Burnout is one of the worst things that can happen (psychologically) to any performer. Studies show that most burnout is caused by overwork and overwhelm, where the performer is putting out maximum effort and receiving a minimum payoff. This issue is superbly addressed in a new book by author Cal Newport called Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment without Burnout. I highly recommend it. In this video post, I offer my best strategy for keeping your mind fresh and full of passion. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking The post How to Avoid Burnout first appeared o ..read more

Are you a thought leader or thought follower? Most people, including many highly paid business consultants with whom I’ve worked, truly believe they are leading thought when they are simply parroting conventional wisdom. Thought leaders create positive disruption. They challenge the status quo through research, data and evidence. They only make claims they can prove and defend. There’s an easy path to becoming a true thought leader, and I outline it in this short video. #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking #personaldevelopment The post On Becoming a Thought Leader first appeared on Mental Tough ..read more

In a world full of talkers, the people asking the questions rule supreme. Asking the right questions allows you to gather inside information that few people have. Once you have gathered sufficient data, you’re able to draw more intelligent conclusions. This works in every aspect of life. Watch this short video for the road map. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking #howrichpeoplethink The post Are You Asking Enough Questions? first appeared on Mental Toughness Blog ..read more

One of the lessons I learned while serving under President George W. Bush on the National Charity Awards Committee was how to expand my capacity for criticism. We raised millions of dollars for charity using this simple strategy, and it’s had a dramatic impact on my life. If you’re building a business or career and you’re under constant attack, watch this video and weigh-in. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking The post Expanding Your Capacity for Criticism first appeared on Mental Toughness Blog ..read more

The most insidious, debilitating emotional disease of the masses is known in psychological circles as “Approval Addiction”, or the emotional addiction to the approval of other people. This affliction is responsible (arguably) for the destruction of more careers, businesses and dreams than any other. Fortunately, a South African psychologist discovered the cure, completely by accident, as he was searching for the cure to severe phobias. Turns out the cure is the same for both afflictions, and in this short video, I explain. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #approvaladdiction The post How ..read more

Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey and others have been accused of what some people negatively label “Performative Altruism” , which claims they are only altruistic for recognition, attention and accolades. I’ve defended all three on television about this while praising them for their generosity. The world is suffering and needs more givers. Please watch this and consider performing acts of altruism and kindness. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking #howrichpeoplethink The post In Defense of Performative Altruism first appeared on Mental Toughness Blog ..read more

There’s an elite subculture amongst the world’s population that has either earned or has been granted unlimited freedom to live life on their own terms. It’s not for everyone. To even have a legitimate shot at it, you must know exactly what you want, what you’re willing to do to get it, and what you’re willing to sacrifice along the way. If you’re addicted to the approval of other people, you will fail. You must value your own philosophy of living above all others, and be willing to accept the harsh criticism of the masses. That said, if you can make it happen, you can live an uncommon life ma ..read more

On the psychological scale of 1-7, 7 being most ambitious, how ambitious are you? Ambition is an interesting form of human energy, fueled by emotion and guided by logic. Your level of ambition dictates your expectations, which is why it’s critical that you rate yourself accurately. When ambition and expectation are asymmetrical; confusion, disappointment and unhappiness can occur. This is common complaint among high achievers who rate themselves a 6 or 7 but are truly only a 4 or 5. It’s frustrating when you’re not getting the results you’re expecting. Watch this short video, and evaluate your ..read more

I’m a big fan of the personal development industry. It changed my life. As the author of 12 personal development books with over 2 million copies sold in 7 languages, I’m grateful to rank among the industry’s best selling authors. That said, one of the problems this industry faces is the pseudo intellectualization of the concepts about which so many of us write and speak. Personal Development concepts, including those taught in all 12 of my books, can be taught to and understood by an 8th grader. The concepts are simple, yet powerful enough to change people’s lives for the better. The problem ..read more

After 40 years of interviews with self-made millionaires, there’s one piece of advice rich these people give their kids that they HATE to hear. In my book, Secrets Self-Made Millionaires Teach Their Kids, I dedicate Chapter 159 to this sage, yet loathed piece of wisdom. Teenage boys hate it the most, but later in life, when they become wealthy and powerful, they tend to appreciate it more than anything their parents ever taught them. If you’re raising kids that are destined for uncommon success, watch this video and share this age-old lesson with them. It could mean the difference between succ ..read more