John's Blog

Have you notice how brazen stupid people are? They ooze confidence about things which they have no clue, outspoken and loud with it too. Ignorance does indeed seem bliss. In sharp contrast, clever people are quiet, reserved, and often apologetic about their lack of knowledge and preparation.  As it turns out, it's a real thing. The Dunning-Kruger Effect explains that stupidity gets a little knowledge, thinking that this is all there is to know about the subject. They then run flat out with it. Clever gets the same knowledge and realises that's it's the tip of an iceberg, and seeks more information, delving ever deeper.   The saying goes: a fool and his money are soon parted. I always wondered how the fool got his money in the first place. It seems that having just a little knowledge is all it takes to turn wealth. Now it's apparent that the fool has something to teach the learned after all.  When reading up on the Dunning-Kruger Effect, named after the resea...

If leaders are learners, then possibly the biggest obstacle to people developing their leadership capacity, is finding time to learn. With the high demands on every moment of peoples lives, time is at a premium.  The digital age offers many wonderful learning opportunities for leaders. People download audio books to listen to while commuting, they sign up for online courses, and even source information and potential business via social media.  There are setbacks to digital learning, which includes: cost, effective assessment, self-learning, and engagement with others. These obstacles have less to do with the digital medium for learning, and more to do with our make up as humans.   Vote and comment anonymously on this article thus far:   The cost of some digital platforms is at a premium, driven by the greed of designers to ensure a good and sustainable monthly income. Obviously people want to be paid for their efforts, but do they have to become su...

When the goal is not "materialism," but "manifestation," the meaning of life becomes clear.  Chill! I'm not about to condemn the house, cars and other toys that litter your life. Materialism has a place in our world as the reward for the pursuit of fulfillment. Read that again.  People populate vision boards with "things" as the point of purpose. We get sold the dream of financial freedom as being able to do what we want, when we want, and how we want. And so the cars, houses, and luxury holidays take over the "meaning of life." It works so well for the most part, because it so closely imitates the truth. Yet, it subtly changes people's focus from purpose to purses.  Am I saying you mustn't pursue materialist wealth? Yes ... and no! The "goodies" will come into your life, of that I am sure. But they shouldn't be the aim of pursuit. "Things" are not the meaning of life, but the tools and reward for cre...

The saddest stories are the ones where people's dreams are on hold for "when it..." is ideal.  Every one has something that ties them down, occupies, and limits their ability to live out "the dream." Some are waiting for money, some are waiting for a golden opportunity, and others are waiting... just waiting.  Most people use dreams as a crutch to help them limp through the day. Others see their dream as the light at the end of the life tunnel. A limited few use dreams as a target to focus their efforts. For all of them, the dream is never realised.  We are not called to to strive for "I will," " I could," or even "I should." We are, however, called to live out our "I am." Our hopes and dreams are the the guidelines to do just that. By putting our dreams on ice, we freeze our true identity.  Dreams are God's vehicles that carry us to our purpose, which we "sell out" for that romance, for that bond ...

In the quest for love, I often wonder if the games people play are intentional, or could it be that the antics are fabricated in our own perceptions?  Prone to overthinking, I am often guilty of analysing the pretzels out of all gestures of kindness within the context of a relationship. "What did they mean with this?" "What was the purpose of that?" "Is this love, or are they toying with me?"  Riddled with insecurities, I observe, mentally record, and scrutinize with "OCD" repetition and accuracy, every. single. little. thing. Unfortunately, the doubt and paranoia eventually creates the distance I imagined between myself and those I had hoped to love.  It's with agonising humiliation that I recently realised I am my worst enemy when it comes to intimacy. The conclusion followed the realisation that I don't always recognise "love" when I see or experience it.  In striving for a healthier life, I've made a commitme...

On a recent visit to a friends house, I met their baby boy of six months. Having arrived near the toddlers dinnertime, I got to witness the professional couple struggle to feed this "obviously contented" baby for more than an hour.  I watched as the couple bickered and argued about the best way to get baba to eat. They even resorted to tricking the kid, teasing him with a dummy, only to swap it with food at the last moment. He then promptly spat the food out with a giggle. He wasn't eating, simply because he wasn't hungry yet. But, knowing the benefits of timely nutrition, the new parents stumbled and plotted about ways to feed their child, hoping to give him a good start in life.  The most disturbing divide between people is not one of race, but the one between the "wants to" and the "does not want to" of the world, and that gap is big. These polar opposites are defined by those that want to make something of this life for themselves and b...

How many people would actually recognise the unicorn of "unconditional love" when faced with it?  No, not that "I love you for the way you love me" stuff that's based in co-dependency. That's the kind of love that turns the other person invisible, hidden by conceit  Playing the vulnerability card also misses the "unconditional" mark when its based on me revealing who I am, regardless of the consequences. Real love doesn't have to be seen, and has no need to expose itself.  We all love them when they support our vision, understand our darkness, and cuddle our flaws. However, where is the love to support their recovery when they're broke and broken? Real love isn't offended by their failures, nor does it twitch at their disloyalty.  Real love doesnt have to be first in their lives. It will stand aside, letting another step in to meet the need, receive the glory, be the hero. Unconditional love will advise against the self dest...

On a recent visit with friends, Mike took the opportunity to vent. "There is a lot of negativity around me, and God isn't answering my prayers." Mike wants to make a change in his life for the sake of his family, and is currently trusting God for a new job.  Well, that's partly true. Mike is trusting God to get him away from his current employer, a bully and a manipulator. Mike told his friends about the troubles at work, and lamented about leads for other jobs that had turned cold. "I hate the place where I work, and I'm starting to hate the people too."  Someone asked Mike about his preparations and plans for leaving the job. " I dont have plans, and I'm always too tired to prepare anther job for myself.," was the answer. Somebody asked where he would like to work, to which Mike replied - anywhere.  So, if we break Mike's situation down into the three elements of "manifestation" - know where you've come from, k...

The most common topic people talk about around personal development is the meaning of life, "why exactly am I here?" Life is less about discovering purpose, and more about choosing a meaning to give to life. When a dog wakes up in the morning, it doesn't ponder the reason for being a dog. It didn't have to go on a quest to discover its purpose. The dog simply gets up and does doggy things, it has no choice in the matter Fortunately, or not, people get to choose their own purpose. For most, selecting a reason to live is frightening. The thought of committing to a single mission can be more intimidating than getting a permanent tattoo, or picking a partner, for life! Those seeking a life mission often seem to wait for the heavens to open, as they watch a beautiful white dove flutter down and land of their shoulder. With a voice like James Earl Jones, they then expect the divine messenger to tell them what to do in life. Life is more grounded than that, and pu...

Entrepreneur, manager, and politician are roles that each require it's own set of unique skills, but does not guarantee that the title holder is a leader.  A person gets the title of leader by way of birthing a vision. The leader was, is, and always will be the vision owner and curator, responsible for taking it from inception to completion, with the effective and efficient help of a team.  Anyone that feels strongly enough to act on a vision can lead. Having a vision obviously doesn't mean the person will be a good leader. Like any skill, leadership is loaded with various principles, strategies, and techniques, requiring study and practice to master.  Many visions lay dormant on the shelf of "one day," collecting dust. The owners of the " vision-in-storage" become reluctant to dust the vision off and make it happen, because they feel unworthy of the leader position.  Instead of letting your vision decay into "regret," equip yourself wi...

Manifesting your desire needs knowledge of three things; know where you've come from; know who you are; and know what you want.  Jack and Sally are a young couple struggling through a turbulent life, with hopes of better things to come. It's been a wrestle to get where they are now, and for the most part, they are positive the situation will eventually turn around.  Once in a while, Jack will sit down to check if he is steering his life in the right direction. On one such occasion, Jack spoke aloud to himself, asking: "why isn't my dream manifesting?" "Well, what is your dream," asked a little voice. Shocked by the question, Jack looked around for the source of the voice, eventually noticing a little ant watching him from the table.  Amused by the talking ant, Jack said, "I'm not sure what I want, but I know that I'm sick of the results I have." The ant studied Jack for a moment, and then asked, "Well, who are you? What ...

You cannot grow and improve inwardly, but remain stagnant outwardly.  The driven work endlessly to refine and reshape what they understand to be the soul, to better reflect devine intent. This work, can at times, become overwhelming, with no apparent end in sight. The goal too seems to be ever moving further and further away, dragging with it all hopes of sudden victory.  The drained glimpse over a weary shoulder, wishing to see relief's sweet approach. Occasionally, they scan the horizon, longing to see anything that resembles their "ship" coming home to dock. All the while they deliberately grow, forcing themselves into better moulds.  Faint not, seeker, for in due season you shall reap. The constant labour you exert to become great inwardly, prepares the road for greatness outwardly. Today, you stand in your work clothes, at the work bench, still toiling at and pondering about a more desired life. Tomorrow, sweaty and fatigued, you will open the door to more...

To you, one of God's unique little kids, I want to say that different does not mean seperate.  Often people sitting on the fringes of society feel disconnected from the rest of the world. They sit on the fringe because they are different, and others draw away. These are people that dont blindly accept tradition as truth, unwilling to conform just for the sake of agreement. These oddballs look at life from an angle that most ... well, let's just say, that most have never considered.  Fringe life is a lonely and a trying place. Even though most fringe-sitters have friends, it's a meeting-by-appointment arrangement, as the friends dont really want to expose others to the one-of-a-kind perspectives. So, "fringees" dont usually get invited to the big get-togethers, and live in solitude, sometimes by choice, sometimes not.  Take courage you special biscuits, I want to tell you something. The world in which we live is shaped by the odd dreams of artists and inv...

I sometimes laugh at how ironic life is, with all its complexities and simplicity mixed into one deliciously confusing package, called the brain.  One dichotomy in life that tickles me endlessly, is how people are such obvious creatures of habit, and in the same breath, we are not. People may follow routines at times, such as just before going to bed. It may be a case of first locking the outside gates, then the front door, followed by switching off lights, going to the bathroom, tinkling, then brushing teeth, walking to bed, get naked, get in bed, pray and chill. This pattern is then repeated until death.  You'd think that a repetitive pattern like this would benefit other mental tasks that we do routinely, like decision making. Yet strangely, repetition is not a part of our decision making processes, unless we specifically choose a routine. Dafok!  Yesterday, Sally followed her natural decision making pattern while deciding which laptop to buy. She made an e...

Social media, like having lots of money, does not corrupt people. It merely reveals the corruption that already exists. Social Media Safety Day, 11 February 2020, highlighted the precautions and roles that you and I need to take to ensure personal security, while enjoying the interactions and benefits of the internet life. The speedy advancement of technology puts people in a number of unique situations that we, the users, don't yet fully understand. The first of these predicaments is the power our hand-held device has to isolate us from the people that are in our physical and personal surroundings, while exposing us to a community of strangers as we engage from many miles away. Social media manipulates our inherent need for validation and support from our community to include the inauthentic and often cruel praise of the internet audience. The "likes and shares" of strangers on social media start to replace the affection and affirmations of loved ones that know us...

It's amazing how quickly carrying a kid on your back around the zoo can drain your energy and enthusiasm. The same is true for your vision, but the ones you piggyback don't always deserve the lift. Momentum-leeches will ride you like a vision-uber, with no interest in your goals, and will desert you when they get to their destination at your expense.   There are few things in life that are as infectiously beautiful as a playful puppy, a baby laughing, and someone with a vision. The energy and vibrancy oozing from a new visionary is attractive, designed to draw in a capable team, enthusiastic supporters, and willing sponsors.  Once your vision gains a little momentum, it gains the attention of those around you. Excitement, hope and structure drives you to your end picture, and attracts help and opportunities needed to turn your vision into reality. It also signals the momentum vampires to move in.   Arriving with fanfare, energy thieves blister you with complim...

I'm doing a "100 Articles in 100 Days" challenge, with approximately sixty five articles left. "Why 100 days? Why not just 30 days like all the other challenges," I hear you ask. Let me explain:  First, leaders forge mastery, then, Mastery creates leaders.  The unique leadership model, the U49, guides potential leaders through a growth program, aimed at fostering focus, momentum and mastery, establishing reliability and reputation along the way. All of these elements need time and effort to grow ... enter the 100 Challenge.   The strength of the 100 Challenge is in the incredible personal growth and understanding the leader gains as they establish momentum in their core skill. It takes a minimum of forty days exercising a skill for it to become grounded. In other words, in the first forty days, you just start to understand the subtly of the tasks you do.  The next sixty days of the Challenge takes the growing leader beyond mere understanding, past s...

Sometimes, love is like giving water to someone that has a cracked cup. They can't quench their thirst, because they are broken, and incapable of drinking the water.   People are offended when those of low self worth don't respond to love in an expected manner. The offence comes from the inherent belief that love cures all: "If I love a broken someone, they should heal, and blossom." Love does indeed heal all things, and it does make people whole, but sometimes that love isn't in a shape you recognise.  It's not hard to understand that people from different walks of life view success differently. Some people regard fast cars and big houses as symbols of winning. Others want success to create happy families and caring spouses. Both views of success are okay. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that some people need a different expression of, and respond differently to, love.  Many people accuse the "broken" of being selfish, even contro...

Hundreds of thousands of new ventures, fresh visions and infant businesses die, because the leader didn't know how to get it going. Of all the things your "new life" needs to survive, momentum is crucial.   Without a doubt, a clear future vision defines why we do it. Growth gurus want us to diligently sort a one year, a three year, and a ten year plan, because it's the "year of vision." Pffft! Those plans will be a fat load of useless if you dont action it tomorrow.  The saying, "objects at rest want to stay at rest," applies to your vision too. Have you noticed the tiny steps given by the strong man as he starts to pull the heavy truck? These little steps focus all his power to move the truck forward just an inch. Our vision needs tiny steps of focused power to get the first sign of movement. Focusing on just "the next step," creates the initial movement in our vision.  The following step will need less force to move the visi...

Asking someone to believe in their own greatness may be too much. Instead, ask them to believe in the calling, and the Caller.  A lone bush burning in the desert may not seem strange to some folks, but it caught the attention of the only person camping nearby as odd. Then, to make things really creepy, the bush spoke, nearly causing Moses to seek shelter inside his own belly button.   The story of God calling on Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egyot strongly resonates within me, not that I've ever heard God speak from a burning bush. I like Moses's story, because it's so honest... funny, but honest. It represents the way in which so many of us respond to the calling on our lives.  The excuse Moses used to delay his calling was "I, I, s, stu, I stutt, I s, s, I stutter..." If only I could get dollar for every time someone used an excuse to get out of their calling, I'd be a gazillionaire! Even though he was raised in a royal house, our ...

We all look up to and admire a good leader, impressed by their skill, tenacity, and authenticity. We recognise that rallying people behind a single objective in a mutually beneficial way is extremely difficult. We even recognise that not everyone can be a good leader, and that it takes a special kind of person to fill leadership shoes.  So, why is it that we call leadership a "soft skill"? Why is it that a "leadership course" shouldn't be longer than four days? Why is it that the teaching of leadership, a skill globally recognised as prolific and difficult, is treated with such contempt? Maybe insecure people in leadership positions don't want competition and downplay proper training. Maybe labelling leadership as a soft skill was a marketing mistake made universities and educators.  Soft skills...! Don't talk stupid.  People don't enlist for leadership training for two main reasons: first, leadership is horribly misunderstood. Second, lead...

Let's take a moment to pause on this day, World Cancer day, and say, "I care," to those that continue to fight against the disease. We remember, and pay tribute to those that have fallen in this terrible battle.  World Cancer day offers the opportunity to highlight another subtle and deadly form of the disease, the cancer of caring. It has oozed it's way into the deepest fabric of our societies, infected the bone marrow of our social economies, and eats away at the very core of our coexistence. You may think the claim is crazy, and have possibly never noticed the symptoms, but I promise you; the disease has already infected you.   I first diagnosed the cancer at a breakfast with Ben. He is an elderly gentleman with a kind heart, and a lot of wisdom to share. Once a week, Ben and I go for breakfast at a popular restaurant chain. Each week, we are greeted by friendly faces always eager to wait at our table. As usual, Ben will greet each waiter by their name, mak...

"Overnight succes;" "so lucky;"and "instant fortune" are the excuses the lazy and uninspired slap on those that are successful, oblivious to the hours, the sacrifices, and the growth it took to reach the top.  "Let's imitate them," is a great strategy to duplicate success, but you can't start imitating where they are now in hopes of an equal results. You have to start at the same point they did and follow their original path.  All of a sudden success, fame, and fortune, with all the trimmings doesn't sound as attractive! "Oh, it's still attractive, it's just the 'effort' thing that's not going to happen."  The general population would rather slog it out for a boss, in poverty, before they invest time, effort, and education in their own success. "I'm tired" is the greatest motivator of the unmotivated to do nothing in life.   The perception is that life and success needs work, cre...

Walking along a desolate sandbar on the shores of an Indian river, Payeng's heart broke as he wept aloud for the death he witnessed.  All forms of reptiles and birds had died of exposure to a terrible storm on the river banks just days before. The cruel sandbank offered the animals no protection from the elements.    Fourteen year old Payeng went home and devised a plan. It was simple, he would plant and nurture saplings on the desolate sandbank until there was enough habitat to offer protection to all the animals. This plan would also prevent soil erosion on the largest river island, Majuli.  Thirty years later, Mr. Payeng has planted enough trees to create a forest covering 550 hectors, the equivalent of fifteen football stadiums. The Molai forest, created by Payeng, is now home to deer, tigers, rabbits, birds and more. How is this possible?  The dedication of one person to do something each day that may only make a small difference in the moment,...