youIQ with Chuck Ross: Recent Episodes
Chuck Ross
Happiness. Abundance. Success. Motivation. Love. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see or hear those words? Do you think, "Hey, those all describe how I feel and what I experience in my life every day!" I really hope that is the case! For many, including myself, we jive with some of those, but struggle with others. The youIQ podcast is a dive into yourself. It asks the tough questions, challenging those parts of you that need to be challenged in order to improve in the areas that need improving. Yes, you are beautiful, wonderful, and unique. That said, if you are truly honest with yourself, you know there is some part of you that could use some adjustment from time to time. As a trainer, speaker, and coach, my greatest joy is helping people understand their inner workings more intimately. This leads to greater awareness in their day to day lives, allowing them to experience life more fully. Join me for an unforgettable and insightful journal through your own mind on your way to increasing your youIQ.
For quite some time, it has been apparent that our society has issues with issues. What I mean by that is that we don't seem to process our issues in a healthy way. We tend to label people based on where they stand on an issue.
Let me give you an example: Donald Trump. Just by saying his name, a certain amount of emotion is stirred. Perhaps it is a negative emotion, or perhaps it is a positive one. The truth is that many like or dislike Trump because of this stance on issues. The same could be said for many presidents in the past. But why can't we just disagree on the issue instead of labeling him?
The same is true for people in the general public as well. We see things a certain way and have a hard time not judging people who see things differently.
Consider your feelings the next time you run into someone or respond to someone on Facebook who has different opinions than you do. Tune in to the way you handle it.
Be hard on issues and easy on people.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
The COVID-19 pandemic has now begun affecting the lives of people all over the United States, as people have been asked to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Schools have enacted "distance learning" methods to try and salvage the school year and restaurants and other public gathering places have closed. How different is life for many than it was 6 months ago...
But, we have always faced uncertainty...and we are still miraculously here! We know far less than we don't know. And we control far less than we don't control. We could cause ourselves great anxiety and stress by focusing on things we don't control. The opposite is also true, however. By turning our focus toward those things we truly can control, we can relieve anxiety and stress.
One thing we can immediately control is our perspective. Through controlling our perspective, we can replace the thoughts that cause anxiety with thoughts that promote strength.
As the saying goes:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Be well,
For thousands of years, fear has helped watch over the human race in order to keep it safe. The "fight or flight" response which causes the human body to release adrenaline (epinephrine) is still alive and well, brought on by acute traumatic events.
However, a new type of fear hormone now rules our race, cortisol. Also known as the "stress" hormone, cortisol is released during prolonged stress events.
Enter, the current COVID-19 virus pandemic. Being on everyone's mind is guaranteed by the constant stream of media that bombards our phones and computers. This is a cortisol nightmare! But it doesn't need to be.
Fear doesn't have to rule our psyche during these times. We have the capability to change our thinking and see fear in a positive way: as a teacher. I know, you really want to ignore fear. You really want to climb back into bed and pull the covers over your head. You really want to just fast forward a couple of months and be done with it. Sorry, you have to work through this one.
Recognize that fear is present. Find the source of your fear. Then find the learning that there is to offer. Acknowledge fear as a teacher, not as something that needs to be ignored.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
Have you ever launched into a life endeavor without thinking it through? Or, perhaps you have experienced this the other way around. Perhaps you have considered the options so much that you never got around to taking action. Mountain bike rule #4 speaks to the former: look before you launch. Assess before you take action!
There have been many times that I have not done my due diligence before starting a new endeavor. In the podcast, I explain a little more in-depth about my experience with charm-bracelets and my nutrition coaching business. They both ended in failure, just like my experience as a child jumping my bike (again explained in the podcast).
We do need to look before we launch. We need to assess a situation before making a decision. This makes it an informed decision. That said, if we wish to be successful, we need to balance our caution with a measure of faith. So yes, look before you launch. But when you do launch, send it.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
New Year's resolutions can be mixed blessings. On one hand, they can motivate a person to start working toward a big goal. On the other hand, follow-through can be an issue. Oftentimes, a person begins with a big dose of effort which creates a certain amount of momentum. A single big effort isn't enough for most big goals, however, and momentum soon wanes. Consistent effort is the key to keeping this momentum going.
Consistent effort does not come without its obstacles. Life has a way of presenting challenge after challenge, making consistent effort difficult. This is where focus plays a part in goal completion. Do you let little things take your focus off of your big idea? What can you do to change this?
People often get caught up in activity without productivity. When you can focus your little steps toward your big idea, your big idea, or goal, or project, will become a reality. Clarify your focus daily and give consistent effort by the hour. Do these, and you will find success in reaching your big goals.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
I'm not particularly well-traveled outside of the United States, something which I plan to change. However, I did get the chance recently to visit Costa Rica. The countries landscape, vibe, and people were beautiful.
They are Pura Vida!
Pura Vida is a saying that you will hear native Ticos say quite often. While the translation is "pure or simple life", it's meaning goes far beyond. It can mean "no worries", or "awesome!", or "loving life", or many other things. But the practice of Pura Vida was apparent in the people of the country.
Our guides Ivan and Alex, both native Costa Ricans, were positive and helpful from the beginning of the trip until we stepped off the bus at the airport. The people they introduced us to while on the trip were helping local people become more educated and empowered, preserving the forests and species native to them, saving wounded animals, and living their lives to the fullest.
While Pura Vida seems to be the national motto in Costa Rica, it seems that we could all use a healthy dose of Pura Vida in our own lives. Are you facing challenges? Have faith you will grow through it, Pura Vida! Are you enjoying a beautiful sunset? Be grateful and enjoy the moment, Pura Vida! Embrace the sentiment, and let your stress level subside. Live life to its fullest, and enjoy the journey.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
Have you ever gotten angry about something someone did, but you had no idea why? It's possible that they were playing on a personal dominant fear that is in direct opposition to what your personality desires. Exploring these dominant fears can uncover "blind spots" in your behavior. These blind spots cause you to get angry and react to situations in sometimes uncharacteristic ways. Recognizing these can help you evaluate your response before you react poorly.
While assessments offer this useful personal information, a little research can help you evaluate the people close to you also. By knowing their personality type, you can improve your communication and understanding. Carefully choosing the way you communicate with them can avoid their dominant fears and allow you to connect with them more consistently.
Remember, personal growth starts with knowing yourself. Do a little research on yourself, pay attention to your behavior, and reap huge rewards.
Be well!
Chuck Ross
ISFP in Myers Briggs
9 on the Enneagram
IS according to DISC
SE on the Leadership Compass
Oi. Seriously? Personality testing? Isn't it all just a bunch of extraneous information that is vaguely useful and pigeon-holes you into a designated box?
If you see it that way, that is how it will be for you. Your focus determines your reality. I propose that personality assessments can very quickly allow you to evaluate your self-image. Do you like what the assessment has to say about you? How do you feel about the challenge areas (weaknesses) that the assessment has uncovered?
Many people have personality traits they don't necessarily like. Because of this, they see their personality as "less than" or "worse" than someone else's. However, every personality has its strengths. We can work on challenge areas, and we can also work on how well we function with our strengths. Many times, when people are very high functioning in their personality, they take on traits of other personalities.
Whatever your view of personality assessments, just know they are about you. They are a different way of looking at yourself, and the more information you have about you, the more you can increase your youIQ.
Be well!
Chuck Ross
Sometimes we need to give our self-image a face lift. About a year ago, I found myself in such a position. My second marriage had ended and I felt broken. I was well aware of the part I played in the split and my inadequacies seemed to play over and over in my head.
What about my strengths? They were nowhere to be found. I needed a mental change.
2 minutes with ham allows me to train my dog to do something new. Why not use that on myself? Why not enact Mountain Biking Rule #1 and put your focus where you want to go? That is exactly what I did. I recognized my faults, then focused on my strengths. I recognized my failures, but would focus on my success. A year later, I have a new thriving business in a field outside of my education training. I have confidence and am willing to work toward massive audacious goals.
Take control. Affirm yourself and find an improved self-image.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
Have you ever seen a terrier approach a larger dog? Sometimes they cower, but most of the time they are fearless. Why is that? Well, it has to do with their self-image. They don't see themselves as smaller. They see themselves as more than adequate to take on that larger dog, or a challenge, or just about anything that life dishes up!
So often, we hold ourselves back subconsciously because of who we see ourselves to be. When we see ourselves, we see a person who is not smart enough, or we see someone who is not good looking enough, or we see someone who is not talented enough. This is due to the comparisons we conduct between ourselves and others.
In this first part of this mini-series on self-image, I consider Maxwell Maltz's book "Psycho-Cybernetics". That people sabotage themselves toward failure can be attributed to a negative self-image, according to Maltz.
But terriers? Nope, their self-image keeps them taking on big challenges with a warrior's spirit. Think like a terrier, and begin to unlock success.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
Responsibility, Integrity, Respect, and Trust are all principles: natural laws that are external to us and that ultimately control the consequences to our actions. Some people choose to live by these, and some don't. What is your choice? And if you choose to live by principles, where do you start? In this episode, we begin discussing how to implement principled living into your daily actions.
Each individual person also has a host of other principles by which they live, although they often go unnoticed. What are some truths that you have found through day to day living? And how do these truths help guide you?
Principle based action can open the door to more freedom for many. When principles are used to guide decision making, the confusion that often comes with this process is lessened. Principle based action may not always be easy, but it is often very clear.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
The idea of living by principles is not new. Stephen Covey talks about a principle centered life in his amazing book "The 7 Habits of Highly-Effective People". Ray Dalio wrote a whole book based on his life and work principles called simply, "Principles".
Principles, since they don't change like our ever-changing emotions, offer us an objective way to guide our actions. Even if angry, you have the power to let principles take over to help guide your actions. You can respond in a respectful way, while still expressing your anger or frustration.
Respect is my most important guiding principle. For other people, it may be honesty or integrity. But, for this episode, Respect is the main topic.
Next week, we will dive into more key principles, and I will help you figure out which ones are the most important in your life.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
Much of California is without power, not because of an earthquake or storm, but because of the threat of wildfire. This is a first for us, but new legislation requires public utilities to cut power during specific weather conditions (warm, dry, and windy). This is a direct response to the devastating "Camp Fire" that destroyed the community of Paradise, California a year ago.
How have people reacted to the power outages? Well, there has been a lot of anger and a lot of frustration and a lot of gratitude. Wait. What? Gratitude? Yep. Several communities and people have stepped up to help make the most of the situation.
Losing our electric service is not the end of the world, but you can imagine the anger that people feel when a creature comfort is taken away. Want to test the theory? Take a teenagers phone away for any length of time. Do they need it? Nope. But they think they need it.
Just because we lose power, does not mean we are powerless. We can choose the way we see the situation. Some people get angry and display it for all to see. Some people feel grateful as they fix breakfast on a camp stove in the tree-filtered light of an early morning sun.
You get to choose.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
Chinese acrobats, like many other performers in the world, tend to build their routine into more and more elaborate stunts up to a spectacular grand finale. This is similar to the habitual way many tend to balance their lives. For many, they put in a tough year or two at work, with a vacation as the end result (and their only time to truly relax).
Others work differently, balancing their weeks with 5 working days and 2 play days on the weekend. The final group successfully balances every day to meet the many needs of their overall wellness. This ends up naturally balancing their weeks and years.
How do you achieve balance in your life? Do you live in a state of stress, just to vacation for two weeks then return to stress again?
Mountain biking rule #3 builds on the idea that "life is like a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving". MTB rule #3 states: life is like riding a bicycle…balance is easiest while moving forward, but every once in a while, we must steady ourselves, be still, and find traction, in preparation for our next surge of momentum. This is like the Chinese Acrobats who steady themselves before their next extraordinary maneuver.
Be well!
Chuck Ross
Perhaps you have seen some of the funny faux common core math problems circulating:
If a train is traveling at 55 miles per hour down a one way street, how many hot dog vendors will it take to paint a house pink as a blue hot air balloon conducts a sight seeing trip in the imaginary land of the elusive spotted unicorn?
As a teacher, I understand common core better than most. But, it is confusing to many...almost as confusing as balancing life! How do we balance the many areas of our lives while also attempting to build or maintain our health? That is an honest to goodness real-life common core math problem!
Most people gravitate to their strengths, as they navigate life, but what about our weaknesses. Only through finding, acknowledging, and addressing our weaknesses can we find balance. And only through addressing all of our life areas can we find wellness. Today's episode considers both of these in the search for building a smooth rolling, large diameter wheel.
Ok, last common core question:
How much satisfaction will you have when you create a smooth rolling wheel of life (youIQ episode #1) that is large enough to roll over the biggest of life's obstacles on your way to finding success and happiness?
The answer: Exactly 43 bushels of corn.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
In this episode of youIQ, we consider the idea that balance is often elusive in our lives. Life has a way of presenting us with opportunities or challenges that send us into a state of imbalance.
Racing bikes can help keep one in shape, and proper training is balanced. However, the time commitment required to keep the training balanced and stay competitive often leads to imbalance when considering life as a whole. Many people struggle with keeping balance within the many areas of their lives, much like a plate spinner has to master which plate to give attention to as it slows. Spinning the many plates of life successfully takes focus and skill.
Our greatest efficiency (and possibly happiness) happens when we are balanced and healthy in all of the areas of our lives. Enter Mountain Bike Rule #2: a larger wheel rolls over obstacles easier than a smaller wheel. This is important because when we are balanced and healthy in all areas, we tend to be able to roll right over life's obstacles more easily. If we are imbalanced or unhealthy, it makes rolling over these obstacles far more difficult.
So, roll on like a bike truck tire! Find balance and healthiness in all areas to take on challenges successfully. Next week, we continue our discussion on balance, taking into consideration the many different levels and areas of balance in our lives.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
For most people, the idea of a new house is exciting. Finding the place that has the space, layout, setting, and potential for which you are looking can be exhausting but thrilling at the same time. Once the house is bought, however, a day approaches that is among the most feared and stressful that life has to offer: moving day.
This episode takes the idea of practice, a truly meditative state at its core, and applies it to the chaos of moving. Is it possible to meditate during a stressful time? Not only is it possible, it is essential to your health and well being.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
The sweet spot: the spot at which things feel right.
Today I bring you the second half of the interview with Chris Hooley, the owner and an instructor at The Center of Movement in Grass Valley, CA. Chris, having become fascinated with personality while studying Tai Chi, explains the he is a 5 on the Enneagram. Through careful observation of self, he recognized that he expressed downward energy, but rarely expressed his upward energy. He needed to find a balance.
Chris explains that finding this balance, and finding the most effective way to move or act, often requires contrast. Be experiencing what does not work, we find out what does. We find the sweet spot.
Be well,
Chuck
Have you ever done something over and over and over, only to realize that you have been doing it wrong the whole time? Most people have. It is with thought and awareness of ourselves that we can actually practice the things that help us move forward through life.
In this special edition of youIQ, we dive into the mind of a Chris Hooley young man who has begun to combine years of Tai Chi practice and experience with the Enneagram into a wholistic view of movement, emotion, and energy.
The Middle Path allows us to extend our energy without overextending. It allows us to withdraw our energy without collapsing. This episode, if studied, if practiced, provides insight into meditating in our actions, wherever we may be.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
Have you ever seen the image of the large bird, perhaps a heron or an egret, trying to swallow a frog, but the frog has its hands around the bird's neck? The caption below the image reads, "Never give up." That thought and quality, persistence, is discussed in this episode of youIQ.
The wisdom in books by Napoleon Hill and James Allen are shared throughout this episode. Both men, having grasped the importance of this topic, write extensively on persistence and perseverance. Napoleon Hill studied Andrew Carnegie along with over 500 other successful people over a period of 20 years before writing his book, "Think and Grow Rich". This epitomizes persistence.
Take a journey into the power of persistence, and increase your youIQ, as we discuss this quality that is so crucial to success in our lives.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
Our mindset can be limited by our belief, and our belief can be limited by our mindset. In this episode, we dive into the topic of faith, since believing without seeing is crucial to maintaining a positive mindset when the going gets tough.
The movie the Matrix, written and directed by the Watchouskis, and distributed by Warner Brothers, debuted in 1999. This movie, known for its visual effects, also carried with it a unique story line. Neo, the main character, has to go up against an "agent". Agents are ultra fast and strong. Neo, in a pivotal scene, takes on the characteristics of an agent, because he "begins to believe". He has faith!
While some of this episode is theory, it has shown many people the way to success. But, they only find success through definite action. Quotes by some of the most well known writers on this topic (Napolean Hill and James Allen) lend a unique perspective to this powerful concept.
Have faith, take action, and move like an agent.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
It seems obvious, but the title says it all: You go where you focus. In this episode, I take one of the most important of all mountain bike techniques and apply it to the concept of mindset.
Many people focus on the negative things in life, sometimes to the point of dwelling on them. Pessimists. Many people focus on the positive things in life. Optimists. In this episode, I consider the idea of seeing the negative things and evaluating them, but quickly turning the focus to the positive aspect of the situation. While mountain biking, the rider sees an obstacle, like a rock or tree, then quickly finds and focuses on the smooth section of trail they wish to travel. If they fixate and focus on the obstacle, they will hit it!
This is part 2 of a 3 part series on mindset as a part of resilience. In part 3, I will take a look at the law of attraction, where we actually manifest that on which we focus...provided we put in effort.
Be Well,
Chuck Ross
- "I can't do it!"
- "It's too hard!"
- "If I fail, I don't know what I will do."
The above statements all have something in common: They display a negative fixed mindset. They hold a person back from growth by stating that growth is impossible. Mindset should not be a fixed thing. Our lives are ever changing, providing us never ending opportunities for growth. Our mindset should be the same.
As Albert Einstein stated: We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
We sometimes need to change our thinking to help us find solutions. If our mind cannot set itself in a new direction, we cannot find such solutions. Thus, the mind should be able to set itself in a new way to help us deal with the changes and challenges that we face. If we view "mindset" as a verb, then we realize that our thoughts can be arranged to help us grow. We can change our thoughts and statements into ones that allow us to grow, instead of holding us back.
Be Well,
Chuck Ross
In this week's youIQ episode, resilience is the topic. Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. It’s also the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape. Elasticity. Like a rubber band. Resilience is a powerful ally in the process of change, especially as unexpected circumstances occur.
This amazing quality can be yours with a shift of your mindset. The mindset of optimism and determination can lead to increased resilience. Some people become cynical and give up easily, causing them to replay their tragedies over and over again in their head, as well as through conversations with others. Why put yourself through this when there is another path?
I share two stories that display the power of resilience and a positive mindset. Do you have what it takes to take on the Rubber Band Challenge? I believe you do. I believe everyone does. It does take effort, but it is also very rewarding.
Be well,
Chuck Ross
As a long time student of martial arts, I find the analogies in this episode very appropriate. How do we break through the terror barrier when facing change? Courage! This courage, when leveraged correctly, can help us break free from our paradigms and belief systems on our way to emotional freedom. This leveraging is not unlike the leverage that martial arts uses in dealing with an opponent. The opponent in our subconscious, however, is fear.
Stories from several of my former students dominate this episode, allowing me to demonstrate how people can overcome doubt and fear through mental martial arts. Self-awareness is key in recognizing this doubt and fear. You have but to choose a different direction...a direction of courage that is in line with your purpose.
Be courageous!
And be well,
Chuck
This week on youIQ, the topic is purpose. How are we to determine our course during times of change and challenge without knowing our purpose? Purpose serves as our guide through our ever changing life, giving us direction.
Determining purpose can be difficult, with so many different ideas of purpose being presented by different people. Whether you believe in one life purpose, or several, make the effort clarify your thoughts on this incredibly powerful concept. Once you begin to clarify your purpose, your journey will become more clear, and navigating the waters of change becomes more natural.
In this episode, I introduce a relatively simple exercise to help you clarify, or at least begin to clarify, your purpose. My website chuckross.net has more detailed directions, but I hope it is useful to those listening.
With a little more clarity, you may find that your journey becomes more meaningful and enjoyable. This is truly what I hope for you.
Be well,
Chuck
What are you afraid of?
Can you recognize when it is your subconscious causing this fear?
Do you know how to move past fear into freedom?
Join me for the second part of a two-part episode on how our subconscious is programmed and discover how to move past this programming if you choose. This re-programming may dig up some pretty serious emotions, however, including fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of what the future may hold are just a few of the types that may hold you back from moving toward your purpose. In this episode we discuss these concepts, along with the four stages of change: comfort zone, conflict, reason, and freedom.
My next episode will dive into clarifying our purpose, since this gives our efforts for change direction and meaning.
Be Well,
Chuck Ross
As we begin our journey into human programming, we explore the link between the conscious and subconscious mind. As the first of two parts, this episode focuses on the mechanics of how our paradigms and belief systems form.
From the time we are born, we either accept, ignore, or reject everything that enters our conscious mind. Moving, speaking, how we get what we want, driving, and careers are all used as examples. Once in our subconscious, we create patterns that may lull us into a comfort zone, paving the way for struggle if change is desired...the comfort zone seems pull us back whenever we try to break away.
Failing to find success in change is often due to fear. Crossing the "fear barrier" will be a topic we discuss next week, as we look at how to affect change in light of our programming.
Be Well,
Chuck
My first youIQ podcast provides a brief introduction to who I am, along with several reasons personal development is important. Change, as a concept, is introduced. Big "C" Change vs. little "c" change, change as inevitable, and a brief overview of the reasons change can be difficult were all discussed.
For your benefit (and for some of you, enjoyment), I am providing the "Wheel of Life" form on my website chuckross.net that I use with my coaching clients. This is a useful tool in viewing areas of strength and weakness, as well as balance among the areas of your life. We need to know where we are, if we are to evaluate what changes we would like to make!
For those with an inordinately large amount of time on your hands (or a particular curiosity), I am also including some questions on my website that may help spur thought on how you personally view change.
Be well!
Chuck