Thriveology Podcast | Success | Personal Development | Self-improvement | Thrive | Resilience | Thrive Nation

Let me just say, I am a bit weary.  How about you? This has been a wearying time for so many of us.  Nobody is unaffected by this pandemic.  And we can't even point to an end to the crisis.  Take a guess, and your guess is probably as good as any other. What do we do?  Everything seems to be upside-down, inside-out, and topsy-turvy.  It's hard to figure out what happens next and what to do next. Which means that some people are beginning to feel hopeless. Early in my career, as a hospital chaplain, I saw what happens when people have hope... and when they lose hope.  But I didn't really have any way to help people who were hitting hopelessness.  I just saw the damage. Thanks to other researchers, I am more clear about how we can build and hold hope, even in tough times.  If you can't hold it in tough times, it just needs some boosting, and some knowledge. Let's talk about hope, tough times, and the Hope Formula.  Listen below. RELATED RESOURCES Dealing with Stress Dealing with Loss and Grief Dealing wi

Did you hear about the guy who had been on a meditation retreat for a couple of weeks?  He went in with "life as usual."  And he emerged into a whole new world.  One where people are practicing social distance, sheltering at home, and scared.  One where restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are closed or limited.  One where every cough is scary. And one where we are trying to figure out the "new normal." How are you doing with it?  Feeling the stress or finding your calm?  Struggling with your day, or finding a new routine for your day? One issue with this crisis is we don't have an end date.  Nor do we know how bad (or not so bad) things might be -- which is influenced by what we do as citizens and fellow humans! How do we stay sane while we are trying to stay safe?  That is my subject for this episode of the Thriveology Podcast. Let's talk about some strategies for doing your best to live your best in the midst of this crisis.  Basically, how to stay sane while being safe. Listen below. RELATED RESOURC

When I recorded this episode of the Thriveology Podcast, it was almost another world.  Many people were still minimizing the novel coronavirus.  Even politicians were downplaying the severity and impact. So much has changed.  Many, if not most, schools are closed to face-to-face instruction.  Many workers are working from home, where possible.  Lots of restaurants are only serving by delivery or take-out.  New guidelines suggest not being around more than 10 people... and that number may go down. The world has changed, almost overnight. It affects us all... making this episode just as important, if not more so. We are going to have to define what it means to thrive.  That is what happens when it feels like every day is an attempt to survive. Here is the good news:  humanity will prevail. We can thrive. Life WILL go on.  But it will never be the same.  Things will change.  How we used to do things will disappear, but new ways will appear. I know these are scary times.  But we will get through this.  Toge

Happiness is a funny thing, isn't it?  One day, it's right there... right in front of you.  Then, just as quickly... it's gone.  Why is it so hard to hold onto happiness? Maybe more importantly, is there a way to shift into happiness, nearly at will? I am always concerned about how lightly we take happiness.  Our culture makes it THE goal, and not a part of your goal.  But worse, happiness often ends up being about waiting for something to happen.  Notice:  HAPPy and HAPPen.  Same root.  It is about something out there happening to make you happy. My guest this week, Michaela Renee Johnson, believes that happiness is really about making constant resets.  It is about looking for and finding the points of happiness... not waiting for them to just happen. After an unorthodox childhood (based on family necessity), Michaela became something of a free-spirit wanderer.  She finally found her way to her calling as a psychotherapist... and spends her time helping others "speak their truth with grace and live a cou

What happens when you feel hollow and lost in life, even when you are surrounded by people? What happens when you find success... only to discover it wasn't really the success you wanted? What happens when you realize that you've been hiding and pretending... not being yourself... even when you are with friends and loved ones? You may just keep on pushing forward. Or you might get real.  My guest on this episode pushes the Get Real part, adding that you need to "get f***ing real."  (Don't worry.  We never actually say it on the episode... it isn't really a part of my vocabulary.  But Lisa does make the point that this is REALLY important, getting real. Lisa Cherney built a successful business helping others build their successful mission-focused businesses.  And even with a 7-figure business... it was not the success she wanted.  She was helping others follow their passion... and was losing her own. One day, while traveling, she started jotting down some statements... some commandments... that she belie

Most people tell me that they want something more out of life.  Sometimes, they want LOTS more out of life.  Usually, though, there is something else... some new point of success. Yet, many people find themselves stuck in a cycle of "inaction" or "any action."  They are taking no action toward a change.  Or they randomly take action after action, with little to show for it. Others seem to find a direct path straight to their goal.  They seem to pluck success from everything they do. What is the difference?  Why do some struggle to find success, and others seem to step into success in every step? Let's for a moment, set aside why some just seem to struggle from success to success.  Let's focus, instead, on how to make a shift toward your own success.  Toward finding more success and more fulfillment. In this episode of the Thriveology Podcast, I interview Dr. Morgan Oaks.  Morgan is a chiropractor, coach, and speaker.  Morgan's TEDx Talk is all about listening to that deeper voice to take you to a higher

Have you ever noticed what happens when it is just a few days before you head out for vacation?  If you are like most people, you go into "clear the desk" mode.  Things get done.  You become hyper-efficient. Why does that happen right before a vacation?  Because it HAS to get done.  You want to leave with nothing hanging.  So, nothing gets in your way. What if there was a "hack" that could get you that effect the rest of the time?  Would that let you work less... and still get the same amount done? Denise Gosnell is a 3x successful entrepreneur.  As a successful attorney and entrepreneur, Denise had met all of her (financial) goals.  But when her house went up in flames... she realized that her (life) goals were not where she wanted them.  Sure, she had stuff... she had resources.  But she didn't have the life she wanted.  In fact, she didn't have time for it. Until she made a shift.  Using business strategy and planning, productivity hacking, and prioritizing, Denise found she could be MORE successful wi

Just a little over 2 years ago (exactly 2 years ago, as I recorded this episode of my Thriveology Podcast), I started studying jiu jitsu.  At that point, I had no idea where it would go.  I have a life-long interest in martial arts, but had not practiced since being a teenager (tae kwon do at that time). I knew I wanted to try something out, to take on a challenge.  And it was winter... so maybe a way to get some exercise inside would make sense.  As soon as my kids (both adults) left after Christmas... and when I knew the new insurance policy was in place... I started. It has been quite a journey!  I am just a few classes away from getting the first stripe on my blue belt.  My blue belt is now several months old... making me an advanced white belt!  Still, I am far from where I was when I started. At several prior junctures, I have reflected on my learning process in jiu jitsu -- and how it applies to life -- so I thought it was time for another. And if you missed the earlier episodes, they are linked in

Are you in alignment? I had a friend whose hips were out of alignment.  It was no big deal for a long time.  Just simply a matter of one leg being a bit longer than the other.  But every day, she just kept on going.  She walked and ran... and just lived life.  Then... her back started hurting... her hips started hurting... her knees started hurting... even her ankles started hurting!  The doctor was concerned that she was facing disability and lifetime pain. The doctors worked to get her hips and legs into alignment.  It was pretty simple.  Just a lift in her shoes.  But that little shift put her back into alignment.  And suddenly, everything was working the way it should.  It took awhile.  But slowly, the pain disappeared. That is a very practical way to think about alignment.  But life alignment is broader than that.  Are you surrounded with people who are in alignment with your goals and values?  Is your work aligned with your values and purpose?  Do you live in alignment and balance in life and in your

Mindfulness is such a buzzword these days that you may find yourself "tuning out" when you hear the term.  Ironic, since that is quite the opposite of being mindful! Simply put, mindfulness is the state of being present with your body in the present moment.  In other words, you are aware of your bodily experience of this immediate moment. The nice thing about mindfulness is that it is easy to practice, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.  It is simply a matter of calling yourself back to this moment, in your own body. And then... it slips away again, through distractions and thoughts.  Thoughts about the past and future pull us from the present.  We distract ourselves right out of the experience of living in this moment. My guest on this episode of the Thriveology Podcast, Joanne King, offers a number of pathways to mindfulness. Of particular interest is Joanne's approach to mindful eating.  How often do you find yourself scarfing down a meal, not even noticing the taste, texture, spices, smells

Feeling stressed out?  Wondering what your doctor would say? Surprisingly, doctors get very little training on stress, both in how it affects the body and how to deal with it.  Got an injury?  Great.  The doctor has you covered.  Got an infection?  The doctor has you covered. But stressed out?  Not so much. That was the experience of my guest, Elizabeth Hughes, MD.  A practicing physician, Elizabeth was reading in the back of a medical journal about adrenal fatigue.  She noticed that most of her patients suffered from the same symptoms. And she realized that the culprit was stress.  Or more accurately, the inability for her patients to successfully deal with stress.  No surpise, Elizabeth realized, given how even her medical school training had failed to offer solutions. That led Elizabeth to seek ways to help.  She picked up a number of certifications in the process.  But more importantly, she discovered an important antidote to stress that is simple and powerful.  Since stress is implicated in many chr

Do you journal?  It is a great tool for reflecting on life, processing events and emotions, and finding new perspectives. Some people think journaling is just "adult diary-ing."  And for some, a journal really is just a place to put down the events of the day (really, that is your perceptions of the events of the day).  It is just a way to record what happened and move forward. Then, others use their journal to look for themes and insights.  Deeper than just a running commentary of life, journaling becomes an activity of insight and perspective. But what happens when you want to journal, but find yourself facing an empty page... not even sure what to write?  What if you actually do write something?  How do you shift to a point of reflection and perspective? Those two questions stop lots of people who want to journal from ever committing to the process.  Or from actually learning from the process. What if there was a tool that solved both of those dilemmas? Enter my colleague, Kim Ades.  Her coaching ser

We all face obstacles in our lives.  No matter how successful, no matter how determined we are, we will have tough moments.  Soul moments.  Times when we have to stop, collect ourselves, let go of who we have been, and step into a new space. Sometimes, those moments are full of tragedy. That was the case for my guest on this episode of Thriveology Podcast.  Aaron Walker, author of View From The Top, was successful... multiple times.  After growing up poor, Aaron decided to make himself successful. He started working young, finished high school early, and launched his first business.  He sold that and started another.  Followed by another. And then, one day... tragedy.  Big enough that Aaron tried to hide from life.  (Aaron tells the story, himself, during our talk.) But life wasn't quite done yet.  Aaron made a shift from success to significance. In our discussion, Aaron reveals the cornerstones of building a life of integrity and significance.  Listen in to learn more. RELATED RESOURCES Aaron's Website

January 1.  Just another day. And yet... there is something else about that day.  Sure, it starts a new month.  Yes, it starts a new year. Psychologically, that new start... it matters. We all need new starts.  That is what I loved about being in school.  When the semester ended, no matter how well (or poorly) I had done, it was over.  The grade was locked in.  Sure, I could consider what I could have done differently, but I couldn't undo anything. I moved on to the next class.  A fresh start.  New assignments, new opportunities, new possibilities. Many of us get caught in the past, trying to figure out how to undo or redo what has already happened. For this moment, though, as the new year starts, let's look forward.  Let's look to the new year and decide how we want to move forward.  How we want the next year to be MORE of what we want... new opportunities and possibilities. In this episode of the Thriveology Podcast, I discuss some ways to start the new year strong.  Listen in to find out. RELATED R

In the hustle and bustle, people lose sight of the Holidays.  Sure, we go through the motions, show up to the events, and try to put on our holiday joy.  But many times, internally, its a flat-line.  Nothing.  Nada. Or worse... stressful. Over the years, I have given a number of presentations about this, with title, "Merry Stress-ness and Happy Blue Year."  Stressed out and depressed. That's not a great way to spend the Holidays! It misses something... deeper.  More significant.  Something that nurtures the soul and feeds the heart. How do you deepen the Holidays for yourself (and for those close to you)?  We discuss it in this episode of the Thriveology Podcast. RELATED RESOURCES Holiday Stress Finding Calm Give yourself the present of thriving - Book:  Thrive Principles

Have you ever noticed how some people just seem to succeed at everything they do?  They enjoy success in different areas of life... including financially. Then, others seem to struggle over and over, making little progress toward their goal.  Noah St. John refers to this as "success anorexia," people starving themselves from success -- because they don't know better! In fact, my guest on this episode of the Thriveology podcast is Noah.  The author of a number of books, Noah is also a frequent speaker, coach, and consultant with those who have tried all the other success strategies, but without success. In his research, Noah looked at what he calls the success "naturals," to see what they might be doing... and not even noticing they are doing. This led to his Power Habits.  According to Noah, "We don't rise to the level of our goals, but fall to the level of our systems."  And  that is the level Noah addresses -- how to up-level your systems... and get rid of the "Head Trash," the self-defeating patterns o

What happens when one day, you wake up and realize you are overweight, deep in debt, and desperately holding onto a crumbling relationship? If you are Adam Schaeuble, PhD ("Previously Heavy Dude"), you finally decide to make a change. On that day, Adam finally took action... the same actions he had been putting off.  This time, though, something had shifted. Many have that moment when they are "sick and tired of being sick and tired."  They finally make a shift.  (I should know.  I had that experience.)  It is the moment of reckoning. But for Adam, it was bigger than that.  It was not just about his health, wealth, and love.  It was about his meaning... his purpose.  Adam wanted to make an impact on the world... in a positive way. And that day, he took the kickstart.  First, he lost weight and got into shape.  He then started helping others to do the same.  And soon, it was a mission for his community.  But now, it is his mission for the world! It is his Million Pound Mission.  But the pounds are just m

What do you expect from life?  Sometimes, our expectations can get us into trouble.  Maybe you expect things to go badly.  Or maybe you expect something beyond your control.  Either way, your expectations trip you up. Yet every action you take is based on expectation.  Sure, you want to "live in the present moment."  But present moments are often moving toward something.  For example, as I sit here, I write this with an expectation that you will read it.  If I expected it would not be read, I would do something else. Or lets say I go to the fridge to open it.  I didn't blindly do that.  I was expecting to find something to eat (which may or may not work out... but I have an expectation). Some people advise us to give up expectations.  No expectation, no disappointment, they say. But today, my guest disagrees.  He says expectations have power.  We need to tap into our expectations in order to create the life we want. Art Costello is creator of Expectation Therapy.  He says your life changes when you chang

In the States, this Thursday is Thanksgiving Day.  What's the point, right?  Let's just jump on into Christmas season!  The stores are already bustling and everything seems to be bursting with green and red. I have nothing against Christmas.  But I do think there is an important pause, a moment.  A time to be thankful.  Not to just say a quick word of thanks, then dive into a gut-busting meal.  But to be thankful. To practice gratitude. Why? Because our brain's default is on scarcity, not abundance -- what we DON'T have, not what we HAVE.  Where we AREN'T, not where we ARE. It's a matter of mindshift.  A choice to shift to abundance, gratitude, and thankfulness.  Not just allowing our default setting to take over, looking at the scarcity and the lack.  At what scares us. In this week's Thriveology Podcast, I discuss "Why Thankful?"  Why should we even make the shift? I wish you a very thoughtful, thankful day filled with gratitude, wherever you are! RELATED RESOURCES What Thriving People Know About Gr

Most people want to be in better health.  In fact, I have yet to run into anyone telling me, "I just wish I was in worse health."  We all want to be in better health! But for many, that is confusing.  There is so much conficting information.  One day, you eat one thing or drink one thing, and it seems that just a few days later, that is detrimental for your health.  Or vice versa! How confusing it can be!  It can be hard to feel confident in your choices.  And yet, health is always about choices.  Sure, we have those pesky genes that we are born with.  But did you know that much of our health is not based in the genes we have, but how they are expressed?  And did you know that the expression of genes is based in what we are exposed to in our environment?  What is around us, and what we put in us, affects how those genes affect us. When I got sick, I kept digging for information (and found lots of mis-information).  I felt like I was guessing.  But I kept on guessing.  I got lucky and found some decent reso