My aim is to inspire people around the world one blog post at a time.
This is the place to nourish your mind, heart, body and soul.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch your own business. Maybe you want to escape the rat race and find peace in simple living. Maybe you want to improve your health. Whatever your dream is, it is valid!
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Dreams without action are just dreams. But taking action doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your job and burning the ocean. Small steps matter. It is the ability to plug away consistently at something over time that is the key. Small steps add up. You’ll get there!
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If you keep building slowly and consistently with passion each day, adding value that matters to you, then the growth will take care of itself. The keys to achieving success are patience and avoiding complacency.
Which Lens Are You?
We all naturally assume that people see the world the way we do.
After all, our personal experiences, values, and perceptions feel so intuitive that it’s hard to imagine someone else operating from a completely different framework.
But the truth is that people filter reality through various lenses shaped by culture, upbringing, education, personal experiences, and even biology. What we think of as “the way things are” is often just “the way things are for us.”
The Enemy Inside You
In her work on vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy, Brené Brown explores the concept of “near enemies”.
It’s a term borrowed from Buddhist philosophy, to describe attitudes or emotions that closely resemble positive qualities but can undermine or corrupt them.
Brown emphasises that distinguishing between these “near enemies” and the authentic emotions or virtues they mimic is crucial to developing healthy relationships with ourselves and others.
Her exploration of vulnerability, empathy, and connection, in particular, focuses on how close enemies can deceive us into thinking we are building real connections when, in fact, we may be maintaining emotional distance or avoiding vulnerability.
The Clock Is Ticking
Have you ever wondered how much time you have for yourself in a day and, more importantly, life?
With the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can feel like there's hardly any time left for what truly matters.
The key is to therefore be intentional with your time.
It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and let days, months, or even years slip by without really living. By being mindful of how you spend your time and consciously prioritising what's important to you, you can make the most of your time.
Life is short, and time is precious.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Most of us like to think we are unique or special in some way. And yet, we often avoid telling others our raw, unfiltered life stories.
Stories that would reveal our complex, multi-faceted, imperfect selves if we did.
Stories that would leave us with a permanent vulnerability hangover, especially if they are stories that demand that we reveal our hidden emotions.
Instead, we seek to explain our lives in ways that we and others can understand and appreciate within a framework of acceptable societal norms.
Ways that limit our exposure to possibly being misunderstood, embarrassed or judged. Ways that demand we take a risk and perhaps fail.
It’s Time to Take a Pill (But Not a Chill Pill)
In life, there's this idea that sometimes we need to take a "Red Pill".
The metaphorical "red pill" derives from the iconic scene in the movie "The Matrix," where Neo is offered a choice between a red pill, symbolising truth and awakening, or a blue pill, representing ignorance and conformity.
This allegory has since been appropriated to describe confronting harsh realities, even when they challenge one's beliefs or comfort.
Therefore, the red pill concept is about stepping out of a comfortable but unrealistic way of thinking—a symbol for facing harsh truths even if they're tough to handle.
I Was Happy For Awhile
Have you ever felt delighted? Not just for a few fleeting moments here and there.
No, I'm talking about a long-term, deep sense of fulfilment. A feeling that makes you say, "Life is so worth living. I'm glad to be who I am, and I am grateful to be alive".
And you feel and say this every day and mean it.
Mmm, I thought so.
You are not alone. You may be surprised how many people don't feel deep-rooted happiness.
The question is, why is this?
Let's start by looking at the biology of happiness.
The brain releases several neurotransmitters, often referred to as "happy chemicals," that contribute to feelings of pleasure and well-being …
An Introvert in a World Built for Extraverts
In Susan Cain's illuminating book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts," she refers to "The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking".
Introverts and extroverts are personality types that describe how people gain energy and interact with the world around them.
Introverts tend to recharge by spending time alone or in small groups. They often prefer quieter, more introspective activities like reading, writing, or spending time in nature.
On the other hand, extroverts gain energy from being around other people and engaging in social activities. They tend to be gregarioius, talkative, and enjoy being the centre of attention.
So with this in mind, grab your favourite cosy spot and settle in as we explore the book's key themes with supporting examples that celebrate the power of introversion.
Stupidity is Universal and Dangerous
"Remember, when you are dead, you do not know you are dead. It is only painful for others. The same applies when you are stupid." - Ricky Gervais
Imagine a world where stupidity isn't a random occurrence but a predictable force governing human behaviour.
It sounds bizarre, right?
Well, that's precisely what Professor Carlo M. Cipolla, an Italian economic historian, dared to propose back in 1976.
He published an essay describing the fundamental laws of what he perceived as the greatest existential threat to humanity: stupidity.
The Tyranny of the Top Floor
Ah, the allure of the top floor.
The pinnacle of corporate success is where CEOs reside in corner offices with panoramic views, and executives make high-level decisions that shape the company's future.
Many young professionals dream of working at a large company's head office and are ambitious and impatient in pursuing this.
But behind the glossy facade of corner offices and executive perks lies realities that few fully comprehend until they've experienced it firsthand.
I call it the "tyranny of the top floor".
You’re Biased and I’ll Prove It
Bias is a word that often carries negative connotations, suggesting unfairness, prejudice, and discrimination.
But bias is inherent in all of us, rooted in our cognitive processes, social conditioning, and lived experiences.
While biases can indeed lead to unfair treatment or distorted judgments, they also serve as adaptive shortcuts that help us navigate the complexities of the world around us.
So, let's explore the nature of bias, why it exists, and how it manifests in our everyday lives. We can do this by looking at twelve of the most common biases (there are many more) that influence human behaviour.
Everyone’s Entitled To My Opinion
So, surprise, surprise … we all have opinions.
Some are as harmless as debating the best flavour of ice cream, while others touch on more substantial matters like climate change, moral justice, or various scientific theories.
But what exactly constitutes an opinion, and how much weight should we assign to them?
Let's begin by taking a trip back to ancient Greece, where the wise philosopher Plato noted that opinions are beliefs that lack the certainty of knowledge.
Kill the Culture Crocodiles
"Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast" - Peter Drucker
The above is a well-known and often quoted saying attributed to the renowned management consultant Peter Drucker.
Paradoxically, many companies have some giant crocodiles lurking in the waters of their company culture. Sadly, these crocodiles prey on the harmony and vitality of the organisation and pose a significant threat to its well-being and success.
A toxic organisational culture left unchecked will ultimately destroy an otherwise great business.
Intuitive Leadership in a Sensory World
Imagine standing at a crossroads and trying to decide which path to take.
Sensing people are the ones who carefully observe their surroundings, noting every detail—the texture of the ground beneath their feet, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the faint scent of flowers in the air. They rely on concrete data and tangible information to guide their decisions, like a well-worn map that leads them from point A to point B.
On the other hand, intuitive people are the dreamers, the visionaries who see beyond the surface and into the realm of possibilities. They're less concerned with the details and more focused on the big picture, relying on gut instincts and flashes of insight to guide their decisions.
The Power of Silence
“Speak only if it improves upon the silence” - Mahatma Gandhi
In a world filled with constant chatter and noise, there's value in the power of silence.
Sometimes, silence speaks volumes, especially in moments of heated conversation or conflict where it has real power. After all, arguing with someone who doesn't argue back is quite challenging.
For example, imagine you're at a family gathering, and tensions are rising. Voices are raised, emotions are raw, and it feels like the room is on the brink of exploding.
Heartbeats and Heartaches
"Sometimes my heart leaks tears like an old engine leaks oil until, eventually, I run dry and everything just seizes up." - Dion le Roux
Anyone prone to suffering from anxiety or depression will be able to relate to the experience of going about your day, navigating through the ups and downs, when suddenly, you feel it—the weight of emotion pressing down on you like a ton of bricks.
You try to shrug it off, but it clings to you like a stubborn shadow, refusing to let go. Each passing moment feels like another drop in the bucket until you eventually find yourself drowning in a sea of emotion.
It's as if your heart has sprung a leak, and no matter how hard you try to patch it up, the tears keep flowing.
Five Going on Fifteen
Meet the pint-sized philosophers, the nippers with attitudes, and the mini versions of humanity that have seemingly swapped fruit juice boxes for espresso.
Forget building sandcastles; these mini-mavericks are busy texting on imaginary phones and debating which YouTuber is the best.
Hand a five-year-old a tablet, and you'll witness a digital maestro in action. They swipe, tap, and navigate apps with expertise that makes you question your own tech literacy. Siri, meet your miniature competition.
Let us have a look at a sneak preview that today's five-year-olds are giving us into their teenage years, and tell me if you recognise any of these …
Are You Ignorant About Your Ignorance ?
Imagine you're at a backyard braai (barbecue for my non-South African friends) where the smell of a lekker tjopie (chop) wafts, and you know that the neighbours are drooling. You sip your doppie (drink), and the conversation turns to the delicate art of braaing.
As a culinary maestro in your own right, you confidently jump into the discussion. You start sharing profound insights on the ideal grill temperature, meat marination techniques, and the sacred grilling-to-flipping ratio.
Congratulations! You might be experiencing the Dunning-Kruger Effect in action. It's that magical moment when you feel like the Gordon Ramsay of braai while your actual braai skills could use a bit of seasoning.
Anger is a Secondary Emotion
Have you ever felt angry, ready to explode like a shaken soda can?
My Afrikaans-speaking friends will know that we have some colourful expressions when we are angry, such as "Ek het my moer nou mors af gestrip", usually accompanied by one or two choice swear words in between.
But do you know that Anger is often just the superhero cape worn by other, frequently unnoticed, emotions? In other words, on the world stage, Anger isn't the main character; it's more like a sidekick that makes a dramatic entrance.
I Can’t Sing But I Speak Sh#@ Fluently
It all started innocently enough. There I was, a young teenager in the shower, belting out UB40's "Red Red Wine" with the confidence of Ali Campbell himself. And I found myself dreaming.
I dreamed of a world where my voice was a celestial tapestry woven with threads of silk and gravel dancing through the air. A world where my ballads would melt hearts with words that carried the weight of countless stories and unspoken emotions. A world where the girls would be enchanted, and audiences captivated.
But eish (alas), the reality was that my singing voice had the range of a distressed donkey, the shower head was cringing, and my sister was shouting at me to stop trying to kill the cat.
Tough Conversations
"Sometimes one conversation is all you're going to get, and the future will depend on how well you handle the discussion." - Dion Le Roux
Have you ever thought about how a single conversation can have a profound impact on the course of our lives?
This quote invites us to reflect on the power of pivotal dialogues - those moments when the outcome of a single exchange can shape our relationships, opportunities, and even our destinies. Whether it's a job interview, a critical negotiation, or a heart-to-heart discussion, the way we handle that one conversation can determine the path we take forward.