Why Confidence is Critical

Are you confident?

Yes? That’s awesome! Keep practicing this amazing habit.

No? Ok, we have work to do. Let’s start shall we?

Confidence is critical to your mental health because if you’re not confident, every single day, your mental health could suffer. Ultimately this could be harmful to you. You only have one life.

Did you know that confidence is fluid and can change daily, even hourly?

I used to lack confidence. In public, with a group of people within a conversation. I’d have an opinion I desperately wanted to share with the world. But, I'd never dare to share because of my fear of judgement.

In this context, fear is false.

F.E.A.R is false evidence appearing real.

For years the cumulative effects of not sharing my personal thoughts and opinions built like a pressure cooker inside my chest. Eventually leading to depression and hospitalization. I got sick. Very sick.

Now, I am awesome. I am sharing my knowledge with you so you too can feel great.

Energy doesn’t die. But, as a human being, your body with mind, can.

So, my friend. What will you do with this amazing energy of yours? Your valid opinions and thoughts are all energy that could be released into the world. Or, they could consume you and overflow into anxiety and depression, and in some cases, suicide.

You are enough. You are you and this is enough. Be you. There is no one on planet earth that is like you. You have unique DNA.

You are worthy of respect purely for being you. So, be assertive.

Next time you feel fear arise. Fear of being judged simply by sharing who you are. Remember fear is just false evidence appearing real.

In life you'll be judged, it's guaranteed. Accept it. You cannot escape judgement. Whether you share your thoughts or not you'll l be judged because it's what humans do.

So you might as well go forth!

Practice being confident. Even if your voice shakes. Do it. You must.

What is the worst that can happen? Seriously. Think about it for one moment.

Ok, great. You didn’t die, did you?

Now, go live your life with confidence.

Peace,

Adam Bowcutt Co-Founder Xnforce

PS. My new book is available now for pre-order here: The Psychology of Confidence

#AdamBowcutt #Xnforce #Confidence #psychology #depressionawareness #assertive #psychologyofconfidencebook

Why Time is More Valuable than Money

Do you ever think "I'm too busy and don't have enough time"?

You're not alone. Every single day millions of people have this exact thought.

I'm going to show you how to have the time of your life. Are you ready to shift your mindset?

Ok, let's go...

How you spend your time is how you spend your life. This is so important. You can always make more money. But, you cannot make more time. This is a fact because there are only 24 hours in a day. How can some people get so much done within this limited timeframe?

They are super-human, right? The answer is no. Simply, they are in control of their time and energy. A side benefit of successfully managing time is you'll become successful in business and life.

"Past, present and future is an illusion. Time and space is fluid" - Albert Einstein

Firstly, self-awareness is key. Identify where your energy levels are at particular times of day. For example, I'm a morning person. I love early mornings. My energy levels are ideal from 4:30am in the morning. I am most creative and get most of my work done between 4:30am and 11:30am. When are your energy levels at their most effective?

Secondly, time-scheduling and goal-setting are critical. What specifically do you want to get done, when and why? Where focus goes, energy flows. Your unique values and life commitments will decide this. Think long-term and strike a healthy balance between being focussed on your goals and living in the present. Now.

Ok, so you know your ideal energy limits, smart goals and you've scheduled dedicated time in your busy calendar. Now what? The Pomodoro Technique promotes most focus and creativity. You will finish projects faster with less mental fatigue. Plus, it's fun because you get rewarded for your productivity! It's free too.

1. Set a timer to 25 minutes (Your iPhone or Samsung device works)

2. Now get to work! Focus 100% on doing your best work without distraction. It's only 25 minutes.

3. When the timer (Pomodoro) rings reward yourself for your excellent productivity with a short break of 5-10 minutes. Go get a fresh coffee, meditate, go outside for a quick walk etc.

4. Repeat step 1. Then, after completing 4 sets of 25 minute pomodoro's take a longer break of 20-30 minutes.

With focused attention followed by short breaks your brain will be 'recharged' consistently. You are now using your energy effectively. Taking a longer break will help assimilate your brain with new knowledge.

Have fun practicing and you will have the time of your life.

By Adam Bowcutt Founder of XnForce™ BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology specialising in Social Psychology

PS. If you're thinking this is just too hard or "I can't do it" I recommend you read Why is it Important to Adopt a Growth Mindset?

#Time #Valuable #AdamBowcutt #XnForce #PomodoroTechnique #timemanagement #focus #productivity #Einstein #Goals #Attention

Why Leadership is a Choice

What do you think about when you hear the word ‘leadership’?

There are countless explanations about what being a leader is. The most important being your perception of leadership because perception is reality. It’s your unique reality.

About 6 months ago I felt I was a leader. Quietly, I’ve always felt this. But, I didn’t believe it because I held onto a belief that I had to be given a leadership title. In fact, I was wrong. That day I made a clear decision. I chose to be a leader . Instantly my life changed. I had more energy and a powerful sense of purpose.

Leadership is definitely a choice. Someone doesn’t have to select you as a leader. You choose to be one. It’s truly empowering. You’ll be in a great position to help so many people improve their lives through your actions and behaviours. How does that sound?

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” Simon Sinek

Do you sometimes find it difficult making decisions? If so, use this effective tool: The Decision-Maker by Seymour Schulich. Ok, so now you’ve decided, what now?

Practice every single day. Practice leadership skills. By consistently helping others reach their goals and become successful you will, in turn, become a great leader. Remember, the meaning of success is different to everyone.

Your DNA determines your leadership style. Self-awareness is most important in leadership. How can you lead others if you can’t lead yourself? Truly knowing who you are; your values, strengths and weaknesses will help you lead yourself so that you can effectively lead others. So, who are you?

Ok great! so you know who you are, and lead yourself authentically with self-discipline. You’re passionate about helping others. Now what?

To become a great leader you’ll need to learn, practice and master a mix of important leadership skills. Firstly, confidence. For your followers to have confidence in you, you’ll need to radiate confidence. Secondly, communication. Effective and enthusiastic communication is critical in creating a clear understanding of your vision and purpose. Thirdly, relationships. Build and nurture strong long-term relationships because trust is a foundation of leadership.

There are many other leadership skills to learn. For example, delegation, strategy and life-long learning; always be learning.

An exponential principle of leadership is a focus on creating more leaders. It’s about succession and legacy. As a masterful leader you’ll help build a better world by creating progressive and adaptable leaders. In whichever space and time you’re in you will solve problems and have influence. Now, and into the future. It’s exciting!

“Lead, so when you leave, your influence remains.” Adam Bowcutt

It’s not easy being a leader. Nothing worth doing ever is.

Now, go practice.

By Adam Bowcutt Author

Please feel free to also read: Why Building Connections Could Save Your Life

#SherylSandberg #AdamBowcutt #XnForce #Leadership #Perception #Inspire #Selfawareness #communication #delegation #strategy #learning #legacy #psychology #socialpsychology