The Business Brain

It's never fun losing your car key.

Especially when you're running late to an appointment.

Or you learn the average person wastes 3 hours a week looking for missing items 😳

Guess what?

You don't have to be average.

You can cut down the time wasted on looking for missing items by improving on thinking skill.

In this episode, I share with you the exact steps so you can find missing items quickly and get back those hours.

How do you deal with your anxiety? 

How do you deal with your overwhelming emotions?

What can you do when you’re amygdala is hijacking your brain?

That's what we're discussing in episode 437.

More arguments then you realize actually come from a thinking skill that you think you are pretty good at 👀Because you are already pretty good at it,It's not going to be a big deal to improve it just a bit more,And drastically reduce the arguments you have.

Ever wondered how you can make quick business decisions?It's actually quite simple.With strong thinking skills of course 😉

Often, we take in information in a clear and organized way.

If it feels overwhelming or blurry you are probably experiencing blurred perception.

There are 2 ways blurred perfection may be getting in your way and making it challenging for you to do what you want to do.

Did you know that, on average, people spend 3 hours a week looking for things they've misplaced? And if you're a parent, you're probably all too familiar with the daily question, "Do you know where my [fill in the blank] is?" Our goal today is to introduce you to a game-changing solution that will not only help you find missing items but also save you countless hours of frustration.

Every week I’m looking for more ways to save time and every week I find more.

Because I’m not looking for hacks. I’m looking for ways to implement my strategies that can be applied anywhere.

In this episode, I’m gonna share with you the secret so you too can save more time every week.

When your friend, partner or client tells you something, you probably responded based on what you’d like to hear

But we all think differently and we all have different life experiences that make us like different things,

So how do you make sure the other person is feeling understood?

Mindfulness being thrown around a lot in the past couple of years, by why?

Well research shows it reduces stress, helps with emotional regulation, helps with focusing and concentration and increases self-awareness.

Okay. But how?

Your brain is a muscle. Whatever neuron networks you use more they get stronger. So every time you are anxious you are building your anxious networks. Every time you are focused and productive, you are building your focused and productive networks. 

When we practice mindfulness we become more aware of thinking and emotions. This causes the mind to become more settled, so our nervous system and cognitive functions can take in more accurate information, helping us build are prefrontal cortex - our thinking brain. 

This will then help you make sure your thinking brain stays in charge even in emotional situations. 

The more mindful you are, the easier it is to improve cognitive functions and vice versa.

I know I’m going to get a lot of hate for this episode, but I strongly believe it. 

You have the right to your own opinion and more importantly I do not want you to take what I say at face value. Listen with an open mind and then decide what you like and what you don’t.

What is Neurodivergent?

Why do I not like the term?

What is a better way to approach it?

What if I told you were making assumptions about your clients that was causing you to lose money? By placing people in groups based on assumptions unrelated to your goals, you're missing out on potential opportunities.

For instance, you may have categorized your target audience under the assumption that they won't be able to pay.

But who says your criteria for grouping them equates to their ability to pay?

Imagine you are going through the completion rate of your newest course. The numbers aren’t bad, but you know they can be better. And even more so, you know the clients that are getting the best results are the ones who are completing the whole course. You want more of them to get better results.  

You may believe the reason they are not getting the results you promised is because they are not finish the course.

But WHY are they not finishing the course?

Because they have a weak thinking skills. 

You see, Thinking is not one big thing. Thinking is made up of 28 parts called cognitive functions.

Naturally we all have stronger and weaker cognitive functions. 

Those weaker ones are making it challenging for us to do what we want to do, including finishing and implementing courses.

You can say, it’s not my responsibility, I’ve provided them the course and leave it at that.

I have a feeling you care more about your customers and you want them to get better results. 

If that is the case, you’ve got to take responsibility. You’ve got to do whatever you can to help. 

Even marketing storytelling, requires you do use your 28 thinking skills, including to consider another perspective, summing up, holding 2 or more pieces of information at once and a few more.

If any of those cognitive functions are  weak, it’s going to be challenging for you to be good at storytelling in marketing.

Today we’re gonna focus on helping you improve 2 or more pieces of information at once and then I’ll share with you how it’s related to marketing storytelling tips you can try.

Holding 2 or more pieces of info at same time is about HOLDING 2 pieces of information at the same time. It’s not about doing 2 things at the same.

If you tell a child to brush their teeth and brush their hair, you’re telling them to hold 2 pieces of information at the same time.

We start learning how to do this from the age of 2 but many people struggle with it even as adults especially when it gets MORE than two. Wash the dishes, fold the laundry,  straighten up the family room. Are you starting to need a list to remember all that? That’s more than 3 pieces of information. Can you do 4 or 5?

In storytelling, you’ve always got to keep in mind at least 3 pieces of information while you are telling the story:

1. Who is your audience? Part of that includes what is their pain points, what are they trying to solve?

2. What is your goal of telling the story?

3. The actual story and important details in the story?

When you break it down like that, no wonder why it’s much easier to tell your friend a story! There are so many things to remember - besides for the fact that when you are trying to storytelling in marketing you’re trying to make money too!

You may not be surprised to learn that mentally draining tasks come from weak cognitive functions.

What should you do about it?

For every task mentally draining task you have, you’ll want to do 2 things:

1. Create short term strategies to help you right now.

2. Create long term strategies so you no longer have this issue.

Do you find yourself constantly procrastinating on tasks? Don't beat yourself up about it! Procrastination is actually a sign that one of your cognitive functions is weak. The good news is, you can identify and strengthen these weak areas to overcome procrastination and improve your productivity.

I'll guide you through a simple process to identify which cognitive functions are causing your procrastination.

Are you finding it challenging to delegate effectively?

Unsure about what tasks to delegate or how to ensure they are carried out to your satisfaction? Do you often feel disappointed because nobody does it as well as you do?

Discover the power of self-talk as a proven strategy to enhance your cognitive functions and sharpen your thinking skills. When you find yourself unsure of what to do in a challenging situation, self-talk can be your guiding light. By engaging in this simple yet effective practice, you can identify the core problem and unlock creative solutions.

But how exactly do you practice self-talk? It's as easy as talking to yourself. By verbalizing your inner thoughts, you create an opportunity to gain fresh insights and notice previously overlooked details. For instance, when faced with a complex decision, expressing your thoughts aloud like, "I can't take on this client right now because I'm working on a big project..." or "What if I add an additional bonus to the offer?" can help your brain establish new connections and draw valuable conclusions.

Moreover, self-talk serves as a catalyst for generating innovative ideas. For example, when faced with a challenging client situation, voicing your thoughts like, "This client is overwhelmed right now. How can I make it easier for them?" can spark fresh perspectives and creative solutions.

It's no wonder that talking to a friend can be so helpful. When you discuss your thoughts with others, your brain actively processes information, enabling you to gain new insights and perspectives.

Are you tired of spending excessive time on cooking and food preparation?

Have you attempted meal prepping before, only to be disappointed with the results? I've got you!

Everything we do requires us to use our 28 thinking skills - including meal planning. As we discuss an easy way to meal plan, you'll see we need to use the thinking skills of having a need to make a plan and categorizations.

Having the need to plan will motivate your brain to embrace meal preparation. So grab a pen and paper or open a new Google doc, and let's explore why meal prepping is essential for you.

Save time, save money, maintain a healthy diet, and ensure you always have food readily available. These are just a few of the reasons why meal preparation is a game-changer, especially when your business demands your attention. Take a moment to reflect on your personal motivations. What benefits resonate with you the most?

Once you have solid reasons in mind, it's time to take action. Meal prepping involves employing effective categorization techniques in both directions. By categorizing, you can organize small groups into larger ones or break down large groups into smaller, manageable portions.

Ready to get started?

6 steps to meal prepping coming right up!

Are you tired of struggling to come up with innovative ideas when you need them the most!

Do you envy those individuals who effortlessly generate creative and out-of-the-box solutions? Well, you're in luck! In this episode, we delve into the secrets of becoming one of those ingenious thinkers.

Hypothetical thinking, the very skill you acquired during your school days, holds the key to unlocking your creative prowess. It's all about the ability to envision possibilities: "If I know this, then I know..." Take a moment to contemplate the notion that nothing is entirely "new." Every idea we conceive builds upon existing knowledge and experiences.

To illustrate this concept, let's consider a grandiose example—venturing to Mars. How did this idea come about? It traces back to our desire to reach the moon, which was inspired by the existence of airplanes, which, in turn, drew inspiration from the majestic flight of birds. The same principle applies in the business realm. Novel product ideas emerge from enhancing existing concepts or fulfilling identified needs based on what is already available.

Even in marketing, originality springs from a foundation of proven techniques. Nothing starts from scratch. Instead, it's a process of leveraging what we already know works and then building upon it. Exciting, isn't it?

Now that you grasp the essence of hypothetical thinking, let's dive into practical strategies that will enhance your ability to generate remarkable ideas. In this video, we explore four effective methods to sharpen your hypothetical thinking skills and unlock your creative potential.

So, what exactly are raving fans?

They are your brand's biggest enthusiasts, the ones who go above and beyond. Raving fans not only use your products or services, but they share their experiences on social media, spreading the word with genuine excitement.

To cultivate such fans, you must go beyond mere transactional interactions. Exceptional customer service is a must, but it doesn't stop there. You need to anticipate their needs even before they voice them.

Now, let's delve into the two thinking skills you need to master to create raving fans: considering another perspective and projecting virtual relationships.

By understanding the importance of making connections that aren't immediately obvious, you'll be able to serve your audience better.

You’ve got waaaay to much to do everyday, but how do you decide what to focus on?

And one you decide, how do you make sure to follow it through?

I'll need to use the cognitive functions of having a need to make a plan, compare options and exercise self-control.

Making a plan is crucial, and it starts with recognizing the need to do so. We'll dive into practical examples, such as prioritizing tasks in a business setting. Many people underestimate the importance of planning and opt to wing it instead. We'll explain why having a solid plan is vital for success and how it can benefit you.

Once you acknowledge the significance of planning, the next step is to compare your tasks and determine what is truly essential. In the realm of business, this means identifying needle-moving activities that generate revenue. Whether it's lead generation, order fulfillment, cold-calling, or email marketing, we'll guide you on selecting the tasks that align with your goals. By prioritizing your tasks and having a plan in place, you'll always know what comes first.

Now, here's the key: following through and showing self-control. Once you've made your plan and established your priorities, it's crucial to stick with them. No more last-minute changes or distractions.

We also discuss the Eisenhower Matrix and how you can use so everyday chaos doesn't dictate your productivity. Master the art of task prioritization and follow-through with strong cognitive functions.

Discover the ultimate solution to motivating your employees and conquering those dreaded, boring tasks in your business!

Say goodbye to eye-rolling and procrastination with our foolproof strategies.

Get ready to transform your workplace and unleash your team's hidden potential - because they've got more then you know!

(Psst! This is a great way to build intrinsic motivation in yourself too!)

5 Reasons you'll want to improve your ability to think abstractly:

1. Connect with Everyone: Imagine understanding and learning from others, even when they don't use visuals. No more missing out on valuable insights. Gain an edge by effortlessly grasping diverse perspectives.

2. Save Precious Time: Picture this—your colleague needs constant diagrams to comprehend ideas. By boosting your abstract thinking skills, you'll save time and energy, bypassing the need for excessive explanations.

3. Ignite Creativity: Abstract thinking sparks innovative solutions. Break free from the confines of rigid details and envision extraordinary possibilities. Your business will thrive as you embrace a fresh perspective.

4. Navigate the Unknown: Business is all about anticipating trends and projecting future outcomes. Abstract thinking equips you with the ability to navigate uncharted territory, making informed decisions with confidence.

5. Master the Human Element: Soft skills like communication and leadership demand abstract thinking. Read between the lines, inspire others, and craft win-win situations. Gain a deeper understanding of the people behind your business.

In this episode we discuss how you can actually improve your ability to think abstractly so you can give your business an edge.

👉 By taking a moment to leave a rating & review, you'll be helping us reach our goal of 1M+ downloads by the end of 2025

Yup, even to use ChatGPT you need cognitive functions.

In one corner, we have Labels – the ultimate power to give objects, ideas, concepts, places, and even emotions their rightful names. No more vague references like "this" or "that"! It's time to up your game and call it like it is. Embrace the art of precise naming, and watch the world unravel before your very eyes.

Precision, our fearless champion in the other corner, ensures you're firing on all cylinders when it comes to expressing yourself. Say goodbye to half-hearted "whatevers" and embrace the majestic dance of language. Take a moment to craft your thoughts with precision and deliver them like a maestro, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

But wait, there's more! Even if AI lacks emotion, you've got to consider it's perspective! By tapping into the mind of Chat GPT, you unlock the true potential of collaboration. Put yourself in AI's shoes (or circuits) and understand its blank slate - knowing nothing about you. By doing so, you'll unleash a realm of possibilities in your prompts and create an extraordinary AI partnership that can skyrocket your business.

In today's episode, we're discussing three thinking skills that will turn you into the boundary-setting champion you were always meant to be.

Prepare to dive into the thrilling world of labeling, where you'll learn how to slap the perfect labels on your boundaries. From taming client calls during office hours to reserving conference rooms with style, you'll become a labeling maestro. No more confusion or raised eyebrows.

But wait, there's more! We'll then unveil the magic of precision, where you'll wield the power of exactness like a ninja. Say goodbye to vague statements and hello to crystal-clear instructions. No way they can be confused now.

But what about those pesky boundary testers? Fear not, intrepid boundary-setter! We'll arm you with the ultimate weapon—self-control. You'll learn how to resist the urge to respond when they call at ungodly hours, even if you're available (especially then!). With each victory, you'll become a boundary-setting superhero, leaving the testers in awe of your unwavering resolve.

👉 Come hang out with me on

Have you ever been so focused on a task that you forgot about the outside world? That's called being in the flow state! It's when you're completely immersed in what you're doing and feel super energized.

But getting into the flow state isn't just about removing distractions. So, how can you easily enter this amazing state of mind? Forget what Google says about doing something you enjoy. It's not just about that!

The key to entering the flow state is to find tasks that match your skills.

Think about it: when do you often hear the term "flow state"? It's usually when someone is doing something they've practiced a lot, like a pro athlete on the field, a runner in a marathon, or a chess player during a game. Their skills perfectly match the task at hand.

In this episode we'll discuss how you can get into flow state more easily depending on the task at hand.

Uh-oh! Is one of your employees constantly messing up and costing you money? No worries, we've got your back! In this episode, we'll tackle a real-life problem where an employee goofed up on a big project, making the client super mad and thinking of canceling the deal. Yikes!

But hey, here's the thing: most people don't mean to mess up—they're usually trying their best. We're not saying you should trust everyone with your secret stuff or money, but let's dig deeper to find out why these mistakes happen, especially in their thinking skills.

Once we understand why these slip-ups occur, we can approach our employees in a super nice way to help them make real changes. But hey, don't worry, we're not saying you should let them get away with everything! They still need to do their job properly, even if it's a bit harder for them.

Guess what? You don't need to fire them all! We all have some weak spots in our thinking skills. It's your job as the boss to decide if their weak spots are okay for their role or not. And hey, if they're already great at their job, you can even help them improve and stop making mistakes altogether!

Welcome to today's episode of the podcast, where we will be discussing why your plans might not be working out.

As with most of the challenges we discuss on this podcast, this situation requires us to engage a range of cognitive functions and thinking skills related to why our plans are not working out. Thinking is made up of 28 cognitive functions, 28 thinking skills that affect most of our daily activities. Some of these skills are stronger than others, and the weaker ones can make it hard for us to do what we want to do.

In order to make a plan and follow it through, we need to use a variety of thinking skills, including holding multiple pieces of information at once, time management, hypothetical thinking, categorization, comparison, and the need to make a plan, among others. Today, however, we will be focusing on the cognitive function of episodic grasp of reality.

Episodic grasp of reality refers to our ability to understand reality, to understand what happens in life and how life works. This cognitive function is critical to our ability to navigate the world around us and to make sense of our experiences. When we have a good grasp of reality, we are better able to adapt to changes in our plans, to adjust our expectations, and to stay motivated in the face of setbacks. Let's discuss how we can improve this cognitive function!

Today, we're not talking about cognitive functions, but instead, we'll be discussing how to give negative feedback effectively without telling someone what to do. People generally don't like being told what to do, especially when they're doing something wrong, and you're coming along to tell them it's time to do something else. So, how can we give negative feedback without sounding too critical?

The best way to tell someone is not to tell them but to ask them questions to help them come to the conclusion themselves. This process is called mediation. If you've listened to episodes 354 and 381, you'll be familiar with what we're talking about.

We'll be discussing 5 tips to give good mediational feedback with a BONUS on how to accept negative feedback.