Takeaways
Socrates, the father of Greek philosophy, once said, "An unexamined life is not worth living." That quote, in a nutshell, is what this episode is all about. True evidence of a progressively transformed life is, therefore, deep self-introspection. The willingness to look at ourselves authentically in all its rawness (without the proverbial tinted lenses) brings clarity. Clarity develops gratitude. Gratitude itself is pointless if it does not imbue in you the willingness to want to use the transformation you are experiencing for the betterment of people other than yourself. The point here is that a journey of self-knowing gives you clarity; clarity births gratitude, and gratitude becomes the vehicle for acts of selfless service to humanity. Looking at it from such a lens, becoming the best version of yourself is not just a catchphrase you throw here and there but a movement that will ultimately make the world around you a better place and the lives of its inhabitants happier and worth living. Ito Driscoll has encapsulated this nicely in her with #fromfearfultofiercepodcast and why my podcast resonates so deeply with her. Thank you, Ito, for sharing your thoughts with my #viewers.
Have you heard me say that becoming the best version of oneself is a process, not a destination? Well, a big part of your journey will be recognising that in order to become fully, you must be willing to give. Have a #FIERCE week.
What causes offence is never about what is said or how it is said; rather, it is about the aura behind the intent of what is said. Let me explain.
Everything we say begins from the heart and our true intentions (the aura) behind that heart. Life is spiritual, and that spirit controls whatever the physical is doing. Let’s say, for example, that you are envious of someone’s achievement and you’ve succeeded in physically keeping your envy a secret; however, any action you take concerning that person will always be tainted by the aura of your envy.
#fromfearfultofierce
#theeyessayitall
#thespiritsaysitall
#liveintentionally
Recently, Emma Goddard of Balance Fulfillment stopped by to share her thoughts on #FromFearfultoFiercePodcast and why the thesis of my podcast—becoming the best version of one’s self through the power of self-knowing— resonates so deeply with her. Many thanks, @EmmaGoddard, for your support and thoughtful analysis of my podcast.
By the way, Emma is a time management expert, and her work on Balance Fulfilment is dedicated to “transforming unmotivated, stressed and overwhelmed groups (and individuals) into happy, motivated and productive teams.” She achieves that by using tailored training and coaching to teach easy, actionable time management strategies to private individuals and corporate entities. So, if you are looking for time management coaching that yields tangible results at home and at work, look no further. Emma’s well-proven strategies will help you say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to productivity as you empower your team (or yourself) to thrive and become the best at whatever you do.
For more on Emma Goddard, follow her and her proven and impactful coaching on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-goddard-154278148
#FromFearfultoFiercePodcast #selfdevelopment
#timemanagementtechniques
#success #workplacestrategy
#timemanagement
#expert
#productivityandperformance
#becomethebestversionofyourself
There’s no gain-saying the importance of a smile. Your smile is your best fashion statement and the most important wardrobe piece. Many of us do not understand our smile's absolute, indescribable power. A simple, honest, unstintingly-rendered smile can stop the most hard-hearted person in their track, alter the course of their negative attitude against you and work a decision in your favour. Furthermore, it can grant you entry into a space that would otherwise have been denied. If you don’t believe me, listen to my encounter with the power of a simple smile in #episode23 of #fromfearfultofiercepodcast. The amazing thing is that despite its huge benefits, a smile is absolutely free: it does not cost anything to smile and does not rob you of anything, either. If you truly want to become the best version of yourself, you need your smile. I can categorically say that you will never become the best version of yourself without using your smile. Trying to achieve such a feat would be similar to a surgeon going into his op room without a scalpel: with what will he do his cutting? #fromfearfultofierce, #healingtools #naturalhealingremedies #smileyourwaytosuccess #thepowerofasmile #healingyourself #mindbodyandsoul #liveintentionally
Although they are vital, words are not the only barrier in our self-building and self-awareness process; there is also attitude. In other words, the mindset we bring to the process of the daily workings of our lives is also a significant factor, as you will see in the story in this episode. In #episode21, we saw that becoming the best version of yourself is understanding the importance and impact of your spoken words. However, if your spoken words are not backed up by action…as seen in the example of my sister who immediately reversed her words when she saw that it was working against the result she wanted, the action that backed up her realisation of the need to change the trajectory of the happenings around her was the intentional immediate reversal of her words. Her attitude was not ‘Oh, well, it's happened, it has happened, nothing I can do about that now’. It was the opposite because she had the wisdom to realize that it is never too late and that ‘something can always be done’. Once my sister realised her mistake and reversed her words, she had the outcome she wanted. It came at a price, of course, because although they can be amended, mistakes can never be erased, but it came…nonetheless. In the same way, my view and impression of Austria changed when I changed my attitude and backed up that change by speaking and praying positively over the nation, its people and its leadership.
#fromfearfultofierce #healingyourself #mindbodyandsoul #attitudematters #liveintentionally
Once upon a time there was a woman who came from a humble but deeply spiritual home. As a young girl, the woman dreamed of having an education: the kinds she read about in the books she'd seen in the clean and colourful school bags of her classmates who, unlike her, were from homes built with zinc roofs and encircled by iron-barricaded gates. Because of the circumstances of her upbringing and her society's belief that educating a female child was a waste of family resources (especially if those resources were limited, to begin with), the woman could not acquire that kind of education. However. she could not be stopped. If she could not get it for herself, she would dream and pray for them to be brought into existence for her children. As a mother, she focused on living the kind of life she wanted to see in her children, part of which was stability in faith against all odds and performances of little actions that ensured they became the best versions of themselves today than they were yesterday. Her message of hope, kindness, fearlessness, faith and courage spread through her family, inspiring her children -and generations of her lineage - to strive for the very best they could be whatever their prevailing circumstances at any given time. That woman was my mother. Today, her children and grandchildren are proud alumni of renowned institutions such as Imperial College, Cambridge, Oxford, MIT, and London School of Economics, to mention but a few. My mother's legacy is a reminder that we all have the power to overcome our fears and become fierce in pursuing our dreams. #fromfearfultofierce #lastinglegacies #liveintentionally #alifewelllived
Are you human?
To be human means
✅ to be civilized and tolerant. ✅ It also means accepting others regardless of their beliefs, race, or culture and recognizing that everyone has the right to the same dignity and respect you expect for yourself. ✅ It means working towards the common good and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. ✅ Finally, to be human means to be empathetic and to understand and share the feelings of others. To that end, empathy is the least expected in a civilised society that values order, respect and honour. A society where people expect to be respected and honoured but do not hesitate to disrespect and dishonour others is a society very much on the brink of the abyss of the mentally degenerate. Therefore, as a human, it's essential to be clear about your values and how those affect the wider world.
So, what are the indications that you are human, civilised and tolerant?
#toleranceandhumanity #civilisationmatters #bekind #standforjustice #dignityandrespectforallmatters #getupstandup #standupforyourright
An essential part of becoming the best version of yourself is understanding the importance and impact of spoken words. Yes, the words we speak are critical to our personal growth, and they can do and undo, mould, break, build, or scatter us. We say so many things daily, but most of the things we say do not build us up physically, emotionally or spiritually in any form or shape. Nonetheless, we continue to say them out of ignorance or simply because we don’t care what comes out of our mouths. The irony is that we expect the positive despite uttering the negatives. The sad thing about this is that we are utterly clueless in that we are often the authors of the misfortunes that plague us, as evidenced in the short story my sister shared in this episode. And so, as you listen to #episode20 of #fromfearfultofierce, I wish you the realisation of the power of spoken words - to build or break. Enjoy!
#fromfearfultofierce #spokenwords #healingyourself #mindbodyandsoul #liveintentionally #wordsoflight #wordsoflove #healingwords #streamsofconsciousness
re you letting your insecurities undermine you in a way you may not realise? Becoming the best version of oneself often means having the courage to profoundly and honestly analyse ourselves to weed out traits that may prevent us from being the best we can be. When is the best time to begin living fearlessly, unapologetically and authentically, you may ask. And I answer…what better time than now? So, welcome, to the journey of discovering who you really are. Welcome to knowing, loving and accepting you true authentic self.#respect #kindness #empathy#Empowerment #Inspiration.#selfloveislearnedlove
The saying "Don't expect what you don't respect" inspires us to build stronger connections based on mutual trust and understanding. By showing respect to others, we create a positive and supportive environment for everyone. #respect #kindness #empathy #positivevibes #socrates #unexaminedlifeisnotworthliving
Every word we speak has the power to inspire and empower others. It works the other way around, too. Unfortunately, whilst some have no problem being the voice for others, we often find it difficult to find voices to speak for us, especially if we are perceived as having a strong and powerful voice. No man is an island; no one person was created to exist as a single entity with the ability to provide solely for himself or herself. In whatever form or shape, however a minute way, we all need emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual support from one another every now and again. So, in your willingness to give of yourselves, be vulnerable enough to admit that you also need support. #SpeakYourTruth #FindYourVoice #Empowerment #Inspiration. #peopleforpeople #
Imagine meeting your mirror image - what traits would make you say 'I do'?
It’s a well-known fact that divorce rates are going through the roof. From any angle, continent, race, or material standpoint, no region (or area) of our world is spared the pain and sorrow of a high divorce rate. The #BIG question no one seems to think there’s an answer to is, how can we stop this negative trend? What if the solution were as simple as making more effort to know ourselves? When engaging in the 'mundane but essential' act of finding a life partner, most of us begin by making a list…a very long list…of the traits or features we would like that partner to possess. Although we are the ones wanting the partner, we rarely begin by asking what we have to offer - something (or somethings) that would make the potential spouse insist, ‘Where thou goest, there goeth I!’ Yes, we often look outward rather than inward for the features that would cause us to say ‘I do.’
One of the statements I frequently make on my podcast (#fromfearfultofiercepodcast) is that self-knowing is the primary factor in achieving success. We all want to become, make an impact, and feel that we made a difference at the end of our lives on earth. But how can you make an impact, or any difference (in any form or shape), if you don’t even know the self wanting to do those things?
So my question, again, is - if you met your mirror image, and they wanted you as their life partner, what attributes does that mirror image possess that would cause you to say “I do”?
#love #relationships #selflove #empathy #kindness #understanding #MirrorIntelligence #CuriousMatch #MirrorMatch #SoulmateSearch #PositiveThinking #SoulmateCriteria #ImaginaryFriends #PositiveThinking
Instinct is a natural and innate behaviour that is present in almost every living, including humans. It is a primal and automatic response to certain stimuli, such as danger or hunger. Instincts are often associated with survival and parenting and can vary significantly between different species and individuals. While instincts can be powerful and useful, they can also be overridden or modified by learning and experience. Needless to say, instincts are vital to our overall well-being. However, as has already been noted, instincts can easily be modified or overridden by learned experience. The question, therefore, is...how do we prevent our learned behaviour from overriding our instincts?
Finally, how can we use instincts as tools for self-development? What are the tips for making this possible?
#TrustYourInstincts #FollowYourDreams #TrustYourInstincts #FollowYourDreams #fromfearfultofierce #selfgrowth #selfdevelopmentstrategies #selfhelptips
How can we use instincts as tools for self-development? What are the tips for making this possible?
I have with me the fabulously talented Margaret Carter to bring even more enlightenment to this interesting topic. Margaret, who is originally from the USA but has lived in Austria for over three decades, is "a polyglot" who works as a teacher for the City of Vienna. She is also a former US Air Force and NATO officer with experience in arms control of nuclear and conventional weapons. And just when you were going to think, wow...she is all that, here is another feather in the cap of this amazing woman. Margaret is a rich and smooth singer whose timbre lends itself well to jazz and blues. To crown it all, she is an organizer and curator of international art exhibitions and a mother of "three amazing young people."
Enjoy!
Who are you? Life is a journey of self-discovery. Knowing who we truly are can help us navigate life's ups and downs more clearly and purposefully. Our true selves are often hidden beneath layers of societal expectations and self-doubt. Take some time to peel back those layers and discover the amazing person you are.
#selfdiscovery #lifejourney #knowyourself.
#selflove #selfacceptance #embracethejourney
#innerstrength #selfdiscovery #authenticity
The topic for this episode is facade. A facade is anything that covers or prevents you from being seen.
Every one of us hides behind a facade, or mask, at one point or another in our lives. This facade stops us from becoming the best version of ourselves, and the key to removing that mask is living our true authentic self - and doing so fearlessly, unapologetically and undeniably.
To discuss this intriguing topic I have with me this week a guest co-host, Margaret Carter. Originally from the USA, Margaret is, in her own words, "a polyglot" who works as a teacher for the City of Vienna. Margaret certainly wears many hats because, in addition to being a former US Air Force and NATO officer with experience in arms control of nuclear and conventional weapons, also a singer with a rich and smooth voice whose timbre lends itself well to jazz and blues, an organizer and curator of international art exhibitions, this versatile lady is a mother of three amazing young people.
MORE ON MARGARET:
Margaret Carter attended Hollins University (Virginia, USA), where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a concentration in Russian Studies. She continued her education at various universities around the world, finally finishing her Master’s degree in International Business at Webster University in Vienna, Austria. She has honours in Spanish and is inducted into her university’s Hall of Fame for fencing. She has lived, worked and/or studied in 34 countries around the world and has represented Austria internationally as a member of the Austrian National Women’s Rugby team.
A former US Air Force and NATO officer experienced arms control treaty as well as political/military analysis, she moved to Austria 30 years ago; she has had various jobs in IT, business development, as well as communication and public relations for international corporations. She was also a project manager for a local environmental NGO managing EU projects in the areas of transportation and renewable energy. She is a native speaker teacher for the Vienna Board of Education, teaching seven subjects – including chemistry, physics, music, and art – to students in two schools. In English. Of note, she speaks six languages and performs jazz at concerts internationally.
Since 2014, she has organized and curated four charity art exhibitions highlighting the works of international women artists. The current exhibition, Rich and Poor in the Dom Museum, was a catalyst and inspiration for the upcoming charity exhibition Worldwide Women: Life by Numbers, which will be held from 1 to 31 March 2022 at the VinziRast in the 9th district. While the Dom Museum focuses on the comprehensive, international, and historical aspects of poverty and wealth in the world, the exhibition Life by Numbers deals with women and poverty in Austria on a structural level. The exhibition is free to the public, and there will be six events throughout the month to highlight the topic of Women and Poverty in Austria.
And just in case anyone knows of someone, she is currently looking for a supervisor for her PhD work at the University of Vienna, Institute of International Development.
Strengths are traits that empower us to improve, do better, and become the best version of ourselves. The question is, are strengths immovable? Meaning do they stay strengths - and therefore positive - forever? Socrates (the renowned Greek philosopher) used to say that a life that is not regularly examined is not worth living. And so before you consider any trait as your strength, it is advisable to examine and re-examine it to ensure that the trait is working for you and not against you because any "strength" that impedes your self-growth is a weakness, no longer your strength.
"Preparation precedes exploits" emphasizes thorough preparation's vital role in achieving success and personal growth. The concept underscores the value of foresight, diligence, and strategic planning in overcoming challenges, especially when embarking on a new project or seizing new opportunities. It challenges us to consider the pivotal role of preparation in achieving our goals. It reminds us that actual achievement results from deliberate and thoughtful preparation rather than mere luck; by embracing this principle, we can unlock our full potential and forge remarkable accomplishments. This is a key theme explored in From Fearful to Fierce podcast – because it guides individuals towards fearless and unapologetic living, self-growth, health and mindfulness living. It also encourages us to approach challenges with a proactive rather than reactive mindset, which allows us to anticipate obstacles and develop effective strategies for overcoming them before those obstacles actually happen. By prioritizing preparation, we can cultivate a sense of confidence and readiness that empowers us to tackle any endeavour with resilience and determination. Finally, the concepts delve into practical techniques for honing self-growth skills and offer real-world, real-life, actionable advice for integrating preparation into our daily lives.
When raising your child or children, do you adopt trending and popular styles or use your own commonsense?
Those who maltreat others sometimes say that it was by mistake and that they did not mean to do it. What do you think? Can someone maltreat or disrespect another by mistake?
To become your best, you must be authentic. To be authentic, you must be courageous. Being courageous sometimes means accepting certain parts of you that make you uncomfortable. Knowing this, are you brave enough to be fully authentic?
