“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” Fyodor Dostoyevsky

In this episode, I wish to challenge to our thoughts around the questions of why we exist. If the purpose of life is survival and reproduction, then what is beyond this? Is there deeper purpose and desire common in all life?

I hope to open the dialogue with you to explore this topic further. Comments, thoughts, suggestions welcome here or by connecting with me directly on Facebook or email.

"It takes the same amount of effort to talk yourself into something as it does to talk yourself out of something."

This is an interview I did with Chris Ruggiero a while back. It's an inspiring chat with Chris about how he turned his passion into his lifestyle. He calls himself a one-man variety show that is sure to keep an audience engaged, laughing and amazed. 

If you are looking for a little inspiration and courage to taking your passion into your full-time gig you might just get some values out of this conversation. Are you willing to spend your time and energy making excuses or to take action?

My book reflection of Trap Tales - Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success.

After reading this book, you will be an expert “Trapologist.” You’ve got to love the catchy names authors create to suit the content of their work – Trapologist. It sold me!

But seriously it's a good little read with value to be had.

The authors describe a trap as being seductive, deceptive, sticky and limiting. Many of us fall into these common life traps. These include The relationship trap, the money trap, the focus trap, the change trap, the learning trap, the career trap, and the purpose trap.

Have a listen to my full review here.

“Try to imagine what it will be like to go to sleep and never wake up... now try to imagine what it was like to wake up having never gone to sleep.” Alan W. Watts

If life is dissatisfying how can we be with that feeling to a point in which it becomes satisfying? Perhaps it’s just a matter of perspectives.

It is about connecting to our story. The identity we attach to - the illusion that is Self, but necessary to harness, create and live a life of greater meaning. The story and identity that allows us to express, contribute and live with a higher level of significance. That is the strength that binds us to a higher purpose. Something that moves us beyond a selfish existence and pursuit towards an existence and pursuit that benefits all life as we know it.

Quick inspiration to wake up - have a listen and enjoy!

Jack Skeen is the author of The Circle Blueprint. In this episode, we discuss the some of the details of this book. Who it applies to, why it's important to so many people today and how we can go about developing our circle. Are you thriving or just surviving? Are you energized, balanced, and happy?

It is Jacks hope that he can help others get to the root of the problem, and from there develop a roadmap for getting your life on a more positive trajectory.

Dr. Jack Skeen is a life and leadership coach for executives and successful leaders throughout the United States. For the last fifteen years, he has advised CEOs and executives with issues such as leadership, purpose, team cohesion, and cultivating satisfaction, peace, and contentment.

In his experience, many successful people become so attached to their area of success that they fail to broaden their interests and cultivate a wider understanding of their role in the world.  They easily fall prey to the temptation to keep doing what they do well rather than learning to apply their genius to other areas of life.  Only by gaining a better understanding of themselves can they expand their personal satisfaction and impact.

Jack’s  purpose in life is to change the world for the better; by transforming the lives of people.

“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” Mike Murdock

What does a perfect day look and feel like to you?

I shared a quick thought on this recently, which you can listen to here.

It’s an important topic to discuss and a useful question to ask yourself. We can learn a heck of a lot by reflecting on our time for all that is good, bad, successful, unsuccessful, joyous or painful.

From there we can benefit if we take what we discovered, the learnings, the visions, to figure out ways, to experiment more, to practice what it takes to live a meaningful life.

After all, what is a perfect day? Isn’t it just an assembly of purposeful activities and accomplishments that left you fulfilled and with a greater sense of meaning?

In this episode, I will discuss the ins and outs of morning routines, daily rituals and scheduling with the intent to inspire you to fill your day with more of what makes your life perfect.

Helen Mitas is a hypnotherapist, author, speaker, business mentor, and is the founder of Hypnofit that has helped thousands of people radically enhance their energy, vitality, and motivation.

The statistics indicate that 65% of the workforce is suffering some kind of anxiety or depression and it's inhibiting them from living a kick-ass life. Helen has a passion to help these people overcome this problem so they can once again love life.

In this episode, Helen shares thoughts, techniques and ways for us all to connect more fully with life. To remove the barriers, overcome the obstacles, clear the clutter and confusion and define healthier lifestyle habits. Enjoy!

Podcast Review - The Minimalists Podcast by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus

"Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom." The Minimalists

Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus are the Minimalists. Two friends who in their late 20’s decided enough was enough. They decided to get off the hamster wheel of life to create and live more meaningful lives. And in doing so, they became The Minimalists.

Minimalism: to live a more meaningful life with less.

Have a listen or read my review @ thehiddenwhy.com

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Harold Whitman

Entrepreneurs are often told to think about what the world needs and then look for ways to solve these problems.

Teenagers are often told to pursue careers aligned with their skills, those subjects that they are good at.

Most of us seek occupations with the aim of making some money for the purpose of being able to purchase stuff we think will make us come alive. Things that will make our lives somehow better.

And I wonder! Is this an incorrect approach to life? Are we just forcing ourselves into a life of confinement rather than a life of contribution?

For a long time, I tried with all effort to meet external needs in a selfish pursuit of trying to meet my own needs yet never knew truly what my needs were. In many ways, I still do this.

I  realise now that this isn't conducive to my personal progress. Nor is it conducive to any collective progress. I did notice that on rare occasions, I felt alive when I did things that I loved.

I did notice that on rare occasions, I felt alive when I did things that I loved. I began to seek ways to do more of what I love. I thought if it makes me feel good, both today and tomorrow, then it must be good. Worthy of pursuit.

I sought through experience more opportunities to find new passions. And as I incorporated them into my life I have created a lifestyle in which I feel more alive than ever before. I feel more ready than ever before to serve the world’s needs.

We are told on a flight to secure our oxygen mask first before we attend to others. This is a sound metaphor for life and perfect for what I am reflecting on here.

Survival is the purpose. It is life’s agenda. But when we do not take care of ourselves we are less able to take care of others. We are less able to contribute in a meaningful way.

And contribution is a fundamental life principle. It has the potential to take us all closer to a life of greater freedom, fulfillment, and happiness.

If we can meet the fundamental foundations of who we are. To seek to do more of what we love. If we can nourish our ‘Why.’ We will be more able to express ourselves for who we are. We will be more able to serve in meaningful ways. That will move us beyond the selfish pursuit of one’s own agenda to satisfying that of the collective. And we will undoubtedly find ourselves more satisfied than ever before.

All the world desires are for each of us to be as we wish to be.

This thought has been inspired by a meditation by Mark Nepo taken from his work The Book of Awakening.

If you’re tired of “doing” productive and want to start being productive, you’re in the right place. In this episode, Mike Vardy, founder of Productivityist will show you how to define your days, funnel your focus, and make every moment matter.

A productivityist is a productivity enthusiast. They love to delve deep into the study of productivity, including all the tool and habitual behaviors there is to know. Exploring new ideas, processes, and ways to get things done. Personally, for me, it all boils down to the best use of my time.

Mike Vardy is a writer, productivity strategist, and the founder of Productivityist. He has served as the Managing Editor at Lifehack and contributed articles on productivity to 99u, Lifehacker, The Next Web, SUCCESS Magazine, and The Huffington Post.

Mike is also the author of several books and is the creator of The NOW Year™ Method, a simple, durable, and flexible personal productivity approach. He has delivered talks on the topic of task and time management at events like New Media Expo, TEDx Victoria, South by Southwest, and creativeLIVE. He lives in Victoria, BC, Canada with his incredible wife, daughter, and son.