Bored with a predictable life? 4 ways to embrace spontaneity and spice things up!

Personal Development, , , , , ,

Predictability - a killer of creative spontaneity

No recipe is more enjoyable than those with a surprising kick. Spontaneity is the true spice of life. 

Hello again my wonderful readers! It’s been a while since I last wrote. My apologies. You may remember in my last post I talked about recent life changes and how they opened my eyes to the possibilities available to me. For a long time I felt trapped in a circle of mundane, boring rituals that formed my simple existence around the typical 9-5 job. Looking back, I ponder as to why life at 28 y.o got boring so quickly. What was it that led me to be ‘trapped’ inside the little world I saw as my ‘normal’ every day existence?

Predictability.

Predictability, the ominous sister of spontaneity, was dominating my life.

It’s true that predictability, born of security, is one of the six fundamental human needs each and every one of us have. That said, it does not need to dominate our existence.

In this post I’m going to talk about predictability – why we all need it, and also why we don’t – and how using spontaneity is creating some truly remarkable life experiences for me right now. You’ll be able to take this new awareness of predictability and apply some simple ideas to add a little spontaneity ‘spice’ to your life.

Let’s get started 🙂

 

The prudence of predictability

Never was there anything more predictable than a man with pants…

Yes, it is indeed reasonable, and in many cases necessary, to exercise an element of predictability in life. After all, how would we function without basic, predictable routines (bathing, meals, exercise, work/purpose) to keep us on track?

We all know what predictability is. Your best mate is a gym junkie, you know it, and you ask what they’re up to tomorrow evening. “Just going to the gym, nothing special”.

Predictable.

It’s easy for me to critique the use of predictability in life, and my writing above is doing just that. However, my awareness is such that I respect people’s need (including my own) for a little slice of predictability every once and a while.

Predictability – why we need it

I see predictability as being tied very closely with one of the 6 fundamental human needs we all have, as discussed by Tony Robbins in his blog.

Predictability goes hand in hand with certainty.

To be stable, calm, nd content, we all need an element of certainty in our life. Certainty that our actions lead to pleasure and avoid pain.

Quite often, predictable habits are those which we have created to ensure a pleasurable outcome. Going to the gym is an excellent example. Those who indulge in regular physical activity know the ‘feel good’ endorphins released during a workout are able to dull any pains, worries, and stresses of the day. After experience (which provides certainty) we realise it makes us feel good, so we schedule it into our weekly routine, thus making it a predictable occurrence in our lives.

There are many more instances of certainty – Friday night movies, a house that provides shelter, a desire to experience life with another. Looking deeper, there is an element of certainty present, which is tailor made to the individual by incorporating it as a predictable event.

I myself require meaning in my life. This is certain, as I have experienced pain in having nothing. So I am predictable in my nature to fill the day with actions that lead me toward my objectives, and towards pleasurable feelings.

Unfortunately, pleasurable, comfortable, and predictable actions can be counter productive in abundance.

Why we (sometimes) don’t need predictability

There’s predictability, then there’s spontaneity.

Comparatively, there’s certainty, and there’s uncertainty.

Equally as important as certainty, uncertainty is another of our 6 fundamental human needs.

Uncertainty is that butterfly feeling when you attempt a new experience. It’s the tingle in your skin before you jump off a waterfall. The feeling of dread when you’re let go from your job; and….

The excitement of anticipating the unknown.

I want to focus on the above ‘positive’ use of uncertainty in life.

Yes, there are many scary instances we want to avoid, or dread to experience (some are listed above, and I’m sure you know many more). This is where predictability (and certainty) can be a saviour of our sanity. How about the exciting, crazy new experiences that await each and every one of us? Don’t be fooled. Predictability isn’t all sweet-smelling roses.

Predictability can lead us to be blinded by the security of certainty, and accept a substandard life.

It may be a strong use of words, and it’s how I feel.

I feel that uncertainty in the form of spontaneity is vital for living an exciting, purposeful, and rewarding existence.

How would you know your capability if you didn’t jump?

How would you learn to find if you never got lost?

How would you act, if never chose to ‘just do’?

Being spontaneous is like drinking liquid courage. It’s the acting on an idea without too much forethought and planning – which in many cases convinces you to do nothing instead.

I’d like to share an example with you of an application of spontaneity in my own life.

I’m writing this blog post for you outside a simple hotel room in a small town called Gilimanuk, Bali. Had you have asked 2 weeks ago where I would be, I would certainly not have dreamed I would be here. Why? I had no job, and I had no desire to travel to Bali. Everyone I asked would say “why would you go there?”, or “it’s such an unsafe place. What about the bombing?”.

It’s true, I had heard many other negative comments of Bali, and combined with my uncertain financial situation, my desire to be spontaneous and travel to Bali was low. There was something present in that moment. All the negativity, all the roadblocks, all the lure of certainty in doing nothing, drove me to be spontaneous. Within a week of the initial thought, I was embarking on a 5 week trip to Bali – no planning, no research, and an expectation of expecting the unexpected. Now I’m in Bali. I’ve been here over a week and I have only praise for this wonderful island and its remarkable culture, atmosphere, and natural wonders. To me, I think the ‘haters’ don’t know what they’re missing out on.

Would I be here if I didn’t be spontaneous? Definitely not. I would have found many other reasons not to venture abroad, or choose a ‘safer’ destination.

This is one such example as it relates to me. Sure, you may not feel comfortable embarking on a journey to Asia, or there may be real life limitations (such as finances) to your ability to do so. Be creative and find what’s out there for you to spice things up.

There is gold to be found in spontaneous action. Find what suits you, and give it a try.

Not sure where to start?

 4 ways to embrace spontaneity

It’s easy for me to write about, and I’ve got experience that’s for sure. What if you don’t?

Try these.

1. Get curious

Ideas are born out of curiosity.

Rather than look around and just accept how things are, try being curious and delving deeper into hidden meaning and a realm of possibility in alternative ways. Remember, there are two sides to every story, and what you actively recognise is only one of these. Only ever seen spaghetti cooked in a pot? Try frying it instead. Never tried Indian food because you thought it was too spicy? What if it isn’t?

Get curious and question what you know. Chances are you’re wrong 😉

2. Try something new

It’s a pretty simple thing, and sometimes it’s the most overlooked.

Once curious of alternative ways, you can use your power of action to try something new. Remember, ideas don’t exist until action makes them a reality.

Take action of your new ideas and try them!

3. Be spontaneous with someone

Need some extra courage? Lacking inspiration? Want to enhance an experience?

Try it with someone.

I find that life experiences are enhanced when I attempt them with someone else, particularly someone I care about. Thee’s something really special in sharing moments of joy, sadness, laughter and adventure. If you’re having trouble being spontaneous, chances are it will be many times easer with someone else.

4. Travel – to a place you wouldn’t normally go

One of my favourites.

If you’re looking for a way to be spontaneous, get packing and go to a destination not on your bucket list.

By no means do you need to travel overseas. It could be as simple as a local suburb you’ve avoided.

As with my Bali experience, there is magic to be found in squashing your negative pretences. Get out there and start hammering yours…

The comfort of predictability has uses for us all, and in many cases it’s a necessary tool to make life ‘work’.

That said, I’m a strong believer that there’s immense value beyond this ‘box’ of living, so I encourage you to try one of my ways to embrace spontaneity in your life:

  1. Get curious
  2. Try something new
  3. Do it with someone
  4. Travel somewhere you’d normally not go.

Battling fear of the unknown?

Remember to ask yourself “what have I got to lose?” Chances are there’s much more to be gained….

Thanks for reading my work.

Like it? Please share with your friends on social media. The more people I can inspire, the happier I’ll be.

Until next time…..

Yours in inspiration,

Jason

 

 

 

No job, no home, and no plans. 3 life qualities needed to action a life changing decision

Personal Development, , , , ,

Success through the development of qualities

Never regret anything in life, because at one time it was exactly what you wanted.

I’m back!

It’s been a big couple of weeks since I last wrote, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot.

I’ve just settled into a new (albeit temporary) home, living with my parents, in a small country town in Victoria, Australia. As I adjust to a new environment, MUCH colder temperatures, and a new “routine”, I am happy to say that my urge to write for all of you continues to burn hot and fierce.

So, what’ been happening?

To summarise: I quit my job, moved across the country, and met an amazing girl.

Let me elaborate.

July 18 was the final day at my desk job. It’s been a work in progress for over 2 years now, and I’m glad to say that I’m well into a transition – a transition to a happier, and a whole new me. I knew from the second year of my four year university degree, that my choice of occupation (Mechanical Engineering) was ‘not my cup of tea’. I’ve tried many avenues, and have decided that, for the moment, we are not a match meant to be.

Many people ask my “why?”, to which I respond “why not?”. Some people see my situation as a lost opportunity – leaving a stable, well paying career – whereas I see many, many opportunities to be gained. Besides, I have the safety net of a degree, so now it’s time to be adventurous, be daring, and begin my journey according to my own terms.

After 6 years searching with an outdated map, it’s time to go shopping….

I quit my job, packed my bags, shoved life into my tiny VW Polo, and headed south towards new opportunity, inspiring friends, and a foreign land to explore. I’ve been in my element – totally immersed and enjoying the sites, sounds, and simplicity of life on the road. As the powers that be would have it, I met an amazing girl along the way. Another exciting bend in the road awaiting the navigational prowess of this race-car driver! It’s been a blast!

Life inside a VW Polo

My life – it fits inside a VW Polo!

It’s not all been smooth sailing though. It’s been a tough mental battle to make it this far, as there are no shortage of people questioning my motives. The ensuing negative, damaging self-talk is therefore less than productive towards my overall desire to be free and search for my true calling.

In comes this post.

Fast forward to now. My previous journey has ended, and a new one has begun. It didn’t happen naturally. Oh no. It’s not like Santa came and just handed me money, freedom, and a gold plated chocolate egg to make me feel good. I attribute my recent actions to certain qualities that I’ve developed and have been nurturing over the past 2 years. It’s taken a lot of work, and I’m sure it’ll take lots of work for you too (should you decide to action a life-changing decision of your own).

That said, I believe the first step is awareness.

I’ve made some pretty radical changes, and I want to help you do it too. I was able to do it because I recognised the power of the following 3 qualities in myself and my surroundings. I’m confident that if you recognise them, you’ll be well on your way to some awesome life-changing adventure too.

Let’s begin.

3 qualities to action life-changing decisions

Want to implement some life-changing decisions for yourself? I recommend starting with the following 3 qualities. They’ll naturally progress as you grow, so it’s a great place to start planting your seeds.

1. The right support

I’ve talked about it many times before, and I’ll say it again.

You’ve gotta select the right people to support you!

Remember this quote?

You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.

~Jim Rohn

In no way is this more important than when it comes to fulfilling your dreams, desires, and goals of change.

If you’ve ever tried it, you’ll know what I mean when I say it’s hard to go at it alone. The world is a big, scary place when confronted as one.

As a wise proverb states, a problem shared is a problem halved.

If you’re stuck and don’t have any inspiration, make this your number one priority. Get out there, do what you love to do, and connect with like-minded people. Your spirit, enthusiasm, and progress towards your goals will accelerate beyond imagination!

2. You just gotta have faith

George Michael said it right. Sometimes, you’ve gotta have faith.

Some people believe in fate, some in coincidence, some in destiny. None are incorrect. All have their place in this world as they ‘work’ for different people.

Above all of these, I’m certain that to do better, you need to go further.

To succeed, you must learn to nurture the quality and the belief of faith in yourself.

Faith –  confidence or trust in a person, thing, deity, view, or in the doctrines or teachings of a religion. It can also be defined as belief that is not based on proof, and is often used as a synonym for hope, trust, or belief.~Wikipedia

You don’t need to believe in a ‘higher power’ for miracles to happen. There are miracles awaiting your discovery inside of you!

When times get tough and what you do seems silly, unrealistic, or impossible, these are the times to call on your quality of faith to inspire you. Remind yourself that all the ‘miracles’ of the past (think electricity, man landing on the moon, the invention of the modern computer for example) were created by people just like you. The thing is, they had mastered an important ability.

Successful people have a mastered ability to have faith in their actions, their judgement, and in what they stand for.

3. All talk and no action won’t get you far. Get motivated

There is never a result without decisive action!

I’m sure you’ll have seen it before. There’s no shortage of people that sit and complain about the state of ‘X’ or the annoyance of person ‘Y’, and that’s as far as they get…

Complain, foster resentment and anger, and complain even more.

Talk with no action is likely to lead to a cycle of doubt, a loss of faith, and the development of subsequent negative though patterns which, as I’ve discussed before in a previous post, are damaging to your ability to be better.

Sure I get it, action is scary.

What’s scarier though – Acting with the possibility of success, or stalling with a guarantee of failure?

It’s up to you. Take action, the rest will follow.

There you have it. It’s a snippet of how I arrived to writing this post, and what it took for my ship to sail this far. It’s a big, long winded journey, and one I am excited to be sailing under the power of my own sail.

Have you got an idea to change life and don’t know how to start? I suggest you start with these important qualities discussed in this post that will give you strength and guidance on your journey.

  1. Selection of the right support network,
  2. Faith in your abilities, and
  3. Action on your plans. 

I’ve found them most helpful on my journey, and I hope they prove helpful to you too.

 

 

Does the meaning of life seem lost? Values are your roadmap – Here’s 3 ways to find them

Personal Development, , ,

Who am I? Values will help you.

Has there been a time in your life where what you did made you feel uncomfortable? Was there a deep sense of wrong doing as a result?

Have you just felt like you were lost?

Chances are that you were acting against your values.

I decided to write this post as I recently felt this sense of ‘wrong doing’, and wanted to share with you the importance I see of being true to your values, and to yourself.

It’s been an interesting journey I’ve taken in recent years, and I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t have a clear understanding of the concept of ‘values’, what they were, or how important they were in defining who I was, who I wanted to be, and what I stood for as an individual. Now I know.

Values are like signs on a road trip.

Values are there to guide you, to keep you on course as you navigate the adventure of life.

I’m going to use this blog post to discuss the concept of values and how important they are to your positive growth, and 3 ways you can use to find out what they are. I hope that with this new found awareness you’ll be able to start kicking harder, reaching higher, or looking in a previously unused cupboard which keeps the cookies you desire…….

Let’s do it!

What are values?

As I mentioned, values are like personal indicators that drive you to take certain action.

Personal values provide an internal reference for what is good, beneficial, important, useful, beautiful, desirable, constructive, etc. Values generate behaviour and help solve common human problems for survival by comparative rankings of value, the results of which provide answers to questions of why people do what they do and in what order they choose to do them.

~ Wikipedia

Values are there to drive us to unique, agreeable action. Action that aligns with our personality.

So that’s what values do, but what exactly are they?

Well, values are words. Descriptive words to be precise.

They’re words that you use to represent the desirable qualities, traits, morals and ideals that make you, you.

For example, here are some possible values you could adopt as your own:

Example Values List

This list in far from exhaustive. Use it as guidance as you read further and attempt to explore your own personal values in future 🙂

I’m confident you will. Here’s why…….

Why are values important?

The importance of values goes deeper than just fancy adjectives….

Values are used to provide consistency.

Let me explain.

Let’s say you go to a new hairdresser. The business you’ve found is clean, the patrons are friendly, and you receive an excellent cut. You can tell the hairdresser has a keen eye for detail, and the hour it took indicates that your hair was taken care of. You leave a very happy customer, and vow to return again in future.

You return to find the same stylist that tends your hair, but there is something lacking in the quality compared to last time. You aren’t offered a complimentary coffee, and the floors clearly have yet to be swept for the day. You are rushed through a cut and feel as though you were an interruption to their busy schedule. Strange you think, but you are adamant that you’ll give them another chance and it’ll be better next time.

On your third visit, you are informed of a price increase to account for rising overhead costs, and the stylist you normally have decided to move interstate. What initially attracted you to the place has dissolved. The experience has changed. You will not be back.

Notice what was lacking?

Consistency in experience. 

Have a think. I’m sure there are many instances, not just hairdressing, where you act upon the expectation of consistency in an experience.

If your actions, words, thoughts, emotions are inconsistent, you find yourself in a state of confusion. Progression is slow, and resistance to that which is unknown is, well, impossible.

You need to define yourself in order to navigate the waters of your choosing.

Values be your tool.

How do you find your values?

Chances are you already know your values. You just aren’t aware yet.

That’s the trick.

Self-awareness.

Realizing your values is a result of the self-awareness process.

Depending on the level of self-awareness, most of us won’t have ‘categorised’ our ways into values before. We simply act upon them without recognising what they are.

Besides being a tool to determine your values, self-awareness is valuable on many levels.

Research shows that successful people share the common trait of self-awareness.

They spend time listening to their inner being, and realizing who they really are outside of external influence.

In fact, people who are self-aware are generally:

  • able to find ways of achieving objectives that fit their personality
  • understand their limitations and where they are not effective
  • more likely to pursue the right opportunities, in the right way, at the right time, and get the results they desire.

So, becoming self-aware and present to your personal values has the ability to boost the quality of your life.

How do you find out what they are?

There are a number of ways, including the following.

1. Create a list of your activities and dreams

What do you get up to in your spare time? What do you do for work? Do you have hobbies, interests, dreams and desires? Sure you do.

Write them down.

These ‘snippets’ of your life are valuable pieces which highlight what you gravitate towards.

Love hiking in the forest? Chances are you value your environment.

Love your teaching job? A big part of that is likely your desire to give back or contribute.

Take your time. Write a list, keep it close, and visit it frequently.

Although your values seem like they wouldn’t change, they will. You’ll find that they’ll change as much as you do, so don’t be afraid to edit the list.

A values list isn’t concrete.

Concrete is solid, but it only lasts a certain time before it’s replaced. That’s because concrete is only as solid as the foundation it’s built on.

Values are a bit like concrete.

Some of your values will stay, some will need to be replaced. It depends how ‘solid’ they are.

Be free. Explore and modify as you feel, until your foundations are strong.

2. Take a test

If you’re scientifically minded like me, I’m sure you’d be interested in a tool that helps you out.

The good news is there are plenty out there on the web – some free, some not – with varying degrees of effectiveness.

This free test by Anthony Robbins is extremely comprehensive. It’s a one-stop-shop and uses the personality profiling principals of DISC to provide insights into your personality and the values that compliment it.

I found it extremely good as an introduction to the value finding process. It provides good explanation and background into the theory, psychology, and how the information can be used effectively.

This is not the only one. Try taking a look on Google for more resources.

3. Shake up your routine, and travel!

What’s a better way to ‘discover yourself’ than to spend quality time doing what you really love to do?

Travel can provide clarity, time, and space for self-awareness to evolve, if done the right way.

I recommend travel for a period of 2 – 3 months. 

It takes 30 days (1 month) to successfully build habits and a solid routine, and even longer to break them.

I’ve embarked on 2 such journeys – 6 months in Europe and 2 months in Asia – and found the ideal time to be around 3 months for me. If you’re in a situation to just ‘run with it’ and travel for as long as you feel, that’s perfect.

In any case, start with a minimum of 1 month. Any less will be a waste of your time as you continue to follow habits, processes, and engrained ways of being to survive in a foreign land.

In order to truly find yourself, you need to get uncomfortable, then have enough time to determine how to get comfortable again in your new environment.

Leave what you have been ‘trained’ to do in your everyday life (due to necessity, convenience, or for lack of a better means). Explore yourself and the world at the same time.

It’s a challenging, liberating, rewarding, and enlightening experience.

There you have it. If you’re feeling a bit lost in life, you’ve got a place to start.

When feeling lost, turn to your values.

Try one of my 3 methods of discovery – documenting your life, official tests, and travel – to make your own list and start using it as a reference.

In your darker times (of which you will certainly come across), turn to these and alter your path according to their guidance. Use them and have faith that your resulting actions have a greater chance of leading you down the right path, rather than around in circles.

 

How’d you go? Have you made your list yet? Did you already have a list and decide to refine it, creating a new, firmer foundation? I’d love to hear your thoughts and what direction you’re choosing to take as a result of awareness to your values. Get in touch!

 

I appreciate you taking time to read my work. If you like it, please share it with your friends on social media.

The more people I can inspire, the happier I’ll be.

Yours in inspiration,

Jason

 

 

Create your future – 3 areas of your life to use selection and get what you want

Personal Development, , , , , ,

The power of selection in your life

Are you the type of person that tends to go with the flow? How about your friends. Are they the result of a period of lonely desperation?

Take a break, step back, and ask yourself the following question.

Is your life in “fate’s” hands, or are you the captain of your ship?

Honestly.

How much of what has happened in your life is the result of your desire to have it happen? Are the people in your life providing a positive contribution to your growth? Do your actions align with who you are, and more importantly, who you want to be?

I can say with certainty that I was floating along for many years, not attracting positive outcomes that aligned with my spirit and inner being. It seemed no matter how hard I tried to make things work (relationships, goals, outcomes, dreams etc.), they never seemed to ‘stick’.

Now, as I am sooo much older (joke) and wiser, I can see what was missing all along.

I was missing the importance of selection.

Used positively, selection will give you the ability to reach new heights, and master your destiny.

This post is going to talk about the practice of selection – what it is to me, how I have used it, and the three areas which I see it can improve the outcome of your goals, dreams, desires, and help you find relationships you’ve dreamed of.

What is selection

Although this blog post will cover my spiritual and emotional views on selection, I find many similarities in the scientific definitions.

Take a look below. I’ve highlighted some interesting points.

In the context of evolution, selection refers to individuals with advantages or“adaptive” traits, who tend to be more successful than their peers reproductively—meaning they contribute more offspring to the succeeding generation than others do.

~Wikipedia

Natural selection is the gradual process by which biological traits become either more or less common in a population as a function of the effect of inherited traits on the differential reproductive success of organisms interacting with their environment. It is a key mechanism of evolution.

~Wikipedia

The definition of selection

Using these evolutionary-based definitions, I present to you my definition of selection as:

Selection – a process applied by individuals in which desired traits are inherited by deliberate exposure to a chosen population and/or environment. 

Selection is everywhere.

At a subconscious level, it drives us to pick certain people as partners, to desire certain objects, to behave certain ways.

Good news is, it can be controlled.

Selection can be a choice you make.

Not only is selection programmed into our being as evolution, I believe there are strong advantages that can be gained through adaptation of this concept into your thought process, and your action.

Yes, you can choose selection in your life.

Selection is a framework for you to act on your preferred choices.

Sure, it acts at a subconscious level constantly without us even knowing; but what if you could increase your awareness to the process? How could you use the process of selection to create positive outcomes in your life?

The first step is a commitment to action – to act upon your desire to change.

This is key.

No matter how much you dream, visualise, think about something, nothing eventuates without some form of action from you.

The next step is to choose which areas to act upon.

3 areas of your life that the use of selection will improve

It sounds selfish, but I’ve been gradually increasing my practice of selection since Anthony Robbins brought it to my attention through his audio programs in 2012.

That’s because selection requires you to choose and act upon options that are best for you. 

So where can you apply selection and why would you bother?

Here are 3 areas of my life which have seen profound improvement by using the selection process.

1. Relationships

This is the single most important area for me, and chances are it is for you too.

Why? Consider the following quote:

You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.

~Jim Rohn

I’m a social person – more of an extrovert than an introvert. Human interaction is one of my primary means of learning, and a topic of personal interest. This means that I find myself easily influenced by the people I choose as company.

The company I choose has a direct influence on the habits, skills, and mental health I learn and adopt.

I’ve met and bonded with some great people in my time, and I’m grateful to have them as friends today. On the other side of the spectrum, there are some people that who I’ve had limited choice over due to my environment at the time (see the next key area below).

I’m sure you will agree when I say that not all relationships are equal. It’s true that all people can provide you with value – be it company or knowledge –  so long as the value aligns with your chosen goals, values, morals etc.

You have the ability to select those people you feel are contributing positively to your growth. Why not use it?

If someone doesn’t align with your aims, it isn’t right to outright ignore, discount, or in any way direct offence toward them. After all, how are they to know? Your choices are not their choices. Consider their offerings, and decline graciously if you decide they aren’t a good fit for you.

Be kind, respectful, and compassionate with your dealings. After all, it isn’t hard to practice the simple act of courtesy to those we meet.

Besides, the world could never run short of kindness and compassion.

2. Environment

This is the most obvious area of life that influences our future.

Choosing a place to live, getting that ideal job in the city, a holiday on the ocean listening to the waves…….

Our environment can play a huge part on how we feel, and thus how we are able to learn, grow, and interact.

Ever been put in an environment that made you feel anxious, overwhelmed, trapped etc.? Not an ideal space to harbour learning or personal growth, and an ideal place for negativity to flourish.

In some cases, your work, hobbies, or even where you live, all lead to an environment that can be toxic to your future. It will be unique for each person of course. There are no one-cause-fits-all answers, nor do there need to be. Based on this post, you already know the answer right….

Selection.

OK, so it may be difficult to have your cake and eat it too, so I’ll be more specific.

Select an environment that aligns with your goals, values, morals etc. that you can spend the majority of your time amongst.

Like the environment? Live near a park.

Love being outdoors? Have lunch outside.

Want to save the Koalas? Don’t work for a mining company (this is a personal one for me!).

Choose what environments nurture your positive growth and select them, committing to action.

3. Sources of Information

Today’s world revolves around information. You’re absorbing more right now. Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, internet, social media….. The list of influential information is extensive, and getting longer.

When was the last time you applied a filter to the information you’re exposed to?

Do you watch the evening news? The morning news? Read a newspaper?

Have a think about how often you remember seeing something positive. Something with substance. Something that actually had relevance to your life and your future.

Chances are, you won’t remember many.

Surprising isn’t it, considering how much time people spend exposing themselves to the overload of information out there.

Selection, selection, selection.

Timothy Ferriss talks about the concept of a ‘low information diet’ in his book, the Four Hour Workweek, to get you to see what it’s like to remove yourself from information overload. Essentially, you go without viewing/reading/listening to any form of informative or educational material for a week, and see if your life is really worse of for it.

After performing this selective information intake continuously for about 2 years now ( i don’t watch or read world news, and if I want to know then I ask someone instead), I can guarantee your life won’t stop. In fact, quite the opposite.

With less unnecessary information, there is space for meaningful information.

Rather than just listen to any old audio for something to do, or slouch on the couch in front of the news because that’s the ‘done thing’, select what information works for you and provides you real value to enrich the quality of your life.

Watch an inspiring documentary, read that novel, start that long delayed project.

Practice selective information intake, and you’ll find many more hours in your day to put towards things that matter to you. Feel the need to find out what’s happening in the world? Ask someone else. They’ve spent the time absorbing it all so you don’t. Use them!

Less time spent on unnecessary information, means you’ll have more time to do what you want.

And you can start right now!

I’m going to challenge you to make the process of selection a concious consideration in your life. No longer is it an evolutionary term which you let happen. It can be controlled.

Select your relationships, environment, and the information you expose yourself to wisely.

Use my definition to empower yourself, and carve your destiny so that you get what you want in life.

You have a choice, and no matter how hard it seems, you have the ability to take action.

Selection is the actioning of your choice.

Get out there and start creating your future!

Are there any areas of your life other than those mentioned above that you feel contribute to the quality of your life, and the creation of your future? I’d love to hear about it! Tell me more in the comments below.

I appreciate you taking time to read my work. If you like it, please share it with your friends on social media using the links.

The more people I can inspire, the happier I’ll be.

Yours in inspiration,

Jason

Do more with less – embrace a minimalist view of life and be happier sooner

Minimalism, , ,

If there is one thing I have learnt that has changed the way I think profoundly during my short time, I can say that it’s this.

Having more does not equal happiness.

This applies to money, relationships, objects……… anything.

Instead, I’ve discovered the true value in getting by with less, and making do with what I already have.

Some would see it as being ‘cheap’. I see it as a smarter way of being that gives me satisfaction, happiness, and a feeling of freedom that allows me to do so many more activities which feed my love for life.

Of course, there is no shortage of opposition to this belief. That’s fine.

I now know it’s not my way. My path winds clearer, uncluttered, simple.

What inspired this post is the following illustration of minimalism as a story told between a successful businessman, and a successful man – both of whom believe they have it all.

See which man you prefer to model. I know which one I admire most.

I hope you enjoy it.

Excerpt from my favourite book, The Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss.

An American businessman took a vacation to a small coastal

Mexican village on doctor’s orders. Unable to sleep after an
urgent phone call from the office the first morning, he walked out to
the pier to clear his head. A small boat with just one fisherman had
docked, and inside the boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The
American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.

“How long did it take you to catch them?” the American asked.

“Only a little while,” the Mexican replied in surprisingly good English.

“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” the American
then asked.

“I have enough to support my family and give a few to friends,”
the Mexican said as he unloaded them into a basket.

“But… What do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Mexican looked up and smiled. “I sleep late, fish a little, play
with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Julia, and stroll into the
village each evening, where I sip wine and play guitar with my
amigos. I have a full and busy life, senior.”

The American laughed and stood tall. “Sir, I’m a Harvard M.B.A.
and can help you. You should spend more time fishing, and with the
proceeds, buy a bigger boat. In no time, you could buy several boats
with the increased haul. Eventually, you would have a fleet of fishing
boats.”
He continued, “Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you
would sell directly to the consumers, eventually opening your own
cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution.
You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village, of course,
and move to Mexico City, then to Los Angeles, and eventually New
York City, where you could run your expanding enterprise with
proper management.”

The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, senior, how long will all this
take?”

To which the American replied, “15-20 years. 25 tops.”

“But what then, senior?”

The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the
time is right, you would announce an IPO and sell your company
stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions.”

“Millions, senior? Then what?”

“Then you would retire and move to a small coastal fishing village,
where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids,
take a siesta with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings
where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos …”

Does this story sound familiar to you?

It seems that this is what we are trained to do in our modern society – to ‘think big’ and ‘aim for the stars’.

Most of the time however, what we really want in life is simple pleasures – food, relationships, comfort – which are easily within reach.

Are you going in the right direction?

Do you feel pressured to own a village, when what makes you happy is sleeping in your little hut?

That’s great. Why?

You’re aware of the discomfort of the situation, and once discomfort intensifies, action is born.

You are the master of your domain, the leader of your troop, the bearer of the map.

Go ahead, embrace a minimal lifestyle. Find your happiness now, not in 25 years’ time.

I see it as a journey to experience more with less. To live within my means, not my wants. To question the value of my activities, experiences, and belongings and determine if they are of positive or negative influence.

It’s a journey. One I have chosen as a quest, an adventure, as a new way of being.

I plan to live life happy now. How?

Live Simple.

 

Thanks for reading my work.

Like it? Please share with your friends on social media. The more people I can inspire, the happier I’ll be.

Until next time…..

Yours in inspiration,

Jason

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Law of attraction, or are some things just meant to be? – 3 things you must do to become a master of your destiny

Personal Development, , , ,

No, this isn’t a ramble on a higher power.

This is a post emphasising that the power is within you.

Let me explain.

Lately I’ve been concious to some interesting things happening around me.

Actually, it’s hard not to be. I am finally undergoing big life changes, working towards a more positive direction.

  • I got a second job at a cafe, a dream of mine for many years now, and have met some really cool people (high 5 Emily 🙂 )
  • A relationship with a loved one ended (her choice), opening my eyes to the truth of the situation
  • I sold my apartment in Townsville
  • I resigned from my full-time job in engineering.

Why did these events happen for me? Did they manifest naturally, or did I have part in their creation?

Were they meant to be, or has my attitude, actions and mindset attracted the results?

Actually, I think that there is nothing that is ‘meant to be’.

Put another way, I’m sure that nothing is a coincidence.

It’s an interesting, curious question. and one I’d like to explore further with you in this post. I’ll take a look at my perspective more, and share with you my three ‘must do’ habits that you can use to start attracting positivity to your life.

1. Manifest the future through positive beliefs

This is a new concept for me to acknowledge, although I admit I have been curious for a long time.

Manifestation (creation through positive beliefs) is a concept that is being chorused frequently as the globe trends toward a greater awareness of alternative concepts.

Put simply:

Manifestation is creating an outcome based on the visualisation of it happening.

To believe, or not to believe?

There is no right or wrong answer. In fact, there is no answer, as it’s a rhetorical question!

My thoughts are that, no matter what, you are in control of your surroundings.

You have complete control over your destiny, and you are able to attract (and deter) people, objects, and experiences to your life.

For example, consider the following positive beliefs of mine:

  • Ask and you shall receive – There is no harm in asking. In fact, you can only gain from the exercise. You either gain what you were asking for (be it an object, knowledge etc.), or you gain an answer to provide closure to your curiosity. Try it for yourself. It will open a new world of possibility.
  • You already know the answer – Yep, you are smart, smarter than you realise. It can be uncanny how often you undertake a task, relationship, or other, and after the ‘honeymoon period’ has ended, you feel your initial judgement, before it was hidden by the euphoria of the ‘good feelings’, becomes present once again.

Use these as simple cues to shift your mindset to a more positive, driven one, and watch the changes flow.

2. Remind yourself of your potential

In amongst all the negativity that the majority of us are surrounded by (take the news for example – how many people died in the world today?!), it is easy to become overpowered, overwhelmed, overcome.

The world can make you feel powerless.

Don’t worry. I get it. I have been victim of the influence of social pressure too (and still do – I’m human after all).

The good news is I now recognise how easily I am influenced by my surroundings.

This can work for me and against me.

To make a positive start to each day, I am actively nurturing the idea that I have potential, I have power, and I can do what I want to do.

Practice positive reinforcement.

This can be done in many ways.

I choose to spend the first 15min of my day going over a number of vision boards, mantras, and performing meditation. As part of my exploration into this morning ritual, I created a poem to myself – a younger me – to provide words of wisdom.

I’m pretty proud of it, and I’d like to share it with you.

Poem to my Younger Self

by Jason Townsend

Life is a struggle, of ups and downs,
always new challenges, testing and trying.
The path most travelled, bears mediocre returns,
The path less travelled, is one travelled by few.
Don’t be disheartened. Although there is less traffic on these streets,
Your actions will inspire, creating many followers you will meet.
 
Your heart is a beacon, a map, a sign,
Let your heart be your guide, and in a positive direction you will wind.
You are perfect as you are, comparison do not dare,
For in self and inner beauty, comes a strength you can’t compare.
Don’t become stagnant, don’t wait idol wishing for a guide,
Be the source to inspire them, a source of admiration and pride.
For when you act as those whom you want to find,
The law of attraction will present itself, and you’ll create a following in time.
 
I give you these, my humble words,
As I float here, high with the birds.
You can do great, you can achieve,
Your only limit, is to what you believe.
So go out there and make your mark,
Use these learnings, and don’t forget.
There’s little to be made from burning regret,
Go forth, be known, don’t waste your time,
Do what matters, what makes you shine.

 3. Practice mindfulness and let positive energy flow

Mindfulness is moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, characterized mainly by “acceptance” – attention to thoughts and feelings without judging whether they are right or wrong.

– Wikipedia, 2014

You really, really want something to happen?

Stop thinking about it so much!

It’s great to visualise your goals, desires and objectives, but it is unproductive to obsess over them.

In my experience, it’s easy to get caught up in anticipation and expectation – looking to the future and neglecting the present.

Future worries = anxiety = negative energy.

Stop negativity in it’s tracks by practicing some mindfulness. For some, this comes through meditation (traditional relaxation, exercise, repetitive tasks, music, yoga) or it can be practiced actively.

How do I practice active mindfulness?

If I find myself in a negative spin, or focusing too much on that out of my control (i.e the future), I acknowledge this feeling for what it is and take a better look…….

I become curious and inquisitive of my thoughts.

Question why you feel as you do, especially if it is negative. You have control. Take it before negativity manifests into something worse.

Always ask yourself this valuable question if you find yourself dwelling over something:

What else could this mean?

Taking the time to stop, take a breath, and ask this valuable question is the beginning of your mindfulness journey, and a sure way to tackle negative energy.

Are things meant to be? I don’t think so.

Everything is in your control. After all, your mind interprets all of your senses.

The world that you live in is an interpretation provided by your mind.

Therefore, you can master your surroundings, your emotions, your destiny, by transforming the way you think!

Lucky for you, I’ve covered 3 things at a minimum that you could implement today to begin your journey to attract positivity to your life.

  1. Manifestation through positive beliefs
  2. Remind yourself of your potential
  3. Practice mindfulness

These are easy habits to implement into your routine. You may need to get up 30 minutes earlier in the morning, but it’s worth it.

Start your day on a high. Implement these three positive steps and begin attracting positivity, and take charge of your destiny.

If you’d like guidance with any of the topics I’ve discussed, feel free to get in touch. I am always happy to learn through the experience of others and assist where I can.

Once again, I appreciate you taking time to read my work. If you like it, please share it with your friends on social media.

The more people I can help, the happier I’ll be.

Yours in inspiration,

Jason

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