Mindset, Mood & Movement: Systems Thinking for Founder

The journey into cold water swimming is a metaphor for deeper life changes and confronting personal challenges. The episode explores the psychological and physiological impacts of cold water on the body, likening it to a reset button that enhances mental clarity and emotional resilience. You'll get insight into the mindset required to embrace the cold, with my conversation with Grant Zehetmayr about his journey into the water. We cover how acceptance resonates with broader themes of personal growth and mindfulness, which can help us navigate our daily lives amidst external pressures. The community Grant has built, Dawn Stalkers, is a wonderful example of where this can lead to. Their commitment to daily swims regardless of weather conditions, serves as a reminder of the strength found in community and shared experiences. Key Points and Topics:Cold water swimming can serve as a powerful tool for mindfulness and presence. The community aspect of cold water swimming enhances motivation and accountability for participants. Experiencing discomfort, such as cold water immersion, can foster mental resilience and growth. Finding a group to swim with can significantly improve your cold water experience. The journey from alcohol dependency to cold water swimming highlights the importance of healthy outlets. Embracing acceptance during cold water exposure can transform your relationship with discomfort. Links referenced in this episode:dawnstalkers.comsaljefferies.com

Worry is a natural phenomenon that many experience, but excessive worrying can be draining and distracting. In this episode, I discuss the importance of understanding worry as a signal of what we care about as well as the need to differentiate between what we can control and what we cannot. By letting go of the need to control everything - particularly events outside of our personal responses - we can reduce the heaviness of worrying and focus on actionable steps. I also invite you to understand that worry and care are in a spectrum. When we shift perspective from worry to care, this can empower us to take positive action. Do let me know if you apply any of these insights into strategies.Key points:Worry is a normal human condition that can be draining and distracting if excessive. It's essential to distinguish between what we can control and what we cannot. Recognising that worry often stems from a desire to care about important aspects of life. Shifting focus from worry to care can help us take positive actions that matter. Understanding that worrying is a process can help alleviate the pressure of labelling ourselves as 'worriers'. Using worry as a signal to identify what we genuinely care about can lead to meaningful actions.

Time is our most valuable commodity, and how we manage it can significantly impact our lives and businesses. Abigail Barnes shares her insights on the 888 formula, which emphasizes the importance of balancing sleep, work, and personal time to create a fulfilling life. She discusses the necessity of understanding our individual circumstances and setting long-term goals while remaining adaptable to change. The conversation also delves into the deeper narratives we tell ourselves about productivity and time management, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and personal choice. Abigail emphasises that true productivity stems from aligning our actions with our values and recognising the stories that shape our perceptions of time.Key Points:Time is our most valuable commodity, and how we manage it shapes our lives. The 888 formula suggests we allocate eight hours each to sleep, work, and life. Understanding our values and goals helps us make better choices with our time. Sleep is essential for productivity; neglecting it leads to long-term health issues. Self-awareness and reflection are crucial for identifying time-wasting behaviours and patterns. Human design can help us recognise our unique strengths and how to manage our time effectively. Chapters:00:00 - Intro: The Value of Time00:02 - Understanding Time Management00:13 - The 888 Formula Explained00:59 - Setting Goals for the Future00:23 - The Impact of Sleep on Productivity04:03 - Identifying Personal Time Wasters42:54 - The Inner Child and Time Management44:46 - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs48:15 - Conclusion: Making the Most of Your TimeAbigail's BIO & InformationAbigail Barnes is the founder and CEO of Success by Design Training, an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker, and corporate trainer on time management and productive wellbeing. She is a qualified coach, creator of the renowned 888 Formula and host of The Time Management Podcast.Success by Design Training is on a mission to teach 1 million people how to Become more Productive using The 888 Formula by 2025. Abigail holds a BA Hons Degree in Business & Marketing Management, a Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, DipM ACIM, a certificate in Neuroscience Professional Development, and is a qualified coach.LINKSLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailrbarnesThe Time Management Podcast: https://bit.ly/LISTENEPISODEWebsite: www.successbydesigntraining.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/successbydesigntrainingFree Chapter: Time Management for Entrepreneurs & Professionals: https://bit.ly/YOURFREECHAPTER

This episode delves into the crucial distinction between first order and second order change, especially for founders and business owners facing challenges. First order change involves making small adjustments to systems without altering the overall framework, while second order change requires a revolutionary shift in worldview that can fundamentally transform an organization. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a problem is merely a symptom that can be fixed with a tweak versus when it calls for a deeper, systemic re-evaluation. As listeners reflect on their own challenges, they are invited to consider whether they need to refine their approach or fundamentally rethink their perspective. This exploration not only encourages growth but also highlights the potential for significant transformation in both personal and professional realms.Key Themes:First order change involves tweaking the existing system for better efficiency without altering its core. Second order change requires a complete shift in perspective, fundamentally altering how we approach problems. Founders often face blocks that necessitate a reevaluation of their worldview to find effective solutions. Short-term fixes might seem appealing, but they often overlook the potential for deeper systemic change. Understanding the difference between first and second order changes can transform the way challenges are addressed. Embracing second order change allows individuals and organizations to unlock greater potential and growth opportunities. Chapters:00:01 - Introduction to Mindset, Mood and Movement00:09 - Understanding First Order Change01:24 - Exploring Second Order Change02:52 - Identifying Your Challenges04:05 - Conclusion and Call to Action

A rich exploration of the concept of North Star thinking unfolds as Will Polston joins me, Sal Jefferies to discuss the importance of aligning one’s business and personal life with a mission that transcends traditional goal-setting. We dissect the all-too-common 'when-then syndrome,' where individuals conflate future achievements with happiness, often leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Will shares his transformative journey, revealing how a pivotal moment of introspection led him to redefine his life’s mission, focusing on empowering others rather than merely accumulating wealth. The conversation emphasises the need for founders to cultivate a mindset that prioritises growth and contribution, rather than being fixated on specific milestones. Furthermore, they address the power of perspective in shaping one’s reality, underscoring that our interpretations of experiences can significantly influence our emotional states. I trust Will and I provide a compelling roadmap for achieving deeper fulfilment in both personal and professional realms.Key learnings: Understanding the difference between reality and actuality allows for a more fulfilling life experience. Identifying your North Star helps provide direction and fulfillment in both personal and business endeavors. Goal-setting is often driven by the desire to change how we feel emotionally. Resourcefulness can often outweigh the perceived lack of resources in achieving success. Perspective shifts can dramatically influence our reality and overall happiness in life. Engaging with mentors can provide valuable insights and guidance, enhancing personal growth. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to North Star Thinking00:03 - Understanding Reality vs. Actuality00:11 - The Emotional Drive Behind Goals00:23 - The Concept of the North Star00:25 - The Importance of Having a Mission00:49 - The Essence of North Star Thinking00:18 - The Gravitational Force of a North Star03:37 - Will's Personal Journey to North Star Thinking04:26 - The Lightning Moment of Realization01:35 - The Distinction Between Happiness and Expectations01:29 - The Power of Perspective in Changing Reality31:01 - Resourcefulness Over Lack of Resources42:53 - The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth48:26 - Aligning Goals with Personal ValuesLinks referenced in this episode:Learn more about Sal Jefferies Learn more about Will Polston North Star Thinking: Learn more here or find The Book at Amazon