The Eternal Optimist

Are the tangible assets you’re pursuing worth the relational capital you’re spending?

Just because you are providing for your family financially doesn’t mean you’re meeting all of their needs. Yes, you may have a pocket full of money, but you must realize there is no greater gift than the love of family.

Aaron is a professional coach, mastermind group facilitator, and author of View From The Top. For 42 years, Aaron has been a successful businessman and owner of fourteen lucrative businesses. He got his first taste of real accountability in a business Mastermind group, where he developed genuine friendships and grew alongside Dave Ramsey, Dan Miller, Ken Abraham, and others. Now, as a life and business coach, he uses his experience to help grow people’s success and significance. 

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 Introduction 
• 03:20 How Aaron maintains youthful vibrance 12 years after retirement
• 04:27 Challenging parts of Aaron’s early life
• 07:15 How Aaron let go of his big ego
• 09:39 Real strength lies in the intersection between transparency and vulnerability
• 13:23 How Dave Ramsey’s mastermind transformed Aaron’s life
• 17:51 The value of being in an active mastermind group
• 21:04 The people you need around you for long-term success
• 23:17 Stop taking advice from everybody
• 24:09 Aaron’s core values
• 27:55 Using core values as a filter in everything you do
• 30:24 Tips for deciding the right opportunities to pursue
• 32:13 Why you need to turn away from some opportunities 
• 36:38 Financial provision is not all it takes to meet your family’s needs
• 40:12 The kind of legacy Aaron would like to leave behind
• 42:12 Parting thoughts 

Links and Resources Mentioned

• Aaron’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/
• Book - View from the Top: Living a Life of Significance by Aaron Walker - https://www.amazon.com/View-Top-Living-Life-Significance-ebook/dp/B01N7O802F
• Aaron’s website - https://www.viewfromthetop.com/

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Mentioned in this episode:

Buy Book on Amazon!!

How would you react if the person you thought would guide you to greatness told you you're a waste of space? Imagine how troubled you'd feel when even your coaches don't believe you have what it takes to make it. 

If you feel everybody and everything is going against you, remember it takes one person to believe in you, see your talent, take a risk on you, and change your life. And that person better be you.

Laura Wilkinson is an American diver, 3-time Olympian, and Olympic gold medalist. She is the first woman to win the three major diving world titles. After nine years in retirement and four children in tow, she returned to competing in 2017 and placed 2nd at the US Nationals. She is also the host of the Pursuit of Gold Podcast, where she seeks to equip athletes with the most effective tools to help them reach their biggest goals in sports.

Topics Covered:

00:00 Introduction 

03:19 Challenging parts of Laura's early life

05:55 Imagine being told you're a waste of space by your coach

07:29 Laura's transition from gymnastics into diving

10:24 Why imposter syndrome affects the most successful people

13:34 Never stop setting goals

15:58 The difference between goals and expectations

18:03 The pressure of being an Olympic champion 

20:37 Set big goals but have realistic expectations

23:52 Life lessons you can learn through sports

25:17 The joy and challenges of motherhood

29:17 From diving to running a successful business

34:09 What to expect from Laura moving forward

38:07 Balancing family life with growing a business

40:16 The importance of communication in relationships

42:50 The kind of legacy Laura would like to leave behind

45:15 Parting thoughts 

Links and Resources Mentioned

Laura's Instagram 

Laurawilkinson.com

Pursuit of Gold Podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Buy Book on Amazon!!

Major life events come packed with a full array of emotions. For example, getting that long overdue promotion can be a happy event. On the other hand, losing a parent can be quite destructive. But here's the thing, however dramatic these events are, they can still provide us with perspectives and opportunities to change our lives. 

Matt Gilhooly is the host of The Life Shift Podcast, where he has candid conversations with people about the pivotal moments that dramatically changed their lives. His mission is to highlight life-altering moments and humanize the struggles and triumphs we face in everyday life.

As you listen to today's podcast, see if you can think of the defining or pivotal moments in your own life. Remember how painful or exhilarating they were, and think about the change they brought into your life. 

Topics Covered:

00:16 Challenges of being a podcaster 

01:54 Navigating early life challenges

04:07 How losing his mom at 8 years old changed Matt's life

08:26 It's nice to be a fully-formed human with emotions

10:27 People should learn to feel the full spectrum of their emotions

13:46 Should we be actively seeking events that trigger our emotions?

15:36 Start celebrating your wins

17:06 Matt's most recent significant wins

19:57 The thing Matt is excited to learn about most

22:12 Why curiosity is an essential theme in Matt's life 

23:48 When it's okay to be selfish

26:20 Stop caring what other people think

27:15 Powerful reminder of what really matters in life

29:40 Characteristics that define most 70s and 80s kids

32:42 What are "digital analogs?"

34:04 Adapt or get left behind: Matt's coloring book story

37:40 Matt's journey through life as a creative

38:47 Parting thoughts

Matt Gilhooly

LinkedIn

The Life Shift Podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

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Dr. William Sparks is an associate professor of behavioral science and has consulted with numerous organizations in the public and private sectors, including the U.S. Navy, Transamerica, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, and the U.S. Department of Energy. He is also a principal with Sparks & Associates, LLC, a professional services firm focused on leadership and team development, corporate creativity and innovation, and change management. 

Today's episode is all about Jedi master training, and most importantly, the shadow within all of us that we'd rather not reveal. We also share tips on the power of self-awareness and why we need to acknowledge the dark side of ourselves to be fully integrated humans. 

Topics Covered:

00:00 Introduction

03:17 Biggest challenges so far in Dr. Sparks' life

08:14 How Dr. Sparks owned up to his own shortcomings

10:48 The benefits of overcoming your radical self-interests 

13:12 The role of humility in growth and success in life

15:24 How Dr. Sparks would coach Darth Vader and Princess Leia

19:25 The three main shadows in leadership

21:18 The concept of paradoxical intent

24:54 People often meet their destiny on the road they took to avoid it

26:34 Are you a self-actualized leader?

28:25 What it takes to live a life of abundance

31:01 Life is a series of decisions and choices

33:19 Why it's important to be aware of your dark side

36:44 Routine for setting your day up for success

39:10 Dr. Sparks' book recommendations

42:23 Dr. Sparks' definition of success

46:19 Parting thoughts 

Links and Resources Mentioned

DrWillSparks - Consulting, Coaching

The ALP self-assessment 

The Power of Self-Awareness TED Talk by Dr. Sparks 

Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow and Maximizing Your Potential by William L. Sparks

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Mentioned in this episode:

Buy Book on Amazon!!

Amber Vilhauer is an online business development expert who supports authors, speakers, and coaches to establish a robust online presence that gets results and makes a difference in their respective industries.

Since starting No Guts No Glory(NGNG) in 2007, Amber has spent her career impacting communities and building strong strategic alliances with industry leaders and game-changers across the web. She is also the launch manager behind dozens of #1 bestselling books, including those for Mark Victor Hansen, Brendon Burchard, and Sandra Yancey.

Today's episode is all about elevating your experience of life, owning the challenges that have been part of your life so far, and understanding how you can bring out the best in yourself and others. 

Topics Covered 

00:00 Introduction

04:14 Bravery and discipline when facing challenges and hardships

07:36 Journey to trusting your own voice

14:04 How Amber successfully learned to trust her own voice

17:50 Stop holding onto the unhealthy relationships in your life

19:49 Amber's love for pumpkin pie

21:16 Leaning into courage and bravery

24:00 Amber's philosophy on life: Leave this camp yard better than you found it

26:22 The exciting future Amber is trying to create

29:45 Filling other people's cups with life and love

31:48 Amber's journey to understanding the need to fill other people's cups

34:28 The difference between Amber the CEO and Amber outside the office

36:27 Where to find Amber online

38:25 What to expect from Amber going forward 

42:09 Parting thoughts

Links and Resources:

 Ambervilhauer.com

Connect with Amber on Instagram

No Guts No Glory website

Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life by Ashish Kothari

Mentioned in this episode:

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Faith can move mountains but the truth is, with faith comes challenges and many hurdles. For most, the trials and tribulations leave their faith faltered. But in this episode, we speak with one of the very few people whose faith remains strong despite all the dark setbacks. Listen as we learn about Link Forester, a successful financial advisor, avid golfer, and now a new author, as he shares with us the bumpy road he calls his life but with strong faith, brought him to a destination full of blessings and fulfillment. 

• 0:12 - How Link uses golf as a vehicle in his life. 
• 2:26 - Link shares his early upbringing. 
• 5:39 - How Link first started in IBM. 
• 8:04 - Link on quitting IBM, taking a risk on selling insurance, and how it became a great plan.
• 13:15 - The practice of I Am’s or a life vision statement. 
• 14:14 - How Link defines ‘secure’ and ‘free.’ 
• 18:06 - Link’s thoughts on what Christianity is really about. 
• 21:52 - How his faith played a part in the death of Link’s son. 
• 25:48 - How to get stronger in faith in times of tragedy. 
• 27:10 - Link defines a belief in his own perspective. 
• 30:45 - Why Link decided to write a book. 

• The Side Road 
• True Radical Love
• Link Forester Author
• The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy

Mentioned in this episode:

Buy Book on Amazon!!

Chase Tolleson is a fitness expert who is culminating not only fitness in its finest form but as well as the optimization of the mind and body. Running a gym for over 8 years, Chase knows the ins and outs of everything that has to do with fitness. But now, he adds a twist to it by realigning fitness with inner power. In this episode, Chase comes on the podcast to talk about his life experiences and the great influence of affirmations and mindset in a holistic approach to proper fitness. 

• 1:15 - The challenges in Chase’s life that helped define who he is now. 
• 5:07 - How his setbacks led him to launch his first gym. 
• 7:06 - Chase talks about the victim mentality and what happ
• 13:40 The business lessons Chase learned from running his gym for over 8 years. 
• 15:43 - Why letting go of Chase’s gym was freeing. 
• 20:37 - Chase talks about the enlistment method. 
• 28:32 - The journal entry that made its way to one of his philosophy tracks. 
• 32:27 - What’s next for Chase. 
• 36:57 - How to use affirmations when self-doubt gets the best of you. 

• Instagram
• Facebook 
• Website 

• Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10
• Priman Man Pathway

Mentioned in this episode:

Buy Book on Amazon!!

Ellie McKay is an award-winning property investor and developer who has built her name from scratch. With a multimillion-pound property portfolio, she has now gotten around to public speaking, business coaching, plus juggling all that as a loving mother of three. In this episode, Ellie shares with us her life in detail–all the sacrifices, burdens, and triumphs–that led her to the path of ultimate success. 

• 01:21 - Ellie shares a challenging period in her life when she struggled with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. 
• 7:50 - How she turned her life around by attending training. 
• 16:14 - Ellie talks about relationships and why it’s the highest form of currency. 
• 18:09 - Who Ellie is becoming and her mission now.
• 23:59 - How Ellie maintains her humility and the practice she does. 
• 37:00 - The standards that resonate with Ellie. 
• 39:47 - What Ellie is intentionally learning now. 
• 41:06 - Ellie’s proudest moments as a mom. 

Linkedin 

Youtube

Instagram

The On A Mission Podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

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Mitzi Purdue is a bestselling icon producing 27 books that has and continues to inspire many. She has gained a name in the world of story-telling and is a winner of the Literary Titan Book Award for Nonfiction. She has also been a nominee of the Bookfest Book Awards. In this episode we open our hearts to the tragedies of what is currently happening to Ukraine. Mitzie talks about human trafficking in its heartbreaking reality. Listen and learn how bad it is and how you can contribute to put a stop it. 

• 00:21 - What Mitzi finds endearing about Mark Victor Hanssen. 
• 2:59 - The horrendous reality of human trafficking. 
• 12:27 - Mitzi shares a project that could save future victims
• 16:58 - The Atocha Emerald that will be put to auction to raise funds for several rehab houses. 
• 24:14 - Why Mitzi thinks that Russia’s move to make Ukraine people more vulnerable won’t work. 
• 34:40 - How Mitzi maintains his youthfulness
• 39:29 - Mitzi shares her love for silk flowers & what it meant to her. 
• 40:50 - Her adventure in Ukraine & why she wasn’t scared to go. 

Mitzi Perdue

ULET Group 

Russians Are Abducting Ukrainian Children — FOREIGN PRESS

Relentless: Mark Victor Hansen

Mentioned in this episode:

Buy Book on Amazon!!

Daniel Matalon is the founder of #IsThereEnough and co-founder of Impact Launchpad, a UK based venture studio for social impact incubation and development. Daniel is passionate about starting a provocative new conversation about the intersection of survival economics and social justice. On this episode, he shares with Matt how he was able to rebuild his life after losing everything at the age of 55 and also how he was able to move himself out of depression. 

#IsThereEnough

Is There Enough ? | Facebook

Impact Launchpad

#IsThereEnough - YouTube

@danielmatalon) / Twitter

Daniel T. Matalon | Facebook

Daniel Matalon | LinkedIn

@danielmatalon) • Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Buy Book on Amazon!!