Halftime Talks: Recent Episodes
Rahim Rasul
Halftime Talks is aimed at offering stories, insights and ideas to assist us in bringing about our best performance.
In a world obsessed with success, what happens when getting what you want costs you everything that matters? Through the ancient tale of King Midas, we explore the modern pursuit of validation, achievement, and the golden touch. This isn't just another success story – it's a raw, honest look at the price of ambition and the true meaning of transformation. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, building your brand, or chasing your next big win, this episode challenges you to question: what's the real gold in your life?
Join us for a powerful conversation about authenticity, purpose, and the courage to choose significance over success. A must-listen for anyone feeling caught between their achievements and their soul's calling.
In this enriching episode of Halftime Talks, join Rahim Rasul as he likens nurturing our deepest ambitions to mastering the art of barbecue. With an evocative narrative that urges us to delve deeper than the surface in our pursuits, Rahim beckons us to embrace a journey of resilience, patience, and bold authenticity.
Drawing parallels between the seasoned grill master and the journey of personal growth, this episode is a powerful reminder to allow life's teachings to permeate our very essence, fostering a sustained flame of passion and determination within us.
Step beyond mediocrity and kindle your internal fire. Dive into this stirring session where you'll be encouraged to forge new territories, stay true to your vision, and be unabashedly you. Let's fuel a journey that transcends the ordinary, igniting a path of profound growth and legacy. Tune in to Halftime Talks, where wisdom meets grit, lighting the way to a fulfilling life.
In this episode we return with a conversation about become more MINDFUL of MINDFULNESS. The fountain of youth begin by replenishing out vitality of the mind. This is only possible when we begin to accept the transformative aspects of a balance mind. With an all-time level of stimuli petitioning for our attention, we must continue to remain deliberate in the contents that our attention wants to consume.
In this episode we reach into the library and review two of Jake Knapp's books, "Sprint" and "Make Time." These are two books that can stretch the way you view how you plan and spend your time. Enjoy.
The 21st Century has transformed the way that we consume ideas and insights. Technology has expanded the quantity of masters along with distributing them side-by-side with an array of noise. In this episode we explore the process of becoming more aware of the abundance of masters that exist amongst us as well as how we prime ourselves for reception for their insights. Enjoy.
It has been said that questions are an eye in the level of intelligence of the questioner. Framing the question is an act of sending in a probe for reconnaissance to uncover the hidden terrain. In this episode we continue our exploration of questions and curiosity. Enjoy.
The Stoics hit home in a way I couldn't have imagined when I was introduced to the philosophy. Little did I know that my world view and the Stoics would overlap. These books in this episode represent a beautiful presentation of a transformative approach to life. Enjoy.
In this episode we explore the profound statement, "Follow your bliss." While a compelling proposition this pithy proposition has more dimensionality that its cliche use would imply.
- What opens up when we begin to follow our bliss?
- What is personally required to fully move in harmony with this proposition?
- What can be expected?
- Why do results vary?
Maps are representational frameworks that allow us to scale a given domain (geographically, psychologically, or conceptually). Our progressions in any field of endeavor requires the construction of a map which charts the distance and terrain between where we stand and where we wish to be there. In this episode we explore the value and the impact of “Mapping the Domain.”
Excellence requires an understanding for how to navigate a multitude of circumstance in our domain of preference. The exposure to a volume and variety of experiences are often call Reps. In this episode we will explore the rewards that come along with repetitions.Enjoy.
Once a year I take account of all of the progress that transforms our world. The volume of transformative technology and progress is ofter overlooked to the degree where we loose a sense of awe and wonderment of appreciation for it. In this episode I share my process for grounding me to the awareness and acknowledgement of the shifts that continue to occur on our behalf. Enjoy.
It is time to begin to empty the crowded mind and hire a bounce to vet what we expose our minds to. We live in an era with the riches of media and information. It comes at a cost that most haven't accounted for.... OVER STIMULATION.
There is no such thing as a sketch in full resolution. Low fidelity advantage is an episode where we examine ways to gain insights through low stakes investments of both time and effort. Enjoy.
As a professional creative I've been fascinate about the soft skills that allow our abilities to shine. In this episode we showcase podcasts that showcase thinking strategies for creatives. While the domain is creative, their insights can become synthesized in other areas
Going beyond the lone wolf approach and and embracing advantage of those more experienced who can navigate you the terrain. In this episode we explore the advantage of surrounding ourselves with resources that give us an inside track.
We are all ready hit restart for 2020. In this episode we bring some insights we are taking in consideration in this fragile stage of beginning. Hitting restart require a series of reactivations that raise our accessibility to where we've been and where we desire to be.
Enjoy.
It's about time we take the deliberate step of reaching for satisfaction in the little things of life. The spring seasons of our lives operates on cycles. The rise and fall of favorability must allow us to become more present to when the roses of our life are in season. Stop and smell the roses.
How many things in our lives have we unconsciously opted into? Some of the things that make demands on our attention are solicited and others are unsolicited. As we take account of the costs associated with exposing our minds and emotion to the variety of stimuli in our world, becoming more deliberate about remaining balanced becomes a priority. In this episode we talk about the value of becoming aware of what things you are subscribed to.
There is a cultural phenomena around the subject of motivation. In the last 20 years we’ve come to think that there is something valuable and redeeming in motivation. Upon closer examination on the subject, I’ve taken a step back and have had to alter my approach. Is there any true value in an unsustainable activity? It’s the age old idea of give a man a fish or teach him to fish. We at our core want to catch ahold of a stream of energy that allow us to bring our best to the moment. We’ve come to call that moment. Unfortunately this approach gives a temporary burst that requires the recipient to continue coming back to the external source. What if there were another sustainable way? In this episode we will explore motivation and see if there is another way. Enjoy.
How do we get to the point that we release the need to be understood by those who can’t understand? To live outside of normal bubble requires a new kind of grit. Enjoy.
In an age of technological disruption and democratization opportunities are at their highest. Inversely we realize that the new breed of gatekeepers are more psychological than literal. The new brand of kings arrive self-anointed and demonstrate their ability to maintain the crown.
Cape Canaveral is where NASA launches it’s rocketing into outer space. Cape Canaveral Question are the ones that set us up to launch the trajectory of our lives into another type of atmosphere. Independent of our inner drive and ambition there comes an inflection moment that thrust us beyond our realm of familiar. In this episode, I recount some of the Cape Canaveral Questions that have charted the course of my life. Enjoy.
Voices are projected out into the world through our words but let’s not forget that the broader conversation about who we are in the world is also composed from our overall choices too. In this episode of Halftime Talks we explore this idea.
“You can lead a horse to water but you can’t force them to drink.” How many times have we offered sound insights and wisdom to others only for them to step right over it without even slightly pretending to heed it? In a world where you can read “I told you so” easily unspoken on the face of others there must be an alternative that allows us to maintain our balance. The nature of our individual growth and development curates different levels of receptivity to information. We’ve been the horse at the watering hole at many points of our life too. There is an unbreakable cycle to growth that cannot be bucked or skipped. Upon feeling a recent storm of attachment to someone hear me, I decided to opt out of that previous dynamic altogether. I instead began to devise a new approach. What if I conceptualize my words and actions as an invitation? To go further down the path with me will require you to first respond to the invitation. The invitation is like a trailer selling the movie that. The invitation is not a hard sell or bid to get a fill engagement or commitment. It is only mean to stimulate interest to get you to come on your own terms. In this episode we explore the idea of offering an invitation for understanding. Enjoy.
Not a day goes by that I don’t set aside some time to enter in the mode of mindfulness. Often one of the practices that I focus my energies into is appreciation. It’s fascinating to pour your attention into appreciation unconditionally. Unconditionally in that we are not trying to coax the wheels of life to roll in our directions but merely for the satisfying feeling of focusing. Appreciating deliberately has benefits that while intangible we can feel them working on us at the depths of our core. In this episode I go into more detail around my methodology around appreciation. I’d prescribe it to people for 6 weeks if I could. Over time you would be hooked and it would become second nature. Enjoy the episode.
Youth comes with an embedded sense of naive assumption of the world. Time has within it a beautiful component which allows the evolving of perspectives along with a growing compassion of understanding. This inability to reconcile the expectations fostered a high degree of contempt for both people and institutions. The next logical shift in evolution required me to release my contempt. In this episode we chart this journey and share perspectives in managing this stage of development.
Throughout history mankind has authored stories and tales about fire. The mythology of fire has expressed mans desire to transform his condition. We recognize and acknowledge the power inherent within its flame. In our lives we find ways to harness fire to serve our set of aspirations. To deliberately create fires and harness the power of the flame comes in many forms like discomfort training, challenging our abilities, and beginning new chapters. The fire that burns also has the capacity to forge us into stronger, more resilient individuals. The same fire has the ability to cleanse. The fire can burn away all the debris of beliefs incompatible with the integrity of who we’ve become. In this episode we explore the mystery of the fire and look for ways to harness its power. Enjoy.
I create, consume and curate playlist recommendations of podcasts. I love podcasts that challenge you to see the existing world differently. The beauty in the world that we are adventuring to discover may be standing right before us each day awaiting the receptive mind who can appreciate its nuance presentation. Ideas are revolutionary and evolutionary. Don’t ask the world to change, get better! So in this weeks episode I have a pair of podcasts that provide me with my prescriptive dose of tangential thinking. Enjoy.
From our earliest memories we’ve been inundated with fanciful stories. Our imagination has allowed us to walk in the shoes of some of the grand character created with the tales. Along the way we understandably misunderstood the nature of “Happily Ever After.” In this episode we look at the stories and this phase a little differently. Though different enough to pivot more powerfully toward a more empowering state of mind. Enjoy.
Often we let our circumstances dictate how we respond to life. When things are going well, our mood reflects it and the inverse holds true as well. Life has a precarious way of working in cycles like sports. We go on the offensive and then retreat on the defense. What if we shifted the way we look at the game and treated defense with the same tenacity as we do the offensive end of the floor. If our aim is to advance the goal then there must be an abundance of opportunities available on defense to exploit. In this episode we explore this parallel that exists between sports and life. Playing defense offensively might feel a little counter intuitive, yet those who artfully do so are positioned to advance their agenda with each possession. Enjoy.
In this episode of halftime Talks we discuss an important distinction that all entrepreneurs and individuals aspiring for greatness must internalize, the assassins edge. Our collective desire should be to cultivate skill that distinguish us from the pack of alternatives. When people call on us to perform we too must possess the assassins edge.
In today’s episode we have a conversation around the paradox of cool. We’ve mistakenly conjoined “Cool” with popularity. Original is Cool. Authenticity is cool. We touch on these ideas and more. Enjoy.
Not royalty, yet called a King. In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr’s holiday. I decided to share some word about our celebrated visionary.
In today’s episode we are going to be looking at the benefits of metacognition. It’s a fancy word that means “thinking about our thinking” or “learning how we learn.”
I run to show Rahim Rasul who he really is. The price of the expedition has physically taken its toll over me these past few days since the run. My ankles are sore. Instead of fitting in another run, I’ve stuck exclusively to strength training. The price is worth the reward. I doubt I’ll be remembering the ankles or sores when recalling this 10.39 mile run. These are the priceless experiences that must be relished. The practiced understanding of ideas, hunches are what crystalizes in these kind of experiences. With so much room to grow, I am equipt with new preferences and desires as a result of getting out there in the road.
“A mind not pushed internally or externally begins its descent below mediocrity.” ~Rahim Rasul It’s commonplace to insert all of the reasons in the world to discontinue pressing out foot on the gas pedal. As soon as we let up, those pursuing us overtake our position. What got us here will not get us to the next stage. In a world where nothing is promised how do we stay engaged? In this episode we will look at this dilemma and explore it. Enjoy.
Inevitably there will be a time when what was your “Low Hanging Fruit” will begin to disappear. You’ve exploited the opportunity because the market was unwilling to invest in a ladder. How do we face the fact that in today’s marketplace the proverbial ladders are continually being invented and created? What are you prepared for? Will these natural shifts decimate you or are you prepared to revolutionize what you do? In this episode we explore the idea. Enjoy.
In our modern technology infused lifestyle we’ve been bombarded with options without the behavioral skills to cope. How do you navigate within a sea of abundance of options? This is an essential skill. In this episode we explore this topic of the paradox of abundance. Enjoy.
Halftime Talks returns with its long-awaited episode. In today’s episode we give an update on what we’ve been working on. We talk about discovering our voice. Voice is the style and truth of self that floats to the surface of our body of works. How do we cultivate voice? How do we begin to accept the nuances that reflect our voice? In this episode we scratch the surface on the life long pursuit of discovering our voice.
Every so often I run across a tool that has a tremendous impact on my process. In this episode I share my perspective on a piece of software that has allowed my to organize my mind in profound ways. Enjoy.
Jay Z – You’re only a customer (Streets Is Watching Soundtrack) You’re only a customer Walkin’ in the presence of hustlers You spend your money all night long Attention is the one of the most valuable commodities in our current marketplace. Our phones are captivating our attention at an alarming rate. What is our ratio between consuming or creating? Nothing is wrong with being a customer. There is a season for it all. On the other hand if you have that unfinished project If you are in a rut If you know there is something special that you are waiting on contributing to the world Then I challenge you. On the important things in your life which category do you fall in. Consuming entertainment. Attention is consumed with Social Media. Hours and Hours spent ingesting the product and the creativity of others rather than cultivating and harvesting your own. We are here to leave our mark on the world. How we are organizing our mind and behavior takes us closer or further away from living in harmony with what’s required to mold this impressionable world towards our will? In this episode we are going to explore the mindsets of both the customer and hustler orientation. How can we best strike a balance between the two which will serve our aims and outcomes? Enjoy.
In The fall of 1998, I stood in the Alkek Library on the campus of Southwest Texas State University. I’ll looked up from the foyer and ask myself very simple question. The question had a profound impact on my imagination. “What if I only knew a fraction of 1% of the information that sat in this library? What would be possible?” Today we sit in an economy of an abundance of information. There are information products. People are selling their messages and methodologies and process to create value in the marketplace and extract that value out in the form of money. Amazon publishes new books every day to their Kindle platform. There is a lot information out there in the world begging for us to consume it. Actually counting on us to consume it. No matter the legitimacy of the material there are some fundamental questions we must ask ourselves: Will way be ready to receive it? How do I prepare yourself to hear that magic? If that answers were all right there, what technique would you employ to an sure that not only do you understand it what you’re capable apply immediately? In this episode of Halftime Talks we explore the variety of ways that we can become a more ABSORBING MIND. As we can realize the value of increasing our capacity to retain the essential and relevant parts which contributes to your performance we move from linear progressions to explosive exponential impact. Enjoy.
There’s no such thing as a moment of excellence. With Natural Ability + Talent, there times when you can play beyond your current ability. In that moment of inspiration can afford you a glimpse at performing beyond the conceptual frameworks held with little blueprint for repetition. History cannot take from you that it happened. We must commit to pouring energy through the mold of the template to make it more commonplace. Excellence just pushing that line of performance to a level few can achieve. Jocko Willink, a retired Navy Seal once said “We don’t rise two levels of our hopes, we fall to the level of our training.” Each skill, each understanding, each ounce of confidence combines into an exponential product. Natural ability and raw talent becomes rendered into refined ability and refined talent. In this episode we take a close look at how we can deliberately transform that natural ability into its highest form. Thank you for listening.
Halftime Talks is back with another episode after a bit of time away. In this episode, we look at the biggest difference that has added an amplification of my performance in 2018. How do we take out ideals of the world and integrate it into our actualized behavior?
There is a moment in a person’s life that they must reconcile their ambition and the body of knowledge they possess. In this episode we tell a story of a young man full of dreams and ambitions without a foreseeable path in front of him. Typically in your world this is where the story begins and equally ends. Let’s reauthor the narrative in FARMERS DREAM. Enjoy.
In this episode, we explore another perspective in thinking outside the box. It is natural to get stuck abiding by the rules of the game with ever questioning if the wall is really there or if it’s a construction of our minds. We cannot wait for others to challenge us. Understanding that the world owes us nothing we have to adapt our mind to seek out the path which can lead toward the actualization of our potential along with the lifestyle we prefer. Enjoy.
We may talk a good game, but are we prepared to put in the work necessary to be recognized as part of the elite fraternity of people who play at the highest-level? Professional sports gives us a glimpse at the systems required to perform consistently and exceptionally. As we adorn our ambitions, we must recognize that our evolution within the domain remains invisible to the naked eye of an untrained individual. We typically feel the between where we are and where we want to be. Each stage, skill, and refined understanding must be forged just through the flame of experience. To be considered amongst the best, the world can agreed to lower the criteria or we can challenge ourselves to adhere to those rarely achieved qualities. In this episode we will be looking through the lens of sports to make this idea come alive. Enjoy!
Initially the unsurmountable paralyzes our engagement. No matter how we view the inevitabilities of our future, there is a path we must discover to meet its fulfillment. My time weightlifting taught me valuable lessons in goal acquisition. There is no such thing as an insurmountable desire, but there are approaches that make it more or less probable. The path may be concealed or shrouded in mystery but that does not negate its existence. In this episode of Halftime Talks, I discuss the process of approaching those aspirations that exist beyond our immediate comprehension and beliefs. I recounts my prior journey to one-day benchpress 405lbs. 405lbs is 4-45lbs plates on each side of the bar. In my mind it was the holy grail of lifting. How could someone who was afraid of the bench accept such a challenge? The right process and approach will enable us to bring a version of ourselves to the world that defies our early conceptions we hold. What is the right mindset to adopt? How do we become familiar and comfortable with an increasing demand on our ability? How do we develop the competence that bridges our becoming? Enjoy.
Some of the worst things in the moment become the best things for us in the long run. Character is often built around how we respond to adversity. Initially, we may want to condemn the circumstances that seem to thwart our progress forward. I’ve come to accept that the negative response is a little short-sided. In this episode, we are going to share a broader perspective on how enlivening these adversities can be if we would only dare to look at them favorably.
When faced with an insurmountable task what I our default response? So if I proposed that you consume a 24” Pizza in one sitting what are your thoughts? Are you convinced that you are a power eater who can plow through this challenge? Does your mind shake loose it preconceptions and identify the way through this? 40 years on this planet have found me in situations where I am faced with challenges that require a solution that isn’t always readily available. The best opportunities I’ve found on the paths with the least foot traffic. With each solution under our belt we aquire another tool at our disposal to negotiate the contrast of the world. In this episode we’ve presented a question and plan to poke around it to find a solution. Not only a solution for this immediate question, but for those future questions that arise which have a similar temperament. The subject can be pizza or purpose it requires us to engage our mind to author our reality in accord with our desire.
2017 was an amazing year that brought about more clarity that I could have imagined. At some points, it felt as if I had a tiger by the tail. As all years end and new ones begin, I’ve crafted the ritual of documenting and reflecting upon the core lessons learned. It’s hard to imagine that before I began this process, I’d merely trust my mind to keep an accounting of it all. Over time the ledger of life requires reconciliation. This episode is part of that process. I hope some of the things touched upon in this episode can prove useful to you.
Welcome to 2018! This is our first episode of the year. We’re excited to bring you a dynamic conceptual approach to fortifying the goals that you have established for this year. In this episode, we are talking about the reason why some goals don’t gain the traction we initially anticipated.We’re going to go in depth and discuss our contribution to why that initial force dissipates.
I love making podcast and consuming them as well. This is the periodic recommendation episode where we give you a few of the podcasts that have caught our attention over the last several months. ENJOY.
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Discomfort Training has been priceless addition to my overall Mind, Body, and Spiritual regiment. All of the conflict-free training cannot replicate the value that discomfort training brings. While it doesn’t have to extreme we can sprinkle small doses of discomfort which strengthens our anti-fragility.
Experiencing discomfort activates stress which typically triggers suboptimal behaviors. The more we are familiar with our natural inclinations with stress the better we can prepare for the highs and lows of our daily experiences. Engaging this type of training in low stakes realms build the grit necessary to consistently climb to the top.
In this episode of Halftime Talks we discuss the dilemma of what happens when the inspiration bug found you and not your peer? What is the perfect response for someone who realizes their peer group is satisfied with where they are in the world? Do you take your foot off of the gas or maintain your course? Do you carry them? Do you drag them along? Is your love for them enough to ignite the inspiration for change? The mantra which my peer group would champion was, “If you can’t change the people around you, then change the people around you.” Upon hearing it for the first time I had to pause before its clarity began to seep in. Life experience fleshed this truth out over time. Growth seeking individuals know all too well that everyone does not have similar ambitions and naturally the conflict arises.
Creating Empty Space. Implicit in the phrase is the active creation of empty space. What’s so glamorous about empty space? In this episode we attempt our best to answer this and other question. Without all of the anxiety and stress limiting our output, what becomes possible?
Must Reads Vol.3 – In this weeks episode of Halftime Talks we continue our third part in the series of recommending some more books which will have the potential to contribute massively to how you engage the world.
This episode stems around the profound work of Sun Tzu’s, The Art of War. “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek the win.” How can this apply in our lives today?
Whose criteria are you using to evaluate your performance thus far? In this episode we examine the process that goes along with asking ourselves this key questions. Many times our own conceptualized standard inhibit our performance.
In this episode we explore a way to draw the comparison between Riding Your Brakes and Performing at Your Max.
Reaching the top of the mound is an aspiration for many. Wearing the crown for any career or domain is an ambition for many from a young age. Far too often we are oblivious to the implications that it comes with. It’s easy to formulate a conception of being in the number one slot, but it’s harder to live up to the weight of the position. In this episode we explore what it means to hold the crown.
In this episode we converse about simple fact we are incapable of doing everything and some things have to be sacrificed.
In this episode we probe into the unapologetic landscape of evening the playing field with hard work and effort. Far too often we can enumerate our shortcoming but fail to rally around our strengths with equal conviction. The story of the HAVES and the HAVE NOTS are deeply engrained in how we look at the world. Everything may not be even but it is fair. When it comes time to measure performance, all the stories of inequity fly out the window.
Nobody really cares about your story. Every road that leads to success requires a climb. Some climbs are more steep than others. Nobody will ever diminish the climb it took to get where they are or apologize if it wasn’t harder.
Mise En Place is a phrase from France commonly used in restaurants. A loose translation meaning, “putting in place” or “everything in its’ place.” I first ran acrossed it in Tim Ferriss’ podcast interview with Chris Young (Chef, Innovator, Inventor) of Chef Steps. Being curious is what led me down a rabbit hole in not only discovering what it meant but also finding ways for the wisdom in it to apply to my everyday life.
In this episode we explore how we can make this idea world in our day to day living.
Pressing the gas peddle feed the engine fuel. This fuel enables combustion which in turn produces an accelerated motion. All this is predicated upon fuel. How we recharge our mental, physical, and spiritual batteries is important in creating the reserve to draw from. With the proper recharging ritual in place, our life becomes a game of awaiting the other shoe to drop. In this episode we explore more about the importance of recharging.
Nothing garners the level of attention as much as when we find ourselves in a situation where there are no out. When the options become binary we focus. Pushing all in requires the kind of resolve that few are willing to tap into. In this episode we tell this age old tale of when leaders would literally burn the boats. Enjoy.
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Have you ever been so inspired by the witnessing performance of greatness only to be humbled in your recognition that you are not even close to emulating it? This is the classic human dilemma. This kind of comparison has the ability to derail and deflate our eagerness to continue to engage with zeal. In this episode we recount a tale of a child who was inspired to reach toward new heights. This child rep represent that primal aspect of our dreamer within and lays out a blueprint to pursue progress.
While we cannot always dictate the cards that we draw, we can control how we play the game. No two people start at the same starting block but over time we can adopt strategies that give us unique competitive advance. No matter what we are dealt how do we position ourselves to win the game. Enjoy.
Entry into new spheres and domain often require a level of preparatory evidence that indicated readiness. Every social institution has criteria for admission. As the gates swing open it is imperative that we make all that was considered potential realized in our output. In this episode we explore how this concept plays out in our everyday lives and how to approach new opportunities in a way that will boost your probability of realizing your promise.
One century ago we were transitioning from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. Entrepreneurs were more common than not. Proprietors could not get lost in the theoretical conjecture modern times has seen. If the harvest the goods didn’t sell you didn’t eat. All it take is one cold, hungry winter to shift gears toward ensuring future success. How do we begin to embrace this kind of mindset independent of our work life. We are contributing to the business of ourselves, our family and our community. How do we grow this business? How to we mitigate the risk that erodes significant portions of our imagination and creativity? Who are you willing to become to ensure the realization of all you ambitious and dreams?
From the moment we are born until our last day on earth we are given a gift that we must carry each day with us. That gift is our body. Far too often do we take it for granted. It miraculous nature goes on without noticing the divine orchestration of cellular collaboration and regeneration. So as Sheek Louch of the Lox proclaims in the Hip-Hop Classic Money, Power Respect, “Plan for the future / You’re going to be older / A lot longer than you’re going to be your…” How are you preparing for the future? How are you taking care of your primary transportation system? Let’s not wait for crisis to provoke a change.
The 21st century requires each person to adapt and adopt a new set of skill to meet the shifting nature of our economy. As industries begin to overhaul and transform so should we. Technology has broken down many of the barrier of entry that once stood in the way of ideas being realized. Today as it stand the gatekeepers have lost a significant amount of their power and the keys to the system have been handed out to you and I. With that democratized freedom require us to realize that the choice is yours to choose yourself.
Discover the process of building a system in order to active on command the state of perpetual appreciation. How do we honor and acknowledge the power of the wide array of things working to our benefit? Are we measuring how far we’ve come or measuring how far we are still off from the theoretical mark? In this episode we bring a level of perspective for realizing a state of perpetual appreciation. Look fondly on the blessing of today, today.
There comes a point in any negative stream of consciousness rant that we need to take a level of extreme ownership. Some things require us to give voice to the challenge in order to wrap our minds around it. The only viable next step is to begin the process of realizing the creative solution inherent within the dilemma. At this point we are faced with two options, SOLVE IT OR ACCEPT IT. In this weeks episode of Halftime Talks we address this critical juncture in the process. Solving it is a journey within itself that may require to step up to the challenge at hand. Accepting it is the moment where we must realize going forward that everything that’s not part of solution seeking is only an excuse.
Do you find yourself reacting to the immediate challenges of the day? Has the day-to-day blinded you from engaging in the strategic work? In this episode we explore an idea central to carving out our desired broader outcomes.
Let’s take the conversation of daily habits to another level. In this weeks episode we look into Non-Negotiable Daily Habits. How powerful can we become when the things we call habits are so prioritized where not engaging daily with them is not an option. Enjoy.
Recently I was introduced to the concept of six weeks cycles by Jason Fried of 37 signals and Basecamp. While hearing him describe it my level of fascination and all went to an all time high. Typically we work with our goals on a yearly basis or if were that much more diligent it can be shorter cycles of quarters or months.
The six week cycle is long enough to hold your attention and to really drive toward impactful change. Having completed my first six week cycle, I realize now the true power of it. By establishing my goals before hand I’m able to prioritize all of my behaviors to the sole purpose of accomplishing what I set out to do for this cycle. Everything else beyond that six week window can wait. It informs choices in heightens clarity in decision-making process.
In this episode we will dive deeper into what the six week cycle is and how you can utilize it and gain all of the ultimate benefits from it.
In this weeks episode of Halftime Talks we recommend some more books that will have impact. Alan Weiss – Million Dollar Consultant. Malcolm Gladwell – David and Goliath
In this episode we are framing the idea of how we individually build our value. You are an asset that must be furnished with things of value. I challenge you to continue to invest in the asset of self through education, skill development and training. Our capacity to solve the ever evolving dynamic challenge which the world is the substance the marketplace defines as value. As our contribution increase, our reward does too. Understanding that there is not an obligation for the world hand us an opportunity, we must meet give the world a reason to move with us, and interact with our value.
Inspired by a friend, I was challenged to take a different spin on New Year’s Resolutions.
No longer can we settle for what’s good enough. The Mediocrity Monster is the culmination of habits that keep us complacent with just good enough. In this episode we challenge you to take inventory of where you stand. Enjoy.
In this latest episode of half time talks we examine the role of the underperforming voice within our creative process. This voice exist in the back of all of our minds and sometimes does it’s best to convince us to pull back on the rains for a better feeling of comfort. How do we recognize when it’s trying to meet its presence felt? How do we confronted and ultimately follow our highest intention?
Just in time is traditionally used as an inventory control systems management style but today I want to change it’s utilization toward our success. The traditional tenant of JIT requires that resources are made available upon meeting them. Not before. Not after. Just in time! Far too often we are trying to collect everything out of a fear that one day we may need it and may not have it when it’s time. That is a scarcity approach. I prefer we adopt an abundant mentality that is built on the knowledge that I have what I need when I need it. In this episode we look at the ways that we can apply JIT to our every day life.
There is no guarantee that an opportunity will take another lap around the track and present itself to us in the way that it might right now. Time has a funny way of operating. What is here today is not guaranteed to be here tomorrow. Opportunities. Love. Success. Resources. Mentors. How do we take advantage of these opportunities as they arise and present themselves to us? Understanding the value of striking while the iron is hot is essential. The phrase strike while the iron is hot has a deep yet simple meaning. Iron is the most pliable when it is at its hottest temperature. As it begins to cool it becomes more solidified and stronger and inflexible. Outwardly it may appear the same but it’s responsiveness to your action has apparently expired. Now from where you stand it is up to you to reignite that flame and work on the new iPhone that will be pliable and hope this time you will take advantage of it. With in this episode we will examine this phrase in all of its depths. We will take a look at how to recognize these opportunities. We will also see what happens when we go.
If Uber can disrupt the taxi industry then why couldn’t it be possible to disrupt the industry of your self. How many under performing believes are we allowing to remain with an ecosystem of our approach to life? I am not my beliefs. I am not my job. I am doing my best to express my essence into the world through these things. By bringing our self into a space to disrupt our self we are capable of uncovering the gym that which is us. Disrupting doesn’t have to be chaotic. Disrupting our cells can be an intense examination and a radical level of honesty with our self. In this weeks episode we look at all the ways in which we could begin to understand disrupting yourself and go about disrupting our self. Knowing that there are things in life we want to accomplish it is prudent to begin to look at ourselves for the opportunities that may be leaking and escaping within our process.
Overtime, if we are serious with our desire to become better cooks something inevitably happens. Our recipes get better. Yet another thing is really interesting if we examine it. We claim from the onset of creating a functional dish. A dish that works. That we are capable of making the dish. A professional chef may not his head be grudgingly and can see that you didn’t make it but have extreme reservation for calling it any parts good. Better recipe is my attempt at constructing words around a mindset essential for performing at high levels. Where we will again is not where we will all end up. If we except the standard that we discovered at the start we are doomed to repeat similar results. It is my desire for you to seek out ways to make your recipe better. Be that the recipe of your fitness, the recipe of your relationships, the recipe for filling your passion, your purpose, or any noble desire you hold.
The way of the world in the 21st century is to cull inefficiency. Our lives have impacted immeasurably by the ways technology has allowed for the disruption of what went on as business as usual. In this episode we tackle some of the realities that go along with this future of disruption. Enjoy.
One of the most powerful additions to my personal arsenals this year has been the inclusion of 2 Week Experiments. This isn’t a rigid experiment in the scientific sense but a loose and flexible process of testing out hypothesis for performance enhancement.
Are you worth two weeks of probing and searching to end up in a better place than you began. I’ve discovered that there are three valuable parts of the process.
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The Preparation: This is where all the assumptions are put on the table. I find it to be the most valuable part of the process. It all begins with getting clear on what is important. That activity itself is worth it’s weight in gold. Knowing the metrics for what value is going to serve me no matter what the results of the experiment yeild.
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The Actual Experiment: This is where the rubber meets the road. How do my ideas play out in the wild. Was my why constructed solid enough to endure the winds of life. Dancing in the feedback will allow you to continue to tune into the preferred qualities and criteria. Over time your confidence will bloom.
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The Review: This is the phase of reflection and contemplation. They say in three weeks you can acquire a habit. Are there any aspects you want to continue? If so it may be easier now than ever to adopt the habit. Understanding the value can inform so many all aspects of your life.
I’ll admit some of my experiments are uncomfortable at first and require some getting used to. That discomfort is a treasure trove of valuable insight.
Are you willing to embark on an experiment that may position you to unlock more of your potential? I am. Good luck going forward.
In this episode, “1000 true fans,” we explore this theory. Kevin Kelly founder of wired magazine initially published his thoughts on this idea. Within it he described that a fully engage thousand member of audience was capable of providing a years worth of income that was beyond starving artists criteria. With 1000 true fans that find extreme value in everything that you do, so much that they purchase every product, go to every show, want to be fully engaged, what’s that worth? How do we build that sense of loyalty? If we discover how to build this system, then it’s a perpetual well that we can continue to drink from our entire career. Join us as we explore this topic in Halftime Talks episode 105.
Seth Godin’s – Startup School (link) Seth Godin is a thought leader in the marketing an business world. In this rare live recording, hear Seth as he guides thirty entrepreneurs through a workshop exploring how they can build and run their dream business. Exponential Wisdom – Dan Sullivan & Peter Diamandis (link) Peter Diamandis and Dan Sullivan discuss how exponential technologies are creating massive opportunities for entrepreneurs all over the world and the impact of hyper-connectivity on global innovation. London Real – Brian Rose (link) London Real is a show that introduces you to the most fascinating people on the planet. Each week someone at the top of their game is interviewed and an inside look is given at how they achieved their success.
Some day in the future we will inevitably look back at this season fondly for all it has provided. How often do we fondly look at our present? Knowing this will be a season we appreciate, can we appreciate it right now? Can we reach into our and savor the best it offers? We use the goal as the reason to enjoy it but all the great memories are what happens along the way. Be present to the magic of today. In this episode we look into exploring ways to enjoy it no while it’s here.
In this episode we dive into the idea of exponential thinking. Success in the 21st century will be a function of being capable of solving scaleable challenges. Utilizing exponential systems and thinking practices will aide in the process.
In this episode we challenge you to take a look at your progress in the goals you’ve establish to accomplish this year. With a bit of energy, we remove the dust from a lack of attention to drive them forward. Enjoy.
Celebrate Halftime Talks reaching the milestone of 100 episode. In this episode we listen to you the audience and reflect on the journey to the present and clearly articulate the mission moving forward.
What is perspective and how does it benefit me from embracing more of it? In this weeks episode the concept of “PERSPECTIVE” is examined. This is a popular word that generations have inserted meanings into and now we must deconstruct it to for a more refined relationship with what it implied.
Do you have an active long term strategy on Rest and Recovery? Are you tactically burning the candle at both ends hoping to make it through a crisis in one piece. Rest and Recovery are as important as nutrition and fitness.
In this episode we converse about the value and virtue of cultivating a Thank You Mentality.
Are you a SOLDIER (hired gun) or a GENERAL (leader)? This is an essential question to ask ourselves as we begin to rise up the ranks in our lives and careers. As we begin to examine the differences between skill proficient and someone who can facilitate outcome with strategic vision our approach to leadership will transform. In this episode we shake up the accepted thought around leadership. Enjoy.
How can you open yourself to more of the magical moments of life? Serendipity! As we embrace a serendipitous approach to experiences life more of the magic emerges in our moments. In this episode we explain what serendipity is as well as the value of becoming open to it.
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There is a value in having a fresh youthful perspective. As people age the foot comes off the gas and we begin to coast. Inevitable the youth come up and overtake the dominant players. With amassed resources this seems counter-intuitive that the big boys whiter and erode. Having a youthful mindset allows us to perpetually tap into the natural process of life. By tapping into the core components that embodies youthfulness allows us to ride the wave of innovation into the future. Are you curious? What are you actively challenged by? What breakthroughs are you working on?
It’s 7:30 am, the first activity on record is reaching for our device to see what went on in the world while we were sleep. After few minutes of swiping and headline reading our day can begin. This is the world in which we live in.
Media, content, and information lives in an over abundant state. Simple supply and demand states that in an over supplied market the value drops. We are witnessing the dumbing down of a populace in the face of access to the most information in human history. It’s an unforeseen paradox that has risen from the age of the internet.
In contrast, 25 years ago before the dawn of the internet era our access to information was a fraction of what it is today. The libraries served as silos of information. The engagement of sourcing new information required travel, movement, and time. Sheer curiosity may have required lugging home 25 pounds of books home. To learn about what was going on half way around our planet require story tellers, film crews, journalists and photographers.
Imagine a world 250 years ago in the late 1700’s. The extent to which you could learn or know was determined by the information passed down through the communities. Only a small percentage of people traveled 20 miles from their place of birth. Information came in the form of stories, rites of passage, or off of the exotic tongues of travelers who passed through the town while trades their goods or wares.
The Gutenberg Press invented in the mid-1400’s started a revolution. It was an early disrupter technology that revolutionized our access to information. Books became capsules of observation, imaginings, and knowledge that held the capacity to outlive the author. Literacy became the passport required to have access to worlds of interests.
One cannot help be take pause at the state in which we consume information. There is so much noise that it’s hard to hear the signal. Information has become a tool to sway the hearts and the minds of people. It has become an effective propaganda device to shape opinions. More people stand up as an authority from a very self-interested place.
The irony is that we have access to the very information which can liberate our thinking. We have access to information that can shine the spotlight on the over-hyped subjects that people are so ignorant about.
Access to information was lauded to be the magic pill to take our civilization forward. I disagree. The consumption of experience, information, and knowledge only begins to become valuable to the extent that it has been reflected upon and rendered. Our short attention spans seeks out summaries and bullets. We reach for easy consumable overview content. “Make it short and sweet,” clearly the best of both worlds. This become dangerous in that we are allowing the influencer render experience and take their word on the conclusions they have reached.
Where has the curiosity gone? The great many challenges we face today can be evaporated in the light of simple investigation. We have access to the 1st hand voices of those in which our stories may negatively portray. The responsible thing would be to seek out that 1st hand voice and allow what they say to be taken in unbiased by conventional dogma. It becomes less about right or wrong but a principle lesson in perspective. Perspective is determined by our relative proximity to unique experiences. Being open to seeing the whole picture we give ourselves the chance to become more empathic.
We consume and consume without rendering. Like in eating meals, we want to extract all the nutritional value possible in what we consume. We take for granted the wealth of information we have access to. It has become so tribalistic that people remain entrenched in their point of view and never bother to seek out a more wholistic understanding of the subject.
If you don’t learn how to use it, chances are it’s using you.
Living Minimalist has been an idea that i’ve thought of and pondered often. After listening to James Altucher’s podcast, where he discussed his extreme approach to living minimalist. You can read his article How Minimalism Brought Me Joy. Listening to this made me reflect. It forced me to question the possibilities of implementing just a fraction of this concept. I challenge you to see what you can incorporate too.
Experiments Life can be characterized as a series of experiments. We traditionally view experiments in the domain…
In the pursuit of our highest capacity we have resources that inspire us. The operative word is resources, plural. Halftime Talks has a lane and serves a niche of listeners who value a perspective that shines the light on ideas or concepts and forces us to think differently. We recognize that there are other out there who do an amazing job at bringing ideas forward into a consumable form. In this episode we highlight a few that can round out some of your listening time.
Empathy: An Essential Human Characteristic What is it to be human? If there were essential characteristics of humanity what would their core consist of? This is a question that I’ve been consumed with lately. In my exploration of the question, I came to the conclusion that empathy would sit atop of this list. Glancing back across history, I gathered that this characteristic could have prevented many no so great outcomes. Empathy is a willing to see through the eyes of another. Open and present to the discoveries without engaging in debate but listening. Suspending judgement is not agreement. It doesn’t invalidate your perspective either. It’s a listening and being present to have the opportunity to see life from a different vantage point. Empathy goes hand in hand with humility. In a nation where we thrive on knowing, being right, and perception empathy feels like an uphill battle. But knowing that we can start right where we are and begin to author more if it in our lives give me peace. What can your life look like with more empathy. Embracing the difference with a receptivity, compassion and a receptivity will require all the characteristics that comes alone with empathy. It’s an interesting challenge that is worth engaging in.
Follow you passion. Find a profession you can be passionate about. Follow your heart. Discover what you love and do it daily. I couldn’t agree more with those statements but admittedly they have become cliche. The tread on their tires have worn off and their grip to the road is completely non-existent. We just need some new tires in order to get the necessary traction. That’s the danger of this falling prey to the popculturification of things. The callous use of the word PASSION really jumped out to me while having a conversation with an early 20-something about his college experiences. We previously engaged in a deep conversation right after he graduated high school over 1 1/2 years ago. Now we began to revisit the previous conversation and update each other on what’s transpired in between the time. As I began to ask him questions about his major and projected career, things began to shift. I could see the sincerity of his response but it all lack a layer of emotional substance. “Im a Physical Therapy major. When I graduate, I’ll definitely be pursuing a job I can be passionate about.” His answer fit the typical groove of one of these conversations but the only thing my brain kept screaming out was BULLSHIT. At that point I have to bring the conversation to a difinitive point of elevation. I stopped him mid-sentance and asked him a barrage of questions. Do you know what passion is? What’s the last thing you can remember being passionate about? How did that feel? What were you willing to do or become in order to continue the relationship with it? Those questions established a baseline for the passion that had been experienced. Without trying to define PASSION we activated something more real that a defination. I could see a light emerge in his eyes while going in describing his passions. He brightened up. My next step was to purposely interupt the moment and his pattern of thinking. How do you get just as passionate about PHYSICAL THERAPY as you have about this previous subject? Or else you’re at risk of just having a job. And ultimately rendering inert your desire for finding a profession you could feel passionate about. As he instinctively wanted to react with a statement, I stopped him and requested that he let it sink in. He paused and began to all this to absorb in. His next words we, “DAMN.” There is some things you must experience in order to fully understand them. Historically there have been social practices and rites of passage each memnber of thge community had to participate in. The rituals were not writen down because knowing the answer was different that having a deep understanding of the answer. An answer that connected to experience is capable of bridging the figurative gap. Passion is a state of being where enthusiasm and behavior are united. In the state of passion your life become consumed with an adventure to discover, develop and experience perpetual experiences with the subject of our attention. That subject can be a person we are directing out love toward. The subject can be an activity, a job, a collection of works, or anything capable of capturing our attention. Passion can be less describe as a thing as much as it describes what happens to you in it. The shoulds disappear and a compulsion –
This rampage of appreciation is dedicated to taking some time out to recognize the majesty of the moment. Try not to get too consumed by the future or the past. If we can learn to dance between their raindrops we've begun to relish the moment. As we begin to cultivate the presence our life can actively speak to us. Enjoy the episode.
Some how our society has devolved into rampant level of dissatisfaction. We are chasing the next thing so much that we fail to see the majesty of our moment. Different is not a value proposition. If you like this episode then be sure to check out the Acres of Diamonds episode.
The most critical conversations we listen to often happens in the recesses of our own minds. How can we expect the world to be kind to us when we sometimes don't extend that simple favor to ourselves. In this episode we explore the concept of Mr. Self-Critical and explore methods to move beyond it.
None of are immune to being in a funk. It's one of those things that seems to creep up in the middle of the night. It's never invited but shows up anyway with the determination to paint everything grey. Don't worry it's nature. In this episode, we offer up some pieces of suggestion to begin to grasp on the reigns and steer our ship back on course. It begins in little steps. Listen to this episode where you need to.
The Power of Self-Promotion is Real. How do we begin to Communicate your strengths? We collectively hear the trials of failure often. It's intermixed with the confusion and inability to understand why it didn't work out. As we take inventory the principle rationalization given point to forms of incompleteness. I would challenge you to consider something different. What if you were not what they are looking for. Reject takes many forms in our lives and no matter the venue we experience it, it never feels great. As you continue to sharpen your skill, do not neglect another factor that may close the gap of achievement - self promotion. A core tenant of branding is positioning. Positioning sets the stage for our performance. It directs key elements that validates us without having to boast or come of insecure. As we harness the ability to communicate our strengths to the right audience and key decision makers we afford our talent the ability to be properly seen and consumed.
New Rules 2016: Relevancy is the New Currency In order to compete in the 21st century we have to be relevant. The person who is commanding the attention in the spotlight has a power and influence that money is no longer capable of exclusively providing. Relevancy speaks to the the context of the here and now. It speaks to a level of attention that is commanded and the consultative sway of influence we can yield with individuals of great import. Talent is not enough and the thunder and lightning we muster must be backed up in-kind with works and action. In this episode we dissect this phrase even more and activate the level of impact it can contribute to your total experience.
There are stages of readiness for change. No matter what our words and minds might be expressing, how do you know when you are ready. In this episode we pull back the curtain to discover more about authoring personal change and transformation.
In this episode we explore the idea of impact by covering the 80/20 rule. This dates back to the early 1900’s in Italy with an economist with made an observation that seemed to have various implications.
Expertise and Self Identification within the economy Expertise and Insights Pipeline Experience Providers Connectors / Facilitators / Vendors Leaders Creators Engineers Service and Support
In this episode of Halftime Talks, we present a few words of encouragement to continue pushing. The excalibur sword is out mind! Our stone is our lack filled thinking, comparison, our fear, and our negative beliefs. Once we release these limiting beliefs our weapon slides out so smoothly. Now we can command our figurative army of resources that awaits our beckoning.
In this episode we explore the work ethic of 2Pac and how the mentality it must have taken to produce at the level he did before his death. What goes through a mans mind to create a decades worth of material in a year period. How does one get up each day and pursue a performance level that has never been seen before. How can we appropriate this into our process?
As we get comfortable and settled into 2016, how are we doing in terms of our RESOLUTIONS? In this episode I challenge the listener to take the approach of SHOOTING FOR THE SMALL WINS to lock in the habits. Focusing on small wins helps you break down a large goal into manageable chunks. They give you an encouraging feeling that the goals are not only possible but are within the grasp of attainment.
In ep 74 we examine the lessons learned this year. Life has a way of presenting you with themes for growth. It begins in the shadows until life offers your opportunities for growth real cameos. If you don't pay attention it will beat you down. If you that it as a challenge then the sky is the limit. This year was no different for me. Listen in to see the things life decided to teach me.
In the 2nd installation of our mini-Competitive Advantage series, we take a look at "Stakes is High." How much of our performance is perceptually driven and how much real? I began to notice that when I considered it a "High Stakes" game my whole M.O. change up. It opened up a line of questions that I would love to share with you. Life is a fun experiment, a gamble, and definitely winnable!
Conversations on mentorship typically revolve around the value of getting one. As we begin to enter into those relationship the value becomes a little lopsided. No coin is one sided and the highway has two lanes. One thing we must both understand is that both parties have value to share. While the dynamics are different it can be a win-win scenario. In this episode we bring some perspective to the conversation of mentors from a less common area. Enjoy.
As we approach the holidays, going home can affect your balance. In this episode we offer our perspective in how we can remain balanced in going home. Families have both patterns and expectations and we must command our response. Enjoy the holidays and hold your square.
Enjoy this episode. This is one of the processes that has become one of my secret weapons to help me move through challenges and limited thinking. I love it because it challenges me to focus. So therefore I want to challenge you to focus as well.
Our lives are on the leading edge of experience. We are standing on the shoulders of generations of greatness. So many lives have been lived which contribute to the access to the knowledge with entertain. In this episode we take a second to acknowledge the SHOULDERS we are standing upon. The intentions is to gain a perspective of things that were done on your behalf and also to think about the legacy your want to contribute to the generations ahead
What would happen if you choose to look for the good in other? Do you think you would discover anything about the world, or even yourself? I created this experiment for myself on a whim. In a lighthearted attempt to have a great day I set out not knowing what might happen. The results blew my mind. In this episode I share this amazingly powerful process that will shift your mind.
In this episode of Halftime Talks we have a light conversation about how to focus in this forth quarter. We are rounding out 2015 and we have to sprint to the finish line. How you do one thing is how you will do everything. How can we remain focused and get the best from ourselves as we approach 2016.
In this episode, we dig deep into the core principles that represents Halftime Talks. In the face of “Adversity,” what is going to be our response. Some make excuses for why they need a break and a regathering other “FOCUS.” We can allow these moments to REFINE our ability, confidence, and knowledge base. We can also make the choice to allow it to DEFINE us. We have a choice. Let out capacity be felt on the field. We can reach inside ourself and connect with our highest and best and focus in spite of what’s going on. Can you dig a little deeper? From where you are can you give your best? Let me know what you guys think….
In this episode we dive into the Art of Letter Writing. With all the other forms of communication, why would letter writing even stand out? In a digital era we still love the tactile feel of an analog communication piece. These letters have the opportunity to open up greater possibilities for human connection. But it’s more than the simple act of sending a letter, the magic happens when deep intention is placed in crafting the letter. This episode provide some insights in how to craft a letter to have the capacity to become a treasured letter. This gives you a framework for in 20 years, the recipient to drop in a conversation that they still have your letter. Enjoy.
In this episode we take a step back and examine the value of counting out blessing. I recognize that this seems like quite a simple topic, but we offer our Halftime Talks perspective to bring the necessary spice to the subject. Living in a city with millions of inhabitants, it’s common to hear people counting and enumerating all of the challenges without giving any airtime to the ways in which they are blessed. This episode exists so that we can focus ourselves into the space of having awareness to the blessings that are coming our way.
Are You Pouring Your Life into Behavior that’s Pandering or are you Living a Passionate Purpose? In this episode we challenge you to take inventory of self again. As we continue to uncover more of our unique and authentic voice we must diagnose our behavior as either pandering or living out passionate pure. I love this episode because some of these ideas are hardly shared and extensively needed in the community of creators. Consume and enjoy. Share it. Give me some feedback.
Audiobooks are as essential as any printed books can be. Ultimately we are consuming information with our eyes and our ears. Our overall knowledge is a function of the experiences we are processing and the insights that drive them forward. Audiobook provide an outlet to consume information in an intuitive fashion. We can listen over and over to one book in the time it takes to read. In the early 2000’s, audiobooks were partly responsible for providing me with a quasi-masters degree in life. I learned more from these audiobooks than all the course work in college. In this episode, I list 3 audiobooks that massively transformed my life. I provide some context to what you can expect from them. ENJOY.
Halftime Talks Episode 60: My Must Reads List pt1: Feed Your Brain, Fuel Your Work, & Free Your Lives Ep 60 – I’m often asked what books have shaped my philosophical thinking. In this episode I cover some classic that I always find myself return to each year. I give some rationale and insights without soiling the joy of reading them.
In this episode, I ask a few pointed question for you to ponder and honestly answer in the privacy of your own mind. Often we get caught up so much with how the world is going to respond to our behavior or performance that we diminish the value to an honest self evaluation. This is us prompting you with some ideas that if taken seriously can push the needle. It’s a less intense episode but with the potential to shift our performance and ability to dial in better. Enjoy.
In HTT058 – Not Winning doesn’t make you a loser. Some of the most impactful growth can be found on the heels of defeat. We can allow it to build us or break us. You Choose.
My career began in the early 2000’s. The ambition, the grind, the passion was the fuel. It’s enough to get started but it’s a commitment to be still be in it. Well one of the friends I embraced in the early dugout has began to break through in an amazing way. Tamika Fletcher – Natural Resources got an amazing look with distribution in Sephora.
Halftime Talks ep 056 – Within Arms Reach is tied to Sustained Capacity and First Domino. Sometimes in our lives we achieve things outside of our natural grasp. We can experience this from a process of focus or great sustained effort. I tend to believe the experience shows us more of our possibilities. The effort produced the experience was the blueprint for what can become a naturally reoccurring set point. The quest of life prepares the synergy of skills to attain a higher level of accessibility.
In this episode of Halftime Talks we entertain the idea of 1st Domino. It was first introduced to me by Tim Ferriss. He didn’t explain it or go into any detail about. The idea latched onto my mind and I’ve been entertaining it for a month. All great journeys begin with the casting forth of the 1st domino. This in effect sets a chain of events into motion that will cascade toward the essence of our intentions. How can we make this understanding of the first domino work for us in our day to day grind?
What do we consider Rare? So many times we give up before any effort is offered in resignation of any possibility. There are adventures never begun! There are opportunities never sought because of this benign abnegation of hope. In our abundant world more is possible than we give ourselves credit for. Rare and scarcity are illusions you’ve bought into. Think bigger….
There is nothing like getting caught up the throws of inspiration, only to have the person you share the ideas with stomp all over them. We have probably done this to others and had it done to us. In order for the idea to stretch out it’s roots it need to be protected and nurture
Junk Food for Thought The information age surrounds us. We’ve thrown so much on the wall for what it can do that it’s time to come up with some best practices. Left to the corporations our attention is a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder. It’s time that we retake command of our relationship with information. It is virtually abundant. The acquisition of it only costs time and attention. How often does the ingestion of more information lead to a useful contribution to your life? How often do you retain it in a way that stays sharp and fresh without the need for review? How valuable is being informed? We’ve allowed what was once “Food for Thought” to become “Junk Food for Thought.” The effects of JUNK in our mental diet has similar repercussions to poor food consumption habits. In this episode, we shine the spotlight on these issues and outline an activity that can assist in reclaiming part of your mental state of being.
Far too often we all the creep of comparison take waylay us from our intended paths. The notion of who you should be by now or reaching to get to a former state of glory inhibits us. We’ve all been there and in this episode I introduce the idea of making peace with where we are. “I am where I am,” is a powerful mantra that we need to explore and relate with… Enjoy the episode…
Fear is the reluctant expectation of unintended events and circumstances. Far too often we become paralyzed by the discomfort fear presents. What is fear? Is it natural to mankind? Is it possible to transcend it? In this episode we examine these questions and more. Outline: Define Fear Common Fears Identified Flying Public Speaking Death Snakes Heights Fears Precarious Origins Categories of Fear Loss Feeling Inadequate The Unknown Socially Perceived Diminishment Consequences and Reprecussions The Way Fear Shows Itself Fear vs Threat Opportunities within Fear How do we Release Fear
This is something of an interesting episode. I decided to take you guys off the beaten path of a traditional episode. Nothing beats giving ourselves permission to relax. With the melodic sounds of chillout instrumentals, I utilize my voice to lead you into a more relaxed state. The feeling I get from listening to it is nothing short of uber mellow. I can feel my heart rate plummet and my mind open up.Taking the time to do this is necessary in order to cope with the common assault of stress. How we recover is critical. This is a little offering to get you through a day. Use it as often as is needed. It will always be here for you. Just Listen and Relax
I challenge you to LIVE fully and vibrant. This episode will force you to look at your life with a fresh perspective. We tend to overlook the opportunity until the point when we see the door shutting. Going to an event, hearing Ryan Hidenger speak served as a wake up call for my life and hopefully this story can serve you in the same manner.
Harnessing Momentum to Our Advantage. Sometime this can be easier said than done. Momentum is when we get the ball rolling. Releasing the strain from using our will power can work in our favor as if were a ball of destruction on a war path. It then becomes clear that it’s not good or bad. It’s a property of existence that must be used correctly if we are to actualize our deepest desires. We explore: 1. Momentum 2. Law of Attraction 3. Neutral Force and we give it negative or positive meaning 4. The power of understanding thinking exponentially As we begin to acknowledge and accept the power of momentum and learn, it is capable of becoming our secret weapon. If were were to fondly look back in our memories and examine when we were at our best, I would suspect that we will find that the level we had achieved was tied to harnessing momentum. Now with these understanding what becomes possible.
In the pursuit of living an life considered EXCEPTIONAL our relationship with RISK is critical. How many opportunities slip through our fingers as a result of a lack of engagement? Often we talk ourselves out of even starting. Our stories are powerful and if we don’t engage the things we call risky and redefine them appropriately then mediocrity of our fate. The impact on our lives can be devastating. Over time, what could have taken a short period of time is now extended further than it should have. This one dependency can be the only thing holding you back from performing at your highest and best. What can be gained if nothing is risked? I appreciate the dangers and pitfalls our ego is attempting inform us about but the side effect of allowing the ego to run the show is that it creates a knot in the flow. This is what we have to focus on untangling. In this episode we examine the idea of risk and allow it’s essence to form.
Far too many people feel entitled. In the marathon of life we don’t all start at the same spot. The world owes you nothing. In this episode we examine the broad idea of entitlement in it’s advantages and it’s disadvantages. Does one out weigh the other? What are the effects on an individual psychologically if we lean heavily on relying on entitlements? These are series questions that life requires answers. As we get a hand on the rhythm of life we can venture away from the safety of support and begin to build the structures that are required to effortless maneuver between the obstacles of life. Our growth in these areas begin in humble places and it only requires a steadfast of courage and commitment in order to gain ones foots to launch off from.
In this ep of Halftime Talks we offer our analysis of embracing the Journey. What if we were to embrace the process for who it’s challenging us to become?
Crafting A Clear Vision Where the head goes the body follows. The same an be said true for how much our vision directs and marshals the resources of our mind. Crafting a clear vision is essential in brings all of our talents with efficiency and effectiveness. Without a vision our efforts become scattered at best. Nothing connects and our behavior resembles a hodgepodge of acts with no through line. In this episode we examine the impact that a clear vision can contribute to our productivity. Crafting a clear vision that resonates with what we are committed to gives us focus. It gives us the vitality to sustain the process as it unfold. It gives us mean to our approach
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” MacGyver Mentality is the ability to see the opportunities in ordinary things and commit to transforming them to aid in the pursuit of your vision. In committing to this mentality the hard and precise rules begin to bend and allow more leeway and flexibility in producing outcomes. Jiddu Krishnamurti had a story that fits with this theme. “The devil and a friend were walking, when they saw a man pick up something from the ground, look at it, and put it in his pocket. The friend said to the devil, “What did that man pick up?” “He picked up a piece of Truth,” said the devil. “That is a very bad business for you, then,” said his friend. “Oh, not at all,” the devil replied, “I am going to let him organize it.”
Acres of Diamonds is revised and told once again. This classic tale from Russell Conwell gives us a vivid example of a farmer who is dazzled by the allure of millions in searching for diamonds. In this episode we bring to life this story so that we may take heed from it’s wisdom. Russell Conwell founded Temple University by retelling Acres of Diamonds over 1650 times. http://www.temple.edu/about/history/acres-diamonds This story is one which can be read periodically due to the potency of it’s message. It gives a new meaning to “MINE YOUR BUSINESS.” How many areas of our lives are going under utilized as a result of our own lack of awareness? Knowing that we overlook the obvious places can give many of us hope that we are not as far off as some would want to think they are.
"We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment." Hilaire Belloc
In the Summer of 2004, I declared to the world that I was going to go our and see the world. Little did I know at the time that this decision was going to radically shift the nature of my life. No knowing how I was going to pay for the trip didn't deter me. No having a destination in mind was not going to hold me back either. I knew deep within my center that I had to travel. There have been seasons in my life up to that point where I've felt completely invincible. So invincible that I shift my expectation into certainty in the blink of an eye. All the evidence in the world would not be enough when my mind is locked in during that state of invincibility stage. The catalyst for pursing this new dream stemmed from listening to a personal development weekly subscription cd. I was a member of Nightingale Conant's, Insiders Edge program. A segment of one weeks cd featured a presenter named Michael Wickett. He share a portion of his journey that had me wide open.
The Toco Wickett Christmas Dinner. Each year two gentleman would get together and write down their goals and support each other. After 4 years of this they proclaimed that they should do it around the world. Eventually they made it Salzburg, Austria. The storytelling he provided opened up my entire imagination. Each morsel he provided caused me to lean in and savor the details of the story. I connected with his emotions and passion in the story. Dude visited Motzart's home. Come on!
So for New Years of 2004-2005, all the resources of the Universe converged to open the way for me to visit Italy. For 10 days, Italy was a playground for me. From Rome to Milan to Florence (Firenze) to Sienna to Pisa and back to Rome.
I was struck by a magical lightening rod on day one of the trip. It's a rare individual who steps outside of your comfort zone that you won't be change. Initially being so far away from familiar you cease. You naturally tense when hearing a language unfamiliar to your own spoken by everyone. You recoil and a litany of rationalizations flood your mind, "I don't want to be the type American and talk to everyone in English," "I wonder if I attempt to speak, will they jump in with English." This evolves to trying and not being understood to ultimately bridging the conversation with the most fundamental of mannerisms with your hands and body to communicate.
Traveling has an inner component that is virtually impossible to share with the uninitiated. The most you can do is let your passion and enthusiasm be the proverbial passport to others imagination. Initially you want to share these peak experiences with the world and others. There is no denying that something shift inside you when you first hear that stamp pound a new entry in your passport upon entering a foreign country. That when the travel bug rears it's head and clamps down it's fangs deep into your flesh.
Who would I be without travel in my life? That's a scary question to consider. It's so interconnected to the fabric of who I've become that it almost sounds like nonsense to consider any alternative to it. I don't use it to describe who I am. At one time, I self-identified myself as a traveler. Now over the last 10 years, I've come to understand my place in the world as a global citizen. I am part of the myriad groups of people spread across this earth. It's such the blessing to be able to easily orient myself with the world. To have the curiosity to explore and be open-minded enough to listen and seek an understanding about how cultures and groups have adapted to this world of OURS.
So in this podcast I share with you my passion for travel. I go into detail with a few stories from my travels to allow you to glimpse at the emotion I have for the subject. * *If I were asked, "Would would you like the listener to walk away with?" Common sense teaches us that one size doesn't fit all. Within travel this still applied.
Travel is less about where you go, as much as it's about who you become.
I challenge you to continue to grow. Continue to cultivate those undiscovered parts of yourself that desire activation.
Resources + Curated Content: :
Personal Development
Nightingale Conant: Nightingale.com
Michael Wickett: The Toco Wicket Christmas Audio [Dropbox] AUDIO FILE
Travel
Nomadness Travel Tribe
Air B&B
The Flight Deal http://www.theflightdeal.com
Google.com/flights
This episode is crafted around how a few choice question assisted in my ability to attack complacency. Malcolm X once said "Sitting at the table doesn't make you a dinner." Buying a pair of Jordans doesn't make you a baller.Ideas without action are worthless. To make these ideas happen we must engage now.
It was the spring of 1998. Honestly around this time of year. It was Black History Month and at that time in my life there was a strong desire to have a more understanding of my culture and heritage. It's one of those things growing up that felt life an emptyness waiting to be quenched. I would compare it to what I've heard adoped kids struggle with to know who their parents were. I had that same sense around knowing more about my racial and cultural history.
At that point in my college carear I was felling the effect of stagnation and lack of verticle growth. I was a junion in my second year of being an RA (resident assistant). I went from being a Freshman to looking over Freshman. Being around the same mentality of people stunted my growth and I was ready to grow and continue to explore the possibilities available to me.
One evening I happened to find myself in a friend room engaged in an intense conversation. It began like most conversations do with small trivial happenings of the day. One way or another the conversation shifted into more of a serious nature. It was still lighthearted but it the subject matter became personal.Sitting across from me, my friend asked me a question. "Rahim, did you have a vision for who you wanted to become by the time you finished college." This question had lit me up. If ever there was a question that could be answered with conviction I knew this was it. I approach answering it with a confidence and gravitas of Michael Jordan with the ball in his hands down one at the end of the game. This was easy because I had given it a significant amount of thought.With my chin up, chest out, eyes lock on his I stated, "Yes. Over the years, I've constructed this vision for who I wanted to be by the time I finished up here. I want to be a hybrid between two movie characters. The first one is Marcus Gram, Eddie Murphy's character from Boomerrang." A few years before college, this movie had given me the visual blueprint for what African Americans like myself could be in business. I said, "Eddies character was sharp. He knew business and carried himself like a boss." Instantly, my answer resonated with my friend. That look of agreement passed between our faces. Little did I know that this movie had inspired him as well to choose marketing as a major.
"The second person I want to be like before I graduate would be Fudge, Ice Cubes character in higher learning. Dude was about his black history."
I could tell that my answers struck a cord. In my mind, I knew that a hybrid between those two were a winning combination.
My friend nodded his head as if to say okay, then proceed to continue his line of questions.
"How much time do you have left?"
"A year and a half"
I could have realized that he had been setting me up the whole time. Pragmatically answering the question didnt give me the opportunity to really digest the implication of that question. But before my mind could grasp the enorminity of the question he let go of the one question that would literally shift the direction of my life.
"How close are you to achieving it?"
This question was like a figurative ice bath in how it shocked me into alertness.
"I am nowhere near making this vision for myself a reality."
He didn't even have to follow the question up with anything. I could feel the expanse between where I was and where I wanted to be. The canyon of sorts lay there before my feet and my commitment to becoming that vision burned brighter than ever before.
I had no idea that this innocuous meeting between us would have the profound impact on my life. The lack of achievement at that point in my life could be directly attribute to the ignorance from not understanding the paths to achievement. I called myself on the path to achieving these goals just by virtue of being on a university campus on course for a degree.
By virtue of being here surround by others with similar ambitions, academic minds and boundless resources were not enough to realize these deeply personal aspirations. Fast-forward six months. I was not that same person who idly waited for the world to beat a path to my door. I engaged the world. I engaged my curiosity. I had myself into the current of life itself and consumed books and information around everything black history. Saying I read 50 books would have be a gross understatement.
I would stand at the ground floor of the library challenging myself to imagine what the world would be like if I knew only 1% of the information contained in the library. But the beginning of the next academic year I was part of a team of three who constructed an exhaustive exhibit chronicling the rich history of blacks in America for our University, I was lecturing on the topic, and traveling sharing my new found insights and love for the subject. In 6 months, I became an authority on the subject of black history.
Those simple questions along with the exhibit that was produced transformed my life radically. It activated me. Activated to me mean that inner torch was lit. The most powerful feeling a person can experience is invincibility. Knowing there is nothing you can't do, be or have changes you.
Looking back on thos question, I can see their power in a different light. Malcolm X once said, "Just because you're sitting at the table, that doesn't make you a dinner. Eating makes you a diner." There has to be a point that you engage. For you own growth and personal development, you have to take your life by the reigns and begin directing. You are the director.
Ideas Without Action Are Worthless. Engage Now!
This episode is dedicated to each of us living. I know that the season of life has it’s births and deaths. Our slogan begins with, “In the middle of our game of life” Life is our process we are exploring. We’ve all had those seasons when we been blinded by something where the months added up and we were not engaged in life. When we reach its end will we have “LIVED?” It’s a critical question. Through our dialogue we examine this question and more about bringing our best to each day.
Each day we must dawn the armor of our state of being. It's our first line of contact in how we interact with the world. Our perspective has a dramatic impact on how we define ourself and the world. In EP 37, we explore the ideas of WHOLENESS and FRAGMENTATION.
Happy New Year ... "It's a new day, it's a new day, it's a new life for me," sings the legendary Nina Simone. How are we going to make this year the best year of our life? I am fresh off an amazing trip to Colombia. There is nothing life an adventure to allow ourselves to breathe in a sense of possibility. The world looks more clear than ever and we see ourselves from a broader perspective. The dreams we possess seem more clear and alive. It's time to harness this strength and turn it into rocket fuel that propels us our of our standard atmosphere. There is no time like the present to dig in and squeeze out every ounce of possibility that up until this point has gone dormant. Not only do I challenge myself but I also challenge you to raise your level of play. It may seem hard but I guarantee that once you acclimate to its rigor, the effort becomes its own reward. This episode we offer practical way to make this New Year more impactful.
There comes a point in our lives when we begin to realize the importance of our health as we travel forward in time. This vessel is going to carry me well into my old age. Let us begin to revel and appreciate this finely calibrated instrument. There are so many things about my health that send me into a state of awe and wonderment. Science has yet to completely understand its mechanics. The one thing time and age has taught me is to appreciate it now. So this episode is an homage to our health. Cheers.
How we choose to define failure has a vast impact on our pursuit of success. Earl Nightingale has defined success as “the progressive realization of a worth goal.” The juxtaposition between the two notions of success and failure render them both neutral. FAIL – (F) First (A) Attempt (I) in (L) Learning Have we given more meaning to failure that it deserves? What is failure? Have you allowed a single moment define you?
Rampage of Appreciation is all about focusing in on an idea and talking yourself into the state of being where you begin to see yourself in your true light. While you may have accepted yourself as limited, I assure you, you are not. In this edition we focus in on the dreams we’ve had and how many of them are active and alive in our lives today. This goes to show us how powerful we have been and also the creative potential that exists right now.
This derives from a journal entry years ago where I dove into the examination of a folk story about a town in the middle of a drought. In this episode we explore some of the key forces that shape our positive mental attitude. Begin to examine in your life the umbrellas you can begin to carry around. Challenge you hopes into faith, into anticipation and expectation.
Late July of 2007, I had an experience that allowed me to understand what the Eye of Horus stands for. It was a surreal experience that I haven’t yet forgotten. In this episode of Halftime Talks, the detail of the experience are shared along with a guide in how they fit with our normal experiences.
There is a implicitly powerful thing called encouragement. In this episode we explore how the emerging generations need and deserve our encouragement.
In this episode we explore the concept of Marathon Mentality. When studying the regiment of Marathon runners, I discovered that the way they approach their goal transcends the event itself.
We reflect on BIRTHDAYS. Specifically we dive into a birthday that opened me up to more of my possibilities. It’s one thing to hope, believe, but to expect things and experience them is another.
Answer the following questions and maybe we can get to the bottom of this: 1. How ofter do you sleep within arms reach from your phone? 2. Have you ever inadvertently typed into twitter or Facebook when opening a web browser? 3. How soon do expect a response from a call or a text before we start freaking out? These are small questions but it begins to give you a look into some of your personal habits. In this podcast we shine some light on the role of technology on our lives today. It may not all be good. It’s most often just lumped in the advances of technology.
This Episode is an extension of a written blog entry “A Wedding Reading on Love.” It was a powerful piece that I’ve decided to capture it to audio. It represents an exhaustive amount of research on the subject and a constraint of brevity. Some of my contemporaries think this piece could be a wedding staple in the future. If it is, then so be it. I’ll share it with the world and allow the world to give it life.
Throughout history people have come up with a ton of short platitudes to express the notion.
“De Carpe Diem” – Seize the Moment(Day)
In our modern world of expanding technology, our state of mind and prevalent mentality has become one of outcome centric kind.
We explore:
1. What interrupts us from savoring the moment?
2. How can we begin to milk the moment?
3. What is the benefit of adding the behavior to our lives?
Our intro uses the phrase “whether you’re up by 10 or down by 20, we all need Halftime Talks.” Even the most seasoned veterans require the coaching to keep you playing at your highest and best capacity. It’s easy to loose sight of the true finish line. In this episode we dive into to offering a perspective that can allow us to be better stewards of our prosperity season.
In this episode we take a look at The Art of Journaling. 90 percent of the time I can be found with a journal by my side. Many people have preconceived conclusions on what journaling is. Most people think that it’s a diary or some form of writing that documents every little aspect of my day. Journaling is my process of communing with the indwelling intelligence within me. We explore: 1. Why Journaling 2. The impact journaling can have on your life 3. Styles of journaling 4. Suggested ways to get the process going in your life
In this episode we take a look at the poem Ithaca by C.Cavafa. This poem is a source of reassurance and strength when I am in the middle of an epic adventure. In an output oriented world we can loose complete prospectives of the minutia that serving us. The destination is only the expose for the journey. Sit back and take inventory of all the hidden gems and resources on how each component is contributing to the whole. 1. Savor the moments 2. Think outside of the box 3. Release any grip or gripes about fear.
You can't wait on the world to feed your curiosity or determine when it's time to engage in meaningful work. Over the course of my career, I've found the value of personal projects. The become the stage to exercise both our mind and our abilities. In this episode we dive into the power of personal projects.
In this episode we are exploring two approaches to creativity, the panderer and the ponderer. What is the difference between the two? Are you chasing what’s hot to become perceived as hot too? Are you reaching inside looking for your authentic voice that make you distinct?
In this episode we discuss the origins of the modern concept of mentorship and a couple of tips about the whole process of mentoring.
It’s time to approach anything we want to achieve the state of excellence with from a perspective of STUDY. We have to take notes and implement it in ways that we can incorporate it our long term behavior.
Once we understand that conversations are ideas painted with words, we can begin to listen for the intention and the agenda of the communication.
In this episode we are going to examine the art of listening…….. In the art of listening we need to consider what it really is. How do we listen now and is it the best way in order to fully stay engaged in the communication?
When does that level of curiosity die in our live? In this episode we examine the fateful demise of curiosity in our lives and the factors that push it out.
Curiosity – Extrinsic: Our Relationships and Our World Do you accept the version of the world that has been presented to you? I haven’t and it has allowed me to experience a rich and fullfilling journey up to this point. Curiosity is the fuel for progress!!
What is CURIOSITY? Why is it important? In this episode we look at the idea of curiosity and examine it’s impact on our daily behavior.
You’ve got to go – “Harder than the Job” This was a common mantra that stayed in my mind for the early part of my career. Most of us are giving our “JOBS” the bulk of our most productive energy in a given day. If we invest in ourselves what is possible? If we gave our jobs 8 hours in a work day how many hours am I dedicating to my own business.
Who do you say you are? How do you define yourself? In this episode we talk about the importance of being able to articulate who you are in a concise format.
I’ve been fascinated with the relationship with the idea of integrity and every aspect of our lives. The essence of anything has an integrity.
In this episode we explore the idea of Sustained Capacity. The story of Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley is explored. These two friends came up together. Their early stories parallel so much until their NBA careers began. What is the difference between these two players.
What is a personal constitution? It's a personal manifesto for how we (individually) aspire to approach the world. In this episode I share my personal constitution that I wrote in 2007. Reflecting on these words have assisted me in navigating life and tough personal challenges. So I challenge you write out your own personal constitution.
In this episode we take a look back at the idea of New Years Resolutions. How are your resolutions coming after a few weeks into the year? If you haven’t thought about them recently then this episode can offer some ideas that can get you back on track.
The Art of beginning anything. On this episode we discuss the fear of being in our comfort zone in the beginning and discovering the ways to move beyond those early butterflies.
This is an introduction to the podcast known as Halftime Talks. Welcome to the future and make sure you go to iTunes and subscribe.
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