Exploring the creativity of the human spirit with just five simple questions. Those questions give us a window to explore the journey and life story of people that look like they have it sorted.
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
No, it was not mine, but this did happen to another Paul. In a whirlwind twist of fate back in 2006, this renowned songwriter stumbled upon an unexpected moment of perplexity: his own obituary echoing through the airwaves. It turns out, a man named Paul Van Valkenburg had spun a crafty tale decades prior, claiming the catchy tune "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" as his youthful triumph. Fast forward to his actual passing, and an honest blunder led the newspapers to mistakenly bid farewell to Paul Vance, the still-living original composer.
But wait! This story doesn’t just wander down a path of misunderstanding. Instead, it blossoms into a tale of connections rekindled and love realised. From a barrage of concerned queries to heartfelt messages, this twist of events showered Paul with an unexpected gift—an outpouring of love and appreciation from those he hadn't heard from in years. While embarrassing for Van Valkenburg’s family, it granted Paul’s family a beautiful realisation of just how beloved he was.
This anecdote unfolds into a broader reflection, encouraging you to ponder: How are you impacting those around you, and how will you be remembered? Drawing inspiration from such an unusual yet illuminating episode, the narrative nudges each of us to explore our own legacies. Engage in writing your own story—your eulogy—crafting the legacy you wish to leave behind.
So join me on this introspective journey. It’s a reminder that life, albeit fleeting, is our canvas. Splash it with love, generosity, and kindness. After all, the echoes of our actions today shape the memories of tomorrow. Let’s embark on this journey of legacy and love together!
For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Sunday Jun 01, 2025
Have you ever paused to think about the areas of your life that might be slipping through the cracks? It's a common journey we all go through as we navigate this world, reprioritising and adjusting as things evolve.
In the sphere of life coaching, it's often emphasised that we need to pay attention to various parts of our lives to truly thrive. From finances and relationships to health, joy, and family, each aspect contributes to crafting a well-rounded existence.
Let's face it, it's all too easy to become hyper-focused on one area, sacrificing others along the way. Decisions about what we prioritise sculpt our life journey and outcomes. But how do we achieve balance, ensuring no part of our life is left neglected? That's the personal expedition each of us must embark on, deciding where to channel our life force and energy, understanding fully that every component impacts our future success and happiness.
One insightful analogy, inspired by Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, is about "sharpening the saw." It's about maintaining readiness and support networks, so we're prepared for any situation, much like keeping a saw sharp to effectively cut wood. This rings especially true for workaholics who might overlook personal relationships, only realising their importance later on when those connections have faded.
Today, I'm highlighting the importance of conducting a personal review of all aspects of life. Are your relationships flourishing, is your career on track, and are your finances aligned with your professional missions? Without regular introspection and attention, change won't come. And remember, "energy flows where attention goes." Neglect breeds stagnation, while attention fosters growth.
Interestingly, I've observed how crucial it is to reignite our sense of play and fun, an element sometimes forgotten in adulthood. Watching children, their capacity for joy is infectious, reminding us that fun isn't just for kids. Regularly revisiting and enhancing this aspect can add a joyful spark to daily life—ask yourself daily: "Where did I have fun today, and how can I create more of it tomorrow?"
When it comes to more structured areas, such as finances or relationships, thoughtful planning is required, but each can improve significantly with dedicated focus. So, here's my simple suggestion today: take a moment to assess where you stand across life's many dimensions. If you identify areas that need improvement, provide them with the necessary attention and time to flourish.
And if you need any help with that, you know who to call.
Always be well on the journey.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday May 25, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
Have you ever stopped to really celebrate your achievements and reflect on what recognition truly means? In this podcast, we're diving into the crucial role of acknowledgement and celebration in our lives. You know, all too often, we hit a goal or reach a milestone but then just move on without soaking in the joy of what we've accomplished.
Last weekend, I got to experience a truly inspiring event—a degree show at Abertay University. It was beautiful to watch students, including my own son, share their journey with family, friends, and industry insiders. The evening show was all about creative awards in fields like development, design, art, game art, and coding. It really hit me then, how rare those opportunities are to be publicly celebrated for our achievements.
Our modern lives seem to lack those moments of appreciation, yet historically, festivals and celebrations have always brought communities together. Today, in our fast-paced world, we often miss out on true efforts to celebrate and recognize not just big milestones like weddings or birthdays but also little victories.
The competitive business world often tries to mimic this with award events. However, these can sometimes feel like 'bought' recognitions rather than genuine celebrations. Yet, whatever the method, there's a shared joy in acknowledging success, one that's missing in many of our endeavours today, where the work seems endless and without tangible endpoints.
So, what's the solution? We need to find ways to bring celebrations into our everyday lives, to break the routine and appreciate the journey. This is more than just about public adoration—it's about feeling good internally when we acknowledge ourselves and others.
Why not try a little experiment? Pick a task, maybe cleaning out that cluttered drawer or tidying up your wardrobe. Once done, take a step back, appreciate the difference, and relish that sense of achievement. It'll empower you more than you might expect!
Every little acknowledgement can be a powerful motivation booster, driving us to pursue even bigger goals. The creative industries know this; that's why they so elegantly celebrate success to propel people forward to achieve even greater heights. So let's tap into this powerful resource by valuing achievements more.
Remember, this isn’t just about work or big life events. It's about appreciating every stride we make on our life’s journey. So, go ahead, try recognizing something you've achieved today, and see how uplifting it feels.
If this chat has resonated with you, share it with a friend and spread the positivity.
For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
Is there a place for ancient traditions like pilgrimage in our fast-paced modern world?
This episode dives right into that fascinating question! We'll explore how these sacred journeys can still profoundly impact us today despite their roots in a long-gone era.
This weekend, I had the chance to witness something truly special as my wife and her interfaith minister friends embarked on the final stretch of St. Cuthbert's Way to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. It was a walk not just through the shifting sands but through time itself, retracing the footsteps of monks from Melrose Abbey. Their journey involved rich rituals around water, passage, and renewal, sparking insightful shifts within participants. Just goes to show, there's always something deeply transformative waiting at the heart of a pilgrimage.
But the magic of pilgrimages isn't confined to religious paths alone. Whether it's the renowned Camino de Santiago or a gruelling endurance race, these experiences challenge us, pushing us toward proving our worth to ourselves. The essence lies in undertaking a task, not because it's easy, but because it's demanding. It's about breaking through personal barriers and uncovering new aspects of ourselves.
So, what do you think? Could your next big endeavor be a modern-day pilgrimage that helps you discover more about yourself?
Let's chat about it some more. If this episode resonated with you, feel free to share it with a friend or drop some stars our way—trust me, they brighten our day! Until next time, thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and discovery.
Sunday May 04, 2025
Sunday May 04, 2025
Have you ever paused to think about what you truly believe in? Is it the wonders of science, the beauty of nature, or perhaps a higher power guiding you along life's path? Whatever it is, belief and faith are intricately woven into the fabric of our lives. They are the building blocks of society.
Join us on this journey as we delve deep into the realms of belief and faith, those invisible forces that shape our world and influence our actions.
In this episode, we explore how belief has been at the core of human societies for centuries, from religious convictions that move mountains to the shifting sands of political ideologies. We'll even take a playful jab at those quirky Jedi beliefs some choose to tick on census forms!
While this is a personal reflection, there is no doubt we are living at a time of cultural shifts, and faith is part of that story. We'll ponder over poignant questions like when a mere thought morphs into a belief and how faith bridges the gap between these ideas. With a sprinkle of humour and candid reflections, we'll consider our beliefs and whether they serve or hinder us in this complex, ever-evolving world.
It is time to uncover what lies at the heart of your beliefs. It’s a personal discovery, one that might just offer clarity and purpose amidst the chaos.
And hey, if our conversation resonates with you, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a friend! Let's keep the dialogue alive. Until next time, keep believing and exploring!
For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Habits or Ritual? Have you ever wondered how much of your life is built on habits versus rituals, or vice versa? Well, you're in the right place! In this episode, I'm diving deep into the fascinating world of rituals and habits and how they play a role in our everyday lives.
Do you remember Easter egg hunts as a kid? Even if Easter isn't your holiday, indulging in chocolate eggs is a shared ritual many of us cherish. It's these little traditions that give our lives a sprinkle of meaning. But why are rituals so crucial to us, and how can we harness their power to craft a better life?
From ancient fertility rites to modern-day birthdays and weddings, rituals have always been about connecting people and creating memorable moments. They aren't just habits we mindlessly check off our to-do lists; they're meaningful ceremonies imbued with significance and emotion.
Consider a wedding, filled with flowers, vows, and toasts or a birthday bash with cake and candles. These moments are ritualised to create depth and connection, contrasting with the simple habit of brushing your teeth or hitting snooze.
In this lively chat, we explore the power of rituals, not as random acts, but as essential tools that get us through challenging times. Whether it's athletes getting in the zone with pre-game rituals or creating peace through meditation, these moments hold incredible power.
Wondering how to embrace rituals in your life? Start by looking at your daily routines. What's a habit, and what can become a ritual with the right intention? How about adding a smile to your reflection every time you look in a mirror?
If this resonates, share it with a friend or leave us a review. Let's explore the beauty of rituals together and see how they can transform our lives.
Thanks for joining me, and until next time, take care!
This is a great topic of conversation to explore further. Some of the references I use include Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School, and his book, The Ritual Effect. I have not read it, but I have watched some of his videos on YouTube and he has guested on a few podcasts. Well worth checking out. .
For more information of LB&B, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
How does love fit into your life? Are you aware of your love or being loved?
Love is fundamental to human existence; expressing love and feeling loved are key to a healthy and productive life. In reality, love is essential but is often forgotten.
This episode explores how one small word—love—encompasses a vast spectrum of human experiences. While English limits us to a single term, ancient Greeks and Romans recognized nine distinct types of love that shape our relationships, creativity, and sense of self.
Join us as we unpack these nine "colors" of love: from passionate Eros to playful Ludus, from the selfless Agape to the practical Pragma. Learn how these different expressions of love influence your daily life, your relationships, and your personal development.
Through a simple yet powerful exercise called "The Love List," you'll discover which types of love dominate your life and which might be missing. This exploration isn't just theoretical—it's a pathway to deeper self-understanding and more meaningful connections with others.
Whether you're reflecting on romantic relationships, family bonds, creative pursuits, or your relationship with yourself, this episode offers a framework to understand and express love in all its beautiful complexity.
Hey there! Ever wondered how love fits into the grand scheme of your life? Join me, Paul Harvey, your midlife coach, in this bite-sized episode of the Life Passion and Business Shortcast where we dive into the essence of love. We all know love is fundamental to human existence, right? Yet, we often brush past it in our daily grind without giving it the spotlight it deserves.
In this engaging episode, I explore how we can weave love into every aspect of our lives, from trivial things like our favorite foods to deeper connections we share with our families and friends. I invite you to make a 'love list'—an enlightening exercise that helps you map out the different kinds of love you experience. Have you ever thought about how your love for pizza differs from the love you feel for your partner? Or how does time spent with an old school friend evoke philia love?
Together, we uncover the different faces of love as viewed through the lens of ancient Greek and Latin words—like Eros for passionate love, Philia for deep friendship, and Agape for unconditional love. It’s all about recognizing these varying degrees in the everyday actions and relationships that fill our lives with meaning.
We also tackle the importance of self-love, Philautia, emphasizing how acknowledging and embracing who we are can empower us to climb higher and weather the storms of life. This exploration isn’t just about understanding; it’s also about feeling and expressing love, which, as you’ll see, is a true game-changer in your personal development journey.
So, whether you wish to find more passion, build deeper relationships, or simply understand yourself better, this episode might just be the nudge you need. Don’t forget to share it with a friend or leave a comment—let's spread the love and remind everyone that love truly is the better option!
When you have completed your love list, mark it up as directed. Here are the different forms of love to remind you.
Eros: Romantic Love, the Greek god of love, the Cupid cherub
Philia: Affectionate love. This is the love between friends
Agape: Unconditional; it is the love of sacrifice.
Storge: Family love; it is how we feel about our parents and children
Mania: Fixation and obsession are also forms of love.
Ludus: Play
Pragma: Pracicality.
Meraki: The Art of Creation.
Philautia: Self Love.
For more information, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life, with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Where does trust sit in your life? Who do you trust, friends, family or your spouse? Do you trust yourself?
Do you know that trust is the foundation of everything? It's the secret sauce to success, the kind of thing that holds your world together even when things get tough. Have you ever stopped to think about where trust sits in your life?
Remember that gutting feeling when your trust was broken or those moments of triumph when trusting yourself led to unexpected victories? We've all been there. Personally.
In today's episode, we dive deep into this invisible force that quietly shapes every relationship. Trust. It's the foundation of everything meaningful. From the early days of human history, as detailed in the book 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari, sharing stories built trust among strangers, leading to trade, alliances, and genetic diversity. Our modern society—our cities, economies, and institutions—all rest on these principles of shared trust.
Think about it. Even if you're in a completely different field, trust is your anchor. In marketing, for example, it's all about establishing trust with prospects and customers. That old mantra, "know, like, and trust" is still crucial today. And just look at companies that lose trust—they feel it where it hurts most: the bottom line.
But trust goes beyond just economics. It’s deeply personal. It's the bedrock of our relationships and emotional well-being. When trust is broken by those closest to us, it can feel like our world is falling apart. But here's the big question: How much do you trust yourself? This is where self-trust kicks in as the cornerstone of our confidence and resilience.
In this episode, you'll discover practical ways to strengthen your self-trust, hear real stories of trust built and broken, and learn why your ability to trust wisely might be your most valuable asset in today's rapidly changing world
So, what small steps can you take today to nurture that self-trust? Start thinking, start doing, and maybe—just maybe—share this episode with a friend who needs it.
For more information, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Today, we're diving into something I've been observing with growing concern—what I can only describe as a compassion crisis in our world.
Have you noticed it, too? Is that increasing harshness in our media, our politics, and our everyday interactions? That subtle shift where showing toughness is valued over showing kindness? Where vulnerability is seen not as courage but as a weakness to be exploited?
Last week, we explored how negative news travels faster than positive stories, creating a distorted view of reality. But today's topic goes deeper—beyond perception to a genuine shift in how we treat one another and ourselves.
While researching this episode, I came across a fascinating historical example from ancient Rome demonstrating how radical compassion once changed the course of an entire civilisation. I'll share that story with you today, along with its powerful implications for our current moment.
But this isn't just about society at large—it's about us, about you and me. How does living in a world that increasingly devalues compassion affect how we see ourselves? How we treat ourselves?
In my coaching practice, I've witnessed the transformative power of self-compassion. I've seen how replacing that harsh inner critic with a supportive inner ally can create sustainable change that fear-based motivation never could.
Today, we'll explore why compassion—both for others and for ourselves—might be the most revolutionary act in a culture that prizes toughness above all else. We'll discuss practical ways to cultivate self-compassion and how these personal practices can ripple outward to create meaningful change.
So settle in, take a deep breath, and let's explore together how rekindling compassion might be exactly what we need in these challenging times.
Here is the historical link as mentioned
For more information, check out the links below, and if you found this useful, consider buying me a coffee below.
Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Hey there, it's your midlife coach, Paul Harvey. In today's shortcast, we're taking a closer look at how the stories we tell ourselves shape our lives. How do you stay in touch with the world events? In these turbulent times, the news and social channels are often more doom and gloom than sunshine and rainbows. And while staying informed is crucial, drowning in negativity doesn't do us any favours. So, how do you stay resilient and reclaim your personal story in a world that seems to profit from keeping you anxious?
We're diving deep into why the modern media is more about capturing your attention than reflecting reality. It thrives on fear, outrage, and conflict, turning minor issues into headline news while world peace gets overlooked. The solution is balance; we're not saying to bury your head in the sand. Instead, let's find that sweet spot between being informed and being overwhelmed.
Humans are story machines built from what we have heard or experienced. So, that story you believe and tell yourself becomes who you are and where you're headed. A strong narrative can help you see challenges as growth opportunities and recognise that you're the protagonist of your own life, not just a spectator of global events.
But beware! When negative news overloads start infiltrating your personal story, they bring narratives of helplessness and powerlessness. We're discussing those "why bother?" thoughts that lead to inaction. So, let's chat about how to spot if these negative media narratives are seeping into your life and what to do about it.
We’ll cover practical steps to maintain a resilient personal narrative. Be intentional about your media consumption, strengthen your story, and find your community. Whether it's creating art, helping someone, or being more present, there are many ways to fuel a positive outlook.
Your story is too precious to be written by algorithms focusing on fear. So, as we wrap up, remember you have the power to craft a narrative that connects, empowers, and inspires.
Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
We all have this natural curiosity to search beyond ourselves, hoping to find some secret sauce or an external solution to the things we yearn for in life. But what if I told you everything you need is already within your reach? That's what we're diving into today on this bite-sized shortcast episode of 'Life, Passion, and Business.'
A recent chat with friends about a pricey retreat sparked something big — the only thing between you and your goals is action! Implementation is often our biggest stumbling block. I get it; it’s a common struggle.
The point we can go to the retreat, the event the training but it will only be as effective as the time we put into implementing what we have discovered. With that knowledge we explore how you could skip the events and still take the course or training.
The point is all of these speakers have books and online content. What if you were to create or find a golden time slot — whether it’s a daily routine or a pocket of quiet — to dive into these resources? Whether you're paging through Tony Robbins' latest or brushing up on books from your shelf.
Here's my friendly nudge for you: start with what you have. Revisit those nuggets of wisdom you've gathered, and give them life through action.
And hey, if you ever need a companion on this journey, You'll find accessible coaching options designed to propel you forward, minus the hefty price tag. Yes, a shameless plug.. But your first chat is free, so you know where I am. Links below.
Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
Sunday Mar 02, 2025
There is something that we all face at one time or another – anxiety, loss of equilibrium, how do we find the resilience to ride through life's rollercoasters? It has been a tough week. How are you holding up in these wildly unpredictable times? Well, you're not alone, and that's exactly what we’re chatting about right here.
We've been living in what's often called "unprecedented times", and it’s left many of us feeling a bit off-kilter. Whether it's global news that feels beyond our control or personal struggles closer to home, the trick is defining where our influence lies. Using Stephen Covey's principle of the "Circle of Influence and Circle of Concern", we take a closer look at focusing our energy where it counts the most.
We also touch on practical, everyday techniques to maintain your cool. It could be as simple as avoiding constant news bombardment, practising mindfulness, or grounding yourself in the present. In short, there are small, everyday actions that can make a difference.
We wrap it up by discussing the potential that change – even when unwelcome – can bring new opportunities. There's a kind of peace in realizing that we're all in this soup together, sharing the journey and perhaps nudging the world a little closer to where we’d like it to be.
Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
My guest on the show is an international career coach, but her journey was from a place of no option. Her father's words were the inspiration, “you can be the victim or be victorious.” She did and launched herself into a job search that led to a $50k salary increase.
The show you are about to hear was recorded today; I thought the content is so reliant as we touched on the subjects from the weekend podcast that I had to get to get it out now. I am talking about blame culture and identity politics, a topic we are all too familiar with.
Wendy Alexander grew up in South Africa to mixed-race parents and was defined as coloured, which meant her life and opportunities were restricted because of the colour of their skin. Her father was a fantastic role model, he taught the children how to survive in the system. However, he and his wife bravely moved the family from South Africa to Australia.
That meant starting again from the bottom; this was 1987, and apartheid South Africa restricted what you could take out of the country.
The family arriving in Australia just a month before her 21st birthday meant lots of adjustment to life and new freedoms.
Fast forward a few years, Wendy was in relationship and had a home she was buying with her partner, and life was good. Until it wasn’t, when the relationship broke, and she found herself 4 months pregnant, with no home and lots of debt.
She had to find a solution to generate an income that would support her and this unborn child and service the debt. It was the experience of her upbringing and the example set by her parents that gave her the tenacity to change.
In this conversation, you will hear how she set about finding a role that could change her circumstances. The process she developed put her on the path to a successful corporate career, a role with 50K more than previous. She used her process many times in different career sectors. Those career development skills did not go unnoticed; she began career coaching as a side interest.
That is a good lesson for all of us, we all have experiences that is are transferable skills and people will pay for that guidance.
In 2018, after years in the corporate world and battling the health challenges of diabetes and menopause, she stepped out of the business world to become a full-time career coach. She runs her business on her terms, guiding professional individuals, especially midlife and menopausal women, to the careers they’ve longed for.
Wendy told me before the show that she is a reluctant speaker, but I did not notice she has a fascinating story and tells it well. A quick apology: the audio on my end suffered a bit on this recording. That aside, tune in and explore the practical tips Wendy shares on refining resumes, harnessing transferable skills, and effectively navigating the modern job market,
If you like what you heard, Wendy is an international coach, so do check out the links below.
The full social links are all available at:
https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/wendy-alexander-the-50k-career-launch
Life Passion & Business is dedicated to exploring what it takes to be Extraordinary, to face challenges and rejoice in the opportunities they bring, and to expand our vision into new ways of thinking and living.
There is a lot to gain from listening to other people’s stories. However, the real work begins by taking action in your own life.
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Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Have you ever felt weighed down by the blame game, whether from the news headlines or those everyday personal interactions? In this episode of Life, Passion, and Business, I'm diving into this very topic, challenging us to rethink how we perceive blame, responsibility, and, ultimately, our own potential for growth.
You know how the world feels pretty chaotic these days, with politics seeming like a never-ending blame fest? It's not just about pointing fingers; it's become a clever tool for evading responsibility. But that's not where the story ends—in fact, it's just the beginning.
I'm inviting you to take a more personal turn. Think about the stories you tell yourself and how they could be shaped by the culture of blame around us. Could there be a more empowered narrative waiting for you? By stepping back and considering our own roles in life’s mishaps, we open the door to personal growth and stronger relationships.
Let's chat about it: Do you find yourself sometimes on the defensive, quick to point out not my fault? Guess what—you're not alone, but understanding why we do this can lead us to a more compassionate and connected life.
Join me as we unravel the nuances of blame from the playground to politics and explore how a shift in perspective not only unburdens us but also enhances creativity and trust. Together, we can step away from blaming and towards understanding, healing, and creating a life of passion and purpose.
And before you go, if this hits home or you know someone who might benefit from our chat, please share this episode with them. Let's spread the positivity, my friend! 🎙️
Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Lets talk is all about figuring out where you stand between consuming and creating in your life. On this show, we touch on how easy it is to slip into the endless consumption loop—be it binge-watching series, doom scrolling on your phone, or even consuming educational content without applying it. It's a common trap and one I've fallen into myself.
But here's the thing: while consumption can often offer a much-needed release, especially in a stressful world, it shouldn’t overshadow our creative endeavours. Whether it’s building a business, crafting a piece of art, or even tidying up your space, creativity is what propels us forward in life. It's about making sure there's more creation in our days than mere consumption.
I mean, wouldn’t you agree that we often feel more fulfilled and in control after creating something, no matter how small? The conversation zeroes in on this balance and challenges us to reflect on how we're spending our time.
So, my challenge for you today is to assess your own consumption-creation balance. If it's off-kilter, consider what you could shift to bring more creative actions into your life.
If you found this episode helpful, why not share it with a friend? A little bit of thought-provoking content can go a long way in sparking meaningful conversations. As always, I truly appreciate your time and attention. Catch you next time!
Links to focus coaching is below.
Remember if you found this shortcast helpful, please share it with a friend.
Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life’s big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer.
The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions
Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/
Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion
Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/