success means for you in 2022, using the proven Seven Elements framework for Life Integration understand where you might be holding yourself back discover the lifechanging mindset shifts and practical steps that will help you move through your blocks* decide on your plan of action to make it happen!I'd love to hear what is in store for you for the year ahead!
Have you ever thought about how happy you feel when you sing, and how liberating it is when you just allow yourself to sing out loud? Singing integrates our left and right brains for better problem solving, but when we are self critical on our learning journey we can't have fun and we slow down our progress.Aideen Ni Riada is an Intuitive Voice Coach, helping people who tend to hold themselves back in life but want to start sharing their soul's message to sing and speak from the heart. She blends her intuition and her knowledge of psychology, spirituality and voice training to uncover the hidden treasure of the human voice. Learning to sing can help unlock the mental and emotional blocks to being seen and heard so that you can speak up, Sing OUT and step forward in life with renewed confidence and faith in yourself.You'll be pleased to know that anyone can sing (or can learn!) and also that singing in the shower has the same benefits too!Join us for this episode, where Aideen also takes us through a vocal warm up and shares her beautiful singing through an impromptu song.
Today's episode is about jealousy, and how when we are honest with ourselves about feeling jealous, we can harness this emotion as a motivational force.Our emotions are always speaking to us, trying to tell us something.Unfortunately, we often deny them. Squash them down. Or, we let them take over.We get negatively consumed by them without the positive benefit of understanding what they are showing us about who we are, who we would like to be, what we would like to do, what we would like to have.When we become aware of our emotional state, we can try and understand what our emotions are saying. When we can name them and feel them without getting stuck in them and being controlled by them, we will discover things about ourselves that we did not know before.If you have ever felt jealous about someone or something (I know I have!) then have a listen to this episode and discover what your jealousy might be trying to tell you.
As we are continuing to emerge from our extended lockdowns, my community has been telling me that they are feeling tired and overwhelmed, lacking focus, and in many cases, feeling a sense of anxiety that they have never experienced before.In this episode, I'll reveal the key things you need to focus on to help simplify your life, to help you feel more calm and balanced.You will learn the simple daily activities to help bring a sense of calm and control to your day.With these basic practices in your tool kit, you'll be on your way to be able to make decisions with clarity, confidence and certainty, and to find your joy again.Resources: Good Morning Sunshine https://www.thehappinesshunter.com/good-morning-sunshineThe Steps for Change https://www.thehappinesshunter.com/the-steps-for-changeFacebook community https://www.facebook.com/groups/morningmindsetmotivation
Self-sabotage is a behaviour.Behaviour becomes self-sabotaging when it creates problems in daily life and interferes with long standing goals.We are not always aware of when we are self-sabotaging because there is not always a clear link between behaviour and consequences.However, this behaviour can be overcome with awareness.In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn:* what self-sabotaging behaviour is * the three things you can do to help you gain awareness * some practical things you can do to help break the pattern of self-sabotaging behaviour
Here's to your success!
Our relationship with alcohol. Thinking about drinking. How we feel about it. How it makes us feel.Whenever I share anything related to this topic, it always resonates. If it's not affecting us directly, we all know someone very close to us for whom it is. This is probably the number one topic that I get the most questions about and feedback on: people sharing their experiences with alcohol and drinking, questioning if it is a problem, wondering how do you stop, if that's even what you want to do.It's important that we talk about it, that we share and that we can learn from each other's experiences.It's always good to get new perspectives and to see ourselves in other people's experiences.Today’s guest is Maria Augustus-Dunn. Originally from a large Aussie Greek family, Maria was raised in Melbourne, before retiring at 50 in 2011 to live life on the road with her husband Brad as grey nomads, travelling the highways and byways of Australia. A daily drinker from the age of 15, in 2013 at the age of 51, Maria decided to take a 12 month break from drinking. After experiencing the myriad benefits that not drinking provided, that 12 month break has continued until today.I met Maria at the start of 2013 on Hello Sunday Morning (HSM), when we both joined the platform in the same week. Having written and published two books over the last few years, Maria’s writing philosophy is to write about what you know.And today we are going to talk about what you know, in relation to Maria’s experience of giving up alcohol, and enjoying A Big Sober Life.Connect with Maria on Facebook Connect with Maria on InstagramPurchase Dunarunna herePurchase Married Quarter here
The wonderful thing about journalling, is that it is free-range. There are no rules. The process of journalling is such an incredible way to help us explore new ways of understanding ourselves and of looking at things.Journalling, combined with practices like meditation, goal setting, affirmations and afformations is very powerful.In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing with you the wonderful results of a recent journalling session, where I decided to write down ten things that I knew to be true, right this second.And then I just went to town on what I believed to be true for what was possible, right this second. For what I believed for to be possible to happen right this second, knowing that the process of my believing was what is going to make it happen. And my energy shifted in a very big way.So... what is possible for you right this second?
When you set a goal, do you name it and claim it? Or do you set a goal and then sort of hope that maybe it might happen, but you are not really holding your breath?Or - even better - do you stop yourself from even setting a goal in the first place, because it just brings up too much stuff?In this episode of the podcast, you are going to have an opportunity to name your goal, and to claim your goal.To allow yourself to go there, to allow yourself to dream, to allow yourself to fully own the deepest desires of your heart. To stake your claim on it as already being yours.And then I'll share with you an affirmation and a couple of simple techniques to help you shift your belief system, and to step into the realm of possibility: to believe it is possible, wherever you are right now in relation to that goal.
In this bonus episode, you'll meet Anna Brown, founder and program director of the Great Aussie Hike - a fantastic initiative that I am absolutely delighted to be an ambassador for.The Great Aussie Hike was developed in 2020 by a small group wanting to do something to help the mental wellbeing of our community after long periods of lockdown and isolation. It focuses on human connection, goal setting, physical activity in nature and mindset development that mates support each other to work through. The aim is on establishing new skills and lifestyle habits that reset and strengthen mental wellbeing after long periods of lockdown.It began as a one off, but due to the success of the inaugural cycle and with the need only increasing, it has returned with a new program and an exciting challenge set for April 2022. The structure remains a volunteer-led, not for profit organisation with 100% of funds invested into the safety and support of participants.The program concludes with a team walking challenge. Teams can choose from different distances - 30km, 43km, 57km and 100km (completed over two days). Participants can walk one section or the entire distance. Teams just have to conquer their distance goal collectively as a group, allowing for all members of a friendship group to participate in some way.The challenge is set to wind around the stunning Mornington Peninsula on April 1-2, 2022 exploring a number of the region’s hidden treasures and smaller townships. Considerable focus has been placed on developing a course that is diverse, achievable and rewarding. Teams on day one also get to enjoy a ride in the Arthurs Seat Eagle to climb to the top of the summit.You can find out more, and sign up here >> www.greataussiehike.com.auFollow on instagram >> https://www.instagram.com/greataussiehike/Follow on Facebook >> https://www.facebook.com/greataussiehikeRegister for the info evening on the 24th November here >> https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvdO2orjwrHNIFSzMMaCIOzhrXKPQ_FJse
From a simple idea in 2010 to take 12 months off drinking and see what happened, Chris Raine's blog (called Hello Sunday Morning) documenting that journey turned into a movement aimed at changing Australia's relationship with alcohol.From just a handful of followers, by 2013 over 10,000 people (including me!) had joined up with Hello Sunday Morning to reassess our relationship with alcohol.By 2014 Chris and his team evolved the Hello Sunday Morning organisation into a $4 million, Government-funded health service that now supports one of the largest communities in the world with evidence-based care for alcohol behaviour change.After ten years at Hello Sunday Morning, in 2020, Chris stepped down as CEO and took a six-month sabbatical, to explore and understand more deeply who he was and what made him tick.In 2021, Chris began working on Australians for Mental Health – an advocacy campaign focused on ensuring Australian Governments invest 1% of GDP to implement the recommendations highlighted by the Productivity Commission and Royal Commission into Mental Health reports.In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:* the Hello Sunday Morning back story * what he is up to now, * addiction, * connection, * community, * kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit, * mental health, * the human condition, * healing, * life purpose, * slowing down, * taking the pressure off, * and what it is to be a good person and live a good life.
You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and TwitterHello Sunday MorningAnd find out more about Australians for Mental health here.
Being aware of your boundaries and your personal standards of behaviour, will help you to know what to say yes to, and what to say no to.When we understand our personal code of engagement with life - and a great way to think about this is through the lens of boundaries and standards - then it becomes much easier for us to make decisions, and to take consistent action on those decisions.In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn:* What boundaries are * What standards are * Why they are important * The power of your thoughts and feelings and how they impact your behaviour * How to check in with yourself
Plus, I'm sharing with you a really great affirmation to help you become better with making decisions.
In today's episode, we are celebrating 100 episodes of The Happiness Hunter podcast! Marking milestones is such an important part of any undertaking we do, and having people to share our celebrations, wins and successes with is part of what makes the achievement so much sweeter.Jim Rohn said that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. So to acknowledge the 100th episode, we are talking about our support crew - the people we have in our corner, supporting us, backing us, lifting us and cheering us on. The people that we choose to have in our orbit, the people who help to shape us into the best version of ourselves.I'm so excited to be joined by Loren Bartley for this conversation. Loren and I were co-hosts together on the Business Addicts podcast between 2015 and 2019. We are both a big - and unconditional - part of each other's support crew.It was such a joy to be back recording with Loren, and I know you will enjoy this episode.Who is in your support crew?What are the relationships that you have that you want to invest more deeply in?Where could you focus on building your support crew to help you overcome your weaknesses?Ultimately - who is in your corner?I would also like to take this opportunity to give a massive shout out and thank you to Mish Green and Alanna Quigley for all of their support for me, The Happiness Hunter and this podcast.
Good Enough GoalsThe point of setting goals is that it’s never about the destination, it’s who we become along the way. In this episode of the podcast, I'm exploring the idea of being okay with "good enough" in setting a goal and not having to push and always be aiming higher. To just set a goal and that be enough.To learn how to appreciate and acknowledge what is being achieved / has been achieved, to deeply see that as the result of a previous goal having been attained. To stop and pause and be grateful for that; without having to keep moving the goal posts to feel like I am succeeding.I recently set a goal that was for my health. My daily vision for my life is to be the fittest, healthiest and happiest I have ever been. I didn’t set this goal to smash every record ever set. I simply set it to help me be fit and healthy.It's been a fascinating process observing myself in the process of it, and I wanted to share that with you.
The premise of The Pareto Principle, or the 80:20 Rule, is that for many outcomes, approximately 80% of the consequences will come from 20% of the causes. This is also know as the 'vital few'. On the other side of this - 20% of the consequences are the result of 80% of the causes.First observed by an Italian civil engineer, economist and sociologist Vilifredo Pareto in the early 20th Century, that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. He further discovered that a similar distribution existed in other countries as well.Since then, studies have shown that the distribution of The 80:20 Rule applies in many other areas: in natural phenomena, business, health and productivity.It's a useful lens to assess and measure the results you are getting against the tasks and the effort you are putting in, in many areas of your life and business.What are the 20% of the activities that you are doing that are generating 80% of your results?And what are you doing for the other 80% of the time?
What you do at the start of the day matters.Being intentional at the start of the day. It really matters.This is about focusing on the things that are within our direct control.Three questions you can ask yourself: How do I want to show up today? What would I like for the experience of my life today? What would make today a really great day?And then reflect: Are my morning habits helping me or hindering me?By taking some time and focusing at the very beginning of the day, being intentional, and doing the things that help create a sense of calm, wellbeing and balance within yourself, you can set yourself up on the right trajectory. Putting yourself in the strongest position to deal with the challenges of the day.
One of the most significant pieces of advice I picked up when I first started my business was this - stay in your lane.Staying in your lane basically means to focus on what you are doing; that the lane you are in, is the lane you are in. The lane somebody else is in, is the lane they are in. Our job is to know our own lane and not to drift into each others' lanes.We can run alongside each other, inspire each other, challenge each other, lift and support each other. But my race is my race, and your race is your race. We each bring our own set of what makes each of us, us, to our own race. We cannot BE each other. Similarly, looking at what someone else is doing and being jealous or envious of them, mad at them, comparing yourself in a positive or negative light. It actually has no bearing at all on your race and the lane you are in. When you are looking around you, beside you, behind you all the time. All it does is stop you moving forward.When we know our lane, and stay in it, we can focus on being the best we can possibly be, and bringing the best of ourselves to our own race, without losing ourselves and wasting our time and energy to a lane we don't belong to.
In a nutshell, self-esteem is your opinion of yourself and your abilities. It is the determining factor in your happiness and success.It includes: the judgement we pass on ourselves, a feeling of personal competence, a feeling of personal worth, a high level of intellectual self trust and a strong sense that it is okay and desirable to be happy in life.According to Nathaniel Brandon, author of the book How to raise your self-esteem, it is the sum of self-confidence and self respect.In this episode of the podcast you'll discover:* what self-esteem is (high, low, average and how we can fluctuate) * self-confidence and self-respect * how low self-esteem shows up * the impacts of low self-esteem * how to boost your self-esteem * your next steps
How To Raise Your Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden https://www.amazon.com.au/How-Raise-Your-Self-Esteem/dp/0553266462
Selfless service. This is an action that you take without any expectation of result, reward or recognition for performing it, generally taken to benefit another person or people.As I have been taught, love is an action. Love is not words, or promises. Gandhi said - the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Service is an action, done for betterment of another. In this episode of the podcast, you'll have an opportunity to reflect on what this means for you, in how you show up in your life, and the intention behind what you do.
Angela Raspass believes that next chapters are borne of skinned knees.In this episode of the podcast, we talk about the change cycle that we all move through:- discontent- desire- decision- design- deliverThis cycle is relevant for any change. The fact that we get stuck in the Deliberation Zone, wrestling with doubt, uncertainty, comparison and fear before we break through and get into the Doing Zone has led to Angela having a strong focus in the role self worth plays in our growth.Angela Raspass is a Sydney-based business mentor, author, and self-worth educator with a particular passion for supporting women to step into their next chapter and do the work in the world they're here for. Her unique blend of strategy and self-worth helps people develop and clarity and confidence to take consistent action on their biggest goals.Links in the episode:Angela Raspass https://www.angelaraspass.comThe Self Worth Academy https://www.selfworthacademy.comThe Acceptance Training with Russ Harris https://www.actmindfully.com.auCandice Davis https://candiceldavis.comBev Ryan https://www.smartwomenpublish.comInstinctive Drives - https://www.instinctivedrives.com/
Despite what we know, let's face it, moments happen in which we become emotionally reactive – slaves to our thoughts and feelings. Some ways you may experience this:* You are about to lose it, you are losing it, you've lost it * Yelling or screaming back at another in an argument * A stream of verbal insults * Thoughts, intention and action to physically lash out * Uncontrollable crying
In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn about the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS). This is a framework used to measure the subjective intensity of distress or disturbance experienced by an individual. SUDS is a self-measuring assessment developed by Joseph Wolpe using a scale of zero to 10 to rate the level of emotional disturbance.The benefits of becoming familiar with this scale (you don't need to know it verbatim) is that it provides an instant self-assessment reference to where you are at, in the present moment. Because the thing with emotions is that if you can name it, you can change it – this is acknowledgement and awareness.Using the scale and knowing where you are will allow you to pause and take action to process and ease the level of distress. This may help prevent your emotional distress from escalating, and will help you help others when they are not control of their emotions.
Boundaries are a sign of self-respect, so love yourself enough to set and honour them. They come in many forms, and most conversations refer to emotional boundaries of how we allow others to treat or speak to us. Yet, we tend to overlook the boundaries we set, or do not set, for ourselves.Boundaries are the emotional limits set, which are activated when breached. A breach is usually a behaviour or a comment which violates a personal value.The breaches could be concerning requests for your time and how another treats and speaks to you or invades your personal space. Even though you may not know what a boundary is, you know it has been crossed when you have an instant and uncomfortable emotional reaction.Most people have set their boundaries unconsciously, and in a world of healthy relationships, these are generally sufficient. However, when it comes to unhealthy environments, relationships or poor communication, the lack of awareness and strength of the boundaries is where the challenges arise.In this episode of the podcast, you'll discover how to set healthy boundaries and use them in a healthy way for yourself, and with others.
Motivation is not something you one day just wake up with. In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn about the four major factors that are going to determine your success, and to help you find and maintain motivation.Each of these factors on their own can be powerful motivational forces, but combined, pack a far more solid punch.You'll also learn which one of these four is most likely to create lasting transformation.Ultimately, results are what creates motivation. Learn how to generate your own motivation and inspiration.
Every journey has an element of excitement and nervous energy at the beginning, a celebration at the end, and at times a very (very) messy middle. This is the bigger story arch of life really in a lot of ways, and also corresponds with the creative writing process. Reading about characters living through their mess also helps connect us with them in a far more meaningful way.Cynthia Merrill is a writing coach and editor by profession, but a writer by nature. She is joining me on the show today to talk about the messy middle. And how the messy middle is nothing to be feared, but rather an experience to be embraced. For it is within the mess that the magic and growth happens. It is where resilience, tenacity and confidence are forged. So for all of the discomfort it may present, the mess also offers many moments worth celebrating.Showing up to start and undertake a task is a party and celebration worth taking a moment for. Because let's face it, when we hit rock bottom and are unhappy, it is because we stopped showing up for ourselves. The negative self-talk, limiting beliefs and the uncomfortable emotions holding us hostage in our stuck-ness are simply a by-product of not showing up.Listen in to this episode to discover how you can learn to seek out, love and embrace the messy middle in your life.Cynthia Merrill WebsiteCynthia Merrill InstagramThe Finishers' Club Facebook GroupThe Steps for Change programInternational College of Meditation & HealingThe Happiness Hunter's Guide to Meditation
Facing the things we don’t want to face, and dealing with them properly.ANDLoving and accepting ourselves unconditionally just as we are.There is a really important message in this episode about facing and dealing with the things we don't want to. Because these things don't disappear if we avoid them, as much as we wish they might.The things we need to face have something to tell us. And it is only through the facing of them, that we can come out transformed on the other side - if we are open to it.In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing my experience of avoiding dealing with something that was literally right in the middle of my face. And what it taught me, and the wonderful gift that came through (literally) facing it.We don't always get what we want in life, but we do always get what we need.
With over 1000 videos on YouTube and 33 million views, Brad Yates is what my kids would call my favourite YouTuber. Known internationally for his creative and often humorous use of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as Tapping, Brad is joining us on the show to talk all things EFT.Emotional Freedom Technique is a form of acupressure psychology. It is based on traditional acupuncture and works with the meridians in the body. It involves gently tapping the fingertips on the skin where the energy meridians are located, diffusing negative statements and replacing them with positive ones.EFT is a healing modality that has played very prominently in my personal development journey and it is a tool that we use in The Happiness Hunter. In this episode, we explore:* What EFT is * How is it works * How our childhood program unconsciously drives our decision making today * The benefits of tapping * Tapping for stress management * Each of the different tapping points * How to tap
And as a special bonus, Brad also takes us through a tapping round on FEELING GOOD.I hope that you enjoy this episode and I really encourage you to give EFT a go.Fiona xYou can find out more about Brad Yates at www.tapwithbrad.comYou can follow him on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/eftwizard
Can you imagine how it would feel to feel in control of your finances, without negative emotions?Paridhi Jain, founder of financial education start-up Skilled Smart and the Mastering Money program, is joining me on this episode to talk all things mindset and tactical regarding your personal finances.If you have made the decision to take control of your finances, this episode is packed full of useful information and insights.We explore the four key pillars to Money Mastery:Mindset* Understanding the psychology and emotions behind your financial situation
Cashflow* Becoming aware of the lay of the land and current spending habits * Using budgeting as a tool * Removing the emotion behind the data
Protection* Health, income protection, disability insurance * Estate planning * Superannuation * Risk protection to secure your wealth
Investment and Wealth Creation* Putting a wealth creation plan in place before you execute * Saving * Shares * Property * Investing in yourself
Here is to taking control of your finances, in the way that works for you.www.skilledsmart.com.au
Nothing changes if nothing changes. I know that this sounds like a really simple no-brainer kind of statement. And you are probably nodding in agreement as you read it, thinking that makes sense.But really, honestly stop and pause on it for a minute. Read it again, slowly. Really reflect on what it is saying.Because if change in our life starts with us changing, with us thinking or feeling or acting differently, and if nothing changes, then nothing changes... what does that actually mean for you in your life right now?
Loneliness is not the same thing as being alone. Loneliness is not about being on your own. You can be in a room of people and feel lonely.You can feel lonely in an intimate relationship.Loneliness is actually a state of mind. If you feel alone and isolated, then that is how loneliness plays into your state of mind.The antidote to loneliness is genuine human connection.In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a recent experience I had with loneliness. My hope is it helps you or someone you know feel less lonely in your loneliness.
Why am I using a red pen? Wouldn't a green pen be nicer?Writing a book - indeed any creative pursuit or the making of something that didn't exist before - is about doing, creating, building, action.But to come to its full glory, it also needs nurturing and gentleness and love.If we have made something, created something, if we have planted a seed, then we need to love it and care for it and look after it.We don't want to destroy it, especially when it is little.It needs time to grow. It needs space to evolve. It needs lifting up.All things need balance to become.In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a very powerful question you can ask yourself when you are in the process of creation. To question (not doubt, or second guess) the energy behind your action, and to think about the balance you are bringing to your work.And to have a new reference point for yourself - should I be using a red pen here, or would a green pen be better?
This is the first time that Kath Ferguson has publicly shared her story about her journey into depression, hospitalisation and the long and winding road to recovery.Kath's mission is to share what she experienced and learned along the lonely road of mental illness. To eradicate the shame and to shine a light on the path, inspiring others who may be currently suffering, or know someone who is.In this episode of the podcast, Kath is sharing how in addition to other treatments and lifestyle changes, how the introduction of mindfulness practices and meditation helped her recover, and now keep her well.Kath recently left the corporate life to fulfil a dream of starting her own business and brain-child, Restore – Australia’s first meditation and napping sanctuary, back in October 2019. Knowing the debilitating condition of anxiety and depression first-hand, and mindful of the modern challenges we all face, she is passionate about how meditation can benefit and is on a mission to help people fit it into their busy lives. Disrupted by not only the pandemic but also an international move to Toronto for her husband’s work, she is now setting about inspiring others to meditate by sharing her story.
The Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St James, is a network of pilgrim's pathways all leading to the shrine of the apostle St James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.In 2018 Mish Green walked the Camino, and knows she will walk it again one day. In this episode of the podcast, Mish shares with us her experience of the Camino, and how it has shaped who she is today - how the experience helped her appreciate life, and how it changed the way she sees and experiences the world.Michelle Green (Mish) is the founder of Marquet Digital, a WordPress web design business, and A Mindful Middle, her passion project. A Mindful Middle is a community of like-minded people living in the middle years who love to walk or would like to walk more, to live a life of good health and happiness. Exploring the practices of meditation and mindfulness, along with walking daily, helped Mish achieve her goal of walking the Camino in 2018. The longing of the Camino is still calling. Mish is working towards her next Camino pilgrimage whilst the Camino life continues with gratitude, simplicity and living in the moment being her focus.
The two most common reasons why people can't meditate1. I don't have time 2. I can't stop thinking - it doesn't work for me
In today's beginners guide to mediation, you'll learn that meditation is simply a systematic way of training our mind and how it is possible for everyone - even you.In this episode, we cover:- what is meditation- benefits of meditation- how it works- different types of meditation- how to meditate- a simple meditation technique- the importance of scheduling and tracking when creating new habits- your next steps!For more info on the Good Morning Sunshine program >> https://www.thehappinesshunter.com/good-morning-sunshineThe Happiness Hunter's Guide to Meditation >> https://www.thehappinesshunter.com/meditationguideThe International College of Meditation & Healing >> https://www.icmh.com.auEp 40: The Gift of Meditation with Issam Kadamani >> https://thehappinesshunter.com/2020/08/17/the-gift-of-meditation-with-issam-kadamani/
Your self worth is the opinion you have about yourself and the value you place on yourself.Self worth is about valuing your inherent worth as a human being, simply by virtue of you being you, and of being alive. As opposed to measuring or comparing yourself to external measures or other people - by what you do, what you have, or what you may or may not have achieved.It is about accepting that you being your unique self, is all you need to be worthy.You are enough right now, just as you are. Your work is to rid yourself of the negative internal dialogue and the layers of conditioning that would have you believe otherwise.In this episode of the podcast, you'll discover the four steps you can take to allow yourself to feel worthy.And I'm sharing with you a life-changing affirmation.
Developing the Identify of Success.In this episode you’ll discover:- the role of identity in shaping your life experience (and how your identity is a self-fulfilling prophecy)- understanding what your current identity is- developing the identity of success-aligning your thoughts and behaviour to your new identity- the importance of building a powerful circle of friendship, influence and accountability; choosing your friends wisely and finding the right mentor or coach- owning your next steps to your success (whatever that looks or feels like for you)!Love always,FionaYou can join the Morning Mindset & Motivation FB group here
This is a great place to start when you know something needs to change, but you've got no idea where to start.This is a journal activity designed to do exactly what the title says - a mind dump. It is a great place to start to help transform any area of life.The objective of this exercise is to create a free-flowing, declutter of the mind. The mere act of answering the questions and writing down your thoughts, will start to clean, clear and organise your mind.The rule - write freely. No filtering, no self-editing, just write. No matter how ridiculous the words, simply get it out of your head and onto paper.Make sure you've got a notepad and pen, and then work your way through and answer each question.You can join the morning mindset & motivation Facebook group here.
To become a goal getter, you need to learn how to set and achieve goals.The brilliant thing about becoming a goal getter is not ultimately what you get at the end - although that is a wonderful bonus. The real prize to becoming a person who achieves their goals, is meeting the person you become along the way. In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn the five reasons why goals die a death on the boulevard of broken dreams, and what you can do to make sure your dreams become your reality.
Imagine if you could feel good at the end of the day, like you've done a great day's work, achieving all you set out to achieve, and feeling excited about tomorrow.Imagine if you could feel like this every day, simply by implementing a 15 minute process at the beginning of the day.In this episode, you'll meet Business and Executive Coach, Helen Ebdon, and learn how to take control of the time in your day - not by focusing on time management, but focusing instead on managing yourself in relation to the time you actually have available.Helen shares with us her 15 minute process - called Take 15 - that will help you honestly identify what you can achieve in a day based on the time you have available, help you improve your productivity and radically reduce stress.Helen Ebdon is a productivity and performance expert, keen to show you how to get so much more out of your day.As the former director of two Graphic Design and Marketing Agencies for over 17 years, Helen understands first hand the challenges we all face in achieving our goals.Now, thirteen years into her consulting business, Helen works with business owners and executives, just like you, to help them manage their workload and not feel overwhelmed.Helen does this via her life-changing Take15 time management program.She’ll show you how to reconnect with your business and stop the endless juggle, using a simple 15 min process that empowers you to take control of your day and give you peace of mind.Helen harnesses her natural organisational skills to deliver individualised support for people who secretly feel stuck.Ultimately, she will inspire you to fall in love with your work again.You can download Helen's “Time Recovery Guide, 10 steps to avoid time sucking distractions and get stuff done" here.
A worried person SEES a problem.A concerned person SOLVES a problem.Worrying about things never fixes them, never changes them, never helps us in any way. Worrying about something - allowing the repetitive thinking to take over - simply makes us feel anxious and quite often, powerless, and will keep us stuck in the same old cycle until we make a change.Being concerned on the other hand, means that we are taking responsibility for whatever we can within the situation, and taking some positive action to try and address it to either make sure the thing we are concerned about never eventuates, or that we can take steps to manage it, or reduce its impact.In this episode of the podcast, you'll have an opportunity to reflect on how your worry can be shifted to concern.
If you are the foundation of your life, how solid is the foundation? What steps can you start to take today to build a stronger foundation in your life?What are you doing for yourself today to show how much you care?All change starts with self. Caring for yourself, loving yourself. Self love is caring for yourself. Caring about the quality of your life. How you are showing up. How you care for others.When we work on our foundation, we balance ourselves and we balance the world.In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn how you can focus on you to ultimately be your best in all areas of your life.
There is a big difference between wishing it was different (whether "it" is your relationship, your career, your health...or your life!) and deciding that it's going to be different, then taking action.In this episode of the podcast you will learn the five ways you may be self-sabotaging and - most importantly - how to fix it! You will discover:* What it is * How it shows up * How to move past the fear * What you need to do to start taking action (and keep taking action)
When you know how to spot it...and stop it...everything you want to achieve becomes simpler and easier:* Clarity on what you want * Taking positive action, no matter how stuck you feel right now * Being able to ‘course correct’ when you hit a snag * Feeling energised instead of overwhelmed * Creating change that lasts (whatever that means for you and lights you up) instead of always sliding back to square one
Enjoy this episode.You can join the FB group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/morningmindsetmotivation
How we can turn our good will into good deeds.Dr Susan Palmer is the founder and CEO of Australian charity Gather My Crew, and is a registered psychologist and health consultant. Gather My Crew has a focus on developing technology to help groups come together to support those in need, and was created from both a passion to build healthier and stronger communities combined with clinical, research and consulting experience.This episode of the podcast will help you think very differently about how you can support your friends and family who may be going through a tough time, and needing help, but now knowing how to ask for it. You'll learn some really practical ways that you can provide support that has real impact.We talk about:* the mission of Gather My Crew * the back story * who it is for and how it can help * how COVID is changing the community landscape * how you can get involved
You can find out more at www.gathermycrew.org.au
Ask. Believe. Receive.When we set our sights on something, set a vision or create a goal, we need to believe that it is possible, and then we need to take action in the belief that it is already ours. Regardless of how impossible it might seem. Regardless of how far it seems to be from where we are standing right now.If we believe that we can be, do or have anything we desire, then we are going to cultivate the right thinking and take the action that corresponds to that belief system. We are going to become the person for whom it became true.In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing with you a little story about asking for what you want, believing it is possible, holding the vision and trusting the process.
The term Imposter Syndrome was first coined in the 1970's by a University psychology professor called Pauline Rose Clance who noticed something was going on with the women in her class.For the most part, the women she was observing had what she considered everything going for them - they had come from well educated and successful families, grew up in nice neighbourhoods, were healthy, financially secure and had access to every opportunity, and had a proven track record of success and academic achievement.The Imposter Syndrome refers to high achieving individuals who are marked by an inability to internalise their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, and it is very, very common - and not just with women.In this episode you'll discover:* what it is * how it presents itself * the five different types of imposter * how to address and overcome it
For many of us, money is an extremely loaded subject, which carries a lot of weight in our lives, consumes a huge amount of mental energy and creates a lot of negative emotions.It’s often something we fear and completely avoid dealing with.It doesn’t have to be like this.In this episode of the podcast, I’m going to help you begin to shift a lifetime of baggage that you may have carried around about money.You’ll learn:- about your energetic income level- the thing is never the thing- to identify your money stories- understand your money mindset - how to change your money mindset- how to create a better focus- know what you need to clean up- stop feeling scared about money - make money your friend- get clear on your planHere is to your fully abundant mindset and fully abundant - in all the ways - life!
The thing we think is the thing, is never the thing.Think about in your life, when you have a problem, a challenge or are struggling with something. You will often look at the thing as being the problem.But when we think about the thing, as not being the thing, what it helps us do is to see that thing for what it really is. The manifestation or representation of something that is sitting behind that - in the way we think, our belief system, the way our program works, the way we are emotionally dealing with something, our action, our behaviour - which then appear to be the thing that we think is the problem.The problem with this is that it deflects us from seeing where the real issue and root cause of where the problem lies. Which in turn often results as seeking a short term band aid solution.What this also does is focuses our energy and attention on what we don’t want.In this episode, you will have an opportunity to really understand this concept, and to think about "the thing" in your life in a completely new light.
When we change our story, we change our life. The story we tell is determined by how we think about ourselves and our experiences - our identity. Our identity is a self-fulfilling prophecy.How we tell the story is determined by the position and perspective we tell it from.Generally, when we are telling a story, we are telling it from one of three perspectives - from victim, growth or secure.Which perspective are you telling your story from? And are you ready to take a new perspective, and learn how to rewrite the stories you tell?In this episode of the podcast, you'll meet Dora Altintas. Dora is a business strategist who specialises in packaging expertise and stories into published books, products, courses and signature talks. You can find more about Dora here https://www.doraaltintas.com
Large organisations have vision and mission statements as a reminder to the public and staff as to their operating principles and values. Sports teams, schools and religious groups have a code of conduct as their reference point.What these creeds and mission statements do is a reminder of how they operate in their best version. They are aligned with their identity and how they show up.Therefore it makes perfect sense for us to have our own.The Happiness Hunter’s Intention is a reminder of the mission and the space created for members of the community.The Happiness Hunter’s Creed is a reminder of how we show up as our best and highest version - individually and as a collective.The power of this is being able to refer to it when feeling stuck, or “less than”, and asking yourself as you work through each point - “am I being this”?"When I step into the vision of me as the best version of myself, the creed above is how I think and operate. There are days where we can forget to check in and we operate and show up at less than ideal energy or attitude. By reading, connecting and reminding myself of this creed, it instantly lifts the standard of how I am showing up. And on those days and times when I feel some resistance to stepping into this fully, I hand write the creed into my journal and read it out loud, and repeat this until I feel myself wholly embrace it".
Daily tracking is the best way to keep focused on what you want to achieve. It removes the over thinking and eliminates excuses. You have either done it, or you haven’t. It is a known and proven fact that what gets measured, gets improved. Tracking will measure the level of consistency, and by this focus alone will encourage a commitment to the process. Consistency in your action forms new habits and routines, which helps to build momentum, creating and embedding sustainable change. This action builds on itself in a positive upwards cycle. Consistency is about repetition. It is about doing the same things repeatedly over time to reach a desired outcome - whether you feel like doing them or not. Beyond the attainment of your goals, the benefits of daily action include; • Building self-discipline and self-control • Increasing self-esteem and self-confidence • Honouring your word - walking in integrity • Fast tracking your success • Attracting and manifesting opportunities - becoming “lucky”
A vision board is the visual representation of your desires and aspirations for your life.They are a useful tool to inspire and to motivate you to take consistent daily action in pursuit of your goals and dreams. And - it is fun!Our minds see in images, not words.Our focus and energy is what creates the outcome - this works for both what we want, and what we don’t want.Transformation in any area of our life starts with a decision, continues with a thought, and is followed by action.A vision board is the visual representation of taking action and bringing together the decision and the thought, and supporting it with a visual reminder.A vision board is a talisman of sorts, created with magical properties and strengths to remind you of your vision and quest.In this episode you will learn how to create a vision board, and why it is important not to hide your dreams!
Walking is one of the most underrated and overlooked activities in life. Walking is movement. Movement creates energy and momentum. Walking is one of the simplest, easiest and cost-effective ways for us to get our energy moving - essentially to shift our energetic state.Research (and there is much research to support this) has found that the benefits of walking include:* boosts creative inspiration * has physical benefits * improves attitude and outlook * makes you feel good * increases feelings of connectedness
It is free, requires no special equipment, is accessible for all levels of fitness, you can do it anywhere, at any time, you can set your own distance and determine your own pace.Listen to today's episode for some more walking inspiration, and then make sure you enjoy a walk today!
Imagine if your mind was the internet, your questions were a google search, and you were the one typing the question into the search bar.How do you formulate that question? You take some time to think about what you want to know, you take some time to word it in the way that you think will deliver the most beneficial answer.We know google is going to go searching all over the internet for the answer to that specific question asked - that is it's job after all - so we make sure we word the question in the right way to make sure we get the best possible answer possible.We are not going to ask a question that we don't want the answer to. The wrong question is still going to come back with the right answer to that question. It's just going to be the answer we don't want.But if you ask the right questions, then you are going to get the right answer.If you imagine your mind was the internet, and just like google ready and waiting to answer whatever question you ask.Could you be asking your mind better questions, to make sure you get better answers?
Are you wondering why you aren't seeing the results you'd like to be seeing in your life? Have you just resigned yourself to this being it, that there is no point to trying anymore? Or are you frustrated because despite all your very best efforts, nothing seems to be shifting in the way you would like?Do you have a plan for success? Or are you just winging it, not really aiming for anything concrete? But please - no more of the same?Beginning with the critical - but very often overlooked - first and second steps, in this episode of the podcast, I'll step you through the process you need to put in place to create the change you want to see in your life.The start of a new year is always a great time to check in with where you are and to be thinking about the future, but the steps discussed in this episode are timeless.https://www.thehappinesshunter.com
In Buddhist tradition, the middle way, or the middle path, is the way of moderations between the two extremes of indulgence and self denial. And it is said that this is the way to peace and liberation. The middle way gives vison and knowledge and leads to calm, to insight, to enlightenment and to nirvana. So, what does this mean for us in our day to day lives? And, most importantly, what does it mean for you?Are there areas of your life where there are extremes in your thinking, your attitude, your emotions, your behaviour? Do you go so hard core into one thing or one area, that you neglect other areas or responsibilities? Do you let your emotions take over without thinking?What is the cost to seeing things as "this or that", rather than "and & and"?For example, what would the middle way look like for you in your life if you could:* know your priorities & non-negotiables AND be selfless * be disciplined AND flexible * can eat what you like AND choose not to * be rational in your thinking AND in tune with your emotions * follow your dreams AND stay grounded
When we are waiting for perfection, or expecting perfection - for us to be perfect, for things to be perfect, for conditions to be perfect - we are going to be waiting for a very long time, because "perfect" in that sense, it doesn't really exist.The best place to start, is here. The best time to start, is now. The best time to pick yourself up and dust yourself off, and to take the lesson - is now. And if you've had an idea planted in your heart, then you are the person to be doing it.Whether you feel like you are ready or perfect, or not.Because an idea, without execution, it is nothing. It is just an idea.And how will you become the person who can do it, if you don't start doing it? How will you know it was the right or wrong thing to do if you don't get out of your head and into the field of play?Accepting that within the very messy progress, lies the true perfection.The way we learn and grow in life is through our experiences, through our mistakes, through what we perceive as our failures. But what if the the only real failure lies in never starting, or in giving up before it's done?If done is better than perfect (because what is perfect anyway, who says, who gets to determine that??) what can you let yourself off the perfection hook about, and give yourself permission to dive in and simply give it your best?
Journalling is the practice of downloading your thoughts and feelings around a particular event, person or situation, with a desire to understand and make sense of the chaos and the jumble.Journalling is like having a deeply private conversation with your innermost thoughts and feelings, and is a process to tap into your innate wisdom.In this episode I address the common challenges when it comes to journalling (I don't know what to say, what if someone reads it?) and how you can start your very own practice. Plus how journalling and meditation work together.I swear by journalling in my own life and it is one of the first and core practices that I teach my clients and students.Journalling ALWAYS feels awkward at the start, but as you commit to it, and allow yourself to just let go and trust and embrace the process, you will begin to experience the benefits and results of this life changing practice.Resources discussed in the show:The Sacred Journey - https://icmh.com.au/workshops-and-classes/the-sacred-journey/The Steps for Change - https://www.thehappinesshunter.com/the-steps-for-changeJulia Cameron Morning Pages - https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/
Being resourceful is having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.We live in a loving, benevolent, kind, generous, supportive and caring universe that wants to give us what we are asking for. Our job is to take the first step and to decide - to get very clear on what we want, and then to trust in the universe to provide the how.When we believe that we are resourceful, and that we can have what we ask for - and we allow ourselves to ask for it, believe we can have it and allow ourselves to receive - then we are going to be shown the quickest and cleverest way to make it happen.When we believe that we live in a universe of unlimited resources, then the universe is going to knock itself out proving to us that we are right.
Today we are joined on the show again by one of my very favourite people in the whole world, Issam Kadamani. If you’ve listened to previous episodes, you will have already met him.I’ve been studying with him for the last 6 or 7 years at the International College of Meditation & Healing here in Melbourne and most of what I share and teach I have learnt in some way shape or form from him.In this episode, we explore:· The 3 steps to create change and improve your life – education, improving mindset and healing· Quantum physics and a simple explanation of the composition of the universe (which we are a part of)· The L field· Energy and matter and how it relates to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies· Having an open mind· The mind, body, spirit connection· Our chakra system· What is the ego; I/me· How our belief systems shape our reality· How the mind works; conscious, critical (top and bottom), subconscious (modern) and primitive (unconscious)· The difference between our belief systems and our personality· Meditation and forgiveness and other ways we can heal ourselves· How energetic healing works· Ajna Tibetan Healing as a healing modality· And much more!You can find out more and connect with Issam Kadamani at https://www.icmh.com.au
We say we have been "ghosted" when someone stands us up, or just disappears never to be seen or heard from again. You had every reason to believe that they would show up, honour their commitment, see through their end of the bargain but then... nothing.And we are left scratching our heads, wondering what just happened there. But if you honestly stop and pause to reflect, ghosting doesn't have to be something you do to someone else or that they do to you. What if ghosting was something you actually did to yourself as well?Where in your life do you say you are going to do something that involves a commitment just to you - it may likely even be in pen in your diary - and then you just don't show up. No communication, no apology, no acknowledgement. Just completely not present.No-one likes being ghosted. So why do we do it to ourselves?
After reading all the quit-lit (yes, that is a genre apparently) books and listening to all the podcasts on giving up drinking (including this one), both Jenny De Lacy and Lara O'Donnell felt like they had been sold a lie when they didn't experience what is known as "the pink cloud" and feel AH-MAZING when they stopped drinking.They had all these questions of all these people who were banging on about how great it was to quit. Because their experience didn't reflect all the great stories they were hearing, they really did feel like something didn't add up.What was it that they were missing?How can you just stop drinking after years and years and be happy about that? Like, how can you go from two bottles a day to just not drinking? What was the experience between stopping and feeling better? What happens next? Do you just automatically feel better? Why don't I feel better?Come and join us for this really great conversation where Jenny and Lara tell it as it really was for them to give up drinking (no pink clouds in sight) and we address their challenges and how they can be overcome.
Kerryn Powell of Your Time Matters is a connection strategist, conversation starter and network catalyst who thrives on building communities and creating the right connections. Kerryn believes that anything is possible with a supportive network.Kerryn is joining us on the show today to talk about relationships, connections, community, contribution and conversations.In this episode of the podcast we explore:* why conversations are so important * how to develop successful relationships * creating true connection through authentic relationships * the importance of trust in relationships * The Start Foundation * how to create opportunities for connection * how to harness your existing network and to build new ones * how to network effectively * beginning with giving - reciprocity in relationships
In today's episode of the podcast, you'll discover the difference between laziness, procrastination, idleness and rest & recovery.If you are super honest with yourself, how often have you justified your lack of action as "rest & recovery" when in fact, it was probably closer to laziness or procrastination? And again, super honestly, how well has that strategy worked out for you in the past, and how well is it working out for you today?Both laziness and procrastination come from the same core driver - a lack of motivation. But neither make you feel very good, and laziness completely takes you away from your goals, while procrastination makes the process of achieving them so much more difficult than it needs to be.There is no cure to laziness, except to stop being lazy. Being able to honestly (and with oceans of love) simply ask yourself the question - "am I just being lazy" when you find yourself in the middle of mindless activity and yet another pointless distraction, may just be the circuit breaker you need to summon up the discipline required to just get that job done.
Success! What is it? What defines it? How to celebrate milestones? How to anchor it? So much reflection recently for me about what true success is (and what it isn't).I asked my kids recently how I should mark the release of the 50th episode of this podcast, and my son said "why don't you interview us?"And for me, this just made so much sense - If the real marker of success in life is love, then true success is when you have people to celebrate with.I’m celebrating 50 episodes with the most significant measure of success in anyone’s life - loving relationships.Please come and join me and meet my two very special guests - Ariston (or AJ), 11, and Vivi who is 9 - for this very special episode, as we share the fun and the joy that comes from taking action and celebrating success, together.
All action yields results.Making sure we are taking the right action to yield the right results is very important. Sometimes when we are operating outside of our comfort zone, in a place we have never been before, the only way we can learn if the action is the right action is by trying new things.Sometimes we learn that we are totally on the right track, and to do more of that.And sometimes the feedback from that action is going to cause us to question the action.At this point, it is very important to not just continue on with that action, but to take a big pause, a big deep breath, create the space for a big reset. For an absolute check in on all of everything.I like to think of this as slowing down to speed up.This process is both brutal and enlightening.Yes, you will slow down. But only to speed up in a way that is in complete alignment, knowing that the action you take is the best action for you - not for money, not for appreciation, not for applause - but the best most truest action serving the greatest good.
In this episode of the podcast, Issam Kadamani from the International College of Meditation & Healing is joining us again to ask the question - what is your plan?Success in life requires a plan.A plan helps you to understand where you are at, to get clear on where you would like to be, and it outlines the steps that you need to take to get there.Having a plan means that you can live your life from your conscious mind - actively deciding how you want things to be, rather that acting on autopilot from your subconscious mind - and ending up who knows where.Anything in life works if you want it to work.Having a plan means that you are in charge of your life.This episode will help you get clear on your plan, understand why it is important, what you need to think about and what you need to do.You can find out more about Issam at The International College of Meditation & Healing
For change to take place, a change needs to take place. So if we want things in your life to change, but we don't change, then nothing will change. It's not a complicated formula. We often think that change is too hard - that to get from where we are now to where we would like to be requires too much effort, and it feels too overwhelming, and it is going to take time that we don't have right now.We tend to look at change from a macro level. And that can feel big and too much of a stretch from right where we are.But what about if we started to think about change at it's smallest, most micro level - at the exact point of decision, in the moment the decision gets made.And what about if change required nothing more than you doing the opposite of what you have always done?Imagine if you could create the change you wanted to see and experience in your life, by catching yourself and asking yourself one very simple question. What is the opposite of this?
In this episode of the podcast, I am sharing with you a concept that you may never have heard of before, but when you understand what it is, and how it is affecting you, you may just have your mind quietly blown.Your energetic income level is the threshold of how much money you allow yourself to receive.You may never have heard of this before, but once you listen to this episode you will never think about money in quite the same way ever again.When you understand and have the awareness of the energetic income level at which you feel comfortable, you then have the opportunity to learn how to work on the belief systems and the stories that are keeping you stuck where you are, and preventing you from moving beyond your current energetic income ceiling.If you want to change your energetic income level you need to work on your money mindset. And having a really clear understanding of your current energetic income level and your current attitude around money (poverty/lack/scarcity or abundance) is a great place to start.
In this episode of the podcast, I am joined by my business coach, Bernadette Doyle, as we explore together what makes for a really successful coaching relationship.Bernadette is a transformational expert and the founder of the Online Profits University, an online school that teaches entrepreneurs how to create new income streams. Bernadette was right at the forefront of the online business revolution back in the early 2000's and counts amongst her mentors Richard Branson and Dr Joe Dispenza.Both Bernadette and I are coaches, and we also both work with coaches, so we clearly believe in the immense benefits that a successful coaching relationship can achieve. In this episode you'll discover insights from from both us as coach and coachee.If you are at a point where you know (or you have an inkling that maybe it is time) that you could do with some help to get moving in your life or business, but:* you may be wondering how coaching works, * concerned about the commitment or the investment or the work involved or whether you will get results, * feel terrified about working with a coach, * have worked with a coach before and it didn't work out
... then this episode is for you.You can find out more about Bernadette Doyle https://www.bernadettedoyle.comThe Happiness Hunter https://www.thehappinesshunter.com
Being intentional and focused about what we do at the very beginning of our day and the very end of our day creates a very different experience for our life.When we can set our day up for success by spending an hour or so doing all the things that help us create a state of peace and calm and balance and focus within us, we set a very positive trajectory for our day.Likewise, if we can end our day by spending the last hour calming ourselves down and creating a space between the busy of the day and the rest time of sleep - reflecting on our day, on what worked well, what didn't go so well, what we could do differently next time, putting the day to bed so to speak and focusing on what we can do tomorrow, our lives will be forever changed.And while it might feel that is too restrictive and costing you your freedom, what you will discover is that self discipline really is self love, and the more structure and boundaries you can bring into your life, the more time and space and freedom you will create.Bookending your day is a winning strategy.
True forgiveness is true freedom and true freedom comes when we can let go.In this episode of the podcast, I am delighted to be joined again by my teacher, mentor and guide, Issam Kadamani from the International College of Meditation & Healing to share his wisdom with us about true forgiveness.In all the years I have been doing the work I do with people (and on myself) - work that is about deeply understanding who we are, what makes us tick and what is the purpose of this whole experience we call life - there is one step that trips us all up time and time again.Forgiveness.Learning how to forgive; it almost goes against everything you believe to be true about yourself.The ability to learn to let go, to be compassionate and kind and loving towards yourself and others for perceived mistakes, failures, shame. It is something that most people struggle with a lot of the time, if not all of the time.When we can learn to forgive - properly forgive - then we can begin to step into our true power in life.True forgiveness is true freedom.I hope that you find some new awareness and some greater peace from the teachings of a truly remarkable teacher in today's episode.You can find more about Issam and the International College of Meditation & Healing here.And follow on Facebook and Instagram
When your focus and energy and attention are scattered, your results will reflect that. When you decide to go all in on one course of action, when you narrow your focus, when you decide that failure is not an option and you remove any opportunity for back tracking or escape, and you force yourself into one very narrow, focused course of action, then that is when you can achieve success, and success beyond your wildest dreams. It takes real courage to go all in, to cut the cords on all alternatives, to burn the boats, to remove all other options, to close down all escape routes. When you go all in, you step up into your life and into your power in the most extraordinary of ways.When you are all in, boots and all, and you know that you will stop at nothing until you win - when you bring that kind of commitment and certainty to what you are doing, you will be able to change your beliefs and take massive action in a way that you have never been able to do before. You will begin to attract to you the most incredible opportunities. Opportunities beyond just what you are focusing on, but that can come in because you are focused: building an energy and momentum that cannot be achieved when you are scattered and keeping your options open.Where are you going to GO ALL IN?
We all have the same 24 hours in every day. Why are some people able to manage their time and get more done, calmly, focused and with minimal stress, and others flap their way through the day stressed, in a panic and with limited productivity? In this episode of the podcast, you'll understand how tracking what you do in the day will teach you just how much time you waste (and how you can change that), and you'll also be able to think about how you can apply a really awesome time blocking system (developed by Charlie Gilkey) called Productive Flourishing.https://www.productiveflourishing.com
Issam Kadamani MSCD M. IMM (Aust) M. NMI (Aust) Alumni USA, Reiki, Sekhem and Ajna™ teacher and is the Principal at The International College of Meditation & Healing. His focus is to empower you so that you can live your life to the fullest, with unconditional love and joy.For the last 35 years Issam Kadamani has taught around the world, and is now based in Melbourne teaching meditation and metaphysics, providing transformational healing, counselling and much sought after life & business coaching and spiritual mentoring to people who are looking to learn a happier way of living.Issam is joining us on this episode to share his wisdom with us, so you can hear directly from the source about the wonderful gift of meditation.In this episode, we explore:* an explanation of metaphysics * meditation, what it is and how to do it * different types of meditation * benefits of meditation * the difference between meditation and mindfulness * alpha, beta, theta and delta brainwaves * creative visualisation * meditation as a spiritual practice * breathing * ajna tibetan healing * and more!
I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed creating it.If you want to book in for a counselling session or a distance healing, you can find out more at https://www.icmh.com.auYou can also buy The Happiness Hunter's Guide to Meditation, featuring Issam, with 8 guided MP3 meditations here https://thehappinesshunter.com/product/book-meditations-bundle/
Over the years, there has been a phrase that has helped me a lot, when the storm is storming in life. When it feels so overwhelming and bleak and the way through has not yet shown itself.And this too shall pass.Life is constantly moving, it is constantly shifting and changing, it is never final.Life is impermanence. There is nothing solid. It's just moving. And we are here moving through it all, as humans have been throughout the course of human history.Remembering that this too shall pass, can help us to make peace with where we are. Because when we know that it will pass, we can know that there are different times ahead, and we can learn to be with what is right now.
The gap between where we are now and where we want to be will more often than not require us to do something that we have never done before. It will require us to take a leap of faith, to put our trust into something that we can't see, that we don't know and that we can't touch. Taking a leap of faith does not mean that you don't have fear. Taking a leap of faith means that you have such a burning desire to get where you want to go, and to live your life how you want to live, and to experience life in that way that in the deepest part of you knows is 100% possible - that your desire outweighs your fear. It means that you are able to accept that right now you don't know what you don't know, and the only way you are going to find out what you need to find out, is to think, feel and act in a different way than you ever have before. Every great success, every great achievement, every great transformation had at it's very beginning a yes. And every single one of those yeses was from someone who made a decision to just say no to the fear and yes to taking a leap of faith. To hold the vision and trust the process, however terrifying it might be. Because in that moment of saying yes, something changes within you, and you will never be the same again.
Imagine if your biggest weakness could become your greatest strength? "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit" - Napoleon Hill.When we gain awareness of our weaknesses, when they have been exposed and highlighted, we have an opportunity to choose to change. We have an opportunity to learn how to become strong in those areas we have identified as weak. We have an opportunity to use our obstacles and challenges to grow and become stronger, and the steps that we take to overcome our shortcomings mean that we become better than we were before, not just where we were weak, but that strength lifts us in all of the other areas of our lives too.
In this episode of the podcast, you will meet Michael Donehue. Throughout his life Michael has battled depression and alcohol abuse, and has also had loved ones affected by mental illness and substance addiction which has fuelled his passion to bring these issues into the community for discussion.Michael has vast experience as a mental health advocate with a number of different organisations. Michael’s key messages are all about normalising a difficult conversation, surrounding yourself with the right people and finding your key coping mechanisms to stay on top of life.I invited Michael on the show to have a conversation about his experience of managing his mental wellbeing, especially in these times we are living in. In Melbourne we are now in lockdown #2 (but this situation could just as easily be experienced anywhere else), back into homeschooling, with things that had opened up have now closed back down again, economic uncertainty, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, loneliness, destructive coping mechanisms, deep bone weariness - a lot of people are not coping very well already and struggling with where we are. The first time round was almost a bit of a novelty; this time we are all starting to become aware that how we are now living is maybe a new normal. And somehow we need to adjust to it and to be ok with it, so that we can stay well. These are strange times that we are living in. As social beings, we are missing an extremely important part of what makes us human - physical contact, face to face connection and socialising with our communities. With physical distancing, social isolation, working from home, home schooling, gyms being closed, sports cancelled, recreational activities on hold and "normal" life taking on a new sense of normal, it is extremely important that we stay connected, reach out to people and let people know how we really are. Conversations are the glue that binds us together and as Mick says - the best tool that any of us have to connect are our two ears, so that we can listen.None of us is alone. And none of us needs to feel like we are on our own either. If you are not feeling great, who can you reach out to today to talk with?
We often talk about balance as in work life balance, or down time, or time for me, time for the kids, time for the partner, time for work - and it feels like something that we have to strive for to attain, and that it is always going to be slightly out of reach or unattainable. Because there are so many aspects of that which we can't control, especially now as we find ourselves in a global pandemic, without our usual routines, working from home, home schooling, constantly surrounded by people and responsibilities, distractions and interruptions. How do we manage ourselves well through this time when it doesn't appear that there is any balance at all?If we can start to think about balance as simply our relationship with ourselves - with our inner world, or our inner self, and then the corresponding action that we take in the outer, or physical world - then it becomes a lot more simple to understand and to allow ourselves to find balance. Finding true balance is 100% within our control at any time, and the balance we need to be focusing on is not in the external world, but finding connecting with our inner world and allowing that to become manifested as our outer world.When we focus on our inner world first, this will build a bridge almost if you like between the inner and the outer, and guide our actions in the external world, which will help create balance within our lives.Step 1 is to focus on the inner selfStep 2 is to pause and connect yourself to the outer world - to create your planStep 3 is to then take the action
In this episode of the podcast, you'll meet Lucy Quick. Lucy is a mum of two who hasn't had a drink for the last 18 months, and now works as a sobriety coach who is passionate about helping others get sober. Problematic drinking does not discriminate, and if we've got there, then as you'll discover in this episode, that the path we've all gone down to there is eerily similar. But what this also means, is that there is a really clear pathway out the other side, that those that have gone there before can share with you too. There doesn't need to be any shame, stigma or secrecy about it if you have a feeling that maybe your drinking has got a bit out of hand. There simply needs to be a decision that enough is enough, and you are ready to choose a different path. You'll learn that there is no downside to giving up drinking, that drinking to excess on a regular basis has no place in living a really successful life, and that if others have done it, then you can too!
The quality of our base - or our foundation - is going to be reflected back to us in everything that we experience in our life. To achieve the outcome we want to achieve, in anything, there are always going to be a number of steps that we need to take. Those steps are going to need to be taken in an order, to build on each other to help us get to where we want to be. The quality of our foundation and the strength of the steps we take on top of that foundation, will determine how successful we are at achieving our goals.In this episode of the podcast, you'll have an opportunity to consider how the creation of a solid foundation will help you achieve your goals, and you'll also have a chance to think about how you might need to change to help you get there.
When we turn the light on in a room, it eradicates the darkness, and we can see. When we have the light on, and we can see in the light, then we can see things much more clearly.Imagine that your body is a room, and that there is a button or a light switch in your mind, and that you have the power to turn that switch on at any time.Would you choose to live in the darkness, or would you choose to live in the light?In this episode of the podcast, you'll visualise turning on the light switch in your mind and feeling what it is to live in the light.
Our minds think in images, not in words. And our mind is always thinking. And when we think, we attach emotions and feelings to our thoughts. This is how we create our reality. Creative visualisation is about taking charge, taking responsibility, taking ownership of what images we see in our mind, and being much more discerning about the emotions and feelings - the sense of desire - that we place on those images in our mind. The process of creative visualisation means that we get to direct the images that play across the movie of our mind, which helps direct our goal setting, planning and actions, and helps us to look for and appreciate the opportunities and experiences which are here for us right now in the present moment. The process of creative visualisation also starts to flush out all of the reasons why what we are visualising will not manifest, and exposes our weaknesses in our belief systems, giving us the clues we need to know what we need to work on to change things, for us to become the person for whom this is our reality.Learning to harness the infinite power of our mind through a conscious creative visualisation process will start to completely transform the experience of your life, and utilising the process - whether through creating a vision board, guided meditation, watching inspiring videos, reading magazines - is a great place to start. For it to become real, we need to have seen it first, and to believe that we can have it.
In this episode, you will get to reflect on what it is that makes you feel good - really good, solid good, not just good because you think you got what you think you wanted good. What happens when we make the goal of feeling good, that wonderfully contented feeling of a genuine sense of knowing ourselves and what is true for each of us, that what is is exactly how it is meant to be be, of feeling positive no matter what is going on in the physical world around us - what happens when we make that the most important thing to realise in our lives? To learn how to let go of what we think things should be and how we think things should be, and just allow ourselves to listen to our true self, the part of us that always knows what is best for us, if we can learn to listen and trust and to do what it is asking of us. Then we can experience extraordinary states of goodness.
If experience is your teacher, what have you learned? WHAT we experience in our life is the result of our past thoughts, feelings and actions. This is also known as our karma. We cannot escape it: it is a fundamental law of the Universe.HOW we experience the result of this shows us where we are at right now. This is known as our attitude.With that in mind, what is this experience of your current present moment showing you about:- What you have put out in the past?- How you are thinking and feeling today?And, most importantly, based on what you are experiencing and how you are thinking and feeling today:- What actions you are taking today to create a different experience for your future present moments?Our current experience is created from the past. Our present moment is creating our future experience. Other than learning to see it in a different light, we cannot change what has happened in the past, but we can create a different outcome for our future. Because, regardless of what is going on in in our experience, we always, always have control over our attitude.
On this week's episode of the podcast, I'm talking with psychologist Christeen Waring about a subject which is very dear to both of our hearts - the benefits of walking and talking in nature.In this episode we explore:How Christeen was able to recognise within herself that she was not living her life according to her valuesThe steps she had to take to address this challenge and go back to foundationsHow she was able to use this leaning to take her clinical practice into a new settingA more integrated approach to wellbeingHow walking helps us get into our bodies and tune into our emotionsHow walking helps us regulate ourselves to manage how we think and feelThe benefits of walking and talking in natureBeing able to express ourselves honestly about how we are feelingOffering an empowering perspective on mental health, Christeen’s integrative approach to therapy and coaching brings psychology to life. A skilled and experienced psychologist she is committed to building better brain health, nervous system resilience, and breaking down barriers so individuals can navigate change, challenge and trauma. Her comprehensive approach to mental health care treats you as a whole person and brings psychology out of the clinic and into your life. Her work builds mental health and wellbeing where it is needed most – in our homes, our relationships, our workplaces and our communities.
Our breath is our life: without it, we are not alive. It is something we are doing from the second we are born, until we die, when we literally take our last breath. In this episode you are going to learn what following the breath means, how the process of breathing works (and you may just have your mind a little blown when you realise just how little you had thought about it before) and learn a really simple breathing technique that you can apply anywhere, at any time, to instantly give the amazing vehicle of your body what it needs to do it's job of keeping you alive. With seemingly nothing else required of you. Enjoy!
Unconditional acceptance is about accepting that what is, is. Without feeling the need to judge, justify, defend, criticise or blame. Acceptance is about accepting things as they are, not wishing that they were different, but simply learning to work with the present moment. Acceptance is the space from which we can create the change -- when we can accept ourselves, our circumstances, our environment, other people - then we can learn to be and do and experience things differently. In this episode, Fiona shares her recent experience of having to accept unconditionally things as they are, and how she is moving through that. And you will be left with a question to ponder - what makes for a truly successful life?
Dr Elise Bialylew is a mindfulness expert and the founder of Mindful in May. Join us for this episode, where we talk about:The science of mindfulnessWhat is mindfulnessThe global mindfulness challenge - Mindful in MayHow does mindfulness help us with stressHow much meditation do we need to do to get the benefitsCreating a mindfulness habit in 30 daysPractising self-compassionHow a routine helps with not falling down the slippery slope of making excusesThe creation of Mindful in MayThe intersection of passion, purpose and service https://www.mindfulinmay.org
One of the most powerful ways to find peace and be ok with where you are at right now, is to learn about what we like to call The Big Guns. The starting point for all change, requires awareness. Without awareness, nothing can change. But once we have awareness, there are three key steps (The Big Guns) that we need to move through to truly learn how to meet ourselves where we are at. In this episode, Fiona will share with acceptance, forgiveness and gratitude with you, and help you understand how to apply them to your life, right where you are, right now. Because where you are is where you are, and where you are now is perfect.
Why do we do the things that we know we shouldn't do, that make us feel bad? Why do we keep repeating the same old habits and keep on experiencing the same old outcomes? We say we don't want to be doing it or experiencing it, and we think we know we are doing it, but in reality, nothing is changing. Starting to ask yourself two questions will help you to understand why you are where you are, and why you keep doing what you do. Because, even though your might not like what you are experiencing - there is still some benefit in it for you. Listen in to this week's episode as I share with you two examples for you to reflect on and to think about:1. what am I getting out of this, and 2. what is the negative consequence if I change?
We are just about to head into a whole new reality that most of us are completely unprepared for - remote schooling for our kids, while trying to work in a completely new landscape, while also being at home without our normal routines and social outlets.It's not unexpected that we are going to be leaning on technology and devices and screen time to help us manage it all during this time.Normal rules have probably flown out the window to some degree - I know that they have at my place. Screen time now for a lot of us is our connection to our friends and family and the outside world, and I am extremely conscious that it is how my kids are maintaining friendships and their support networks throughout this time.I've invited Martine Oglethorpe from The Modern Parent to come on the podcast to share some strategies around this, and to just have a chat parent to parent about how to navigate this time.In this episode, we cover:* Having rules and boundaries, but being flexible, fluid and adaptive * Being safe online * Discernment around content consumption * Managing times for connection * Being realistic about true productivity and expectations * Creating time for essential physical activity * Have some structure and routines but only if that makes your day easier * Daily rituals can also work well to provide that sense of security and normal * Do what works for you * Try not to compare to what everyone else is doing and instead and focus on providing connection, safety and security and maintain your own wellbeing as a priority.
Martine Oglethorpe is an accredited speaker with the Office of the eSafety Commission, has a background in secondary education, a Masters in Counselling and is a mother to 5 boys. Through her personal and professional work with families she recognises the important role technology plays in the social and emotional wellbeing of young people.Martine is a keynote speaker for parenting and education conferences, presents to parent groups, works regularly with students and provides professional development to teachers. She has a passionate interest in helping families safely navigate the modern world of parenting in a way that offers understanding as well as practical and realistic strategies to empower parents to teach, guide and support their children.
Being grateful changes the way we see and experience the world. Fascinatingly, it is actually the process of gratitude - of choosing to look for the good and the positive - that changes the chemicals in our brain. So when through this process that is already helping us feel better, we find the things to appreciate, we experience a wonderful benefit. We are thinking better and feeling better and experiencing better. Choosing to look for, give thanks for and to appreciate what we do have, instead of looking for and experiencing the lack of what we don't have, can't have or has been taken from us, will help us to experience greater peace, joy and fulfillment and to live a happier and more appreciative life.
Join Dr Linda Wilson and Fiona Redding as they talk about stress, how to manage it, how to reduce it's impact on your life and learn some strategies to prevent it from taking hold in the first place. How we choose to react and respond to external factors is up to us - and right now we have an excellent opportunity to discover better ways of living and growing through the challenges that we may be experiencing.In this episode:* what is stress * we have a choice between stress and happiness * living in the present moment, one day at a time * practical (and fun) ways to immediately shift your energy * tools to manage stress * practicing discernment in your relationships, media and social media consumption * creating routine * ADAPTability model * Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
A Bliss List is filled with all of the things that you love to do, that you are passionate about, would love to do one day, which make you feel positive, great, happy, accomplished, healthy, strong, get my mind of things, that make time stand still when you are doing them or think about them and that fill your cup (e.g reading, exercise, anything creative, cooking, spending time with loved ones, volunteering, playing with your kids, writing, meditating, WHATEVER) This Bliss List is here for you whenever you need it.
These are certainly strange times that we are living in.But the reality is, that what is going on, is what is going on.How we navigate ourselves through this experience is up to us.We do not need to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed and consumed by fear and anxiety and worry.It helps nothing, and achieves nothing positive.The only thing that we have any control over in a situation like this, is how we choose to think and behave in each and every moment.We always have the ability - even though it might not feel like it - but we do have the ability to choose not to buy into the fear and the panic that is going on, and to be considerate about the conversations we are having and the actions we are taking.The best thing we can do is to remain as calm as we can. To conduct ourselves with dignity and integrity, whatever comes to pass.To try and live in the moment.To try and maintain a real sense of humour. Laughter is such an incredible antidote to stress.To use this time to reconnect with friends and loved ones and to start or finish those projects that you've been wanting to do for a long time.To remember that we live in a community made up of other human beings, and to make decisions that are civically minded.It's in times like these that the human spirit can truly triumph.We can all choose to be that light for others.And to remember, like all things, that this too, shall pass.Love,Fiona xxx
What we believe and the way we think and feel is mirrored back to us by what we perceive in the people, circumstances and experiences in the world around us. When we can become aware of our beliefs and the way what we believe is determining how we experience the world, then we have an opportunity to start to change our belief systems and the way we think, to create a different experience. Change happens when belief becomes action.
Letting go of thoughts we believe, things that we have had for a long time, been doing for a while, that we feel a connection with or an attachment to - this can be really hard.But when we hold on to thoughts and things, just because we always have, then we are not allowing the new or the next thought or thing to fully come in. Because there is no space for it.Letting go of things creates space. Sometimes we have to let things go before we even know what we are creating the space for. But that's ok, and that is as it should be. We are not meant to have all the answers.In today's episode of the podcast, I'm sharing the experience that I am currently going through, as I let go of The Happiness Hunter walks in their current format. These walks were the genesis for The Happiness Hunter and I've always considered them as the beating heart of the community, and I've been very, very attached to them.And even when I've been reviewing the direction of the business, the walks have always felt like they were off limits.But this year, this changed.It really is ok to let things go.And to really believe an affirmation that my very wise teacher, Dr Issam, gave us: "I always take the correct decision, and that decision always leads to success".Listen in to find out more.
This episode is about what it is like to be facing the obstacles and the challenges in our lives, and how we can gain greater awareness and understanding of them – to use the world as our mirror to understand our thought processes and belief systems and what we can do differently to create a better outcome for ourselves.And when we can honestly do this, then we can start to really work out what it is that is keeping us stuck and map out a pathway to move us forward. To do this, we need to believe it is possible.To start to truly believe that if it has ever been possible for another person in the history of the world - or even if it hasn't, because we are the creators of our own reality and our possibilities are limitless - then it is possible for me.
Recently, I did a 16 day water fast. While it is not for everyone, it was a pretty incredible experience and in this episode I cover:* what water fasting is * why people fast and the benefits of it * creating a challenge for yourself and going beyond your comfort zone * why I did it * my previous experience of 7 day water fasting * the stages of water fasting and what you can expect * ketosis and autophagy * what happened for me during the 16 days and what I got out of it * the experience post fast * being ok about making informed decisions that are right for you, regardless of other people's opinions
*DISCLAIMER this episode is me talking about my experience and it is my opinion only. It is not to be taken as endorsement of water fasting and is not medical advice. If you are thinking about doing a water fast, please seek professional advice and do plenty of research to work out if it is right for you.
One of the areas of our life that is often lacking is having fun and relaxing. We are so busy and so consumed by all of the other priorities that we just don't think we have the time to chill out, relax and have fun - just for the sake of it. In this episode, you'll start to consider having relaxing and having fun as a mindset. How can you inject more breath, more fun and more relaxation into your life every day?
In this episode, you'll meet Alex White and hear her experience of becoming a stepmum (to my two kids), and how the experience has been for her over the last few years. Becoming a stepmum, or a step parent, is not easy and learning how to adapt to an existing family dynamic is challenging. People often remark on how well we make our blended family work and how well we all get on. Join us as we discuss how we make our blended family work - parenting, communication, boundaries, love, acceptance, relationships and friendship.
In this episode of the podcast, you will learn an amazing little strategy to help you improve your relationships, become more aware of your belief systems, thought processes and emotions and to help you move from a space of reacting to the world, to beginning to respond. To be in the drivers seat of your life.Practicing being teflon creates an opening to start to see yourself, the world and other people in a different way, it creates the space for more understanding and allows for improved communication - within yourself and with others.
Knowledge and awareness are nothing without understanding and action.Most us know what we are meant to be doing, but are we doing it? Why don't we do those things we say we want to do, that we know we should be doing?Deciding on what we want to do and then sticking at it, well, most of our lives are littered with good intentions. There always seems to be something more important to do.And good intentions without backed up and consistent action don't actually get us anywhere.At The Happiness Hunter, our philosophy is very simple. If you want your life to change, then you need to change.In The Academy, not only will you learn practical, proven strategies and actions to step you on the path to living your best life, our community is here to support you and keep you accountable every step of the way.Taking action each day, checking in each week and reflecting each month, you will really get some momentum going to start achieving your daily goals. No more planning and writing and dreaming and wishing, and then feeling bad. We are here to keep it super simple and super supportive to help you get off the hamster wheel of going nowhere - to focus, create new habits and simply do the things you want to be doing.The way to live your best life, is to learn how to show up every day as the best possible version of you.In The Academy, we focus on small, daily, incremental changes to build your foundation, set your day up well, and to put you in the strongest position to achieve success in every area of your life.The Academy membership includes:* access to a private Facebook group and amazing community * monthly live group coaching call (12pm AEST last Friday of the month) * monthly and weekly focus and reflection to help you commit, be consistent and be accountable * monthly book club * weekly meditation * weekly step count challenges * weekly Happiness Hunter walks (in your area) * priority booking and discount for Retreats, Workshops and The Happiness Hunter Bootcamp * Lifetime price for the duration of your membership
To join, go to https://www.thehappinesshunter.com/academy
Great lives are made up of great days, and great days are made up of all the decisions we make through the day... starting with the intention of having a great day. Making the decision to have a great day is a choice. In this episode of the podcast, you'll learn about the importance of implementing a morning routine, and the steps you can take to balance yourself and put yourself in the position to have a great day, every day.
In this episode of the podcast, you'll meet Maz Compton. Maz is a TV presenter, radio announcer, one of Australia's foremost entertainment reporters and author of The Social Rebellion: true freedom begins with a cheeky month alcohol-free. Maz is on the show to talk about how her life has changed since she stopped drinking 5 years ago, and what to expect in the first month.Deciding to stop drinking - or deciding to take a break from drinking - is the first step in being able to reflect on your relationship with alcohol. But what happens next? On day 2, on day 23? After a year? After two years? What are the benefits? How does life change? How do you explain yourself to your friends who want you to drink with them still? How do you avoid replacing one bad habit with another habit... like eating too much chocolate?If you've ever wondered about your relationship with alcohol, or maybe you are just a little bit interested in understanding more about what makes for problem drinking, then make sure you listen to this episode to hear Fiona and Maz get really honest about their experience with life beyond drinking.
Hope: A feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. In this episode of The Happiness Hunter Podcast, Fiona shares about the power of hope and positive action to help us all through the bush fire crisis. We are currently experiencing bush fires in Australia the likes of which we have never seen before, and there is no precedent for how to contain them. It seems that we all have a connection to the people and places affected, and there is a huge amount of worry and anxiety and distress. This episode of the podcast is to share how we can use that connection in the most positive of ways, to focus our energy not on anger and blame, but to focus our energy on positive, constructive and hopeful action. How we can still care - deeply - without feeding in to the fear and the negativity. There is always hope. There is always light within the darkness. Sometimes we really have to look for it, but it is always there.
Discover what a Major Definite Purpose - or a Chief Aim - for your life is, and learn how to create one for yourself. Deciding on your Major Definite Purpose, being clear about what you desire and what you are prepared to exchange for what you desire, writing it down and reading it every day will begin to reprogram your subconscious mind. This episode was inspired by Napoleon Hill and his book Think and Grow Rich, and shares the steps to create your own, discussing examples that you can base yours on, including Fiona' and Bruce Lee's.
The process of creation can be messy and what looks all shiny and effortless from the outside is more often than not the result of a lot of trial and error, a lot of getting out of your own way and a solid support crew. Join Fiona as she shares the process she went through and the experience of creating The Happiness Hunter Podcast, including narrowing her focus, overcoming imposter syndrome and getting started.
Join Fiona Redding and Paul O'Brien for this episodeThe Happiness Hunter Podcast.In this episode, Fiona and Paul chat about:- How Fiona and Paul met- Paul's experience with overcoming a very challenging period in his life, including mental health issues, financial challenges, a relationship breakdown and cancer- The background story and creation of The Seven Elements Framework for Life Integration - The importance for understanding your purpose in life- The difference between work life balance and life integration- An explanation of The Seven Elements - vision, fitness, family, friends, finances, work/career and fun/fulfillment - How you can apply it to your own life - and much more!Paul O'Brien's website - Leadership MattersConnect with Paul on LinkedInPedals, Paddles and Potholes BookThe Happiness Hunter walksThe Happiness Quotient (HQ)The Happiness Hunter's Guide to Meditation
In this episode Fiona openly shares her experience of giving up drinking in 2013, including how it was affecting her life, how she overcame it
In this episode, Fiona shares the concept of the Circle of Responsibility and how it can transform your life
In this episode, you'll meet Fiona and learn what you will discover from listening to this podcast.