John's Blog

A Self-indulgent post by John Usher She stepped through the door and awoke the dragon. The conversation stalled as she entered the training room. She was awkward and uncomfortable. Although, thinking back, it was probably because I was openly staring. She introduced herself bluntly and sat down in the front row. Delicious eyelashes generously framed big, curious, beautiful eyes.   I instantly realised that I was in pain.

Authentic Leadership - The Dark Horse There is no doubt that there is a science to management that takes time to master. The demands from industry forced pioneering managers to take up the role of leader too. This thrusts a set of 3-balls to juggle in to prospective entrepreneurs' hands that are still trying to navigate their way through the terrors of marketing, branding, culture building in the circus of digital business. "Leadership" was not a term forced onto grumpy autocratic managers to make them more likeable. Rather, the ability was recognised and noted as masses started to follow key individuals that shaped our history. As an entrepreneur, I don't mind telling you that I think the role of manager is easier to master than it is to quantify the role of leadership. It is difficult to teach old dogs to engage in the lives of those they manage, but it is even harder to groom authentic leadership. This is the 4th ball potential leaders need to learn...

This is a Section of Chapter 1 of the MIND MUTTER MATTERS MOST book by John Usher "You only study the brain. There is only one version of the brain. I study machines. There is such a diversity of machines." The father of a girlfriend sat back smugly. I was only a youngster starting out my career in Psychology and Human Development.   I knew from a young age that I wanted to study behaviour and the mind. As a kid, I got the others in my class to draw pictures of their families. I then sat and analysed the pictures, giving each child feedback on what I observed. It soon became a talking point in the school with pupils and teachers alike. People, including teachers, would constantly slip me pictures they had drawn wanting feedback.

This book has a dual personality. First and foremost - It is a self-development introduction, discussing the origins, purpose and process of values and beliefs. Secondly, woven into the non-fictional fibre of the theme, is a fantasy story that gives an account of Osram, a Slayer that seeks to rescue a Princess from the dragon that stole her. This short story follows the hero on his journey, revealing the characters' values and how he benefits from the understanding they bring to his life. The story shadows the non-fictional content and exercises given in the book, providing a wonderful example of a possible practical application. As facts in life cannot be separated from our daily experience, this short book offers a combination of facts on core values and beliefs, which cannot be separated from the insights and examples of fellowship, connection and understanding. This book, as little as it is, reveals the true value behind the most powerful driving force in our lives. Value...

Development Happens Progressive, adaptable and intelligent - don't each one of us believe that we ourselves hold these qualities. I am a big fan of Ted Talks. I religiously watch two or three talks on a daily basis. Some I watch the same talk two or three times to wrap my little brain around the concepts being shared, sometimes I watch the talk only once because it resonates so deep inside of me to confirm what I already believe or think.   There hasn't been a talk that I would criticise, until now.

Free Course Registration!!!  This course is designed specifically for those who feel that there is more to life. Sometimes we know there is more (Or at least we hope there is more!) but we just not sure how to go about it. 

As a minimalist it always amuses me how clogged people get in their thinking. What really tickles me is how repetitive people are in their thought process, especially in solving problems.  Even with the advent of readily available information on the internet, people still seem to choose a solution that is cluttered with past failures. Around and round the problem they go. Some attempt to try old solutions - just quicker! Or, they try failed thoughts, but increase the VOLUME! (Obviously problems are afraid of noise?) Basically, people keep attempting the same solutions they always have, ending with the same, or very similar, results each time. 

Rotten relationships, warped business deals and limp self-image! All these are consequences of what we think, of what we believe. What really ticks my anger boxes is that these thoughts, these opinions that so limit us, are of our own choosing! Really? Yes, the ridiculous “ BS ” that we subject ourselves to is all self-inflicted. Every time we go through some experience, we code it into our belief system, either as something that will limit and prohibit us or as something that would empower and give us permission. Limiting permission beliefs are like a shackle around your ankle designed to slow you down.  Empowering permission beliefs are like a shovel to a gardener – useful!  Click Here To Read Full Article...

 Click Here   >>> LIFE AVERAGE EVALUATION Ver1.0  <<<  Well, I thought I would create an evaluation that would help you determine your Life Average! Why is that important? Had you been reading my blog, you would have noticed that there is a lot about Mind Mutter and how it keeps us to our Life Average.

There are many factors that generate and affect our behaviour as humans. Our age has a role to play in our behaviour and attitudes. Gender also has a role to play in the way a person behaves. The basics behaviour generators in people also include: Culture, Religion, Social Economics, Health and Education. The importance of these factors in our lives is born out of / comes from our very core - Values and Beliefs.

This Three Part introduction is only a brief introduction to Mind Mutter and its role and function within our lives. In Part 1, we discovered that Mind Mutter is the "Average Enforcer" ensuring that you always live at a standard or level around your life average. In Part 2, we are introduced to the fact that Mind Mutter in a major force within us, that we cannot silence, shake or fool. We have to engage with Mind Mutter and negotiate our way forward. What is Mind Mutter? Part 3 - Behaviour and Intent This Three Part introduction is only a brief introduction to Mind Mutter and its role and function within our lives. In Part 1, we discovered that Mind Mutter is the "Average Enforcer" ensuring that you always live at a standard or level around your life average. In Part 2, we are introduced to the fact that Mind Mutter in a major force within us, that we cannot silence, shake or fool. We have to engage with Mind Mutter and negotiate our way forward.

Many changes in my life recently have forced me to evaluate where I stand. It hasn't been easy nor has it been pretty. But, I figure if I keep doing what I always did, I will continue to receive much of the same results as the past 20 years. Read the full article here!

Our beliefs are what makes us, and our beliefs are what breaks us. Our internal world has such a major impact on the outward consequences. So, it was no surprise to me that amongst the most common beliefs of excellence held as true by the top performing companies is a statement that talks directly to our internal resources. Well, sort of. The eighth belief of excellence that I would like to share with you here is : People have all the resources that they need. "No I don't!" This was my initial reaction to this statement. I looked at my business, the cash flow, my bank statements and thought how I could use a lot more resources than I possessed at the time. I am sure everyone would like to have ac-cess to a little more resources than they have available to them. Especially newly launched entrepreneurs, struggling with cash flow in their start-ups. I regard myself as a tea-spoon in life. I believe my function in the bigger picture is to stir people. Awaken th...

My mother has the gift of the gab. She always has an answer regardless of the situation. Sometimes these are funny chirps, but most often they are comments with a bit of zing in them. Yet strangely, it is when she remains silent in a situation that she communicated the loudest of all. The seventh statement in our beliefs of excellence series is: You cannot not communicate! Yes, I know! It has a double negative in the sentence. But for a moment imagine my 4 foot 8 inch tall Scottish mother, hand on hip, evil angry glint in her look, silent. Is she saying anything? No! Is she communicating? Oh yes! I am a firm believer that effective communication is the backbone of every successful functioning organisation, of every team, of every family and of our personal achievement of goals and dreams. Studies show that more than 50% of divorces occur due to poor communication. A management survey revealed that more than 60% of all management problems have their root in poor communicatio...

Mind And Body United The greatest companies of our time have one thing in common, as discovered by researchers—a set of common beliefs of excellence. We all have beliefs, at to some degree or another our beliefs either limit or potential or unlock our greatness. It seems that these common beliefs bring success to those that are taught them and apply them in their business dealing. Are these magical statements or chants with mystical powers. No, not at all. They are beliefs, that if held as true, change the holders view of the world, making people better learners, patient, inquisitive and curious. All of these are the underlying traits of great business. In a series of articles I have discussed 5 of these beliefs. With there being a total 10 beliefs of excellence, I continue the series here with the belief statement: Mind and Body are part of the Same System. This may seem as if I am stating the obvious here, however, very few people understand the concept. I cannot s...

There is no Failure... Thinking that we are failures is the most common thread amongst us as humans. It’s not when we don’t learn from our failure, but rather, we make it an identity that we base our character on—that we as humans become true failures. This is not the way As shared in part one—A survey of the Top 500 companies in the world revealed that they share a common denominator. All 500 companies hold the same, or at least very similar, beliefs of excellence. Furthermore, they are convinced that by applying this formula, any person or business will be able to duplicate their excellence. The first couple of these beliefs was: THE MAP IS NOT THE TERRITORY and PEOPLE WORK PERFECTLY. The third belief is: THERE IS NO FAILURE—ONLY FEEDBACK! If you swing and miss the golf ball completely - you have not failed - you have simply experienced what it is like to miss a golf ball. As this skill hitting a golf ball correctly, requires practice and sensitivity, failu...

I sometimes feel life is like one of those "pop-up-and-bash" games at the arcade hall in malls and at holiday resorts. You know the one, ten holes. A mole doll pops out of a random hole and you whack it on the head before it disappears, only for it to reappear from another hole.  

What is Mind Mutter? Part 2 – The Force Within Condescending, encouraging, rebuking and challenging! The relentless muttering of our internal voice is ceaseless and extremely effective! You cannot out shout Mind Mutter! You cannot kill it with affirmations. It won’t reduce because you ignore it. Mind Mutter is the driver of the force that is within you, and is unwilling to let go of that steering wheel. It is time to stop ignoring it or running from it. It is time to embrace your only true motivator. It is a fact that mind mutter matters most in effective and efficient self-development.

The Average Enforcer When introducing the wonders of Mind Mutter, what it is and how it works, it is beneficial to look at the effects it has on people like us. This article will take a brief look at how Mind Mutter affects peoples thinking, their achievements, their successes and failures. Have you ever wondered why people at the top of their game somehow fail - spectacularly? Think of people in sports, and how at the pinnacle of their career, they make a blunder that destroys their reputation. A top marathon runner, a shy person that shuns media attention, causes such a media spectacle in a top class race, then drops from the "scene" completely, never to be heard from again. How does this happen to world class athletes?

No one wants to look at the mess in their lives, thinking: this mess is as a result of what I think and believe!   That just demoralizes people completely. Sadly, the statement is true. So maybe, investing some time and effort (that’s all it will cost) in success-bringing beliefs is required.   As shared in part one—A survey of the Top 500 companies in the world revealed that they share a common denominator. All 500 companies hold the same, or at least very similar, beliefs of excellence. Furthermore, they are convinced that by applying this formula, any person or business will be able to duplicate their excellence. The first of these beliefs was: THE MAP IS NOT THE TERRITORY. The second is : PEOPLE WORK PERFECTLY   As goal achieving, purposeful systems, people are remarkably effective. We are born fearless and without opinion. We learn every behaviour, fear and habit. We have learned how to respond in certain situations. All these behavi...