Category: VISUALS

You have a choice. Continue to follow the masses into the norm. Or escape the norm and be free. What I have found is the longer you let society dictate the way you live, the way you work, the way you spend and the way you should be – the longer you will be miserable. Shake free of being bound by what seems to be the ‘norm’. You don’t need the latest and greatest car, you don’t need all the money in the world and you don’t need to be dressed to impress.

I am sick of hearing and being told that this is what and how I should be living – a life of superficial ideas and persona’s which prove nothing.

Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person that your are. – Mandy Hale

If you have a dream, a vision, a goal or an aspiration to be, see or do – unless it contradicts ethics, law or beliefs  – you should chase it and follow your heart in making this happen. Your lifestyle may change, or conflict with how others (society) suggest it should be. But if everyone was a sheep – would we have half the things in this world? Would we have discovered as much as we have? 

Just remember to stay true to who you are. Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. – Oscar Wilde

Photo Credit: Instagram @_clfurlong_ | Location:  Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Today is the mark of completing 70% of the year. This is the final stretch! (Where has it gone…) The first thing you need to do is ask yourself this:

Are you happy with what you achieved so far?

If yes, then kudos to you, but this doesn’t mean you slack off. It means you need to buckle up and push even harder for the final stretch.

If you are not happy, then you still have a choice to make. You can sit around being all sad that you have failed to make it to where you wanted to be, or you can get out there and put some hard effort to work and make a dint before the end of the year.

So how can you make a dent in the final stretch?

Earlier this year I told you that if you want results, you need to apply some action and keep momentum. While at the same time if you apply daily discipline and create a new habit through willpower to prove to yourself that you even can do it – then you will be motivated more and more by the result. 

Forming habits can be hard or really, really simple. It is all about limits, quotas, and challenges. With only 109 days remaining – you have a wonderful chance to still make some noise and a big enough impact to whatever it is you wish to do. All you need to do is set yourself a daily quota to do something and this will enable you to more likely stay dedicated.

So what will you do? Grow your mind? Read more books? Develop your writing passion?

In quota terms, this is how you could do it: “Do 20 math exercises a day”, “Read a chapter a day”, “Write 500 words a day”.

Make this a priority for each day for the next 109 days (starting today).

Then you need to just evaluate what this can do for you. Remember to make sure you pick something realistic.

I say keep it smaller to enable consistency.

Now you want to take whatever it is and calculate the development of this daily discipline.

• If you do 20 math problems a day, for example, after 30 days you’re 600 problems smarter. So for 109 days, that’s 2180 problems solved. 
• If you read a chapter a day, after 2 weeks you have read the entire book (based on the average book size). So for 109 days, that’s roughly 7 to 8 books.
• If you write 500 words a day, after 2 months you end up with the equivalent of a full novel. 109 days would mean the equivalent to almost 2 novels.

Where the real magic is found is if you improve your effort by increments every day for the next 109 days instead of not or even less.  My favorite example on this is pushups. 

Start with a baseline of 1 push up. Then increment daily by 1. The next day, do 2 and so on. So by the end of 109 days year, you will do 109 push ups on your final day. But think of the compounding. If you do not increment each day by 1, by the end of the year you have done 109 push ups. BUT! If you increment by 1 each day for the next 109 days. By the end of the year, you have done 5,995 push ups. And that’s just pushups. Imagine what you could with all your other goals!

The point is, go back to your list of goals for the year and have a look at what you have and have not done. Don’t waste any more time and pick one goal that requires action and makes it your priority today. The more time you invest yields a higher return. 

Just like when I go for a run, the final 500m is where I push the hardest, I fight for a burst of energy and a bolt of speed to wipe off some of those slacked seconds. It is my chance to finish strong, to finish on top and to come out with a smile. This is what you are doing. If you have been taking it easy this year, it is time to make the final sprint and really make it count. No, you may not reach the final tip of your goal, but you will make noise and make enough effort to make you realize you have what it takes. 

With this said – this will only work if you take action and invest the little time left.

“The biggest difference between success and failure is total time invested.” – Oliver Emberton

Photo Credit: Instagram @_clfurlong_ | Location:  Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Living; it is more than just doing the same old. As human beings, it’s natural to constantly want control of things — in relationships, the workplace and with regard to matters of life in general. You can’t plan for life. I don’t care what anyone tells you. You can be the most diligent, prepared, disciplined person on the face of the planet, and things will still go wrong. At the end of the day, the only thing you can control 100 percent of the time is your own attitude. The only thing you can control is your reaction. And your attitude will determine how you react to all of the situations and people around you — so, by controlling that, you’ll inadvertently be putting yourself in a position of authority.

You can’t expect anything in life.

You just can’t. When you start to expect specific outcomes, you’re only setting yourself up to be let down. Instead of anticipating your destinations and taking them for granted, focus on the journey. Smile, remain positive and construct multiple plans. When one doesn’t work out, fall back on your ambition first, and then figure out your next course of action. I am not saying to not set expectations, but rather keep them lower (giving you a buffer) and do not put all your eggs in one basket… laying it down for a single expectation. Now, I understand higher risk = higher reward, but risks can be calculated, expectations become too precise and slip away from how you define a risk. Life’s a trip through uncharted waters — it doesn’t follow any certain course.

Striving for control will lead to limiting comfort zones.

While you might think control of life will leave you with a sense of security, it’s not always for the better. In many cases, a sense of control is reached by becoming a creature of habit. If you ever feel fully in control of your life, you’re probably not living it to the fullest. Shake things up. They say life begins once you leave your comfort zone, so that means life begins once you start to give up control. If you wish to maintain a sense of control., but also grow exponentially at the same time and move outside of your comfort zone. Then all you need to do is challenge yourself and take on something new. As long as it puts you outside of your comfort zone, then add this into your routine. Once your routine is once again handled, controlled and relaxed, you know you can grow again.

An attitude will take you further than control can.

You can have the perfect, most “foolproof” plan devised for the rest of your life, and it won’t guarantee you anything. Life has a habit of throwing us curveballs, and when it does, we’ll likely be forced to head back to the drawing board and figure something else out. And it’s not always with negative things, either. When you set your heart on one thing, you limit yourself to the other alternatives. Likewise, you can’t control opportunities. They come around without any rhyme or reason — the only thing you can control is how receptive you’ll be when they do. An attitude will take you a lot further than a sense of comfort, or control, will — as that comfort will only last until something unexpected occurs. See, attitudes aren’t situationally dependent. By aiming your attention to your attitude, you’ll set the tone for how you handle the unexpected.

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. – Thomas Jefferson

If you can spend more time on reacting and responding with the right attitude when the unexpected occurs, you will spend less time worrying about what can go wrong and how to live accordingly. Furthermore, if you control your attitude, you control your reaction and ultimately you will spend more time living.

Blog inspired by lifehack.org

Photo Credit: Instagram @_clfurlong_ | Location: Angkor Wat, Cambodia

In lead up to our 70% checkpoint, I would like to remind you that the year ain’t finished yet – so keep on grinding a for a little longer.

If you haven’t already this year, once you learn to break mindsets, you will unlock new levels of motivation and new levels of growth. In this particular case, I am talking about exercise and pushing yourself to new limits! Even when it is tough, when it has been a long day, don’t make excuses. Just get out there, and just smash it!! You won’t regret it! But this counts for any activity or goal it is you’re working on. Don’t back down, don;t give up. Get out there and make it happen. Smash those goals before the end of the year is up.

Desire fuels your motivation! If you want it, don’t stop fighting for it till you get there. 1 week, 1 month, 1 year! You keep going. It will be the determination, the commitment that will see your excellence come to life and it is that which will enable you to attain the success. So today I say to you to step it up. If you slipped up yesterday, today don’t. If you didn’t work hard enough yesterday, work harder today.

Always remember it is NEVER too late to change the road you’re on. If you have a hidden passion, a drive to do what it is you love… then do it. If you do what you love, you will always love what you do. Finding your passion can be a journey in itself, but once found, see how you can apply a change in your life to work your passion! Start today don’t wait until tomorrow!!!

Passion is attractive. As passion comes from believing you’re unusually good at something, being passionate is a very sincere way of saying, “by the way, I’m awesome”.

“If you feel like there’s something out there that you’re supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it.” – Wanda Skyes

Photo Credit: Instagram @_clfurlong_ | Location: Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Are you one of the superheroes? I’ve found that when it comes to being you and following your dreams – the journey itself is usually not alone. Even if it is, there will be key people who help light fires, fight fires, path paths, move walls and share wisdom – in doing so they will essentially enable you further than you could have by yourself.

Just recently I was reminiscing about the past and my journey here so far and started to wonder who has been the one or the people to thank for all the advice, guidance, structure and most certainly more across these years – especially the recent ones.

Regardless of who is who in the zoo – these people are like your everyday heroes… why? Because they are the ones supporting you along the way. They may not have any superpowers but when it comes to keeping you emotionally stable, sane and on track for your dreams – these guys are doing the heavy lifting. These people are there to listen, to care and to see you excel.

Your friends should motivate and inspire you. Your circle should be well rounded and supportive. Keep it tight. Quality over quantity, always. – Unknown

We have people in our lives – some positive, some negative – but you know who the right people are… the ones who are supporting you. Keep these people close, as these are the ones that want to humbly see you be all that you are.

The question is: Who are you supporting and who are you helping see their dreams come true?

Photo Credit: Instagram @canva | Location: Unknown

What mindsets are you playing with? If you don’t think you can do it, if you don’t even believe in yourself, or have the benefit of the doubt to give it a shot – you may as well pack it up now and choose to follow rat race of society. I believe you can be and do all that want and dream to be. All you need to do is; know you can think you can and have enough dignity to stand up and take on the world. Even if you are John Doe.

We have all seen or heard how certain people managed to accumulate great wealth, or simply how they became renowned individuals — but what was truly on their mind? This brings up a different question – what is the true criteria for being highly successful? Is it having substantial revenue, or showing the world what you are good at? I believe that it is the latter, and that money and fame simply come with the territory.

Here are 2 quick mindsets which are super crucial for following your dreams and finding success:

Have a vision and make constant efforts to realize it…

Never allow your governing passion to rust — hone and nourish the skills you have. Learn from others and come up with something new you can share with the world. This is how you can become highly successful and admired.

“People can be really smart or have skills that are directly applicable, but if they don’t really believe in it, then they are not going to really work hard.” – Mark Zuckerberg

Never lose hope, instead work hard and remain patient…

“Highly successful” does not always imply wealth — very often it simply means being the best at something. Bruce Lee is the undisputed champion when it comes to fighting techniques, and no matter how you look at it, this is a sheer success. He showed the world the potential of the human body.

“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” – Bruce Lee

The mindset must never be excluded from the equation, and as far as highly successful people are concerned, these are the mindsets they share.

Photo Credit: Instagram @canva | Location: Unknown

It is time to change your life and think positive. Ever notice that when you’re feeling crappy, the whole world seems hostile and unfair? (“That guy totally cut me off! Screw him!“) But when you’re in a good mood, the whole world appears friendly and wonderful, and nothing can bring you down? (“Sure, go ahead, you must be in a hurry!“)

Here’s the truth: The world is no different on those days. You are different.

Your thoughts create your feelings, your feelings create your actions, and your actions create your life. – Unknown

The most critical thing to understand is that your thoughts matter. Your thoughts create your feelings, your feelings create your actions, and your actions create your life. They’re all interconnected, no exceptions.

6 Ways To Think Positive And Change Your Mindset

1. Clarify your desires: Write down your goals. You can start today. Make them happen. Review them regularly.
2. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude: Gratitude unlocks our positive vibes through the improved filter it gives us in the world. 
3. Understand your self-talk: How you talk to yourself is important because you are the one listening.
4. Focus on the good things: Try focusing on only the positive and be vocal about it with people in your life for 24 hours.
5. Visualize your dreams: Images enable us to activate our true longings, not what we think we “should want.” In this respect, it can also help you pinpoint your goals. Remember to look at your vision and dreams!
6. Get busy! Make a commitment to take one action every single day that will drive you towards your goals and vision. By this time next year, you’ll be amazed how those 365 actions add up.

You see the world does not change, only you change. Only you can allow the opportunity to grow, only you can allow negative blocks in your mind to come to life. All these things are up to you and how you react, act and choose to be. So how will you think?

Photo Credit: Instagram @canva | Location: Unknown

Keep this in mind as you go through life, and understand that every moment you live is another chance you have to work for what you deserve.

As a following on from yesterday’s blog – the secret of happiness isn’t found waiting around, but usually through taking a chance.

Today I have 6 Points which will prompt you to think, to act and to identify how taking a chance can be your next best trigger for happiness.

Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing. – Denis Waitley

Nothing will simply come to you

Unless you were born into an incredibly wealthy family, you’re going to have to work for everything you want in life. If we were simply handed everything on a silver platter, we’d find no fulfillment in life. Working hard may be tough, but it makes earning the things we desire much more rewarding.

Risks are a necessity

No one gets anywhere staying in their comfort zone. Expanding this zone may be difficult, but it’s absolutely necessary if you want to achieve anything. You’ll never get over your fear of public speaking if you avoid classes and jobs in which you’ll have to give presentations to a large group. When you take a risk and fall short, make the most out of the negative experience by learning from your short-comings, and changing your plan of attack the next time around.

Rewards make work worth doing

Earning a reward is much more fulfilling than simply being given it. When you work for what you’ve earned, you’ll discover you’re happy with what you have. You can take comfort when you come home at night to all that you’ve earned with your hours of hard work.

Don’t think ‘What if?’ – Just jump in and go for it

It can be hard to take that first step if you constantly second-guess yourself. However, it is important that you don’t ever let the fear of trying hold you back. It is important that you don’t ever let the fear of trying hold you back.The more time you spend thinking, “What if I fail?” or “What if I do something wrong?” or “What if I look stupid in front of everyone?”, the less time you have to actually improve yourself. Just dive in, and focus your energy on the task at hand.

It will be easier push yourself, the more you push yourself

The more you push yourself, the easier it becomes to push even further. Once you dive into something, you’ll find that consistently pushing yourself is actually easier than slacking off. You’ll also find you’re much happier with yourself for sticking with it. Just like this blog – 249 days consecutive now. What can you do?

You control your own destiny

We have free will, we have a choice. You can choose to do whatever you want, when you want or how you want when you are not bound by anything else. Every day you have a choice. You can take action and finally take the steps to ignite your dreams. Or, you can continue to make up silly excuses of why you can’t or shouldn’t. I’m serious. What is stopping you? Like really stopping you? Don’t blame time and don’t blame resources. What is it that you are really blaming? What’s holding you back? If you have something you are passionate about and that you enjoy. You should chase it. You should follow it. You should make it happen.

Photo Credit: Instagram @canva | Location: Unknown

You are never going to be ready – But if you don’t do it, you may be losing one of the best opportunities that will come your way. You won’t get unlimited chances to have what you want and nothing is worse than regretting the opportunities you didn’t seize.

A man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. – Andre Gile

Opportunities require courage, and this only depends on us.

We often miss great opportunities because we believe that we are not prepared for them, that it is not the right moment. We think that we lack knowledge or experience to face new challenges and we lay back in our perfectly ergonomic chairs without even trying. We are scared, afraid of failing or running without knowing where to go and what to expect on our way.

That’s how people and organizations grow, by taking risks.

Jump on and don’t look back!

Opportunities force us to take one more step, to reinvent ourselves, to run into the unknown and to leave the comfort zone in which we are used to live.

You will never know if you can succeed unless you try to push your boundaries.

If it scares you, then it might be a good thing to try. Trust your gut and go for it. Taking chances requires some blind trust in most cases.

“Don’t wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak people wait for opportunities; strong people make them.” – Orison Swett Marden

Photo Credit: Instagram @canva | Location: Unknown