Hey, this December I'm going to shoot three crazy videos for the blog.
They're going to be embarrassing, funny, outrageous, daring and bold. The idea being to take a few steps out of my comfort zone to show you that the consequences aren't really that bad. But the experience and personal growth is invaluable.
Keep watching this space to see the first videos in action.
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Things that are embarrassing really work....
Was watching BBC iplayer this evening at work. Yes that is correct at work.... I just moved house and I'm waiting for Shitty BT to install my phone line so currently have no Internet! Weep ;-(
So I was watching this show about becoming a millionaire and whether the achievement was accessible to all through just dedication and application.
A core message in the documentary was that in order to be financially successful you had to have the right mind set. And to obtain this some of the gurus would make people do strange exercises whilst repeating things like:
"I am a millionaire and I have a million quid in my bank right now."
Even now after being exposed to a heck of a lot of personal development, I still think it looks crazy. However it is scientifically proven that repeating affirmations and associating them with a specific movement will help condition your mind and re-program how you see yourself, your self esteem and your awareness.
It takes an incredibly confident character to do this kind of stuff especially in public at one of these crazy seminars!! Ultimately a positive mindset is fundamental to success so don't be so embarrassed and keep the end goal in mind.
One of the key things that stops people from being successful and happy is feeling too embarrassed to do what is necessary. Your mindset is key to your success and if you don't reinforce positive beliefs than your subconscious will reinforce what it likes and normally this is a plethora of negating and deprecating thoughts that will only hinder you.
Get embarrassed, make a fool out of yourself, make people look at you funny and disapprove, create awkward laughter, do what you have to do to grow some.
Embarrassment is nothing.
So I was watching this show about becoming a millionaire and whether the achievement was accessible to all through just dedication and application.
A core message in the documentary was that in order to be financially successful you had to have the right mind set. And to obtain this some of the gurus would make people do strange exercises whilst repeating things like:
"I am a millionaire and I have a million quid in my bank right now."
Even now after being exposed to a heck of a lot of personal development, I still think it looks crazy. However it is scientifically proven that repeating affirmations and associating them with a specific movement will help condition your mind and re-program how you see yourself, your self esteem and your awareness.
It takes an incredibly confident character to do this kind of stuff especially in public at one of these crazy seminars!! Ultimately a positive mindset is fundamental to success so don't be so embarrassed and keep the end goal in mind.
One of the key things that stops people from being successful and happy is feeling too embarrassed to do what is necessary. Your mindset is key to your success and if you don't reinforce positive beliefs than your subconscious will reinforce what it likes and normally this is a plethora of negating and deprecating thoughts that will only hinder you.
Get embarrassed, make a fool out of yourself, make people look at you funny and disapprove, create awkward laughter, do what you have to do to grow some.
Embarrassment is nothing.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Tube humour take 2
So me and my flat mate, Stu, have decided to do some crazy things on the tube as a way to increase confidence and eliminate the fear of what people might think.
So we thought we'd start off light with some freestyle dancing this morning. We gave each other an incredibly geeky dance move to perform in front of all the miserable negtro (metro) morning commuters.... I love people really ;-).
So we board the train and thinking that Stu would choke I immediately demanded that he dance! So, he did!! Like a complete weirdo and actually what was surprising is that no one really gave a shit (maybe we needed to make the dance moves more obscene).
I then followed suit and got a similar reaction ha!
So that is my social challenge for you get up and dance on the tube/ a busy public area. If you can do that then doing a business presentation or approaching that girl/guy is far easier.
Get living and start embarrassing yourself.
So we thought we'd start off light with some freestyle dancing this morning. We gave each other an incredibly geeky dance move to perform in front of all the miserable negtro (metro) morning commuters.... I love people really ;-).
So we board the train and thinking that Stu would choke I immediately demanded that he dance! So, he did!! Like a complete weirdo and actually what was surprising is that no one really gave a shit (maybe we needed to make the dance moves more obscene).
I then followed suit and got a similar reaction ha!
So that is my social challenge for you get up and dance on the tube/ a busy public area. If you can do that then doing a business presentation or approaching that girl/guy is far easier.
Get living and start embarrassing yourself.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Tube Humour
London tube.... I've only ever met one person who says they enjoy the service and she said "I love the tube because you get to be so close to people and touch and smell them" ...... Right.......freak! Bless her she's quite the spiritual one/perverted :-S.
I for one do not enjoy the tube although it gives me a great excuse to write these, infact I'm on the tube right now surrounded by the brotherhood of tube haters lol.
Now there's a chap at my work called JB. He's renown for being a very extrovert character and really couldn't give a damn about what people think about him. He once said to me, I hate the way everyone is so miserable and antisocial on the tube in the mornings, so I challenged myself to speak to one person every day on the tube. What a fantastic attitude. A challenge that would probably brighten up most people's day and improve self confidence.
I enjoyed a funny moment this morning. I was reading my book "the Alchemist" and my friend was stood in a different part of the carriage about 4 metres away but in line of sight. I showed him my book and he shouted "hey nice book!". The response was hardly surprising with people's facially expressions saying things like "oh my god he just conversed in a train across a distance" mixed with "I will kill you for speaking".
So it goes without saying that there is evidence of a antisocial epidemic present in the UK and probably many other places where people succumb to custom, tradition, and mimic the herd. I think technology doesn't help but that's not going to stop innovating so in my opinion society needs to take action to become more social with strangers and realise the fulfilment and happiness derived from striking up conversations with people on the tube or other public places. Definition of irony, me sitting on the tube right now not engaging with anyone haha.
Embarrassed to talk to someone you don't know on the tube? I'm not, neither is JB. Grow don't stagnate, weird someone out, compliment someone's coat, smile at people, contribute more than you are.
Embarrassment is Nothing!
I for one do not enjoy the tube although it gives me a great excuse to write these, infact I'm on the tube right now surrounded by the brotherhood of tube haters lol.
Now there's a chap at my work called JB. He's renown for being a very extrovert character and really couldn't give a damn about what people think about him. He once said to me, I hate the way everyone is so miserable and antisocial on the tube in the mornings, so I challenged myself to speak to one person every day on the tube. What a fantastic attitude. A challenge that would probably brighten up most people's day and improve self confidence.
I enjoyed a funny moment this morning. I was reading my book "the Alchemist" and my friend was stood in a different part of the carriage about 4 metres away but in line of sight. I showed him my book and he shouted "hey nice book!". The response was hardly surprising with people's facially expressions saying things like "oh my god he just conversed in a train across a distance" mixed with "I will kill you for speaking".
So it goes without saying that there is evidence of a antisocial epidemic present in the UK and probably many other places where people succumb to custom, tradition, and mimic the herd. I think technology doesn't help but that's not going to stop innovating so in my opinion society needs to take action to become more social with strangers and realise the fulfilment and happiness derived from striking up conversations with people on the tube or other public places. Definition of irony, me sitting on the tube right now not engaging with anyone haha.
Embarrassed to talk to someone you don't know on the tube? I'm not, neither is JB. Grow don't stagnate, weird someone out, compliment someone's coat, smile at people, contribute more than you are.
Embarrassment is Nothing!
Thursday, 10 November 2011
In boldness there is greatness
So last Friday my company had the quarterly sales meeting. This is generally a progressively boring meeting with 400 slides on PowerPoint which normally results in me losing interest and creating awful funny sketches of the bosses.
So in this particular meeting we had to split into groups and one person from the group had to deliver the presentation to the rest of the sales and marketing teams, approx 40 people.
Now guess who got selected to do it in my team?? Well only me of course! So I create this presentation in 5min flat and have to present it to my bosses bosses boss....... Cool.
With the venue being an old court room we decided to play on the theme. With this in mind I strolled up to centre stage with my suit jacket resting on my shoulders and colleagues accompanying me ready to take my coat and give me a glass of water. Needless to say this created a lot of laughter.
Good start right?? It was a good start but for some reason as I started delivering it I got really bloody nervous to the point where I couldn't focus on a face nor stop from shaking uncontrollably. Anyway mid presentation I decided to let the audience know exactly how I felt "I'm so Fucking nervous!" chances of winning massively reduced instantly. So being someone who considers himself quite a good public speaker it's fair to say that I did a shit job and embarrassed the hell out of myself.
Immediately after the meeting we had company drinks (best part). Unfortunately however I felt so foolish from the presentation that I kept pondering on it and letting it clutter my mind.
The obvious thing to remember here is I didn't shy away from doing the presentation. And this courage is rare in most people you meet (looking at me bigging myself up) however when you get courage you automatically get units of confidence which help to straighten out some nerves (most of the time ;-) ). I now consider this experience a minor failure and incremental building block to my success as a public speaker. It's a skill few possess and those that do make a killing from it!!
The lesson here people is that to be embarrassed may have protected my pride (weak mindset) but ultimately would have left me more under developed. Whereas acknowledging that embarrassment is nothing, I forced myself into the position and became better as a person and business man for it!! What a small and forgettable price to pay for such a priceless reward!
So in this particular meeting we had to split into groups and one person from the group had to deliver the presentation to the rest of the sales and marketing teams, approx 40 people.
Now guess who got selected to do it in my team?? Well only me of course! So I create this presentation in 5min flat and have to present it to my bosses bosses boss....... Cool.
With the venue being an old court room we decided to play on the theme. With this in mind I strolled up to centre stage with my suit jacket resting on my shoulders and colleagues accompanying me ready to take my coat and give me a glass of water. Needless to say this created a lot of laughter.
Good start right?? It was a good start but for some reason as I started delivering it I got really bloody nervous to the point where I couldn't focus on a face nor stop from shaking uncontrollably. Anyway mid presentation I decided to let the audience know exactly how I felt "I'm so Fucking nervous!" chances of winning massively reduced instantly. So being someone who considers himself quite a good public speaker it's fair to say that I did a shit job and embarrassed the hell out of myself.
Immediately after the meeting we had company drinks (best part). Unfortunately however I felt so foolish from the presentation that I kept pondering on it and letting it clutter my mind.
The obvious thing to remember here is I didn't shy away from doing the presentation. And this courage is rare in most people you meet (looking at me bigging myself up) however when you get courage you automatically get units of confidence which help to straighten out some nerves (most of the time ;-) ). I now consider this experience a minor failure and incremental building block to my success as a public speaker. It's a skill few possess and those that do make a killing from it!!
The lesson here people is that to be embarrassed may have protected my pride (weak mindset) but ultimately would have left me more under developed. Whereas acknowledging that embarrassment is nothing, I forced myself into the position and became better as a person and business man for it!! What a small and forgettable price to pay for such a priceless reward!
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Movember: still growing strong
Did you enjoy my pun??..... You have no idea how proud of myself I am for thinking that up.
So anyway my moustache. It is looking ridiculous! Apparently my face decides to grow more hair on my chin than above my lip and as a result I have these two progressively dark streaks going down my face and a light, barely noticeable tash below my nose. This means that I basically look like I've been eating shit or according to some people drinking oil..... Right.... Also It's always quite amusing when I speak to a friend or co-worker who hasn't seen the 9 day masterpiece at all, as during the early part of the conversation they normally explode into laughter at which point I say "ah yes I forgot I have a stupid rat under my nose!"
So to summarise the movember thing is going well and I'm now just trying to get some donations whilst religiously clean shaving daily to avoid looking like a complete bell end, if that is at all possible....
The message is yes it looks silly and I hardly resemble Tom Sellick but it's for a good cause and who cares what people think because embarrassment is nothing!
So anyway my moustache. It is looking ridiculous! Apparently my face decides to grow more hair on my chin than above my lip and as a result I have these two progressively dark streaks going down my face and a light, barely noticeable tash below my nose. This means that I basically look like I've been eating shit or according to some people drinking oil..... Right.... Also It's always quite amusing when I speak to a friend or co-worker who hasn't seen the 9 day masterpiece at all, as during the early part of the conversation they normally explode into laughter at which point I say "ah yes I forgot I have a stupid rat under my nose!"
So to summarise the movember thing is going well and I'm now just trying to get some donations whilst religiously clean shaving daily to avoid looking like a complete bell end, if that is at all possible....
The message is yes it looks silly and I hardly resemble Tom Sellick but it's for a good cause and who cares what people think because embarrassment is nothing!
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Just put up a wall!
Hello there, slight change of topic today but one that links in closely with my theme.
Yesterday I was having a conversation at work with 4 colleagues and we were reminiscing about last Friday night. We had a work function and all got pretty drunk. Me being my somewhat fearless self saw two attractive women sitting chatting and decided to approach and start a conversation and I got blown out pretty quick,. No big deal and no harm done. Their loss ;-). Anyway, so my colleague says how embarrassing I was and how I shouldn't have spoken to the girls because I was punching above my weight. HA! How rude!
These kinds of reactions always make me laugh because there always from a place of envy or an attempt to make someone feel significant by putting one down in front of others.
More concerning though is that he felt that average looking guys (like me) shouldn't approach hot girls because there "out of their league". What a load of ball!
Confidence is one of the most attractive traits a man can possess and more important than looks any day. My point is this, and it may seem extreme, but how can male confidence flourish if people like my colleague are creating limits for others and suggesting that they shouldn't approach a woman out of fear of embarrassment. What a sad way to live. Life is about getting out of your comfort zone and doing the things that scare the shit out of you. That's what living is!!
Anyhow, sadly this particular colleague goes about putting up barriers across his life, and sadly he's not alone.
Next time you see a friend or colleague make a daring move e.g approaching a girl or guy, encourage that person and show your admiration. And when others act in envy just remember why they're doing it and smile because we're all capable of anything and embarrassment is nothing!!
Yesterday I was having a conversation at work with 4 colleagues and we were reminiscing about last Friday night. We had a work function and all got pretty drunk. Me being my somewhat fearless self saw two attractive women sitting chatting and decided to approach and start a conversation and I got blown out pretty quick,. No big deal and no harm done. Their loss ;-). Anyway, so my colleague says how embarrassing I was and how I shouldn't have spoken to the girls because I was punching above my weight. HA! How rude!
These kinds of reactions always make me laugh because there always from a place of envy or an attempt to make someone feel significant by putting one down in front of others.
More concerning though is that he felt that average looking guys (like me) shouldn't approach hot girls because there "out of their league". What a load of ball!
Confidence is one of the most attractive traits a man can possess and more important than looks any day. My point is this, and it may seem extreme, but how can male confidence flourish if people like my colleague are creating limits for others and suggesting that they shouldn't approach a woman out of fear of embarrassment. What a sad way to live. Life is about getting out of your comfort zone and doing the things that scare the shit out of you. That's what living is!!
Anyhow, sadly this particular colleague goes about putting up barriers across his life, and sadly he's not alone.
Next time you see a friend or colleague make a daring move e.g approaching a girl or guy, encourage that person and show your admiration. And when others act in envy just remember why they're doing it and smile because we're all capable of anything and embarrassment is nothing!!
Monday, 7 November 2011
Movember handlebars
So the time has come to swallow my pride and to embarrass myself for a good cause.
This month I have decided to grow an almighty handlebar moustache on behalf of a charity that sponsors R&D for prevention of Prostate Cancer.
My initial plan was to endeavour the handle bar and, if unsuccessful, transition to the classic pencil moustache (think Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind). Thankfully my handlebar is slowly blossoming and for a finale I plan to dye it yellow for the final day of the month to emulate a true hero.... Hulk Hogan.
I'm currently on day 7 and sporting a light tint above the lip and wolverine black towards the chin.... Sexy. It's great I get all these weird looks on the Piccadilly line in the morning. And people at work can't speak to me without first bursting out into laughter.
Lip hair rocks and embarrassment is nothing!
I will get a picture up soon!
This month I have decided to grow an almighty handlebar moustache on behalf of a charity that sponsors R&D for prevention of Prostate Cancer.
My initial plan was to endeavour the handle bar and, if unsuccessful, transition to the classic pencil moustache (think Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind). Thankfully my handlebar is slowly blossoming and for a finale I plan to dye it yellow for the final day of the month to emulate a true hero.... Hulk Hogan.
I'm currently on day 7 and sporting a light tint above the lip and wolverine black towards the chin.... Sexy. It's great I get all these weird looks on the Piccadilly line in the morning. And people at work can't speak to me without first bursting out into laughter.
Lip hair rocks and embarrassment is nothing!
I will get a picture up soon!
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Spartans! What is your profession?!!
Hey guys,
Thank you for coming to my wonderful blog. Today marks a rather special occasion as it is the day I make my first ever blogpost (wow that's actually a word..)
Last weekend I competed in an insane off road 12k race and obstacle course called Survival of the Fittest 2011 Nottingham. I ran with several good friends and before the race I made a bet with my good mate Ralph that I would inspire the 1000+ runners and spectators with an almighty Spartan chant!!
So on the day of the race I eagerly pushed myself to the front of the wave to be as close as possible to the race host as he gave a booming pep talk to all the runners.
I proceeded to snatch the microphone off the host, turn to face my mates and fellow runners and give my best spartan cry shouting: "Spartans! What is your profession!!!"
....
.....
....
the response....... Silence....... No one bothered to say a word, there was no chant, no Ahu! Ahu! Like in the movie 300.
All I got were a few murmurs of people in crowd saying "who is this douche bag??" Nonetheless my friends and I found it hilarious and it will live on in our memories as the day when I proved that embarrassment is a big word thrown about by small men!!
I've decided that I'm going to make this a tradition with a fresh war chant every year. So make sure you sign up to Survival of the Fittest now for next year and you might just see me make a fool of myself again!!
Embarrassment is Nothing!!
Thank you for coming to my wonderful blog. Today marks a rather special occasion as it is the day I make my first ever blogpost (wow that's actually a word..)
Last weekend I competed in an insane off road 12k race and obstacle course called Survival of the Fittest 2011 Nottingham. I ran with several good friends and before the race I made a bet with my good mate Ralph that I would inspire the 1000+ runners and spectators with an almighty Spartan chant!!
So on the day of the race I eagerly pushed myself to the front of the wave to be as close as possible to the race host as he gave a booming pep talk to all the runners.
I proceeded to snatch the microphone off the host, turn to face my mates and fellow runners and give my best spartan cry shouting: "Spartans! What is your profession!!!"
....
.....
....
the response....... Silence....... No one bothered to say a word, there was no chant, no Ahu! Ahu! Like in the movie 300.
All I got were a few murmurs of people in crowd saying "who is this douche bag??" Nonetheless my friends and I found it hilarious and it will live on in our memories as the day when I proved that embarrassment is a big word thrown about by small men!!
I've decided that I'm going to make this a tradition with a fresh war chant every year. So make sure you sign up to Survival of the Fittest now for next year and you might just see me make a fool of myself again!!
Embarrassment is Nothing!!
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