Notes for the Children

In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner explores the detrimental impact of jealousy and envy on personal growth and well-being. Drawing from his own experiences, Pat reveals the seven negative effects these emotions had on him, ranging from damaging relationships to lowering self-esteem. 

Delving into Buddhist teachings, he unveils the profound impact of jealousy on happiness and the significance of redirecting one's focus towards self-care. He shares a poignant tale of two shopkeepers, underscoring the destructive nature of jealousy, and reflects on his own struggles with envy, particularly during challenging times in business. 

Join us as Pat provides valuable insights into recognizing and managing jealousy, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and mindfulness. Listeners are encouraged to learn from Pat's journey and strive to keep jealousy in check for a more fulfilling life. 

In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner delves into the powerful dynamics of optimism versus pessimism, drawing from personal experiences and scientific insights. He reflects on the profound impact of mindset, emphasizing the importance of writing life's challenges in sand and its triumphs in stone. 

 Sharing his entrepreneurial journey, Pat highlights the transformation that occurred when he shifted from a pessimistic mindset to embracing optimism, resulting in tangible success. The episode delves into the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of optimism, with Pat presenting compelling data on its positive effects on health and overall well-being.  

 Join us for some practical tips on cultivating optimism, as Pat encourages listeners to adopt a more positive outlook, not only for personal fulfillment but also as a powerful example for future generations. 

In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner delves into the profound theme of change, drawing inspiration from quotes, personal experiences and impactful lyrics. Pat emphasizes that life doesn't improve by chance but through intentional, small changes. He reflects on the challenges of embracing change, sharing anecdotes from his own life, including a transformative exercise that propelled him towards positive shifts.  

 Pat explores the concept of impermanence, urging listeners to appreciate the beauty of change, particularly in the context of family growth. He addresses the difficulty of making lasting changes, offering insights into common roadblocks and the importance of persistence.  

 Join us as Pat reflects on leadership and the crucial role of inspiration in navigating life's twists and turns. 

In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner delves into the concept of craving and its profound impact on human happiness. Drawing insights from influential figures like Yuval Noah Harari and Swami Sivananda, Pat reflects on the never-ending cycle of desire and its detrimental effects. He shares personal experiences, recounting moments of intense craving during his youth and business endeavors, emphasizing the destructive nature of such desires.  

Pat introduces the Buddhist concept of the hungry ghost, illustrating the insatiable nature of cravings. Through his journey of studying Buddhism, he highlights the importance of self-awareness in overcoming these destructive tendencies. Pat contends that unhappiness often stems from craving what others have, emphasizing the need to find contentment within ourselves. This episode serves as a poignant reminder to cultivate gratitude and satisfaction in the present moment, challenging the perpetual pursuit of unfulfilled desires. 

In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner candidly explores his past struggles with a controlling personality, shedding light on the impact of a tumultuous childhood marked by family chaos and alcoholism. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection in understanding and overcoming controlling behaviors. Drawing wisdom from eminent Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, Pat delves into the concept of freedom and strength arising from letting go of things beyond our control.  

Reflecting on his attempts to control the uncontrollable, Pat shares anecdotes, including humorous encounters with whisky bottles. This episode serves as a poignant reminder for listeners to examine their own tendencies and embrace a more accepting and liberated approach to life. 

In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner delves into the pivotal early years of his sales career, addressing the discouragement that often accompanies the high-pressure environment. Reflecting on traditional motivational methods, Pat shares his realization that sustained success requires more than mere slogans. He recounts the challenges he faced during a financial crisis in 2008, emphasizing the importance of reframing losses as invaluable learning experiences.  

 Pat explores habits that feed discouragement, offering practical insights to cultivate gratitude and surround oneself with positivity. Drawing from personal experiences, including a near-bankruptcy situation, Pat highlights the resilience needed to overcome adversity and emphasizes the crucial role of a supportive team.  

Join us to discover practical strategies to navigate discouragement and build a positive mindset in this insightful episode. 

In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner explores the impact of attitude on one's life journey. He highlights the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, particularly in sales, recounting early experiences in the car sales industry. The discussion evolves into the significance of preparation and mindfulness in fostering a positive attitude, emphasizing the concept of "showtime" and the power of being present in each interaction.  

The narrative also touches on the impact of gossip on attitude and advocates for a more positive and mindful approach. It concludes with a poignant reminder of life's preciousness and the need to cherish each day with a positive mindset, acknowledging that one's attitude not only shapes their own life but also influences the perspectives of future generations. 

In this episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner reflects on the seven fundamental principles that have consistently proven effective in sales environments throughout his career - perseverance, setting high expectations, taking incremental steps, active listening, maintaining focus, self-compassion and empathizing with others.  

These principles, initially designed for sales success, seamlessly transfer to various careers. Pat emphasizes the importance of not giving up too early, continually expecting more from oneself, and the need for inner reflection in training. He shares personal experiences, ranging from working in a family-owned delicatessen to collaborating with executives of major automotive and financial companies. The podcast underscores the universal truth that successful individuals across diverse fields share—the relentless pressure to sell for survival.  

In this powerful episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner tackles the difficult subject of bitterness, an emotion that can profoundly affect our lives and relationships.

Drawing on personal experiences and the lessons learned from overcoming bitterness, Pat shares his insights into recognizing, understanding, and ultimately releasing bitterness's grip on one's soul.

Listeners will explore the toxic nature of bitterness—how it arises from unresolved anger and pain, and how it can poison our lives and those of the people closest to us. 

Pat delves into the importance of acknowledging the past without letting it dictate the future, emphasizing the transformative power of forgiveness and the critical need to focus on moving forward with a positive mindset. 

Join us in this heartfelt episode as Pat Priestner guides us through the shadows of bitterness into the light of healing and positivity, showing us that it is possible to leave bitterness behind and embrace a life marked by joy, peace, and connection. 

In this inspiring episode of Notes for the Children, Pat Priestner delves into the critical role of self-discipline in achieving success and fulfillment.

Drawing from his extensive experience as an entrepreneur and through personal development, Pat shares valuable insights and strategies for cultivating strong self-discipline, emphasizing its impact on performance, consistency and overall well-being.

Listeners will explore the interconnectedness of self-discipline with mindfulness, gratitude, and resilience. Pat illustrates how these practices enhance our capacity for self-control and help us navigate the ups and downs of life and career with grace and determination. He shares stories of personal challenges and triumphs, offering listeners a roadmap to developing and maintaining discipline in their daily routines.

Join us in this motivational episode as Pat guides us through the essential practice of self-discipline, showing us how it lays the groundwork for achieving our dreams and leading a life of purpose and achievement.