Effective Challenge Podcast productive, happy & well

In this episode of the Effective Challenge podcast episode, we dive deep into the transformative concept of the Weekly Plan & Review. This approach serves as a powerful tool to help you escape the unproductive cycle and cultivate your winning edge. Explore the multitude of benefits, including enhanced productivity, sharper decision-making, and alignment with your goals.

Ever felt overwhelmed by the constant demands on your time, struggling to prioritise what truly matters? You're not alone. Judging millions of books sold to help people caught in the whirlwind of day-to-day pressures, often sidelining their bigger aspirations, it's a common challenge.

I'll guide you through the essential components of an effective Weekly Plan & Review, unveiling a practical 3-step process. This method encourages you to step back, evaluate the past 7 days, and anticipate the needs of the next 14.

It's time to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach and strike that elusive balance between your personal and professional responsibilities. This podcast will show you how.

The episode revolves around the pervasive issue of procrastination and strategies to address it.

Procrastination, identified as a rising trend globally, prompts an exploration of common mistakes associated with it. One such mistake is the confusion over its definition, often intertwined with perfectionism, self-worth challenges, and indecision. Clarity in diagnosis is emphasised for you to achieve effective treatment. Another critical distinction is made between real and fake procrastination, emphasising the need for recognising prioritisation challenges versus genuine lack of time.

The podcast also delves into the psychological aspect, highlighting our bias toward short-term gains over long-term benefits and the importance of decoding the information embedded in our feelings.

The subsequent sections dissect additional mistakes, such as attempting to overcome your procrastination by sheer willpower, which is deemed unsustainable. Instead, you are encouraged to create supportive environments and systems. The challenge of dealing with tasks you dislike or feel compelled to do is addressed by shifting mindsets to find ways to make them more energising.

External factors, such as your fear of others' opinions upon completion, are explored, with an emphasis on reframing perspectives and handling feedback constructively. The discussion concludes by spotlighting insufficient clarity as a common reason for your procrastination and suggests breaking tasks into manageable actions and seeking external assistance for defining the work.

As the 2023 end-of-year holiday season approaches, there are plenty of opportunities for gatherings with family, friends, and colleagues; everyone intends to have a great time, relax, and enjoy the festivities. However, the concept of a "great time" varies from person to person, particularly when considering introversion versus extroversion preferences. 

In this episode of the Effective Challenge Podcast, I explore what it’s like for introverts and extroverts over the holiday season.  Drawing energy from solitude and introspection, introverts may find large gatherings draining, requiring time to recharge. On the other hand, extroverts thrive in social interactions, gaining energy from the outer world. With more extensive social opportunities during the holidays, understanding and respecting these preferences become crucial. Rather than labelling introverts as "boring," recognising their need for solitude and adjusting plans accordingly fosters a more inclusive and enjoyable environment. For those with introversion preferences, developing balanced expectations, managing interactions, and recruiting allies can help navigate social situations during the holiday season. In conclusion, appreciating and respecting our differences enhances the holiday experience for everyone involved. This podcast will help you do just that.

Welcome to a special two-part holiday series on the Effective Challenge podcast where we dive deep into the festive season's nuances, offering valuable insights to align your expectations with reality better. As the holiday rush approaches, we've all experienced the dichotomy between our idealised visions and the inevitable surprises that unfold. Not all surprises are good. This episode focuses on proactive strategies to position yourself for the best possible experience. From event planning to shopping, we explore the nuances of preparing for the upcoming weeks, encouraging you to consciously reflect on the situations you might encounter.

The first segment discusses the importance of accepting reality and managing the often unhelpful gap between our own expectations and what unfolds. We unpack the power of resetting expectations and ditching the "shoulds." In the second segment, we delve into gaining perspective and maintaining resilience. Discover a simple yet effective scale to evaluate the importance of events, ensuring you approach challenges with strength and resilience. Finally, we explore the concept of offloading pent-up frustrations to a trusted person, providing a safe space to share concerns and gain perspective. As we wrap up, we highlight the role of values in fostering peace of mind during the holiday season, encouraging you to embrace gratitude and reflection. Tune in for practical tips to make your holidays joyous and stress-free.

In episode 71 of the Effective Challenge Podcast, we explore the intricate dance of theory and practice. We dive into the common scenarios where we're handed what seems reasonable, a blend of theory and practical know-how. Explore the merits of this mix as it helps us learn, adapt, and estimate outcomes. We then explore the need to develop our awareness of the pitfalls of blindly following overprescribed directions— with examples of frustration in the kitchen, attempting a DIY project or perhaps applying a methodology in the workplace. 

Discover the upsides and downsides of learning from others, with a keen awareness of avoiding self-blame when our reality doesn't match the theory. We draw parallels in the personal and professional situations that provide such unpredictable real-world outcomes. Understand the value of a learning mindset and the delicate balance between personal involvement and learning from others. The podcast offers practical tips for managing frustration with theory, actively developing our experience, setting realistic expectations, and avoiding the pitfalls of overestimating short-term gains.

In episode ECP070 of the Effective Challenge podcast, we delve into the notion that the challenges we encounter are often symptoms rather than the root cause. As we navigate through various scenarios, we observe the common tendency to invest energy in implementing plans for change, only to discover that many actions lead to false signs of progress. This can result in frustration and, in some cases, a return to old and unhelpful thinking, feelings, and behaviours. Join us as we unravel these complexities and emphasise the importance of addressing the core issues to foster genuine change.

We draw inspiration from renowned thought leaders such as Stephen Covey and Peter Drucker to distinguish between personal management and leadership. We explore the difference between efficiency (doing things right) and effectiveness (doing the right things). We discuss the link between busyness and effectiveness, urging listeners to evaluate not just the efficiency of their activities but also the alignment with the right goals. Tune in to gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of personal and professional growth.

In this episode of the Effective Challenge podcast, we delve into the challenge of living versus talking about the behaviours we’d like to live.   

Listen to understand how to navigate the complexities of living the behaviours we want and minimising what we don't. We explore strategies that, while not overly complicated, can be challenging to implement. Learn how to align your expectations with everyday realities and set yourself up for success. As with all episodes, this includes actionable ideas, including the power of simplicity, daily check-ins, and the value of accountability partners. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable steps towards personal transformation. 

In this episode of the Effective Challenge podcast, titled "Rethinking Success and Happiness: Escaping the Arrival Fallacy," I delve into the concept of the arrival fallacy coined by Harvard professor Tal Ben-Shahar. This fallacy revolves around believing that once we achieve a significant goal, we will find lasting happiness. Ben_Shahar’s research started with obvering high-achieving students, however, this fallacy affects individuals across various fields, from actors to business professionals and athletes, who invest significant time in pursuit of something only to feel empty upon attainment.

The discussion explores the Hedonic Adaptation Theory, which posits that few things substantially alter our default level of happiness. The theory suggests that we all have a relatively stable level of happiness, known as the hedonic set-point, persisting throughout our lives. Despite this, many feel like they are on a hedonic treadmill, continuously chasing after the next source of happiness. The podcast then offers practical strategies for managing the pursuit of happiness, emphasising the importance of adopting a balanced mindset and not postponing happiness based on future achievements. It encourages recognising the value of everyday activities, understanding the significance of consistent efforts in seemingly mundane tasks, and accepting both negative and positive emotions as natural parts of life. The podcast also advocates identifying and leveraging personal strengths, shifting focus towards controllable factors, and measuring success by living one's values day-to-day. Ultimately, the message is that by prioritising the basics and adopting a more nuanced approach to success, we increase our chances of achieving what we want while finding greater fulfilment along the way.

This episode focuses on the concept of having a generous spirit. Generosity can manifest in various ways, such as material giving, emotional support, acts of kindness, sharing knowledge, empathy, understanding, and forgiveness. Importantly, genuine generosity expects nothing in return from the recipient.

Having a generous spirit has numerous positive effects. It serves as a buffer against stress and adversity, lifting our own spirits and leading to a kinder outlook on ourselves. Additionally, it can create a positive ripple effect, where small acts of generosity can lead to greater kindness in the community.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions about generosity. It's emphasised that you don’t need to wait for perfect circumstances or possess great wealth to be generous. Furthermore, being generous doesn't imply being a pushover, but rather comes from a place of personal well-being and strength. Lastly, the notion that generosity requires excessive time is debunked; simple acts can have a profound impact on both parties involved. The episode concludes with practical suggestions for cultivating a more generous spirit, highlighting the importance of self-care, specific actions, and sustainability in one's approach to generosity.

In this episode of the Effective Challenge podcast, I delve into the intricacies of emotional hijacks.

We begin by providing a clear and concise definition of an emotional hijack before delving into a personal account of my recent encounter with this phenomenon.

For anyone who has found themselves in the throes of panic and seeks to enhance their coping strategies, this podcast offers invaluable insights and practical tips for mastering emotional regulation. Tune in for a transformative listening experience.

In this episode of the Effective Challenge podcast, I delve into the practical applications of coaching in leadership. 

Topics include:

• Broadening the scope of coaching beyond leadership, exploring its versatile applications in personal and professional realms.
• Distinguishing between coaching and mentoring, highlighting their distinct roles in enhancing performance and outcomes.
• Establishing the fundamentals of a fruitful coaching dynamic and dialogues for optimal effectiveness.

Additionally, I reveal the three crucial discussions I have with potential coachees, ensuring mutual alignment of expectations.

If you've been contemplating coaching but are unsure where to begin, this podcast offers valuable insights to get you started.

In this episode of the Effective Challenge podcast, I take a look at a topic that impacts everyone - The quality of our relationships.

I draw upon Dr Stephen Covey's metaphor of an emotional bank account to represent our investments or withdrawals when interacting with others.

There are six areas discussed:

1. Understanding the individuals
2. Attending to the little things
3. Keeping commitments
4. Clarifying expectations
5. Demonstrating personal integrity
6. Apologising when we make a withdrawal

Stay tuned to the end of the podcast when I share my personal build upon the terrific work of Stephen Covey.

As always, please let me know your questions, observations or experience with using the concepts discussed in this or any of the Effective Challenge podcasts - damian@effectivechallenge.com

In this episode of the Effective Challenge podcast, I discuss the merits of deliberately bringing purpose to your day and the increased benefit of putting health and well-being at the centre of whatever you do. I also discuss alternative options to putting yourself at the centre and their relative merits and potential downsides. Of course, any approach you use still needs to cope with the reality of everyday life. I explore this and why I believe time spent setting your Personal Positive Intent is well invested. If you are challenged for time, I share a version that will take 2 minutes.

If you have comments, questions or observations, please drop me an email to damian@effectivechallenge.com

Exploring 2020s Life Balance: Work-Life Harmony Illusion

Welcome to this week's episode of the Effective Challenge Podcast. Join me as I dissect the concept of Work-Life balance and unveil its struggle to keep pace with the demands of modern life in the 2020s.

Discover a game-changing alternative: a holistic approach to balancing the multifaceted roles we play in our lives. By embracing this perspective, you'll empower yourself to make more impactful choices with your time. And see results that are aligned with the person you want to be.

If you're seeking to optimise your equilibrium across various life responsibilities, this podcast offers practical insights tailored just for you. Tune in for actionable ideas and strategies to regain control of your time and priorities.

Welcome to the Effective Challenge Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the immensely rewarding practice of Gratitude Journaling.

Join us as we explore what Gratitude Journaling entails, its profound benefits, and the key elements contributing to a sustainable practice. Drawing from personal experiences and coaching interactions, we uncover invaluable lessons for maximising the impact of this self-enriching endeavor.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or completely new to Gratitude Journaling, this podcast offers valuable insights that will resonate with you.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Gratitude Journaling:

   • Gain a comprehensive insight into the practice of Gratitude Journaling and its positive influence on personal well-being.

2. The Ripple Effect of Gratitude:

   • Discover the myriad benefits that emanate from cultivating a consistent Gratitude Journaling routine, both personally and in our interactions with others.

3. Building Blocks of a Sustainable Practice:

   • Learn about the three fundamental characteristics that form the bedrock of a resilient and enduring Gratitude Journaling practice.

4. Lessons from Real-Life Experiences:

   • Delve into practical wisdom gleaned from the host's personal journey and experiences with coaching others, providing invaluable guidance for optimizing your own Gratitude Journaling journey.

Whether you're embarking on a new path of gratitude or seeking to deepen your existing practice, this episode provides insights that will enhance your well-being and enrich your daily life.

Tune in and let the journey towards a more grateful and resilient life begin.

In Episode 053 of the Effective Challenge Podcast, discover how our internal scripts, also known as internal dialogue or mind scripts, shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the formation of these mental models, their impact on our lives, and strategies to manage and change them. Learn how to become more aware, challenge limiting beliefs, and embrace personal growth. Let's dive into the fascinating world of our inner voice and unlock our true potential.

Episode Highlights:

Understanding Internal Scripts:

•  Discover the different names for internal scripts: internal monologue, internal dialogue, inner voice, and mind scripts.
• Explore how internal scripts, formed through experiences and external messages, impact our interpretation and navigation of the world.

The Power of Scripts:

• Learn how scripts can help interpret the world, determine threats, set direction, and make decisions.
• Recognise how scripts can sometimes lead us astray or hinder our progress.

Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs:

• Challenge common self-limiting statements like "That's the way I am" or "I'm not the creative type."
• Understand that we are not stuck with our scripts and can work towards change.

Managing and Changing Scripts

• Step 1: Becoming Aware
• Step 2: Challenging Scripts
• Step 3: Proactive and Reactive Management

Conclusion

In this episode, we've explored the impact of internal scripts on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. We can unlock personal growth and overcome limiting beliefs by becoming aware of these scripts and challenging their basis. Whether proactively managing our scripts or reacting to unhelpful thoughts, we can shape our inner narrative. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and take control of your internal scripts to unleash your true potential.

Welcome to an impactful episode of the Effective Challenge Podcast, where we delve into a subject that profoundly influences each and every one of us: habits. Join us as we explore the art of effectively managing our existing habits and crafting new ones that align with our goals and aspirations.

The podcast looks at a practical and grounded approach Stanford Professor BJ Fogg developed to unearthing and decoding our habits or using the same method to create new ones.

If you have any comments, questions or observations, please drop me a mail – damian@effetivechallenge.com

In this week's episode of the Effective Challenge podcast, we delve into a crucial topic: understanding and optimising our energy levels to achieve the greatest impact in our lives.

Join us as we explore practical strategies for assessing our energy peaks and troughs, aligning tasks with available energy through prioritization, setting boundaries to avoid burnout, and adapting to the evolving demands we encounter.

Topics Covered:

1. Assessing Energy Peaks and Troughs: Learn how to comprehensively assess your energy levels, recognising the times when you feel most energised and the moments of fatigue. Discovering these patterns can help you plan and allocate your energy more effectively and work better with others.

2. Aligning Tasks with Available Energy: Explore techniques for better alignment between the tasks you need to accomplish and the energy you have available. Discover the power of prioritisation and how it can optimise your productivity by focusing on tasks that match your energy levels.

3. Setting Appropriate Boundaries: Understand the importance of establishing boundaries to safeguard your energy reserves. Learn effective strategies for preventing exhaustion and burnout, ensuring you maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.

4. Adapting to Changing Demands: Discover adaptive approaches to cope with the ever-changing demands we face. Gain insights into how to adjust your energy management strategies and stay resilient in the face of new challenges.

To conclude the podcast, we invite you to participate in an energy audit exercise. This exercise will help you better understand the factors that energise and deplete you. By identifying these influencers, you can make informed decisions about how to optimise your energy and achieve maximum impact in your personal and professional endeavours.

Join us on the Effective Challenge podcast as we equip you with actionable insights and strategies to optimize your energy levels and unlock your full potential.

If you have any comments, questions or observations, please drop me a line – damian@effectivechallenge.com

Welcome back to another episode of the Effective Challenge Podcast.

In this week's episode, we're shifting gears and focusing on the management of our healthy minds. If you are concerned about your mental health, seeking support from medical professionals or mental health charities such as Mind is important. They are there to help.

The topic we'll be exploring is something that frequently arises in coaching conversations and even in my own head when dealing with various situations. Despite the recent attention it has garnered in the last few years, it's not a new concept. In fact, one of the Stoics, Seneca, was discussing this very issue over 2,000 years ago. He famously stated, "We suffer more in our imaginations than in reality."

Have you ever been caught up in worry and fear about events that haven't even happened or might never happen? If so, you're not alone. Our minds have an incredible ability to create vivid scenarios, often fixating on the worst possible outcomes. For some, this imaginative process can become a mental prison of suffering based on imagined futures that are unlikely or less dire than we perceive.

It's important to note that some level of scenario planning is healthy and beneficial. It allows us to prepare and plan for various situations. However, there are times when this tips into the unhelpful category, and that doesn't mean there's something wrong with us. On the contrary, it's a sign of a healthy mind designed to protect us. What's crucial is learning how to manage it effectively.

Interestingly, when we reflect on our experiences, we often realise that they aren't as terrible as we imagined. Our minds tend to exaggerate the negatives and downplay the positives. This raises an important question: Why do we allow our imagination to dominate our thoughts and emotions, leading to unnecessary suffering? And, more importantly, how can we break free from this self-imposed mental prison?

We must acknowledge that we can't control our thoughts entirely to manage them better. However, with practice and the right tools, we can improve our management of them. Our internal wiring and systems make complete control an illusion.

An approach I use for myself and others is the Intensive Care Unit for our minds—a personal ICU. It consists of three key elements: interrupt, challenge, and understand.

In the episode, we’ll unpack each element and see how they can serve you and your situations.

If you have any comments, questions or observations, please drop me a line – damian@effectivechallenge.com

In this episode of the Effective Challenge podcast, I reflect on a year of navigating the challenges of long covid and some of the surprises along the way.

Based on a conversation with someone else, I also discuss some of the better things that many people found themselves doing due to the original lockdown, which they benefited from. Unfortunately, many of those positive habits and activities have fallen by the wayside as the pace of modern life has picked up. I invite listeners to reflect if there is anything they may have been doing that they could reintroduce.

If you have any questions, observations or thoughts please drop me a line damian@effectivechallenge.com

Join me in this week's episode of the Effective Challenge podcast as we delve into the subject of unseen efforts and their profound impact on our ability to achieve success.

In this episode, we explore the far-reaching implications of unseen efforts and uncover strategies to position ourselves for success. We delve into the crucial aspects of mental health, acknowledging its significance in our journey. Moreover, we shed light on the importance of recognising and celebrating the milestones along the path to our ultimate aspirations.

Tune in to gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on harnessing the power of unseen efforts to unlock your full potential.

In this shorter episode, I look at the overuse of the word busy as a descriptor for how we are doing.

The podcast provides two approaches to consider.

1. Encouraging to ask a follow-up question if somebody else gives you a bland 'busy' answer to the question - how are you doing?
2. Encouraging ourselves when we are busy to check we are doing the basic things to keep ourselves at our best.

If you haven't subscribed to the podcast, please do and if you know someone who might benefit from the content please share.

This week's episode explores redefining "more is more." While we're familiar with the concept of "less is more," achieving more by doing less, it's important to identify higher-value activities and prioritize them. However, The allure of "more" is where we often find ourselves, influenced by cultural and psychological factors such as the busy trap, blurred work boundaries, and the impact of consumerism and social media. Surprisingly, having too many options can lead to decision fatigue, dissatisfaction, and anxiety, as we constantly wonder if there's a better choice. It can be similar when working longer hours to ‘keep up’ leading to poor decisions, a loss of perspective and memory impairment.

One contributing factor to pursuing "more" is the quest for fulfilment, rooted in our primal needs for safety, food, and shelter. Our bodies produce chemicals like dopamine that drive this pursuit, but in modern times we can find that we are pursuing material possessions and external achievements which unmanaged can become addictive and overshadow our true fulfilment. To shift the balance of "more," we encourage listeners to consider a more balanced approach by considering their physical and mental well-being, investing in activities aligned with their values, and nurturing meaningful relationships. And not forgetting that gratitude for what we already have is key to finding joy and fulfilment. While there are times when going the extra mile is necessary, it's crucial to be aware of how our default behaviours can hinder our actual desired outcomes. Redefining success will likely result in achieving most of what we want while experiencing more happiness along the way, recognizing that the things we don't achieve are unlikely to outweigh the cost of happiness.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Effective Challenge podcast. In today's discussion, we delve into a valuable approach designed to assess our readiness for change. This approach, developed by renowned psychiatrist Dr. Steve Peters, whom many of our listeners may recognise from his book, "The Chimp Paradox," is known as the Triangle of Change.

The Triangle of Change encompasses three essential elements: Suffering & Reward, Psychologically Mindedness, and Commitment. We gain practical insights into assessing our preparedness for personal change by exploring these aspects.

If you find yourself seeking personal growth and are eager to evaluate your readiness for change, this podcast episode is tailored precisely for you. Join me as we navigate the Triangle of Change, offering you a practical framework to gauge your current position and pave the way for a successful journey of self-improvement.

If you have any questions, please drop me a line at damian@effectivechallenge.com

Welcome to the podcast, where I take inspiration from the Giro D’Italia, the first cycling grand tour of the year that tests physical and mental endurance. In this episode, I talk about how the Giro is more than just a race, it offers us a powerful metaphor for life itself. Each stage presents its own unique challenges, from unexpected obstacles and disruptions to moments of triumph and defeat. And in these challenges, we can find valuable lessons that apply to our own lives.

For instance, Stage 6 felt like an example of the great being the enemy of the good. Two riders having been away in a break for over 70KM sacrificed coming either first or second by not working together in the final few 100 meters and ended up coming 88th and 89th as a result. That phrase got me thinking, are there occasions when it’s more like the great being the enemy of the great? In this episode, I explore how the pursuit of greatness can sometimes be counterproductive and even harmful.

I’ll discuss how perfectionism can lead to non-action, and how our idealized version of great can be demotivating. I’ll also talk about how the pursuit of greatness can lead to overwork and burnout, neglecting our health, relationships, and other important areas of our lives.

To avoid falling into the greatness trap, I’ll suggest setting better goals, the importance of self-compassion and learning from setbacks. I’ll share ways to prioritize self-care, such as setting boundaries, getting enough sleep, eating and drinking well, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It's also worth remembering that defining your version of greatness can be way more empowering than the more common view of external accolades determined by others.

#success #giro #perfectionism #selfcare #procratination #emotionalintelligence

In this episode, we'll delve into the importance of emotional intelligence and how it can help you overcome stress and anxiety during exam season. We'll explore the negative effects of displaced emotions and the warning signs to keep an eye out for. Additionally, we'll explore strategies for managing emotions, including identifying and labelling them, changing our perspective, and finding healthy outlets for expressing our emotions more effectively. This topic is essential for enhancing our emotional intelligence and improving our overall health by enabling us to manage better the situations we face.

Furthermore, away from the exam hall, developing emotional intelligence is a crucial life skill that can be applied to all areas of our lives. By tuning into this podcast, you're investing in yourself and your well-being.

In this week's episode of the Effective Challenge podcast, I delve into the topic of 360 Degree Appraisal, a powerful development tool that has become increasingly popular in the HR world.

While the 360 is a valuable tool that can deliver significant benefits, it's important to be aware of certain key factors in order to get the most out of the appraisal exercise. Failure to do so can result in a misfire and lead to inaccurate or misleading results.

If you're unfamiliar with 360 appraisals and want to learn more about how to interpret your results effectively, then this podcast is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how to unlock the full potential of 360 Degree Appraisal and use it to supercharge your personal and professional growth.

If you have any thoughts, questions or suggestions you’d like to see covered in future episodes, please drop me a mail – damian@effectivechallenge.com

ECP039 - Strategic Execution - the importance of patience

Welcome to this week's episode, where we'll discuss the crucial role of patience in strategic execution. We all know how frustrating it can be when a well-crafted strategy fails to produce the desired results, and we're left wondering whether we should abandon it altogether. However, often, the key to success lies not in scrapping the strategy altogether but in exercising patience and adapting our approach based on the results we are seeing.

During this episode, we'll delve into the dictionary definition of patience and explore why it can be so challenging to practice it consistently. To illustrate this point, we'll draw on a powerful example from the world of women's professional cycling, where perseverance over many years has unlocked success for the sport.

Finally, I’ll outline a three-stage framework for thinking about executing strategies that can be applied at an individual, team, or organisational level. I’ll also invite you to share your own experiences of when strategic patience has paid off or when it was necessary to pivot away from a failing strategy.

So, get ready to deepen your understanding of the critical role that patience plays in strategic execution and gain practical insights into how you can apply this knowledge to your own life and work.

If you haven't done so already, I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to subscribe to the podcast. By subscribing, you'll be the first to know about the latest episodes, and you'll never miss out on any of the valuable content.

Additionally, if you find the podcast valuable and believe that others could benefit from it as well, I would be grateful if you could share it with your friends, family, and colleagues. Sharing the podcast will help it reach a wider audience, and it may even help someone else gain valuable insights and knowledge that could help them deal with a challenge they could be facing.

If you have any thoughts, comments or questions, please mail me at damian@effectivechallenge.com

Thank you for your listening, and I look forward to continuing to bring you valuable and informative content in future episodes.

Welcome to this week's episode, where we delve into the important topic of Personal Accountability. In a slight departure from our usual format, I share a poem that I read a long time ago and how it resonates with me to this day. The poem is called "The Man in the Mirror" by Dale Wimbrow.

Throughout the episode, we explore various themes, including the influence of other people, personal integrity, personal accountability, values, beliefs, and the pursuit of 'things' at the expense of our medium to long-term happiness. We also discuss the importance of defining your own version of success, as well as the potential pitfalls of relentlessly pursuing external success at all costs.

To illustrate this point, we use the example of Lance Armstrong and the impact that the pursuit of external success can have on both the individual and those around them.

So join us as we reflect on the importance of personal accountability and the role it plays in our lives. Whether you're looking to make a change or simply gain a new perspective, this episode is not to be missed.

  If you have any observations, thoughts or questions, please drop me a message to damian@effectivechallenge.com

In this week's episode, I discuss the topic of pursuing progression.  To do this, I talk about the importance of having real clarity on what you are pursuing and considering this from several perspectives. I then consider what it means to progress and provide three areas to consider, our behaviours, skills and knowledge.

Please message me at damian@effectivechallenge.com with any thoughts, comments or questions you may have.

Every day we make decisions that have the potential to change the course of our lives. But we rarely stop and think about how to get better at making these decisions.

This is a topic of interest based on the messages I received from episode 31  of the Effective Challenge podcast Valuing Decisions. And that's not surprising given the impact decisions have on our productivity, effectiveness and happiness.

In this episode, I discuss ten questions to help improve the quality of your decision-making. 

1. Will I regret not starting in 12 months?
2. What is the risk of doing nothing?
3. Will I regret this on my deathbed?
4. How certain do I need to be?
5. What would my Virtual Master mind group advise?
6. What if I viewed this as an experiment?
7. Does this energise or drain me?
8. Will this make me proud?
9. Is this the sort of person I want to be?
10. What are my stop criteria?

If you have any comments, observations or questions, please drop me a message :

damian@effetivechallenge.com

Please subscribe and share the podcast if there are others you think could benefit from the content. It really would be appreciated.

Welcome back.

This is the first Effective Challenge Podcast since March 2020.  

In this short episode, I talk about the reasons why there has been such a gap since episode 029.

I also ask listeners to consider the impact of the stories they might be telling themselves and do they help or hinder.