"The longer I live, the more I realise the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill..." - Charles Swindoll

How true those words ring. Our attitude shapes our perspective on life more than any other factor. Attitude comes before skill, resources, education or appearance. As Charles Swindoll put it, attitude makes or breaks our lives.

Our attitude determines how we approach challenges and opportunities. With a positive attitude rooted in tenacity, openness and self-belief, we can overcome obstacles, learn and grow.

An attitude of gratitude appreciates what we have rather than focusing on what we lack. An attitude of contribution seeks to help others, spreading goodwill. An attitude of optimism expects the best and works to make it happen.

We have a choice each day regarding the attitude we embrace. As Swindoll put it, "The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day."

Though we cannot change circumstance or other people, we have full control over our perspective. Finally as Swindoll concluded, "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."

Shape your attitude and you shape your life. What attitude will you choose today?

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this audio journal, please share it with a friend who might benefit from it.

Hello everyone, welcome to my weekly audio journal.

I recently came across an inspiring tweet by Jakob Greenfeld that got me thinking. He wrote:

"You can literally just ask for what you want. In hotels, you can just say 'Can we get a better room?' You can write in the support chat 'Hey, any chance we can get a discount?' You can reach out to people and simply ask, 'Would you like to chat?'"

This resonated with me because so many limits in life are self-imposed. We assume the answer will be "no" or that we don't deserve something, so we don’t even bother asking. But often, getting what you want really does simply come down to asking for it directly and unapologetically.

Sometimes we psych ourselves out and make requests seem like a bigger deal than they are. But asking is free, and the worst that can happen is someone says no. On the other hand, the reward if they say yes can be tremendous. 

So this week, I challenge you to ask for something—something that scares you a little. Here are some ideas to get you started:

* Ask a mentor or someone you admire for career advice or to get coffee. Most people are flattered to share their knowledge.

* Ask your landlord if you can end your lease early or sublet your apartment if needed. They may be flexible.

* Ask your bank for a fee waiver, lower interest rate, or deferred payment on a loan. There may be options. 

* Ask your boss for more flexibility with your work schedule, if that would help your work/life balance.

* Ask your current clients for referrals to new potential clients. Most are happy to make introductions. 

* Ask your child's teacher for advice on how to better support their learning at home. They'll appreciate your initiative.

* Ask your partner if there is anything you can do to be a better boyfriend/girlfriend. Communication is key.

* Ask a nonprofit you care about if they need volunteers. Giving back feels good.

The key is to ask confidently and politely. Show you believe you are worth what you are requesting. And don't take it personally if the answer is no. Just move on to the next thing. 

You might be surprised by how often a simple ask leads to getting what you want. And even when it doesn't, you’ve built the courage to speak up for yourself, which serves you well in the long run.

So challenge yourself this week. Ask for something that scares you a little. The worst that happens is you’re in the same spot. But you just might get a life-changing “Yes!”

Thank you everyone for listening.

If you enjoyed this audio journal, please share it with a friend who might benefit from it.

"Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional." - Roger Crawford

Just the other night, I found myself seated around a dinner table with a group of close friends. The clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversation filled the air as we shared stories, laughter, and a mutual appreciation for the food before us. But as the evening wore on, our conversation took a turn towards the challenges we each face in our respective businesses.

Each tale was a testament to the trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship - the long nights, the tough decisions, the constant uncertainty. Yet, what struck me the most was not the challenges themselves, but the fire in my friends' eyes as they spoke about them. Despite the difficulties, they were undeterred, their spirits unbroken. Their resilience reminded me of a quote by Roger Crawford, a renowned motivational speaker and author, who said, "Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional."

Inspired by that evening, I decided to delve deeper into Crawford's wisdom and share my reflections with you.

The Inevitability of Challenges

Challenges are a part of life. They come in various forms - it could be a personal loss, a health crisis, a career setback, or even a global pandemic. These challenges can shake us to our core, making us question our abilities and our worth. But it's important to remember that these challenges are not punishments; they're opportunities for growth.

When we face a challenge, we're pushed out of our comfort zones. We're forced to confront our fears, our insecurities, and our limitations. We're compelled to think differently, to act differently, to be different. And while this can be uncomfortable, even painful, it's also incredibly transformative. It's through these challenges that we learn more about ourselves and our potential.

The Choice to Not Be Defeated

While challenges are inevitable, defeat is optional. This is perhaps the most empowering aspect of Crawford's quote. It reminds us that we have a choice. We can choose to let our challenges overwhelm us, or we can choose to rise above them.

Choosing not to be defeated doesn't mean that we won't experience failure or disappointment. It doesn't mean that we won't feel pain or sadness. What it does mean is that we won't let these experiences break us. We won't let them stop us from moving forward.

Choosing not to be defeated means choosing to learn from our failures instead of dwelling on them. It means choosing to find hope in our disappointments instead of despair. It means choosing to see the pain as a part of the healing process, and the sadness as a testament to our capacity for love and joy.

Life will always present us with challenges. But as Roger Crawford's life and words remind us, we have the power to choose how we respond to these challenges. We can choose to see them as opportunities for growth, and we can choose not to be defeated by them.

Reflecting on that dinner with my friends, I am reminded that we all have the fire within us to face our challenges head-on. It's this fire, this indomitable spirit, that fuels our journey through life. So, the next time you're faced with a challenge, remember that being challenged is just a part of life, but being defeated, that's up to you.

Ever found yourself stuck in a rut, wondering how to keep the engine of motivation running? You're not alone. Today, I want to share a tool that's been a game-changer for me - future casting. It's not as sci-fi as it sounds, but it's just as exciting.

Future casting is a simple yet profound practice. It's about stepping out of the present, breaking free from the humdrum of daily routines, and catapulting yourself into the realm of what could be. It's a journey through time, a voyage that starts in the now and fast-forwards into the future.

The Journey of Future Casting

Future casting isn't about predicting the future, it's about creating it. It starts with a leap three months ahead, then a year, three years, five years, and finally, a decade. It's about seeing where your current path leads and deciding if that's where you want to go.

The Tapestry of Life

When I future cast, I see my life unfolding over the next ten years. I see how my habits, my pursuits, and my focus areas intertwine to create a picture of my future. It's a powerful reminder that our daily actions are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives.

The Fear of the Unwanted Future

Sometimes, the future I see isn't the one I want. I see myself on the edge of a precipice, staring into a chasm of missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams. This vision, as unsettling as it may be, serves as a wake-up call. It lights a fire under me, spurring me to change my course.

Let's take the example of a small business owner, let's call her Jane. Jane runs a local bakery, and she dreams of expanding her business to multiple locations. However, she finds herself constantly caught up in the day-to-day operations, never finding the time to plan for expansion. Future casting can help Jane visualise the consequences of her current habits. Fast forward ten years, and she might see herself still in the same spot, her dream of running a chain of bakeries still just a dream. This vision can be the jolt Jane needs to start delegating daily tasks and focusing on her expansion plans today.

So, if you're at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take, give future casting a try. Let it guide you, inspire you, even scare you. Because sometimes, it's the fear of a future we don't want that propels us towards a future we've always dreamed of.

Have you ever tried future casting? How has it shaped your motivation and decision-making? I'd love to hear your experiences. Remember, the future isn't something that happens to us, it's something we make.

It's a wild, nonstop world we're living in. A ceaseless barrage of inputs and outputs, dashing us to and from. It's the norm, but it shouldn't be. Somewhere in the middle of this noise, we've lost sight of the twinkling beauty of the present moment. The magic, the sparkle of now. Here's where Andrew Anabi steps in.

A trailblazer in his own right, Andrew Anabi - a forward-thinking entrepreneur and catalyst for creativity - brings a refreshing lens to this quandary. His nuggets of wisdom, beautifully entwined with the 'This Could be the Last Time' framework, offer a roadmap to slow down, pause, and relish the wonder of the present moment.

Andrew's got this thought that's always stuck with me, "When life changes, you'll find yourself missing what once was." And that's just it, isn't it? A golden nugget of insight into why we should hold onto the now while it's still within reach.

Peering through Andrew Anabi's Lens

Andrew's perspective is like a clarion call to mindfulness. He's telling us to stop and smell the roses, to appreciate the now, because hey, things might change and you'll yearn for these times.

The 'This Could be the Last Time' Framework

The 'This Could be the Last Time' idea is mindfulness in its rawest form. It encourages us to entertain the possibility that each moment might be the last of its kind. And that, my friend, pushes us to fully soak in the present moment.

Embodying the Framework

Incorporating this concept into your daily routine can be a game changer. Next time you're with your loved ones, let this thought linger - this might be your last shared moment. It’s not a morbid thought, but a galvanising one. It helps you appreciate every second, transforming the moment from ordinary to extraordinary.

I've tried this 'This Could be the Last Time' mantra myself, and it's profound. Once, during a usual family dinner, I thought, "What if this is the last time?" and boy, did that elevate the experience! It made me present, appreciative, engaged, and converted a mundane meal into a cherished memory.

Andrew Anabi's take on life and the 'This Could be the Last Time' framework serve as potent reminders to appreciate the fleeting now. Weaving these ideas into our lives can teach us to ease off the gas, fully engage in our experiences, and truly cherish each passing moment.

So, what's your take on the 'This Could be the Last Time' mantra? Have you given it a whirl? How has it shaped your view of the present moment? I'm all ears, friend. Share your stories.

Hello everyone, welcome to my weekly audio journal.Consider the caterpillar, inching its way along a leaf. It is small, slow, and seemingly insignificant. But judge it not by its current state. For in due time, it transforms into a majestic butterfly, taking flight with wings vibrant with colour and beauty.

Isn't this how our journey through life is? As C.S. Lewis wisely put it, "Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different."

This quote is not merely about the passage of time. It's a lesson about growth, potential, and the astounding ability we have to change, evolve, and redefine ourselves over time.

Most people view themselves and others as fixed entities. We define ourselves by our present abilities, circumstances, and past experiences. But this is akin to evaluating a caterpillar by its crawling speed, completely ignoring the butterfly it has the potential to become.

We are not static beings. We are dynamic and continually evolving. Every day, we learn. We grow. We transform. Who we are today is not who we will be tomorrow. The book of our lives is written in pencil, not permanent ink. Every day, we have the ability to erase, rewrite, and start anew.

So, how can we incorporate this powerful framework into our lives?

Embrace the power of small changes: Our lives don't change overnight. It's the small daily changes, barely perceptible, that accumulate over time, leading to significant transformation. Read a page, write a sentence, learn a chord. Each of these tiny steps is a catalyst for change, propelling us towards our butterfly state.

Be patient with yourself and others: Growth takes time. Don't rush it. Just as a butterfly needs time to emerge from its cocoon, we too need time to change, grow, and evolve. Allow yourself and others the grace to grow at their own pace.

Foster a growth mindset: Recognise that abilities and intelligence can be developed. Embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others.

As you navigate through life, remember, you are not a fixed entity. You are an ever-evolving being with limitless potential. The power of change is in your hands. Like the caterpillar, your wings are coming. All you need is patience, persistence, and the courage to step into the unknown, and soon, you'll take flight.

Isn't it funny, how day by day, nothing changes? But indeed, when you look back, everything is different. Embrace this truth. Let it guide you. And may it remind you of the beautiful butterfly that you are, and will continue to become.Thank you everyone for listening.

Hello everyone, welcome to my weekly audio journal.

Have you ever experienced watching a small cloud eclipse the sun, casting a shadow that makes you feel as if the day has turned into night? It's a bit like stubbing your toe on a rock and suddenly feeling as if the whole mountain range is out to get you. This is what we call 'Pervasiveness,' one of Tony Robbins's notable 3 Ps.

Let's unpack this. It's a simple scenario: You're navigating through the labyrinth of life when you bump into a wall. Perhaps it's a setback at work or a tiff with a family member. Suddenly, that single wall appears too close in from all sides, making it feel like the entire maze has become insurmountable.

But hold on. Pause. Reflect. Is that wall really the whole maze?

Life, in my understanding, is less of a monolith and more of a mosaic. Each tile - work, relationships, health, hobbies - is distinct. A crack in one tile doesn't mean the whole mosaic is flawed. For example, even if we're grappling with a problem at work, we may still be fortunate to have sturdy tiles of good health or supportive relationships.

So, how do we overcome the illusion of pervasiveness? Here are some tactics I've found useful:

* Cultivate mindfulness: Being mindful is like shining a flashlight in a dark room. It helps us spot when we're under the shadow of pervasiveness, reminding us that a single shadow doesn't mean the room is devoid of light.

* Practice gratitude: Regularly counting your blessings is like a gardener watering the plants. No matter how many weeds you need to pull, there's always something blooming. It's a reminder that despite any cracks, there are still plenty of sturdy tiles in our mosaic.

* Reframe your narrative: Instead of allowing a single wall to define your entire maze, view it as just one turn among many. This perspective shift can help steer you clear of the pervasive thinking trap.

* Seek support: Sometimes, it's useful to climb to the top of the wall and discuss your viewpoint with someone you trust. They might be able to point out the openings you're missing from ground level.

Remember, it's perfectly fine to hit a wall, or even several. The trick is not to let these obstacles convince you that the whole maze is impossible. By recognising the mirage of pervasiveness and using these tactics, we can keep a balanced view and navigate life's labyrinth with courage and optimism.

And always remember, a single shadow doesn't mean the room is dark. Shine your flashlight, and you'll discover plenty of illuminated corners.

Thank you everyone for listening.

Welcome back, seekers of wisdom and drivers of change. Today, let's challenge our perspectives on a rather under appreciated facet of personal growth - accountability. In our fast-paced world of fleeting connections, the deep, transformative power of an accountability partner often gets overlooked.

Stephen R. Covey, an astute observer of human potential, brilliantly said, "Accountability breeds response-ability." The act of owning up to our actions opens the door to a profound skill - the ability to respond to life's challenges in a productive and effective manner. This is not just wordplay, it's a fundamental truth about human growth.

Consider this: you're setting off on a journey of change and growth. It's a path laden with challenges and setbacks. But wait, you're not walking alone. You have a partner, someone who's equally invested in your growth, sharing your commitment. This is the essence of an accountability partner.

An accountability partner does more than just watch your steps; they match them. When you stumble, they lend a hand. When you succeed, they cheer. But most importantly, they hold up a mirror to your actions, making you more aware, more conscious. It’s like having your personal coach, cheering squad, and reality check, all rolled into one.

This partnership amplifies the learning cycle. It's a symphony, not a solo. You're growing, evolving, not just through your own endeavours, but also through the insights and perspectives of your partner.

Imagine a dance where you complement each other's moves, where your strengths bolster your partner's weaknesses, and their strengths shore up yours. It's a dynamic, harmonious interplay, a mutual exchange that amplifies individual growth.

The influence of an accountability partner goes beyond absorbing lessons. It's about forging resilience, building character, and nurturing your ability to respond to life's challenges. You're creating something significant, something empowering, not just for you, but for the people around you as well.

So, here's a thought: find your accountability partner. Start the journey together. Stumble, rise, learn, and grow together. Through this, you'll not just create a symphony of shared wisdom and growth but also foster the ability to navigate life's challenges with resilience.

Until next time, remember - the journey of accountability doesn't have to be a solitary one. A partnership can be the key that unlocks your potential to respond effectively to life's challenges. Because in the dance of growth and learning, two can indeed tango better than one.

Hey there, my friends. I'm inviting you into my personal space as I reflect on my week in this audio diary of mine. Let's gather 'round, break bread together, and share stories in this sacred space that we've created together.

So, here's something that's been on my mind lately. I was watching this conversation between Mr. Beast and Lex Friedman, two people who I respect a lot. They were talking about the incredible power of shared learning. Imagine this - you stumble and fall twenty times over the span of two years. Each time, you dust yourself off, and learn something new. But now, picture this: you have four friends who are tripping over their own feet too, and when they get up, they pass on their newfound wisdom to you.

Fast forward to two years later, and you've learned not just from your own twenty missteps, but from eighty additional ones made by your friends. It's as though you've lived five lives in the space of two years. The math doesn't add up in the traditional sense, but in this context, one plus one truly equals three. It's a kind of magic, really.

I've always been a firm believer in the feedback loop. It's like this dance of learning - you step out into the world, you stumble, you get up, and you take away something from it. It's a beautiful rhythm, a circle of growth. But there's a twist in the dance when you involve a community.

Now, think about this for a second. You're not just stepping out into the world on your own anymore. Instead, you're venturing out with a group of like-minded souls, all with shared interests and shared goals. It's an adventure, a journey that you're embarking on together. And on this journey, you stumble together, you get up together, and you grow together.

The feedback loop in this scenario doesn't just grow - it explodes. It's like a fireworks display of shared wisdom and growth. It's a beautiful thing, this shared journey of learning and growth doesn't just outweigh the solitary one - it transcends it. You're not just taking away lessons anymore - you're building a shared wisdom, a collective consciousness. You're creating something bigger, something greater, something that truly adds value to the world around you.

So, here's my advice to you, my friends. Find your tribe. Venture out into the world together. Stumble, fall, get up, and learn together. In doing so, you'll create a symphony of shared wisdom and growth that will help you build a better, more beautiful world.

Thank you, my friends, for joining me in this sacred space. Until next time, venture boldly, learn freely, and remember - you're never alone on this journey.P.S. I have recently launched a new newsletter this week called AI 4 Me and You where I demystify and go through day to day use cases of AI. If it’s something you’re interested then please subscribe below =)

Hey there, my beautiful tribe. Lean in, because I'm inviting you into my weekly fireside chat, my audio chronicle of thoughts, ideas, and meanderings. We're all just on this journey together, right?

Let me share with you something I stumbled upon not too long ago, a post from a person named Alex Hormozi, known for his little morsels of wisdom. This one, in particular, struck a chord - it was about anxiety. That gnawing, merciless beast that dwells in the shadowy corners of our minds, hissing unsettling whispers and unsettling our peace.

I found myself nodding in agreement as Alex narrated his own battles with anxiety. He confessed that a significant portion of his restlessness stemmed from an incessant demand that life ought to be meaningful, that it should always radiate joy. But once he discovered that he was making an impossible appeal to an indifferent universe, a great deal of his anxiety began to evaporate, like fog under the morning sun.

I asked myself, "Why do we insist that life must always carry profound meaning? That every moment must be a spectacle of joy?" The truth is, it doesn’t, it’s impossible. It was only a preference, an expectation I had been unconsciously thrusting upon life. The simple act of becoming aware of these silent demands helped me find peace during times when reality fell short of these lofty expectations. I began to see life's moments, good and bad, sunny and rainy, as equally valuable. After all, I love basking in the sun, but do I demand it always be sunny? Of course not.

With this change in perspective, it became easier to embrace the moment - the raw, unfiltered now - without constantly measuring it against some arbitrary ideal that I invariably fell short of. It was like finally stepping out of a mirage and feeling the firm, comforting grip of reality beneath my feet. This little shift quieted my world in a profound way.

This simple post was a lightning bolt for me. I found myself questioning my own anxious habits, my daily dance with this invisible adversary.

I confess, I've often attempted to swing back to gratitude, to reframe my experiences in the light of thankfulness. But here's the real, no sugar-coating, straight from the gut truth: It's hard. Damn hard. Anxiety can be a stubborn companion, clinging on even when you've politely asked it to leave.

The world we inhabit isn't all sunshine and daisies. When you're running your own show, forging your own path, how can there not be anxiety? We're constantly navigating a labyrinth of transactions, a ceaseless cycle of give and take, of debt and profit.

In the grand scheme of things, we're always left with a little less, or a little more. Always juggling the things we need to pay for, the things we wish to acquire. It's an unending whirlwind, but isn't that just the state of life?

But here's what I've learned, and this is where I hope my experiences can shed a bit of light for you. Acceptance. It's this sublime notion of accepting life, of seeing it for what it is and not what we expect it to be. It's in this acceptance that I've found an oasis of peace in my day-to-day existence. A tranquility that doesn't depend on 'why' or 'how', but simply 'is'.

So here's a message for you, my friends: Remember that life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. Embrace the beautifully imperfect moments. Allow yourself to feel, to stumble, and to rise again. Thank you all for listening, until then, take care.