Think Curiously

In September 2020, Netflix released a little known Docuseries, The Playbook. With it's selection of some of the worlds top sports coaches, it provides an insight into the world of high performance sport. And if it stopped there then no-one would argue. But it doesn't. It goes deeper, deeper into the life lessons that each coach has thought about, experienced and holds true to themselves. In this episode, James Green and I discuss the 5 life lessons as described by NBA Basketball coach Doc Rivers, using his lessons as a means of exploring our own experiences.

Following on from last week we meet with Epictetus and briefly explore his life and philosophical beliefs. With his help and the help of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca I continue my Stoic journey, adding meaning by way of my own experiences from the pervious week, to their teachings. One of my most enjoyable weeks so far! 

Do you have an ingredients list of the emotions that you would like to feel on a daily basis?
You might have thought about your thoughts but have you ever written them down?
What is hypnotherapy and how can it help me?

Just some of the questions we explore in this episode with Hypnotherapist - Gareth Fox. Gareth is a qualified Rapid Transformational therapist and an internationally published author and journalist  who believes that "willpower alone is not enough to break the chains of bad habits and fears. To truly change we need to connect with the subconscious mind"

You can find out more information about Gareth and his work on his website using the link below:

https://gareth-fox.com/#about

What is Stoicism and where/when/who founded the Philosophy? Where did my journey begin? This week we delve into the roots of the Stoic Philosophy as we briefly drop in with Zeno and his journey to Athens. We also take a closer look at the life of Marcus Aurelius and how he would become Emperor of the Roman Empire.

How often do you question who you are? What is your Purpose? Your cause? Your Belief? To be honest those are questions that I would never have entertained if I had never came across the work of Simon Sinek and his book, Start with Why. It turns out that my guest this week also shares my enthusiasm for answering such questions. Kaig Lightner is the Founding Executive Director of Portland Community Soccer Club and the CEO & Founder of Quantum Gender. Born a female, Kaig would later begin the transition into his knew life living as a male. Kaig talks openly about his experience of transitioning and speaks passionately about his continued search for Authenticity.

Welcome to the latest edition to the Think Curiously family. This mini series of episodes explores the Stoic Philosophy, giving you bitesize snippets of Stoic wisdom. Borrowing from the book 'The Daily Stoic, 366 mediations on wisdom, perseverance and the art of living' by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman each episode contains 7 days of quotes and explanations that will help motivate and inspire you to tackle the week ahead!

What is competitive greatness ?
What does it take to commit to the pursuit of excellence?
What can the mindset of a collegiate basketball player teach us about life?

KC Moultrie is an ex college basketball player, who is relentless in his pursuit for excellence. KC speaks about his understanding of what competitive greatness looks like and how he's been able to connect the lessons from his time in basketball to the most important role he holds, that of a father to his children. 

As I bring Season one to a close I revisit Episode 5-8 and share some soundbites of each episode. Season Two kicks off on Friday 8th January with KC Moultrie were we discuss competitive greatness and the pursuit for excellence. Thanks again for all of your support so far! 

What a ride it's been so far! So many great memories and takeaway messages to share! The end of the year brings time to reflect and review and in this episode I use some of the most memorable moments from Episodes 1 - 4 to help us reflect and appreciate the meaning in each. Part 2, covering Episodes 5-8 will be released next week!

Thanks again for your support!  

 As a professional track and field athlete and Olympic Trials Qualifier, Steven Benedict has run in some of the worlds most prestigious events. In addition to the Adidas Classic Diamond League and US Nationals, he ran for Nike for 2 years and was a Penn Relays Champion. Featured in 50 national and international magazines such as Train, ESPN Magazine, Mens Fitness, Mens Health and Fitness RX, Steven has expertise and contributions that extend. far beyond the track.

 These accomplishments were not what was expected based on his early years. Steven’s childhood began in an abusive home which resulted in he and his brothers placement in foster care. Over the course of his first 8 years, he was moved between homes and motels with little certainty of what the next day would bring. At age 8, he and his brother were adopted by an incredible couple which possessed traits of joy, humility, sacrifice and unconditional love. The time with these parents would be short lived, however as both his mom and dad suffered untimely deaths within a few years of each other.

The pain of these losses nearly ended Steven’s professional career but as history would repeat itself, once again, Steven defied the odds and is back stronger than ever to be proof that experiences in life are nothing more than another day of training in becoming a champion for others. He is passionate to set the pace for the coming generations as an example of what relentless strength and faith can accomplish.

You can find out more about Steven's life and work at his website: Steven Benedict (stevieyb.com)