How do we deal with expectations?

As a coach, I see expectation play out both in my life and the lives of my clients and in truth, until we can learn to deal with our expectations, life and the universe will tend to rub them in our faces. 

Here’s the thing: life is wildly unpredictable. Goals and timelines can help us focus, but they also create pressure and disappointment when the universe throws a curveball. The only thing you control is how you respond. You can let frustration run the show, or you can accept the reality in front of you and choose a calmer, kinder response.

Try swapping rigid goals for intentions — aim in a direction rather than locking onto a single finish line. Build resilience by practising acceptance, try journaling, and asking useful questions: What happens if I don’t hit this by that date? What’s an alternative plan? What would make this journey feel joyful again?

The truth is that nothing lasts forever — the good bits and the hard bits pass. If you want a simple exercise, journal about a time an expectation failed and how the detour shaped you. Often, those unexpected routes bring things you didn’t know you needed.

As always, be gentle with yourself. Move toward what matters, let go of the unfair comparisons, and remember: progress isn’t always a straight line. Share this with someone who needs the reminder — we’re all figuring it out together.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

Our show today is looking at how happiness is best shared with those who love us, and how striving for success can lead to a life alone.  

In the entrepreneurial sphere, there is a lot of pressure to succeed, and it can become an incessant drive to create the monumental, something that might bring wealth and recognition. But at what cost? Do you see the point of chasing a six-figure dream if it means losing sight of the people who matter most? The notion of happiness being somewhere 'out there' is all too familiar. Yet, real contentment often blooms from within us, nurtured by gratitude and cherished moments with loved ones.

This week, I've taken a breather with family visiting from afar, enjoying shared memories and crafting new ones. It's a reminder that on our deathbeds, no one wishes they'd spent more time working. We need to find balance in life—a core concept in coaching. It's about making time for the meaningful connections in our lives.

The renowned Stephen Covey speaks of "sharpening the saw," a metaphor for nurturing our relationships. Just like maintaining a sharp tool, we need to put effort into our connections to ensure they flourish. So, let's make time for those who matter—family, friends, significant others—and create memories that outlast any business triumph.

If left unchecked, our work-driven habits can lead to personal and health setbacks. That's why it's crucial to address imbalances and, if needed, seek help. Whether it's through life planning or coaching, the goal is to cherish life and the people around us.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.  

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

Do you ever feel like there’s just too much to do and not enough time? Let's chat about the 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, and how it can actually become your secret weapon in conquering life's endless to-do lists.

You may have heard about the 80-20 rule in a business setting—like how 80% of your revenue might come from 20% of your customers. However, did you know that it can also significantly impact how you manage your daily tasks? By identifying the 20% of tasks that bring you 80% of the results, you can finally take control and declutter your life.

Here’s a sad twist: while the principle itself is golden, it’s often misused. Think of the exaggerations like claiming 80% of life happens to only 20% of people! Ridiculous, right? The truth is, the rule can’t be boxed into rigid statistics, but it serves as a useful mental model for prioritizing what truly matters.

What’s important is figuring out what tasks are your mission-critical ones each day. As you pare down the non-essential, focus intensifies and progress follows. Even big names like Elon Musk swear by this approach. While it might not provide a magical one-size-fits-all solution, applying the 80-20 rule could very well be the life hack you’ve been searching for.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.  

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

 This week was pretty special for me; I had the absolute joy and delight of attending my son's graduation ceremony. Watching him receive his BA honours in computer games development was not just a proud parent moment, but a celebration of dedication and achievement. You could feel the excitement and emotions in the air, alongside the bittersweet farewells, as all these budding talents prepare to embrace new beginnings.

This episode delves deeply into the theme of choice and how it shapes our lives at every turn. Just like my son, who's stepping into the unpredictable yet thrilling world of the games industry—where networking and perseverance are key—we all reach points where the path ahead requires us to make choices. Whether transitioning from university or facing midlife changes, the necessity of deciding our own directions becomes crucial.

I’ve been there too, shifting from marketing into something completely different during COVID, embracing new choices that align more with my passions. It got me pondering, how often do we consciously make choices about our current place in life? Are we in jobs, relationships, or routines by choice, or by lack of choosing? It's interesting because not choosing is also a choice, isn't it?

We explore this idea in today's podcast. We consider what success means and how to become intentional with our choices. Choices can be daunting, right? Even selecting from a menu at a restaurant can be a struggle, let alone making life-altering decisions! However, with a little introspection and the right tools, we can navigate more effectively and align our choices with our true desires.

Join me as we discuss making choices, big and small, and ponder where those choices might lead us. And hey, remember, the key to any great journey is movement—whether you choose to choose, or choose not to choose, the power is in your hands.

Thank you for participating in this conversation and for your ongoing support. Do share the episode if it resonates with you.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.  

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

Today, I want to dive into something that's been close to my heart—community and connection. We live in a time where social media connects us globally, yet many of us feel more alone than ever. I know you get what I mean. But here’s the kicker, genuine face-to-face interactions have never been more crucial, don't you agree?

Recently, I got to spend a fabulous weekend with my running club in Ballater, nestled in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. There's something magical about sharing physical activities—be it running through the royal estates or hiking up steep hills. The shared struggle, the victory over nature, the picturesque landscapes—all add up to a bonding experience that's hard to describe. It’s like, “Hey, we did that, together!” Have you ever felt that rush?

On a different note, I found myself drawn back to the Findhorn community for some soulful Tazie singing. It's a beautiful practice that brings together sacred songs from various traditions. The harmony and shared spiritual quest filled the room with warmth and acceptance. It's moments like these that remind me of what it truly means to be human. Singing in a group not only uplifts the spirit but also deepens our bond with each other.

The shared activities—be it strenuous hiking, running marathons with friends, or even singing in harmony—offer a profound sense of belonging. Dr. Lisa Miller's study even suggests that a spiritual connection, whether through organised religion or communal activities, can keep the blues at bay. And honestly, isn’t it amazing to explore stories and passions with others?

If you haven’t found your tribe yet, it's never too late. Step out, get involved, and be open to receiving and giving support. It’s incredible how much you can achieve when a supportive community surrounds you.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.  

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

Have you ever wondered why making changes in life can be so darn tough?  Talking with friends over the last week got me thinking about the hurdles we face when trying to change our lives for the better. Reality check: change only happens when we take action, but sometimes, even the thought of making a change feels daunting, right?

In this episode, we examine the reality of change, exploring why we often resist it, even when we know it's necessary. 

Sitting on the edge of turning 62, I reflected on the changes I had wanted to make over the past year, the ones I had achieved, and the ones that had slipped by. It's all about boosting the desire to meet the goal and understanding the emotions, needs, fears, and inspirations that empower us to take action..

Join me as we explore how emotions, needs, and even fears can propel us into action. Sometimes, sharing our goals with someone else can ignite our commitment because we don't want to back down from our own promises.

Have you considered the importance of making space? That is  — physical or metaphorical — Because space in our lives allows change to happen? From clearing out a cluttered room to allocating time on our calendar, creating space is a first step to inviting change.

Overall, if you’re committed to self-improvement and making meaningful changes, this episode is like having a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend who truly understands the struggle. It’s about embracing courage and cultivating inspiration to make those changes happen!

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.  

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

There can be no success without some failure, so why are we so resistant to or even shamed by failure. On this podcast, we are exploring our failiure feelings. 

In this episode, we delve into the concept of failure and its role in our broader life goals. We've all been there - striving for something just out of reach, and feeling crushed when it slips away. But here's a different take: failure is simply a part of the process, not the end of it. Goals are just signposts on our path, guiding us toward our greater intentions.

Have you ever considered that the timeframe of achieving something often dictates the notion of failure? Whether it's in the business world or personal projects, the pressure to succeed quickly can be overwhelming. But what if we reframe the failure narrative and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow?

Just like SpaceX on its fearless journey, each setback is a lesson. They’re breaking things and making incredible strides by learning fast. It’s all about embracing the journey and having fun along the way. So, when was the last time you enjoyed your process?

If you’re pondering over what success really means, it’s time to look at it from a new angle. Is success a defined destination, or is it the enjoyment of the steps we take along the way? Let's discuss it and see if we can discover something new together!

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.  

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

No, it was not mine, but this did happen to another Paul. In a whirlwind twist of fate back in 2006, this renowned songwriter stumbled upon an unexpected moment of perplexity: his own obituary echoing through the airwaves. It turns out, a man named Paul Van Valkenburg had spun a crafty tale decades prior, claiming the catchy tune "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" as his youthful triumph. Fast forward to his actual passing, and an honest blunder led the newspapers to mistakenly bid farewell to Paul Vance, the still-living original composer.

But wait! This story doesn’t just wander down a path of misunderstanding. Instead, it blossoms into a tale of connections rekindled and love realised. From a barrage of concerned queries to heartfelt messages, this twist of events showered Paul with an unexpected gift—an outpouring of love and appreciation from those he hadn't heard from in years. While embarrassing for Van Valkenburg’s family, it granted Paul’s family a beautiful realisation of just how beloved he was.

This anecdote unfolds into a broader reflection, encouraging you to ponder: How are you impacting those around you, and how will you be remembered? Drawing inspiration from such an unusual yet illuminating episode, the narrative nudges each of us to explore our own legacies. Engage in writing your own story—your eulogy—crafting the legacy you wish to leave behind.

So join me on this introspective journey. It’s a reminder that life, albeit fleeting, is our canvas. Splash it with love, generosity, and kindness. After all, the echoes of our actions today shape the memories of tomorrow. Let’s embark on this journey of legacy and love together!

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.  

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

Have you ever paused to think about the areas of your life that might be slipping through the cracks? It's a common journey we all go through as we navigate this world, reprioritising and adjusting as things evolve.

In the sphere of life coaching, it's often emphasised that we need to pay attention to various parts of our lives to truly thrive. From finances and relationships to health, joy, and family, each aspect contributes to crafting a well-rounded existence. 

Let's face it, it's all too easy to become hyper-focused on one area, sacrificing others along the way. Decisions about what we prioritise sculpt our life journey and outcomes. But how do we achieve balance, ensuring no part of our life is left neglected? That's the personal expedition each of us must embark on, deciding where to channel our life force and energy, understanding fully that every component impacts our future success and happiness.

One insightful analogy, inspired by Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, is about "sharpening the saw." It's about maintaining readiness and support networks, so we're prepared for any situation, much like keeping a saw sharp to effectively cut wood. This rings especially true for workaholics who might overlook personal relationships, only realising their importance later on when those connections have faded.

Today, I'm highlighting the importance of conducting a personal review of all aspects of life. Are your relationships flourishing, is your career on track, and are your finances aligned with your professional missions? Without regular introspection and attention, change won't come. And remember, "energy flows where attention goes." Neglect breeds stagnation, while attention fosters growth.

Interestingly, I've observed how crucial it is to reignite our sense of play and fun, an element sometimes forgotten in adulthood. Watching children, their capacity for joy is infectious, reminding us that fun isn't just for kids. Regularly revisiting and enhancing this aspect can add a joyful spark to daily life—ask yourself daily: "Where did I have fun today, and how can I create more of it tomorrow?"

When it comes to more structured areas, such as finances or relationships, thoughtful planning is required, but each can improve significantly with dedicated focus. So, here's my simple suggestion today: take a moment to assess where you stand across life's many dimensions. If you identify areas that need improvement, provide them with the necessary attention and time to flourish.

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion

Have you ever stopped to really celebrate your achievements and reflect on what recognition truly means? In this podcast, we're diving into the crucial role of acknowledgement and celebration in our lives. You know, all too often, we hit a goal or reach a milestone but then just move on without soaking in the joy of what we've accomplished.

Last weekend, I got to experience a truly inspiring event—a degree show at Abertay University. It was beautiful to watch students, including my own son, share their journey with family, friends, and industry insiders. The evening show was all about creative awards in fields like development, design, art, game art, and coding. It really hit me then, how rare those opportunities are to be publicly celebrated for our achievements.

Our modern lives seem to lack those moments of appreciation, yet historically, festivals and celebrations have always brought communities together. Today, in our fast-paced world, we often miss out on true efforts to celebrate and recognize not just big milestones like weddings or birthdays but also little victories.

The competitive business world often tries to mimic this with award events. However, these can sometimes feel like 'bought' recognitions rather than genuine celebrations. Yet, whatever the method, there's a shared joy in acknowledging success, one that's missing in many of our endeavours today, where the work seems endless and without tangible endpoints.

So, what's the solution? We need to find ways to bring celebrations into our everyday lives, to break the routine and appreciate the journey. This is more than just about public adoration—it's about feeling good internally when we acknowledge ourselves and others.

Why not try a little experiment? Pick a task, maybe cleaning out that cluttered drawer or tidying up your wardrobe. Once done, take a step back, appreciate the difference, and relish that sense of achievement. It'll empower you more than you might expect!

Every little acknowledgement can be a powerful motivation booster, driving us to pursue even bigger goals. The creative industries know this; that's why they so elegantly celebrate success to propel people forward to achieve even greater heights. So let's tap into this powerful resource by valuing achievements more.

Remember, this isn’t just about work or big life events. It's about appreciating every stride we make on our life’s journey. So, go ahead, try recognizing something you've achieved today, and see how uplifting it feels.

If this chat has resonated with you, share it with a friend and spread the positivity.

For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.  

Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.

The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions

Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion