Do Life Better Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Work”

You Can Do Hard Things - Solo Round

Dave Jorna — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 05:00:00 +1000

What’s your dream goal? Have you started working towards making it a reality, or is it still only in the dream stage because it seems too difficult?

Last weekend, I turned one of my long-term dreams into a reality by finishing my first marathon. The training and race day were perfect opportunities for me to use many of the strategies we’ve shared on this podcast and to test them out in a fairly extreme situation, well extreme for me anyway!

Maybe your dream isn’t to run a marathon, instead it might be to get a promotion, start a business, get that job, be accepted into your degree or something else. You have what it takes to do hard things by turning those dreams into goals and then into reality. You just need to take the right steps - physically and mentally.

Here are the techniques I used that will also help you achieve your big goal:

Necessity
Visualisation
Feed the good
Real, positive self talk
Celebrate the wins
Back yourself

This week’s challenge: choose one of the above areas to work on this week so that you can keep moving closer to achieving your goal.

You can follow me on Instagram at @davejorna and @dolifebetterpodcast. To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops,
visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.

Now, go out and create a great day.

Habits for Living a Good, Full Life with Dr John Barletta

Dave Jorna — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 05:00:00 +1000

What does a good, full life look like to you?

There are specific things you can do to create this a reality.

In this episode Dr John Barletta and I chat about the following:

We can deliberately create and embrace opportunities so we can have a good, full life.
Flourish by using PERMA(H):
- Positive emotions: deliberately find activities that provide positive emotions
- Engagement: find a space where you can get in the zone to experience flow
- Relationships: positive connections with other people
- Meaning: the deeper purpose and goal behind why do I do the things that I do in my life?
- sense of Accomplishment or Achievement: move forward with endeavours big and small to gain a sense of mastering in your life
- Health: what I am doing to look after my mind and body, such as exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness
Relationships are critical for flourishing

The challenge: take the VIA strengths survey online at https://www.viacharacter.org/www/, find out your top 5 strengths and think about how you use them, or could use them, to fulfil your goals in your life.

Dr John Barletta is a Counselling and Clinical Psychologist in Brisbane who promotes healthy living via integrated positive psychology principles. His expertise includes therapy, workshops, keynotes, medico-legal and psychological assessments, corporate consulting, executive coaching, mediation, and clinical supervision.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.

Now, go out and create a great day.

Hardwiring Your Brain for Happiness, Calm and Strength with Dr Rick Hanson

Dave Jorna — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +1000

I’ve been looking forward to bringing you today’s episode with Dr Rick Hanson ever since we organised the interview.

As many of you know, I’m training for my very first marathon which I’ll be running the Sunday after this episode is released, and I’ve been using a lot of what Rick spoke about in my training as a way to build up my resilience, inner strength and enhance my mind game. And come race day, I will certainly be drawing on a lot of his tips and strategies, especially when the struggle begins.

I first heard of Rick a couple of years ago on the School of Greatness podcast with Lewis Howes, and his messages have helped me create a lot more happiness, self confidence and resilience in my every day life…and I know it will help you too. In fact, our earlier episode on savouring was inspired by what I previously learnt from Rick.

In this episode, Rick will help you overcome the brain’s negativity bias, release painful thoughts and feelings, and replace them with self-compassion, hope, and inner peace. He will also show you how to turn your everyday experiences like the warmth of a friends smile or a pleasant meal, into lasting inner strengths which become hardwired into your brain, such as resilience, balance and positive emotions.

Rick and I chat about:

Savouring and gaining as much as possible from experiences of every day
Building psychological muscles to influence who you are becoming
How to create positive internal change by changing the brain in half a minute or less
How negatives stick like velcro and positives slides of like Teflon
How to counteract the negativity bias
Resting in a sense of your own self worth, confidence and capability
Gratitude makes you stronger
The importance of looking for beneficial experiences
Three keys ways to build resilience
Rick’s daily routine and habits
Why it’s important to move through life like a sticky net
Rick’s personal practice for a rapid release of anger

Rick’s challenge for the week: take in one good thing every day and do it deliberately.

You can contact Dr Rick Hanson at www.rickhanson.net

For information on Rick’s books, visit https://www.rickhanson.net/rick-hanson/

Rick will be in Melbourne, Australia in July, 2018, for Open Ground - http://www.openground.com.au/rick-hanson-australian-tour

You can follow Dave on Instagram at @[davejorna](Instagram.com/davejorna) and @[dolifebetterpodcast](instagram.com/dolifebetterpodcast)

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

The Power of Your Words - Solo Round

Dave Jorna — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +1000

What was your response the last time someone asked you, “How are you?”. The words you used influenced you and the person you were speaking with, and it could have given a powerful insight into your mindset, attitude and mental state.

Words are more than just words, they create your reality. After all, the way you interpret the world around you is through your internal dialogue.

Each and every encounter you have with someone is an opportunity to leave them feeling better for spending time with you. The words you use play a large role in creating this positive influence.

In this short solo round, I’ll dive into the power of your words and the importance of choosing your words wisely so they uplift and empower you and those around you.

The challenge for the week: remove “not bad”, “can’t complain” and other negative responses from your vocabulary and replace them with more positive responses. See how this effects those you speak with and your own mental state.

You can follow Dave on Instagram at @[davejorna](Instagram.com/davejorna) and @[dolifebetterpodcast](instagram.com/dolifebetterpodcast)

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

High Performance, Wellbeing and Valued Action with Annie Flamsteed

Dave Jorna — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +1000

I’m really excited about this episode today because our guest has been a long time listener of the Do Life Better podcast and now has the chance to share her inspiring story with all of you and give you heaps of practical tips that you can implement immediately.

Have you ever wanted to create a greater sense of balance in your overall wellbeing, but weren’t sure how or what to monitor and change? Are you wanting to perform at your peak, but struggle getting there consistently? Today’s guest can help you. Annie Flamsteed is a young entrepreneur who’s turned her experience of the ups and downs that come with being a high performing athlete into a business designed to help young athletes perform at their peak, not just in the arena but all aspects of their life. Whether you are an athlete, business person, student, or anyone else trying to do your life even better, this chat with Annie is full of tips and strategies that will help you perform at your best. So, I hope you enjoy this chat with Annie Flamsteed.

Some of the topics we discuss are:

What was it like growing up as a high level gymnast with the pressures associated with social media starting to become more popular?
The struggles many athletes face outside of training and competing
What’s important about tracking your wellbeing daily and how can we do it?
What are some of the key things we should be doing daily to increase our wellbeing?
What makes overall wellbeing so important for athletes and high performers?
What are your best tips or advice for athletes or anyone else wanting to improve their wellbeing?

You can contact Annie on instagram at @inspiresport.aus and on www.inspiresport.com.

Annie’s challenge for the week: create your four boxes of success. In each box, firstly write down one main thing you value in your life. Secondly, in these boxes write down the three things you will achieve today. Let this be your ‘To Do’ list for the day. And then write, “Would I say this to my friend” as a reminder to be kind to yourself.

You can follow Dave on Instagram at @[davejorna](Instagram.com/davejorna) and @[dolifebetterpodcast](instagram.com/dolifebetterpodcast)

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Make This Moment Count - Solo Round

Dave Jorna — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +1000

What if this moment right now is the most important moment of your day? After all, this is the only moment you can change, is full potential and has countless options, if you choose to see it and grasp it. This moment right now is so important because you can also use it to determine how you show up for what ever is coming next - if you stay in a stressed state, you will show up even more stressed. However, if you go into a state of bliss, peace, calm and gratitude, you will carry that with you into where ever you are going next

During this episode, I share with you some habits for making the most of each moment and increasing your presence. I also take you through a quick exercise for helping you to become truly present and grateful especially during times of worry, stress and anxiety.

The challenge for this week: find 10 minutes each morning to go through this exercise. Bonus - create moments through your day for a quick check-in to become more present.

You can follow Dave on Instagram at @[davejorna](Instagram.com/davejorna) and @[dolifebetterpodcast](Instagram.com/dolifebetterpodcast) (Instagram.com/dolifebetterpodcast)

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Habits for Grit and Resilience with Dr John Barletta

Dave Jorna — Mon, 28 May 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Do you ever feel like quitting because it all seems too difficult? During these moments, the set backs can feel like they keep taking you further and further away from succeeding, so giving up becomes very tempting. Sound familiar? I’ve been there too.

Yet, we all know of people who, despite the biggest obstacles, keep moving forward with hope, motivation and a sense of perspective. Maybe, you are like this too.

What’s the difference? How come some people are able to move forward in the face of adversity while others crumble?

It’s not about skill or intelligence, instead it’s your grit and resilience that counts.

You are stronger than you would ever imagine, especially when you practice the right habits.

In this episode, the Do Life Better podcast’s resident psychologist, Dr John Barletta, and I share strategies and habits for building your grit and resilience to help you move through challenging moments with greater positivity and purpose.

How some people use set backs as fuel to keep them moving forward:

How to create more grit
The role hope plays in building resilience
The importance of having an expectation that by using the right strategies things will work out well
Why a support network is so critical
How gratitude helps to improve grit and resilience
Why you should experience yourself as being masterful and having accomplishments in your life
Knowing the difference between when to use your grit and when to quit
The connection between mental and physical resilience
How your resilience can grow by having an expectation that change and challenges are a constant

The challenge for the week: when you feel challenged notice what’s going on, what’s pushing you around or stretching you, and make some notes about the situation - how it is effecting you, what some options are for how to respond rather than react, and share these options with a mentor or friend to get some feedback about the best way to move forward.

You can follow Dave on Instagram at @davejorna and @dolifebetterpodcast.

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Change your morning, change your life - Solo Round

Dave Jorna — Mon, 21 May 2018 05:00:00 +1000

A number of years ago, I created my morning routine and it changed me. The way you start your morning influences everything that happens that day. Or at least, the way you interpret the events during your day and what you do next, which ultimately leads to your outcomes.

It can be the difference between you being sluggish, unmotivated, unproductive, foggy and reacting to everything that happens, or it could enable you to be switched on, focused, positive, motivated, highly productive, present, intentional and help you respond positively to all that comes up in a way that is in line with your values.

Which would you rather be, day in day out.

I think most of us spend more time getting ourselves dressed and looking good than we do on actually getting ourselves ready internally. When you are at your best on the inside, it radiates through all you do on the outside.

I believe that we need to get ourselves ready in the morning from the inside out.

Instead of just getting up, showering, getting dressed, eating breakfast and going out the door, give yourself time to get ready on the inside first so that you can own your day and create a great day everyday.

The majority of high performers in all fields claim that their morning routine is a key to their success. Change your morning, change your life.

In this solo round, I’ll share with you the elements of morning routines used by many of the world’s highest performers.

So, what does a good morning routine look like.

Exercise
Mindfulness
Journal
Gratitude
Intention for the day
Feed your mind
Nutrition

Experiment with all of these to see which ones work the best for you.

Challenge for the week: create your morning routine and commit to it for 3 weeks.

Follow us on Instagram @davejorna and @dolifebetterpodcast.
To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www/prjecthatch.com.au or
email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.
Remember to subscribe. Please rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message. Now, go out and create a great day.

How the 5 Love Languages will Transform Your Relationships with Dr Gary Chapman

Dave Jorna — Mon, 14 May 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Have you ever tried showing a loved one, friend or family member how important they are to you but it just doesn’t seem to work? Or, have you ever found yourself wondering if they really care for you as much as you’d like because you’re just not feeling it, or because it seems like they’re not doing the things that you think are the signs of love.

What if they have been showing you love but you’ve been missing it? And, what if you’re attempts to show others love hasn’t been working the way you want it to because they’ve been missing it?

Today’s guest has the answer. Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of the 5 Love Languages which has been a New York Times bestseller for 8 years straight and has sold over 12 million copies. Through his work, Dr. Gary Chapman has helped millions of people restore marriages, families and relationship across the world by helping them understand the different ways love is expressed and received.

Some things Dr Gary Chapman and I talk about are below:

With all the success of the book, is there a moment of pride when it comes to the journey?
Was it quite obvious to see the five love languages, or was it hard to depict?
Dr Gary Chapman describes the five love languages.
o Gifts – The giving of gifts, the universal display of life.
o Physical contact – The emotional power of touch. E.g. Holding hands. Physical contact.
o Time – Giving the person your undivided attention. E.g. Talking to each other without any distraction.
o Service – Doing something for the other person that you know they would like for you to do. E.g. cooking a meal. Cleaning the house.
o Words of affirmation – Using words to affirm the other person. E.g. You look nice in that outfit. I really appreciate what you did. You know one of the things I like about you.
Where do we get our own love language?
If we are trying to express love to someone else, but it doesn’t seem to be working, could this be because we are reading their love language wrong?
The three different ways to find out your love language and that of your friends, family and partners.
Dr. Gary Chapman talks about his definition of doing life better.
Dr. Gary Chapman’s challenge of the week.
o Discover your own love language and the love language of the people in your circle, than choose to speak it.

You can get in contact with Dr. Gary Chapman at-
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
You can also take the free test to discover your own love language at the website above.

Follow us on Instagram @davejorna and @dolifebetterpodcast.
To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www/prjecthatch.com.au or email us at hello @projecthatch.com.au.
Remember to subscribe. Please rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message. Now, go out and create a great day.

The Power of Influential, Specific Thank-You’s - Solo Round

Dave Jorna — Mon, 07 May 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Sometimes, I think we get it wrong when it comes to saying, "Thank-You". I know that sounds strange, but it's true. We often get something so simple, like expressing our gratitude, wrong.

In fact, saying it incorrectly can lead to a reduction in motivation, learning and performance. That's right, it can have an opposite effect to what you are intending.

Powerful thank-yous are specific and meaningful. Be sure to include the observed behaviour, action or quality AND the difference it made for you or someone else.

Challenge for the week: give specific and meaningful thank-yous to the people in your life, especially to the people you've been wanting to thank for a long time.

Follow me on Instagram at @dolifebetterpodcast or @davejorna.

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Habits for Consistent Excellence with Dr John Barletta

Dave Jorna — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Have you ever noticed that some people just seem to make it? Some people seem to reach the highest level of excellence be It in sporting, business or academia. I talk with our resident psychologist Dr John Barletta about some of the reasons people always seem to make it.

When it comes to practicing, practice makes permanent, it doesn’t always make perfect. If we are practicing the wrong thing, that is going to become the norm, it will be hardwired in your bain. Instead, work towards deliberate practice by practicing the right things in the right way, repeatedly.

Some main topics John and I talk about are below:-

2:15 - John talks about how some people make it to excellence while others fall just short. Working with deliberate practice, having a mentor and being open to corrections can help us take that next step.

10:00 - How it’s important to acknowledge we have gotten to a certain stage where we may have outgrown our current set of mentors or coaches.

11:45 - The habits of excellence

15:00 - How to get in the right mindset before a big moment, such as regulating your emotions or mindfulness, anything to help you find your peak optimal state.

18:50 - What drives people to dedicate years of practice or study to achieve excellence and the issue of “Buy in”

20:50 - We are what we repeatedly do, excellence is not an act, but a habit. It is that idea of really knowing routines, rather than motivation. Sometimes we don't want to wake up early to go for a run, or we don't want to come home and study longer after being at university all week. Motivation will come and go, but if we have routines and habits and we just know that we have a job to do we can do it. If we wait for motivation before we do something, we may never get there.

25:45 - John challenge for the week: “Pick one area in your life that you want to improve. Ask somebody who may have more expertise in that area to analyse your actions in that area. How can you turn up with an intentionality nice and focused, in a balanced and targeted way to help improve and contribute to better outcomes?”

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Feed Your Mind - Solo Round

Dave Jorna — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Last week I released that I was out of balance in terms of how I was feeding my mind.

I was spending a lot of extra time in mindfulness while running and driving, which meant that I wasn’t listening to podcasts or audiobooks. Because of this, I noticed that I wasn’t as driven and motivated to grow my business as much as I had been before … the balance of what I was feeding my mind was off.

I’d become more present, but I had stopped learning and being inspired by the podcasts.

This reminded me of the incredible power of your thoughts. After all, where you attention goes, your energy flows. When you give your focus to something, that shapes and guides your thoughts and ultimately, your behaviours. Because, your thoughts create your decisions, your decisions create your actions and behaviours, your actions and behaviours create your outcomes

So, change your thoughts, and you will change your outcomes.

What can you do for your mind?

Be a curious learner: read, listen to podcasts and audiobooks that help you learn.
Mindfulness and meditation
Gratitude and savouring
Tune out from negativity and tune into positivity

Today’s challenge: focus on one of the 4 areas of feeding your mind.

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Return to Your Best by Resetting - Solo Round

Dave Jorna — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Even despite our best efforts, there are times when we are just not feeling ourselves. We can be more irritable than usual, unmotivated, impatient, negative and feel like we are walking through a thick fog.

This happened to me a number of times over the past two weeks while I was on holidays enjoying time with my family. My overall routines (such as sleep, eating, mindfulness and exercise) were way off and this effected me more than I thought. However, there were a number of things that helped me get back to normal (or at less close to normal) again. I call these my RESET buttons. And, the good news is that we can all follow this simple 5 step process to RESET and get back to our better selves again.

In this short solo round, I’ll share with you these 5 steps and help you identify your own RESET buttons.

Here is the RESET process:

Recognise
be aware that something is different and that you are aren’t at your best
Explore where it came from
what does it feel like, where did it come from, where do you feel it
Sit with it with a sense of acceptance
allow it to be there for a little while and knowing that it too will pass
Engage in a positive activity
know the different activities that will work at different times and for different feelings and moods, and engage in one now.
Take committed action
how can you move forward with greater positivity and ownership over your state, behaviour and outcomes.

Challenge for this week: find your RESET buttons and find opportunities to use them.

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

How To Create Your Breakthrough with Dr Marco Makari

Dave Jorna — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Have you ever found your self working incredibly hard, but not getting the breakthrough or results that you want and deserve? Have you ever been wanting that next promotion, higher mark or to make the sports team of your dream? Even if you know you have the skills and talent to make it, have you found that you never seem to get there? Todays guest can help you take that next step.

Dr. Marco Makari was a semi elite sportsman who wanted to play for the team of his dreams, but fell just short of creating that breakthrough into making it onto a professional team. Since then he has turned his passion of sports and first hand experience of just missing out, into a thriving business that helps other athletes realise their dreams.

Sometimes when you are too focused on where you want to end up, you forget where you are now in the present. It is much easier to plan your future goals when you know where you currently are. Once you recognise where you are, you can take steps and change habits to make the journey easier.

Today’s chat with Marco will give you the steps you needs to create your breakthroughs.

Here are some points that Marco and I talk about:

4:00 - Marco talks about his early obsession with sporting and his analogy using the rooster, turkey and eagle.

8:30 - Marco talks about the hard reality about potential goals, when starting to make the jump.

12:00 - What holds some potential elite athletes back, why do some people just not make it?

17:00 - After recognising where you are now and where you want to end up, what can you do to help you on that journey? What do you need to do as an athlete? What sort of mentors do you need? What sort of diet? And what does your body need to achieve to get there?

23:00 - One of Marco’s proudest moments.

25:00 - Do you think that there is a roll on effect, that these lessons don't just affect their sporting abilities it affects all aspects of their lives?

31:00 - Dedicate one hour where you can sit by your self free of distractions, just write down three pages, where you are, where you want to go and the plan.

32:00 What does Do Life Better mean for Marco?

34:00 - Marco’s challenge for the week - Take the long cut and do the hard yards.
“Take the long cut. A lot of people look for short cuts, but when you're someone who wants to get more out of life, having that integrity to take the long way when no-one else is watching, doing it the hard way, the way its meant to be done. Sometimes its about giving more than you will receive.”

You can get in contact with Dr. Marco Makari at sites below.

Website - https://www.soaringhealth.com.au/
Email - drmarco@soaringhealth.com.au
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SoaringHealthSportsandWellness/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/210646885743431/soaring-health/
Blog - https://www.soaringhealth.com.au/blog/

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Happiness Habits - Solo Round

Dave Jorna — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +1000

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about the quote, “Happiness is an inside job. Don’t assign anyone else that much power over your life”.

Sometimes, it can seem that happiness is an elusive, magical state of being that only some people can achieve. However, anyone can achieve a deeper, more consistent state of happiness. There is so much research identifying the specific things anyone can do to significantly increase their happiness.

In this short solo round, I’ll share with you a number of proven strategies for increasing your happiness.

Here the strategies I share:

Attention and being fully present increases happiness
When you think about the past of future, what do you focus on? Focusing on the positive moments can boost happiness.
Practice gratitude in the morning and at night
Exercise is a key factor in reducing stress and building other areas such as self-esteem, confidence and positivity
Sleep 7.5 - 8.5 hours each night to help with emotional regulation and your mood
Nutrition - stay away from too much sugar and caffeine, and instead eat whole, real foods with lots of protein, good fibre and healthy fats
Spend time with positive people and improve difficult relationships
Listen to good music
Balance of time in and time out:
- switch off and have time on your own
- connect with nature, read a good book, spend time in prayer, journal, meditate,
- connect with your deeper self, your spirituality
Create a balance for a healthy mind, body and spirit

Challenge for the week: choose one key area to work on this week.

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Commando Steve: Master Your Mind to Build Strength and Presence

Dave Jorna — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 05:00:00 +1000

I know how easy it is to tell yourself stories that hold you back and negatively alter the way you view the world around you. These stories, often created by self-doubt and ego, become our identity. It’s not until we let go of this unhelpful ways of thinking, that we are truly able to be present, live life to it’s fullest and create deep self-worth and inner peace.

Today’s guest knows what it’s like to be blocked by these stories as well as the strength and balance you can gain by overcoming them and mastering your mind.

Steve Willis, also known as Commando Steve from his time as a trainer on The Biggest Loser, shares openly about his struggles, proudest moments and lessons from across his varied experiences.

Before becoming a personal trainer, Steve joined the army to gain an apprenticeship and work as a tradesman in the military. Driven by a need to be accepted and respected by his peers, he moved into the school of infantry and eventually joined Special Forces.

After leaving the Special Forces he auditioned for the Biggest Loser which helped lead to him finding his calling.

This chat with Steve will help you overcome unhelpful habits such as self-doubt, the imposter syndrome, craving appreciation of others and the use of negative stories. To do this, he shares with you ways to create even more strength and balance by mastering your mind.

Some questions and topics Steve and I talk about are below:-

What was Commando Steve’s first dream job?

Steve and I talk about his drive at the start of his military career.

Steve talks about how the ego can be a roadblock. We can often tell ourselves stories. When we use the same stories long enough, we identify and attach to those stories, using them as a lens that we see the world through.

To have a fullness of life we need to have balance and polarity with everything we do. We need to have time to be present and aware, amongst the stress and anxiety of anything we face.

How did you make the jump from being a member of Special Forces to The Biggest Loser?

Steve’s strategy for overcoming negative internal dialogue.

Steve talks about his final season of The Biggest Loser and how his experience with the Auvales family affected him.

Commando Steve recommends these books to get started!

Resilience - Eric Greitens

The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle

Books by Thich Nhat Hanh

Rapid fire questions from the listeners:

Matt - What is your morning routine?

Ted - What are your daily non-negotiables?

Lobenzo - What was it like going from a secretive commando to being in the public eye?

Rob - What is your biggest sacrifice and/or what keeps you motivated?

Mel - How do you create work, life, family and training balance?

Steve answers the rocking chair test.

What does Do Life Better mean to Steve?

Respect for yourself and what it means to be human. Firstly, in your thoughts, and the way you perceive yourself which will give positive emotions. Secondly nutrition, so eating as healthy as possible but also not to deny yourself the tasty things. Thirdly exercise and your body and wellbeing.

Steve’s challenge for the week:

Create some ‘Ma’ which is the Japanese word for space.

You can get in contact with Command Steve at -
http://www.commandosteve.com
Twitter - @commandosteve
Instagram - @commandosteve
Facebook - Commando Steve

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Why You Should Talk To Yourself In The Third Person and The Power Of Can - Solo Round

Dave Jorna — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 05:00:00 +1000

The most important conversations you will ever have are the ones you have with yourself.

Your internal dialogue shapes the way you perceive and interpret the world around you which then determines the actions you take and the outcomes you produce.

For this quick solo round, I dive into two areas of self talk and the small changes you can make to create powerfully positive results.

If you are feeling stressed, nervous or anxious, rather than saying “I am stressed” try talking to yourself in the third person by saying, for example, “Dave, what you are feeling is stress.”

The more times you say “I am stressed”, the more you associate yourself with that negative emotion, and the stronger it becomes. Instead, when you address it from the third person it distances yourself from the negative emotions.

You can also speak to yourself in the third person to help create more positivity in your day.

Another thought process I’ve been working on iis replacing “I can’t” with “How can I?” When you say “I can’t”, you are really saying “I don't want too.” This is fixed mindset thinking and shuts down other possible outcomes.

The way we can change this to a growth mindset is by saying “How can I?” Allowing yourself to have a growth mindset encourages your brain to move forward and see new opportunities.

The challenge for the week is to firstly speak to yourself in the third person when you feel negative emotions and secondly avoid thinking, “I can’t” by replacing it with,“How can I?”

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Confidence, Influence and Deeper Connections with Dr Louise Mahler

Dave Jorna — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Ever wonder why some people are easier to listen to than others, or why one person’s ideas are heard more often than everyone else’s. Or, maybe someone finds its easy to create trust and persuade others, but you’re not sure why?

Well, there’s a very good reason and it’s much more than just your words. The way you use your voice and body language changes everything. In fact, using your voice and body language well significantly increases confidence, attracts and maintains attention, builds deeper connections and enables you to be much more persuasive.

In this weeks episode I speak with Dr Louise Mahler who is a leading expert in voice, body language and presentation skills.

Louise believes that our posture and voice are indicators of our health and mental state, and that the way you use your voices is an indicator of life and who you are as a person. Each person has a different type of voice and that emotionally effects people in different ways.

Louise and I talk about the ways you can gain greater positive influence, increased confidence and build deeper connections all through the use of your voice and body language.

Some topics Dr Mahler and I talk about include:

The power of voice in singing.
Louise’s experience of singing Opera in Vienna.
When did you link your background in performing into training and helping other people in a corporate environment?
Why is it that some people naturally attract attention from others whilst others struggle to do so?
What difference can we create by changing our body language and our voice?
Should we change our voice and body language styles depending on the group we are talking to?
The key to effective eye contact.
What are some other tips to help your presenting?
How do you use your body and your voice to diffuse tension and conflict?
What does “Do Life Better” mean for you?

Dr Mahler’s challenge for the week is:

“Watch yourself and watch where your hands go. Find your repetitive gesture and experiment with something different”

You can get in contact with Dr Louise Mahler at her website-
www.louisemahler.com.au

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Create A Survivor's Mindset with Dr John Barletta

Dave Jorna — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 05:00:00 +1000

I started gaining so much more power and control over my life and outcomes when I began thinking and acting like a survivor, not a victim.

I don’t know about you, but when things used to go wrong or didn’t work out how I expected, I’d always look for something or someone else to blame. If I’m honest, I still catch myself doing it now from time to time.

It can be so easy and tempting to protect yourself by blaming other people or external factors, but when you do that you lose all your power. As you’ll discover in this episode, the key is to look within and change your thinking.

Dr John Barletta joins me again to share about victim mentality and how to avoid being a victim to the happenings and events around you.

We discuss having to take responsibility for your actions and outcomes and how the thoughts you believe define who you are. Many times you can roll over and play the victim by shifting blame to others, such as teachers, bosses or just the world around you. When this happens, you can become very tunnel visioned. However, the thought process of going from powerless to powerful can be something so small it is often overlooked. And, you’ll find out how you can regain your power in this episode.

Some main points Dr John Barletta and I talk about are:

What a victim mentality looks and sounds like.
Changing our mentality from victim to survivor.
How shifting from victim to survivor can open up many new and exciting pathways.
When we find ourselves in a victim mentality, how can we help change that mentality?
How can we help someone else who is in a victim mentality?
Dr Barletta shares his challenge for the week:

Over the next week be mindful of the times when you

1: blame yourself and are stuck, or
2: blame other people or even saying the world is too tough.”

When you find yourself having negative self thoughts, check in with reality and then what can you do next? Even check in with other people who can help you move forward.

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Elina Winnel: Habits For Creating A Better Night's Sleep

Dave Jorna — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 05:00:00 +1000

How you start your morning can determine how you approach everything else during your day. It can be the difference between feeling fully alive, present and motivated or being sluggish, foggy and irritable.

In fact, what happens before your morning routine also creates a major difference. The quality and quantity of your sleep has a large impact on many key areas of mental health, wellbeing and productivity.

When we wake up feeling tired, fuzzy and un-motivated, your whole day is affected. However, the good news is that there are things that you can do to help get a better night’s sleep and wake up at your best each morning.

In this episode of the Do Life Better podcast I speak to Elina Winnel. After having her own battles with insomnia and being unsatisfied with the treatments given to her, Elina decided to dedicate her life to curing her sleep problems and ultimately her life. She is a world renowned sleep expert and has shared her wisdom on many talk shows and in major magazines.

Some major topics Elina and I talk about are below:

(3:40) Is it possible to give our best with small amounts of sleep?

(6:25) How the lack of sleep can effect our mood and even our mental health.

(11:20) Elina talks about her chronic insomnia.

(12:25) What is leading to the loss of quality and quantity of sleep?

(17:30) How can we improve our relaxation and quality of sleep?

(22:00) How “Blue light” effects our sleep.

(25:00) How much sleep do we need on average to be fully functional?

(27:20) Some of the myths that affect our sleep debunked!

(33:10) What does the idea of “Do Life Better” mean to Elina?

Elina’s challenge: be aware of what is happening inside your body and in your mind so that you can start to have a better understanding of what is going on in your nervous system. Her advice is to check in with your body 5 times a day to see what is happening with your breathing, muscle tension and posture. And, be aware of thoughts you are taking to bed

Elina’s website is - http://mysleepcoach.com.au

Apple Mac app for blocking out blue light - F.lux

You can get into contact with Elina at these websites below.

Website - http://thesleepexpert.com

Email - elina@thesleepexpert.com

Phone Number - +61 1300 830 640

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.
Contact us at hello@projecthatch.com.au and receive 20% off your first booking if you mention our podcast!
Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Ryan Hassan: The Strength and Power In Being Vulnerable

Dave Jorna — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of ‘creating a good day’. It’s easy to achieve when everything is going well, but what about when you are in a moment of struggle? What you do in these difficult moments can change everything.

In fact, the counterintuitive idea of allowing yourself to be vulnerable with your own emotions and with those around you may just be the answer. For too long, being vulnerable has been labelled as a sign of weakness, when in reality it leads to incredible strength and power.

This week’s guest knows a lot about what it takes to be truly vulnerable and what can happen when you’re not. Only a few years ago Ryan Hassan had the “perfect” life, then his life was flipped upside down. He became addicted to drugs and found himself in trouble with the police. With the help of a friend he was able to turn his life around. Ryan is now the co founder of the Melbourne Centre of Healing and hosts his own podcast called “Shift Happens”.

Ryan and I talk about how you can truly create a great day for yourself. We can't always avoid bad moments and we can't pretend that everything is okay when it is not. It’s all about embracing and owning those negative moments. It’s about allowing yourself to find and experience great power in your own vulnerability.

Ryan grew up in Melbourne a part of a middle class family, where he looked up to his older brother as a hero figure. Growing up Ryan struggled with high anxiety during school. He thought that it was just something everyone experienced, not realising until years later that not only did he have high anxiety but he also suppressed his emotions and chose to distract himself with dangerous addictions.

We talk about how Ryan came to terms with his emotions and how becoming more vulnerable helped him.

Some topics Ryan and I talk about are:

(4:00) “The Melbourne Centre of Healing”

(7:30) Ryan’s downward spiral and the years leading into the drug addiction.

(10:20) The meeting of Melissa the co founder of The Melbourne centre of healing and starting the walk to healing.

(19:10) The strength in being vulnerable.

(21:35) How to become more vulnerable in front of other people.

(27:05) The “Rain” formula. (R- Recognise A- Allow I- investigate N- Nurture)

Ryan’s explanation for the Rain Formula:

Recognise - Recognise what the emotion is. Example “I am feeling anger"

Allow - Allow the emotion to flow through you.

Investigate - Investigate what is really happening behind the emotion.

Nurture - Nurture the emotional energy in your body so we can properly process it.

(36:30) What the idea of “Do Life Better” means to Ryan.

(37:15) Ryan talks about his challenge for the week: Everyone you come into contact with, just simply connect with them for a moment, just make eye contact, and say to yourself this simple sentence - “That is simply me, living a different life”

You can get into contact with Ryan at these websites below.

Website - https://themelbournecentreofhealing.com.au/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MelbCentreofHealing/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/themelbournecentreofhealing/

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9pbXz8Fo8Lj4Zxbi7YaZgw

You can find Ryan’s podcast “Shift Happens” at-
https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/shift-happens/id1307749166?mt=2

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.
Now, go out and create a great day.

Create The Courage To Fail Fast and How To Boost Productivity with Sally Foley-Lewis

Dave Jorna — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 05:00:00 +1000

There are so many times when I’ve held back from taking that next big step because I was too afraid that it wouldn’t work out. And I know that I’m not alone. In fact, if we’re honest, most of us struggle with this from time to time.

We also find it too easy to compare ourselves with what other people are posting on social media. And, sometimes, we wish we had the courage to give things a go. Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s ok, because there are strategies to help you.
Today’s guest has an MBA, is a certified master facilitator, author, speaker
and coach. She has trained and coached people in
the Middle East, Asia and outback Australia.

Sally Foley-Lewis and I chat about being afraid of failure and the learning opportunities that come from all failures. She describes having a healthy relationship with the concept of failure and how failure is not always a bad thing.

Sally speaks about different times in our lives where failure seems to be a daunting horror that will haunt you for the rest of you life, when in reality in time your failure would be insignificant.

Also speaking about failure, Sally mentions the issues with comparing ourselves with our own personal vision of perfection. We always see the perfection of others on social media but we never see the failures going on behind the scenes.

We also give some very practical tips to help you boost your productivity.

Some of the main points Sally and I talk about are:

(5:38) How to develop a healthy relationship with the concept of failure.

(7:20) How clarity of distance can help you take the next big steps.

(8:02) The two step process for taking on a challenge.

(10:29) How to gain greater perspective when things do go wrong.

(12:05) Everyone else is too worried about themselves to worry too much about your mistakes.

(15:00) Building resilience by failing fast, failing often and failing quietly.

(17:05) The power of lessons from failing.

(18:18) How to take on negative feedback.

(23:23) What to tell yourself and your team when you come last.

(28:05) How much productivity is negatively effected by distraction.

(32:45) How much your IQ is dropped by multi tasking.

(37:28) Sally describes her definition of “do life better”

(39:30) Sally’s challenge for the week: Make a reminder on your phone or write on a piece of paper, “Comparisons” or “Multi-tasking”. Only choose one for week. Use this reminder to catch yourself comparing or multi-tasking.

You can connect with Sally Foley-Lewis at www.sallyfoleylewis.com

The music website we mentioned is focus@will - www.focusatwill.com

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.

Now, go out and create a great day.

How To Push Through Fear And Overcome Challenges with Richard Bowles (aka Forrest Gump Meets Bear Grylls)

Dave Jorna — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 08:00:00 +1000

When I first came into contact with Richard Bowles, I was in awe of his many accomplishments, especially his 5 world records in endurance adventuring. As a passionate runner my self, my regular running are mere jogs in comparison to Richard’s distances of up to a two marathons a day and sometimes even more! Not only does Richard conquer large distances, he also has to deal with extreme conditions such as war zones, volcanic eruptions and many more!

Richard is a big believer that anything is possible if you want it badly enough. His message is to strive to be the best version of yourself and chase the feelings you want to feel inside. Richard makes many plans to overcome his challenges before they happen and creates many “If Then” plans. With these “If Then” plans in place, Richard finds he can think more clearly and navigate the challenges he may face.

Here are some of the main questions I ask Richard in this episode:-

(3.45) When did you first have the feeling to chase your burning desire to run these huge distances?

(6.40) How do you go backing up a marathon a day, back to back?

(11.15) Where does your pragmatic mindset come from? The idea of just get up and make it happen?

(14.50) Richard and I talk about his “If, Then” plans.

(19.05) How being absent minded can affect your ability to see the smallest things.

(21.00) How do you manage being in tremendous pain, and continue to push forward?

(25.00) What did you do when your life was in danger? How did you overcome it?

(31.35) If you could put a percentage on mind game versus the physical side of your running, what would the percentage of mind game play?

(33.05) What is the difference between being passionate and being purposeful.

(35.25) What is your next big goal?

(39.30) Richard answers the “Rocking Chair Test”

(42.40) What are the things you’re most grateful for right now?

Challenge for the week: take some time each morning to think about the possible challenges that lie ahead.

You can contact Richard Bowles at www.richardbowles.com.au

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.

Now, go out and create a great day.

Jemimah Ashleigh: Boosting High Performance With Healthy Habits

Dave Jorna — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 05:00:00 +1000

When I first spoke with her, I couldn’t believe how much today’s guest has already experienced and achieved. She worked for the Australian Federal Police as a criminal intelligence analyst, is one of Australia’s Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs, she is an improvisor, a comedy writer, a speaker, and a soon to be author. Jemimah Ashleigh has always been a high performer, though it was in 2015 while driving her car that a frightening experience taught her a powerful lesson for achieving higher levels of success and overcoming life's obstacles. In today's episode, I chat with Jemimah as she shares how high performers can achieve even more with some extra self care.

Here are the main points from their chat:

Jemimah worked in law enforcement for 10 years and studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in national security. This lead to work in prisons and eventually the Australian Federal Police.
After 10 years she felt stressed and burnt out after finding the job wasn't exactly what Jemimah thought it would be. “What people don't tell you about law enforcement is no one is ever having a good day”
Being a type A person (extremely driven) Jemimah found her self either putting 100% effort into something or nothing at all, saying she goes with her gut and goes where she needs to be.
Jemimah considered law enforcement her dream job, but found she was always dealing with someone who had committed an offence which were mostly quite horrible for the victim. Dealing with this is an extremely stressful job, and not being able to talk about these incidents with family or friends added a level of secrecy and burden.
Jemimah found that there was no decompression time between work and her personal life. For a long time she didn't realise the issues she was dealing with, just believing it was a part of the job, especially when she was surrounded by people up to forty hours a week experiencing the same things. The shift came when Jemimah started improvisation and comedy classes, where the line became very clear.
In 2015 Jemimah had been working overseas and had the opportunity to move to Manhattan in New York, and met a silversmith, watching and learning how to work with metal and jewellery.
Whilst driving in 2015, Jemimah had a major panic attack, the first time she had ever encounter any form of mental illness. This was a big step up from any form of nervousness she had ever encountered. She struggled to do every day actions due to anxiety, even becoming unable to get to work.
Jemimah says that education is most important when it comes to mental illness. She sought medical help straight away and saw a psychologist and psychiatrist who helped her get a better understanding of what was happening. As anxiety and depression go hand in hand, Jemimah was constantly being hit by this wave of emotions. After getting medication, life became much better in a matter of days which resulted in Jemimah being able to return to some aspects of her life without the anxiety.
Jemimah started using meditation and physical activities such as running to release her “Stress Bucket” The combination of exercise, meditation and medication helped start the healing process.
After working extremely hard to achieve her dream job and asking herself if she was really happy with it, Jemimah said that “our dream job is our goal and once we get the goal what happens next?”
After researching cortisole, Jemimah developed many different healthy habits and discovered different foods can help deal with stress and help heal your body.
Jemimah says for self care to be effective, all it takes is an hour a day, only four percent of the day, Self care is never selfish, you are actually doing it for your job and for your family. Self care can be just checking in with yourself throughout the day and can look different from person to person and it only needs to be about finding a balance. Its the fun and addiction of a positive lifestyle and breaking in that new healthy habit.
Self care is not about what our body looks like or what size of pants you wear. It’s about living a positive lifestyle and being the best version of you that you can be.
Working currently as an entrepreneur, Jemimah says that it is not as glamorous as everyone thinks. Working up to eighteen hour days, there are so many exit doors with ups and downs at every turn. Jemimah sees her morning routine of exercise as the start of her working day.
Jemimah is releasing her book in April, and hopes to be mentioned on the Australian Entrepreneur mixed list and hopes to build better entrepreneurs, releasing her own podcast series.
Jemimah’s challenge for this week is firstly to have a think about what you love doing. It doesn't have to be running or meditation, it could be anything from joining an art class to having a dance by yourself at home! It’s about finding your own release that is not career focused or family focused just you focused. “Find something that you love in your life that is just for you.”

You can find Jemimah Ashleigh at www.jemimahashleigh.com.au

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.

Now, go out and create a great day.

Sharon Richens: How To Improve Your Mood, Productivity And Sleep

Dave Jorna — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Do you know how long you sit each day? Would you believe, that the amount you sit significantly effects your mood, productive, sleep and long-term health? In this episode Dave and Sharon share with you the outcomes of too much sitting and the ways you can include more movement in your day so that you can increase your mood, productivity and sleep.

Here are some of the main points and their time makers:

4.20 - Sharon’s experience volunteering in Tanzania as part of a medical team helping 1800 children.

10.10 - How the use of technology has change our habits around movement and sitting

12.20 - To get the most out of our minds we need to move our body.

13.20 - Sitting for more than a total of 11 hours per day is a critical risk point for developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Unfortunately, it is very easy to get up to a total of 11 hours sitting per day because of time spent travelling to and from work / school, eating, study, watching tv and surfing the internet.

15.17 - Sitting too much during the day significantly reduces sleep quality which then means that we don’t want to move very much the following day. This reduces sleep for that night and then the cycle begins.

16.55 - If we just move a little bit more we sleep a little better, if we sleep a little bit better we deal with stress better. It is all interrelated.

17.30 - Create an exercise routine that works for you, or create incidental movement or exercise during your day.

18.37 - Incidental movement during the day increases your ability to concentrate and focus. Find more moments for lunch, light and air.

19.29 - Instead of grabbing coffee, chocolate or sugar for an afternoon energy boost, get up a move - even just for a couple of minutes.

21.25 - How much movement to have each day? Ideally aim to stand up about 2 or 3 times per hour. Or, take a 5min walking break once every hour. Or, find ways during your day to walk just a little bit further or a little bit more often - such as getting a smaller water bottle so you have to fill it up more often, and walk around when you are talking on the phone.

24.35 - Should you use a standing desk? Standing all day can be really hard for body, so if you use a stand desk, ease into it. Be sure to alternate between standing and sitting at your desk.

28.20 - Being productive while walking and standing, such as talk on the phone while walking around the block, or have a walking or standing meeting.

30.44 - Classroom techniques for allowing the students to stand and move to refresh their minds, energy and focus.

33.06 - Be kind to yourself and start small if you would like to make changes.

33.58 - What does ‘Do Life Better’ mean to Sharon Richens? Being the best version of yourself by understanding the connection between your mental wellbeing and your physical wellbeing. Being kind to yourself by knowing what you need each day to be the best version of yourself for the day.

36.10 - Challenge for this week: Lunch, light and air.

You can contact Sharon Richens at www.happybodyatwork.com.au and sharon@myspringday.com.au

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.

Now, go out and create a great day.

Ep. 18 - Discovering The Positive Power Of Change

Dave Jorna — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 05:00:00 +1000

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change” (Leon Megginson). When change occurs, you can allow it to be an opportunity for growth and self-betterment, even when it first appears daunting and unwanted. During this episode, Dave speaks with Dr John Barletta as they share tips and strategies for turning change into a positive challenge.

Here are the some of the main topics and their time markers:

3:39 - The heart and soul of change is that as humans we are made for equilibrium - the status quo.

4:57 - Different personality styles approach change differently. Some people become very anxious with change whereas others are very open.

6:15 - We can be ok with one type of change, but not with another. For example, we can be excited about new places to travel but we might be anxious about changing doctors or hairdressers.

8:30 - How to be prepared and allow a change to be a positive challenge instead of a stress.

10:20 - Rewiring your brain to deal with change even better.

11:19 - Forewarned equals forearmed.

12:58 - Opportunities for change creates opportunities for continual growth and self-betterment.

14:05 - Controlling whether or not you follow your thoughts and interrupting the negative thoughts.

15:41 - The most unhelpful things you can say to friends and family who are struggling with change.

16:51 - How to support others through stressful change.
- Listen
- Validate, don’t judge
- Empathise
- Remind them that they have been through similar situations and have succeeded before,d and have support
- Gently challenge them to move forward just beyond where they are now

19:54 - The challenge for the week: Create a daily reminder in your phone that says, “Do one thing differently today”.

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.

Now, go out and create a great day.

Ep. 17 - Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work And What You Can Do Instead

Dave Jorna — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 05:00:00 +1000

Have you created a New Year's resolution or are you thinking about making one? Studies have found that 80% of people give up on their New Year's resolution by the second week of February! And, there is a good reason why so many people fail.

Too many people focus on wishes, lofty dreams and fun ideals when creating their New Year's resolution and, in doing so, they forget to work on what really matters - who they are being.

Most people only think about what they need to do to get what they want to have and when the going gets tough, they simply give up.

Instead, start with who you need BE in order to do what is required to get what you want have. For example, to get better outcomes this year you may need to be more determined, optimistic, hard working, motivated, focused, etc, so that you can do the extra work to get the better results.

Who do you need to be this year?

To help you gain clarity on the areas you can work on, download our free guide at www.projecthatch.com.au/havedobe.

Challenge for this week: Download the free 'Have, Do, Be' guide at www.projecthatch.com.au/havedobe and start working on who you need to be this year to create your best year ever!

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.

Now, go out and create a great day.

Ep. 15 - A Survival Guide For Difficult Family Gatherings With Dr John Barletta

Dave Jorna — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 05:00:00 +1000

Important family events and gatherings can be wonderful moments full of joy and celebration, yet they can also come with the awkwardness, frustration and anger caused by unrealistic expectations and difficult relationships. In this episode, Dave is joined by the Do Life Better podcast’s resident psychologist, Dr John Barletta, as they share the tips and methods for avoiding potentially difficult moments to allow you to keep your focus on the positive connections and celebrations.

Here are the main topics and their time markers:

2:07 - “Every family has a goose and if you can’t figure out who it is, then maybe it is you.”

2:46 - Everyone can be high maintenance when we spend enough time with them. This helps us remember that we need to be even more accepting of others.

4:04 - There is nothing harder than relationships, but when we connect with people we have healthier and longer lives.

5:00 - What happens when we carry the belief that others need to be perfect and this links to the belief that we are perfect.

6:16 - Why we often have unrealistic expectations that everything will be perfect at special events like Christmas, weddings, and other important gatherings.

8:36 - Why we get even more upset or annoyed than usual when things go wrong at big, important events.

10:39 - Keeping perspective and being grateful helps to allow your focus to be on connecting with others.

12:50 - How to manage the difficult relationships with certain family and friends when you need to see them at important gatherings. Some tips: turn up on the day in a better state and mindset, sit with “safer people” and chat about safer topics, respond instead of react.

15:53 - How to organise to meet with certain people before or after the big event as a way to remove the intensity of the season while still honouring the relationship and event.

18:10 - How to respond effectively to the awkward and uncomfortable questions from inquisitive family and friends. And, being more aware of the questions you ask and the pressure you put on others.

21:23 - The challenge for the week: prepare yourself well for the upcoming event, think ahead so you can respond instead of react, and if needed, organise an alternative time and place to meet.

To contact us about retreats, leadership training and workshops, visit www.projecthatch.com.au or email us at hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Remember to subscribe to, rate and review the podcast to help spread the do life better message.

Now, go out and create a great day.

Episode 2: Would You Rather Be Fearless Or Brave?

Dave Jorna — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +1000

Thanks for joining us for episode 2!

What if you can take incredibly difficult, positive action even while you are scared, fearful and nervous? What could you achieve if fear wasn't holding you back?

We believe that there is an unhealthy pursuit of fearlessness. If you strive to be fearless, every time you experience fear, nerves or anxiety, you may think that there is something wrong with you. You may think that you are weak or broken. You may think that you simply can't take the action that's needed. But, that is simply not true.

Fear is a natural reaction. It's your body's way of telling you that something important is about to happen and that your body is getting prepared to take action. It tells you what you are at risk of gaining or losing something and that helps you form a greater understanding of what you value and what is important to you.

When you experience fear, figure out what the fear is telling you and let that guide you in taking valued, positive action to help you move forward. Instead of letting fear tell you that you can't do something, ask 'How can I do this?'. Of course, when it is a dangerous situation, allow fear to tell you to protect yourself - that too is valued action.

Your challenge for the week, create a daily reminder in your phone that says, "Don't be fearless, be brave!". And, when faced with a positive, valued action that scares you, instead of saying, "I can't", ask "How can I?".

Please rate this podcast and leave a review. We'd love to read out your comment on the podcast. Also, share it with other people who are just like you and could really benefit from hearing these messages.

You can follow us at Facebook.com/projecthatch and instagram @project_hatch.

You can contact us at www.projecthatch.com.au or hello@projecthatch.com.au.

Now, go out and do you life even better!

Episode 1: Create an even more fulfilled, happy and successful life

Dave Jorna — Sat, 21 Oct 2017 11:00:00 +1000

You can't alway control the events that occur each day, but you can control what you do next. In this episode, Dave and Jared share some proven methods and tips to help create a great day, everyday.
A lot of people allow themselves to be victims to their day. They don't know what their day is going to be like until it happens to them. It can be easy to think that you will have a bad day because you missed the bus, or because someone gave a 'look'. Has this happened to you or someone you know? It doesn't have to be this way. You can choose what comes next. You don't choose to miss your bus, but you can choose how you interpret missing your bus and what you do next.
Even in really difficult moments, you didn't choose for the event to happen, but you can control how you interpret it and what do you next. For example, you can choose to find good people to talk to and someone you ask for help. You can also choose to look forward with hope that things will get better.
The choices you make and the habits you keep create and determine who you are and who you become. Each and everyday, you make around 30,000 to 35,000 decisions. These choices determine who are being in this moment right now. Your mood, energy, and ability to focus right now was created by these choices and habits. For example, the amount of sleep you had last night, the foods you've eaten, the thoughts you believe, whether or not you exercise and the people you spend time with create you are being right now. You choose that.
One of our habits is to say to each other, 'Create a great day for yourself today'. This reminds us that we get to choose who we are being today, regardless of the events that come up.
Jared's is currently working teaching himself, spending time in mindfulness even just in small moments during the day, listening to more podcasts, and getting more positive influences in his life to help him create a great day for himself.
Dave's morning routine: glass of water first thing in the morning, the 7 minute workout (between 7 to 21 minutes) or go for a run, time in gratitude and thinking about what can I get excited about today, breakfast smoothy or an omelette, and listen to podcasts or audiobook in the car, and then mindful driving for the last 10 - 15 mins of the morning drive.
To help gain greater presence in the moment, remind yourself that no other moment matters as much as this moment right now. This is the only moment you can control, therefore it is the most important.
There is only one of you. There is no one else in this world like, and there never will be. That's not by accident, it's on purpose. The people in your life and anyone you meet to today, their world, their day will be a little better when you are at your best. They want and need you to be at your best. Your family and your future self deserves you to be at your best. This podcast will share many more proven methods, tips and strategies to help you do just that, to do you life even better.
Please let us know any topics you would like us to talk about.
Your challenge for this: set a reminder in your phone that goes off each day that say, "Create a great day for yourself!". And, start thinking about your morning routine.
You can find us at www.projecthatch.com.au, on Facebook.com/projecthatch and on instagram @project_hatch.
Thanks for joining us!