I’ve dreamt about this for years. I’ve been inspired listening to those of others and thought it would be awesome to produce one myself, one day. I’m talking about podcasts - and I’m really close to launching my own!
Check out the teaser trailer of Principled? Each episode I’ll share one of my 12 life principles and interview a guest who embodies it. Soon you’ll be able to join me on my quest to discover the ultimate formula for living an extraordinary life.
Chasing dreams is never easy, but there’s hardly anything comparable to the moment a dream becomes reality. All you have to do is not give up!
Just last week I rekindled another dream: that of the Extraordinary Life Foundation. Our mission is to make personal development accessible for everyone. Does that resonate with you? Would you like me to train you up to give personal development workshops? We’d love for you to join us! Sign-up to learn more.
Besides dreaming, however, it is good to spend time in reality. Lately I’ve devoted even more time than usual to developing myself. I’ve identified this restless saboteur inside me that makes me constantly seek new stimulation. Wanting to experience everything in life now, it actually made me miss everything by not being present in reality.
Through integrating mindfulness in the middle of my workday, I’m learning to quieten this voice in my head. Even if it’s just watching my breath for 1 minute, it snaps me out of this negative state.
Your talents are reflected in your relationships
Getting to know yourself is valuable, but it may seem difficult. It doesn’t have to be. Self-knowledge is right there in front of you, in the mirror of your relationships.
The talents I use in my work are what my favourite humans appreciate about me. I'm living my passion, so I don't make the separation between work and personal life. During dinners, I subconsciously start coaching my friends on their challenges, as I am a naturally active listener. People who like us gravitate towards us because of what we bring to their lives.
While discussing eco-feminism with my girlfriend this week, she asked me "why are you using your public speaking voice?" That's just how I naturally express myself now. My girlfriend's also using her talents at home, continually acting out funny scenarios she creates - living her passion for improvised theatre. Dating a comedian is just as fun as I imagined it.
Meaningful work often feels effortless because we're already performing these activities in our everyday existence. I was coaching friends for years in bars before I even considered it could become my profession. What are some positive qualities your friends see in you? Dare to ask them. You're showcasing to them the talents you should be using in your work.
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Tribe of Mentors, Tim Ferris:
Could you imagine being able to learn from the most extraordinary human beings on the planet? Actually, no need to imagine: with this book, you can! I’m a big fan of Tim’s work and the interviews in this book are giving me inspiration for all areas of my life. By modelling the behaviours of people we admire, we can achieve similar success.
Video: To make an impact, be like the hummingbird
I showed this animated clip during a workshop I gave last week for student ambassadors of the UN Sustainable Development goals. Embracing this metaphor has helped me maximise my impact as a speaker & activist.
16 uncomfortable feelings that indicate you’re on the right track
Since my girlfriend quit her job last summer and started following her passion, she’s been experiencing ups and downs. The feelings she’s having may be tough, but they show she made the right decision. Pursuing something important may take a big change – and change goes hand in hand with discomfort. Do you have any of these 16 feelings when making a positive shift in your life?
What switch will you make?
-Tom