Podcast Episode 13: “In the Beginning Was the Word…” — The Miracle of Water & Self-Talk
What if your words were sculpting your body, your brain, and your future—without you even realising it?
In this mind-altering episode of Success by Design, Tom Blackledge reveals a truth so bizarre, it sounds like pseudoscience—until you hear the research. From Dr. Masaru Emoto’s controversial water experiments to timeless wisdom from Stoic philosophers and Taoist teachings, this episode explores the unseen power of language and how it’s literally shaping your life on a molecular level.
🔹 Are you unknowingly poisoning yourself with your own self-talk?
🔹 Can words really change water—and if so, what are they doing to YOU?
🔹 Is there a secret formula to building confidence, energy, and better relationships—just by changing your inner dialogue?
You’ll also learn:
Why you’re 70% water—and why that matters more than you think
How Emoto’s frozen water crystals became a metaphor for self-development
What Marcus Aurelius, Bruce Lee, and modern neuroscience have in common
A powerful “Language Audit” technique to shift your mindset immediately
The two words that created the most beautiful water crystal ever photographed
This is your invitation to speak life into yourself, to change your energy, and to start designing your reality one word at a time.
👉 Stay until the end for a life-changing quote from Dr. Emoto—and a practical challenge that could shift your entire relationship with your thoughts.
🧠 Success isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you speak into existence.
This one will stay with you long after it ends.
🎯 Want to Master Anything—Faster?
Whether it’s martial arts, music, business, or personal growth—you can speed up your success starting today. In this episode of the Success By Design podcast, Tom Blackledge (former UFC fighter and world-class coach) breaks down the 3 proven methods to fast-track your improvement in any skill.
🔥 You'll learn:
Why the right mentor can shortcut your learning curve
How discovering your WHY unlocks drive on your darkest days
Why consistency beats talent—every time
💥 Plus: The Goldilocks Rule—a game-changing bonus strategy to stay in the sweet spot for explosive progress.
🧠 Real stories. No fluff. Just results.
🎧 Hit play now to level up your mindset, skills, and success—by design, not by default.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and visit tomblackledge.com for books, courses, and exclusive content.
Have you ever wondered what your life was like before you started working on yourself? In this powerful episode of Success By Design, host Tom Blackledge breaks down the mindset shift between Before Personal Development (BPD) and After Personal Development (APD) — a transformation that reshapes your purpose, relationships, and success.
🎯 Whether you're new to self-improvement, or deep into your personal growth journey, this episode is packed with insights, wisdom, and hard-hitting truths. We’ll explore:
What personal development actually means
How mindset, belief systems and habits hold you back
The impact of personal growth on your relationships
Resistance from friends, partners, and your own ego
Stoic wisdom from Seneca, and ancient philosophy that still applies today
🧠 Topics Covered:
Personal development journey
Mindset shifts for success
Self-growth and discipline
Stoicism and modern life
How to grow without losing people you love
Why many people fear change and sabotage their future
Books and tools that fuel transformation
If you're working on becoming the best version of yourself — this episode is for you. Share it with someone who’s ready to grow.
Want to boost your income, lead with confidence, and unlock your full potential? Start by mastering the most overlooked tool for success — your vocabulary.
In Episode 10 of Success By Design, we dive deep into why your words are your secret weapon for success in life, business, and personal growth. Research shows that vocabulary is one of the strongest predictors of career success, even more than your IQ or education level. CEOs, leaders, and high achievers all have one thing in common: they know how to express themselves with clarity and power.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why vocabulary shapes your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
How strong communication skills set leaders apart from the crowd.
The real data behind vocabulary and success (and how it affects income, opportunity, and even incarceration).
What ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Nietzsche knew about language and personal power.
5 practical tools to improve your vocabulary and transform your life.
Whether you're focused on self-improvement, leadership, entrepreneurship, or mindset mastery, this episode gives you the tools to think better, speak better, and live better.
👉 If you're serious about personal development and designing your best life, don't miss this.
🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes on self-development, mindset, martial arts philosophy, and becoming the best version of yourself.
0:00 – Intro: The Hidden Power of Words
1:00 – Why Vocabulary is the Toolbox of Thought
4:30 – Shocking Studies: Vocabulary vs. Success
9:00 – Philosophy of Language: Marcus Aurelius & Nietzsche
12:00 – 5 Tools to Build Your Vocabulary & Change Your Life
15:00 – Closing: Speak Better, Live Better
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💬 Leave a comment: What’s one new word you’ve learned recently that changed how you think?
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📲 Share this with someone who needs to hear this today.
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Podcast 9 – Memento Mori: How Facing Death Makes You Unstoppable
Most people live like they’ll never die — putting off dreams, avoiding risk, and wasting time. But the ancient Stoics had a powerful reminder for us: Memento Mori — “Remember you must die.”
In this episode of Success By Design, we explore how embracing your mortality can unlock true freedom, clarity, and courage. This is not about fear — it’s about living on purpose.
I break down the Stoic philosophy of Memento Mori and share how great leaders like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca used this mindset to live fully, love deeply, and lead powerfully. Plus, you’ll learn how to apply Memento Mori in daily life with real, actionable steps.
You’ll hear:
Why ignoring death leads to regret
How to eliminate fear of failure and judgment
What the Stoics taught about time, love, and legacy
Why Stoicism is more relevant than ever in today’s distracted world
The link between personal development and meditating on mortality
How to turn Memento Mori into a mindset for success
If you want to stop wasting time, live more intentionally, and take your self-development to the next level, this is a must-listen.
🎧 Listen now and discover how remembering death can teach you how to live with strength, love, and meaning.
🧠 Keywords:Memento Mori, Stoicism, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, personal development podcast, mindset coach, self-improvement, daily Stoic practice, overcoming fear, embracing mortality, mental toughness, how to live fully, success mindset, motivational podcast, life coaching UK, success by design podcast
👉 Subscribe now, share with someone who needs a wake-up call, and visit TomBlackledge.com to explore coaching, courses, and books on personal mastery and mental resilience
The 5 Regrets That Will Haunt You (Unless You Act Now)
In this powerful episode, Tom Blackledge explores the five most common regrets people have at the end of their lives — and how to avoid making the same mistakes.
Through stories, personal reflections, and insights from Stoicism, mindset training, and martial arts, Tom breaks down how to live a life true to yourself, without sacrificing what matters most.
Expect real talk on:
Living with purpose instead of fear
Working hard for the right reasons
The courage to express how you feel
The power of friendship and connection
Why happiness is a choice — not a destination
A must-listen for anyone on the path of personal development, mental resilience, and designing a life without regret.
🔗 More at tomblackledge.com
#SuccessByDesign #Mindset #Growth #SelfHelp #MartialArts #MentalHealth #Stoicism #LifeDesign
🎯 The 10 Best Lessons from Jim Rohn That Will Change Your Life | Success By Design Podcast Ep.7
Are you ready to earn more, think bigger and become the person your goals require?
In this episode of Success By Design, we break down 10 of the most powerful life lessons from one of the greatest minds in personal development history — Jim Rohn.
Jim Rohn mentored Tony Robbins and inspired millions — but these lessons aren't just motivational quotes... They're practical strategies to upgrade your mindset, habits, wealth, and results.
→ Why “Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better” is life-changing
→ The truth about your inner circle and why your friends might be holding you back
→ The missing link between goals and success (it’s not motivation)
→ How to attract success instead of chasing it
→ The harsh truth: Pain of discipline vs pain of regret
→ And the #1 mindset shift that changed MY life forever
These lessons have stood the test of time because they work. Whether you want to make more money, become a better leader, or build a stronger mindset — this episode is your playbook.
🔥 Timestamps for Easy Navigation
0:00 - Intro
2:01 - Lesson 1: Don’t wish it were easier…
6:15 - Lesson 2: You are the average of 5 people...
10:02 - Lesson 3: Discipline is the bridge...
13:37 - Lesson 4: Success is simple disciplines...
17:20 - Lesson 5: Work harder on yourself...
20:15 - Lesson 6: Design your life plan...
23:11 - Lesson 7: Gratitude + Ambition...
26:02 - Lesson 8: Attract success by who you become...
30:20 - Lesson 9: Pain of discipline vs pain of regret...
34:15 - Lesson 10: For things to change, YOU have to change...
37:50 - Final thoughts & Call to Action
👍 Like the video
🔔 Subscribe for more mindset, personal growth, and self-development episodes
💬 Comment your favourite Jim Rohn lesson below
📲 Share this with someone who needs to hear it today
→ How to Stop Caring What People Think - https://youtu.be/[link]
→ The Power of Discipline in Success - https://youtu.be/[link]
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#JimRohn #SuccessByDesignPodcast #SelfDevelopment #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #JimRohnLessons #SuccessHabits #LifeLessons #Motivation #Discipline #MindsetPodcast
In this episode, you’ll learn:If you got value from this, please:MORE Success By Design Episodes to Watch Next:
If you want to appear stronger, walk taller, and back yourself in any room—you need to understand the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence.
Most people confuse them and don't even develop either.
Some chase confidence but still feel like frauds inside.
Others look strong on the outside, but secretly doubt their own worth.
This episode of Success By Design breaks it all down:
✅ Why confidence is domain-specific — and how to build it
✅ How self-esteem is built in silence — through integrity
✅ The truth about modern parenting and why shielding kids from struggle is backfiring
✅ What martial arts, Stoicism, and a butterfly can teach us about becoming unshakeable
✅ How to finally stop second-guessing yourself and build genuine belief from the inside out
Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, a parent, or just someone trying to become stronger… this one is for you.
🧠 Watch now and start building the version of you that doesn’t break under pressure.
🎙️ Podcast Title: Self-Esteem vs. Self-Confidence
📺 Host: Tom Blackledge | Success By Design Podcast
👉 Tap the link, hit subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this today.
#Confidence #SelfEsteem #SuccessMindset #PersonalGrowth #MentalStrength #Stoicism #TomBlackledge #SuccessByDesign #MindsetMatters #Resilience #SelfBelief #BuildYourself #MensMentalHealth #Parenting #MartialArtsMindset
Episode 5: Show Me Your Circle
Your friends shape your future more than you think.
In this episode of Success By Design, we dive deep into the power of your circle of influence — how the people closest to you can either fuel your growth or drain your potential. Inspired by ancient wisdom and modern psychology, we’ll explore why choosing the right friendships is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
Discover:
Why your environment often beats your willpower
How to audit your circle without guilt
The hidden cost of staying loyal to the wrong people
What Stoics and successful leaders taught about influence and friendship
If you’ve ever felt stuck, held back, or out of alignment — your circle might be the reason.
Let’s change that.
Anxiety is a modern plague—but what if the key to overcoming it was discovered over 2,000 years ago? In this episode of Success By Design, we dive into the Stoic philosophy that helped warriors, emperors, and thinkers stay calm in the face of chaos.
You’ll learn:
✅ How Marcus Aurelius and Seneca tackled anxiety and uncertainty
✅ Why focusing only on what you can control is the ultimate freedom
✅ A simple, powerful Stoic exercise to break free from fear and overthinking
✅ How to turn life’s unpredictability into an advantage
Anxiety thrives on imagined fears—Stoicism teaches us how to strip those illusions away. If you’re tired of being ruled by stress, this episode will give you the mindset shift you need.
Listen now and take control.
Why do strong role models matter now more than ever? In this episode of Success by Design, I dive into the power of leadership, mythology, and personal responsibility. From He-Man to Optimus Prime, from Achilles to Alexander the Great—history and storytelling have always shaped strong men and women. But in today’s world of instant gratification and shallow influencers, who is leading the next generation?Join me as we explore:✅ The role of myth and the hero’s journey in shaping character✅ Why courage, honor, and discipline are the forgotten virtues of leadership✅ How we can step up and embody the values we want to see in the worldIf you want to be part of the solution and not just another spectator, this episode is for you.📩 Sign up for updates on my books & courses: TomBlackledge.com🎧 Listen to past episodes: Podcast Library💬 Who were your idols and inspirations growing up? Let me know in the comments!#Leadership #RoleModels #SelfDevelopment #SuccessMindset #HeroJourney #PersonalGrowth #Discipline #Mentorship #SuccessByDesign #TomBlackledge #Courage #Honor #MMA #Stoicism #Mythology #MensMentalHealth
MMA isn’t just about fighting—it’s about mastering yourself. The lessons learned in the cage apply far beyond competition. Whether it’s in business, relationships, or personal growth, the mindset of a fighter can shape how you approach challenges.
In this episode of Success by Design, I break down five powerful life lessons I’ve learned from MMA—lessons that can transform how you think, act, and grow:
🥋 Lesson 1: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable – Growth only happens when you push past your comfort zone. MMA forces you into chaos, and through that, you learn to adapt.
🥋 Lesson 2: The Best Fighters (and People) Adapt – The greatest fighters—and the most successful people—don’t just stick to one game plan. They adjust, evolve, and find ways to win no matter the challenge.
🥋 Lesson 3: The Fight Is Won in the Preparation – The work done in the gym, behind closed doors, determines the outcome of the fight. Just like in life, success is built in the preparation long before the big moment arrives.
🥋 Lesson 4: You Either Win or You Learn – Every loss is a lesson. The best fighters don’t fear failure—they use it as fuel to improve. This mindset shift is key to success in every area of life.
🥋 Lesson 5: The Only Fight That Matters Is the One Against Yourself – The biggest battle isn’t with your opponent—it’s with your own self-doubt, fear, and discipline. Master yourself, and you can master anything.
MMA has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of self-mastery—things that anyone, fighter or not, can apply to their own life.
📩 Sign up for updates on my books & courses: TomBlackledge.com
🎧 Listen to past episodes: Podcast Library
💬 What’s the biggest lesson a sport or challenge has taught you? Let me know in the comments!
#MMA #LifeLessons #SuccessMindset #MentalToughness #Discipline #SelfDevelopment #Resilience #FighterMindset #SuccessByDesign #TomBlackledge
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Are you living for yourself or for the approval of others? In this first episode of Success by Design, we break down the hidden cost of people-pleasing and how to reclaim your confidence. Drawing from philosophy, psychology, and real-world experience, I’ll give you the mindset shift you need to stop overthinking and start living authentically.
🔹 Why we seek approval (and why it holds us back)
🔹 The Stoic mindset for overcoming judgment
🔹 Practical steps to build unshakable self-belief
Listen now and start living on your own terms.
Follow for more episodes on mindset, self-mastery, and personal growth.