Embrace Lifelong Learning: Cultivating Personal Growth

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Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is drawing to a close. Take a moment to reflect on the valuable lessons and insights you’ve gained. MHAW provides a dedicated space for mental health. But the lessons can extend far beyond a single week. They can enrich both your personal and professional life. Continuous learning is crucial in so many ways and it can be a driving force for holistic well-being.

The Power of Learning
Learning is a powerful tool for personal growth and mental well-being. Acquiring new knowledge or skills fosters a sense of accomplishment and competence. It ignites engagement with the world around us. The thirst for knowledge can be a source of inspiration, pushing us to explore new horizons. Continue reading “Embrace Lifelong Learning: Cultivating Personal Growth”

Give: The Power of Kindness: A Path to Fulfilment

Tuesday: 'Give' by Trevor Romain

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Today’s theme is about giving. We like to receive gifts – how do we make that part of our every day approach to mental health awareness?

Our day-to day lives are hustle, bustle, and competition. We are so busy coming first that we sometimes forget the profound impact of a simple act of kindness. Sharing kindness does more than brighten the lives of others. It enhances our own well-being and mental health. Kindness adds a welcome polish to the success in our careers and personal lives.

Acts of kindness can be as simple as sharing a warm smile with a stranger. Or as heartfelt as dedicating our time to help a friend, family member, or colleague. The beauty of kindness lies in its ability to create a positive ripple effect. The effect extends far beyond the immediate moment of giving. Continue reading “Give: The Power of Kindness: A Path to Fulfilment”

The Best You’ve Done Is Holding You Back


The new Olympic motto is Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together. Despite these ideals, elite athletes discover there are physical limits to their arts. Records become harder and harder to break.

Creatives don’t have these limitations. But it’s common to find ourselves clinging to past successes. That magic moment when everything came together. When we achieve a creative breakthrough the recognition we receive is gratifying. Often these achievements can hinder our creative progress. This is the paradox of the one-hit-wonder. It was amazing once, but now it’s a dry husk. We’ve taken our work as far as we can, and there’s nothing left.

The Comfort of Familiarity:
It’s always a struggle to reach a pinnacle in your creative journey. And when you do, it’s natural to want to bask in the glory of your accomplishments. There’s a comfort in continuing to do what’s brought you recognition and applause. The danger lies in becoming complacent. It becomes a comfort zone that’s hard to escape from. There’s a temptation to do more of the same. The risk is, replicating past successes will stifle you. Be willing to explore new horizons.

Fear of Falling Short:
The fear of not meeting the high standards you’ve set for yourself can be paralysing. The sweet nectar of success is so seductive. The thought of producing something less than stellar can be intimidating. This fear can lead to creative stagnation. Don’t hesitate to take risks or explore uncharted territory.

The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind. ― William Blake ― The Marriage of Heaven and Hell

Continue reading “The Best You’ve Done Is Holding You Back”

The Cure for the Know-It-All Syndrome

Don't be a know-it-all
Have you ever felt like you’ve reached the peak of your career and there is nothing more to learn? Do you feel bored, stuck, or burned out by doing the same things over and over again? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be suffering from a common problem. It’s familiar to experienced and mature management executives, business owners, and professionals. It’s the know-it-all syndrome.

The know-it-all syndrome is when you think you have all the answers. You’ve seen it all before. You stop being curious, open-minded, and willing to learn new things. This limits your personal growth, professional development, and creativity. It can also make you miss out on valuable opportunities, insights, and innovations.

Worst of all, you risk alienating your friends, colleagues, and family. No-one likes a crusty know-it-all. When you see your dog cringe that’s a sure sign things are bad. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

So how can you overcome the know-it-all syndrome and bring and positive change in your life and work? Continue reading “The Cure for the Know-It-All Syndrome”

What is your secret superpower?

What is your secret superpower?
Art is not only something you see in a museum or a gallery. Art is something you do every day, in your own way. Artistry is how you express yourself, how you solve problems, how you make the world a better place.

Some people paint, write, or draw. Some people design buildings or shoes. These are familiar examples of creativity. But there are many other ways people create, some while not even recognising how great their work is. Some people are terrific at sales. Countless others find creativity in accounting solutions, raising money for charities, or even serving in supermarket checkouts. These are valuable and important creative expressions, even works of art. Continue reading “What is your secret superpower?”

Sex Magic Unlocks Creativity

Sex Magic is a major creative force.

There’s a secret force hidden within the greatest creative works. It’s an energy that transforms and transcends the ordinary. It propels and lifts artistic work the humdrum to extraordinary heights.

Enter sex magic — an enigmatic term that evokes curiosity and raises eyebrows. It’s a phenomenon woven into the fabric of nature itself. Its potent life force in all living beings, from tiny insects to accomplished artists.

We’re enchanted with flamboyant peacock displays and the intricate dance of the fireflies. The pursuit of a mate sparks a transformation – no-one is exempt from the call. It’s a primal connection to the universe’s abundant possibilities. Continue reading “Sex Magic Unlocks Creativity”

Creativity sparks up your life

Boy on a swing, creatively sparking up his life.

Creativity isn’t about producing art or innovation. It’s a dynamic force that weaves with our well-being and positive human functioning. The act of creation has far-reaching effects that extend beyond the canvas, the page, or the screen. It impacts our mental, emotional, and even physical dimensions. In short, it contributes to a holistic sense of fulfilment and vitality.

At its core, creativity, how ever you present it, is a form of self-expression. It allows us to channel our thoughts, emotions, and experiences into tangible forms. Creativity provides an outlet for the complexities within us. The process of self-expression also fosters a deeper understanding of our inner world. It contributes to enhanced emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Continue reading “Creativity sparks up your life”

What would little you think about you?

Little boy at the beach - What would little you think about you?

What would little you think about you?

This journey down memory lane isn’t just nostalgic; it’s a powerful tool to tap into your creativity and find fresh perspectives.

Think back to your younger days, when your imagination knew no bounds and dreams were as big as the sky. Your childhood self held unfiltered curiosity and a fearless approach to exploring the world. Now, consider your current self — the one shaped by experiences, lessons, and responsibilities. How does this contrast with the aspirations of your younger you? Continue reading “What would little you think about you?”

Cultivating Creative Confidence: Unlocking Your Full Potential

Confidence is the cornerstone of a successful creative journey. It’s the driving force that propels your ideas from mere concepts to tangible creations that captivate and inspire. Yet, for many creative professionals, self-doubt can cast shadows on their potential. Fear not, for enhancing your creative confidence is well within your grasp. Here’s how to bolster your self-assurance and step into your creative prowess: Continue reading “Cultivating Creative Confidence: Unlocking Your Full Potential”

Your Creative Journey: Living Your Best Life

We all want to live our best lives, but it’s not always easy to know how to get there. The days seem to blast past at a dizzying pace, leaving us little time for finding meaning, fulfilment, and purpose.

For creative professionals, the ‘living your best life’ mantra takes on a unique dimension. Living your best life doesn’t just mean indulging in luxury or adventure – it’s about nurturing your creativity while undertaking your unique journey. Here’s how you can infuse this mantra into your creative practice: Continue reading “Your Creative Journey: Living Your Best Life”