Scale Without Burnout with Andrew Sillitoe

Welcome back. My name is Andrew Sillitoe. This is Balance, the podcast where we help owners build a better business, body, relationships, and mindset. Today, I want to share something personal, a story. It not only explains why I'm so passionate about the four keys method but also shows you how easily we can fall into the same patterns as those who came before us. Now. I've talked about my father's rise and fall in business in the last episode. But what I didn't fully realise for a long time is how closely I was following his exact footsteps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back. This is episode two of the This is Balance podcast, where we help business owners build a better business, body, relationships, and mindset. Today. I want to share a personal story with you. A story that has deeply shaped who I am and why I'm so passionate about helping business owners. Like you find balance. It's a story of my father, his rise to success is full and how it changed the course of my life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to This is Balance, with Andrew Sillitoe, a podcast for business owners who are working hard to build their companies but struggle to balance their professional lives with their personal well-being, health, and relationships.In this introduction, I share my personal story and how The 4 Keys started.I hope you will join me on this journey as I share everything I know about how to grow your business faster without sacrificing your health and relationships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 Lessons I Learned About Visualisation for Sports That You Can Apply to BusinessIn this podcast, we will discuss the power of visualisation and how to shape your business and life to stay in flow. We will embark on a profound journey into the world of visualisation and its transformative potential for your businesses and life. As we approach the end of the year, as a leader, you would do well to tap into this remarkable tool.It might sound like I getting a bit metaphysical, but stay with me. Today, we'll explore the power of visualisation and its potential impact on your future. I've personally witnessed how this practice has shaped my life, both in sports and in business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the ever-demanding realm of modern business leadership, CEOs often find themselves juggling an avalanche of decisions and responsibilities that could make even a superhero's head spin. The constant whirlwind of pressure can leave anyone feeling like they've stumbled into a tornado of stress and burnout. Amidst the chaos, focusing on those long-term goals can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.I this episode, I share 5 essential practices that will enable you to stay in flow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flow and getting in the zone was my secret weapon, whether I was on the ice playing hockey, deeply immersed in a project, or captivating an audience through public speaking.But, like all powerful tools, flow has its pitfalls. For me, the side effect of such intense focus was exhaustion — a kind of weariness that seeped into my bones and left me drained, especially when I needed to switch gears and be present for my family.It's a familiar narrative for many high-achievers: giving every task, whether work or workout, a hundred per cent. When everything feels like it's set to the highest stakes, the pressure can be relentless. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the high-pressure business world, where every decision can make or break your company, the fear of failure and the stress of uncertain outcomes can often feel overwhelming. But what if I told you there's a powerful way to cope with and thrive in this stress?As an international hockey player and now public speaker and coach, I've experienced the paralysing fear of failure firsthand. However, I've also discovered a transformative path that can help you move from the struggle of denial to the freedom of flow. Welcome to the world of “Make Peace with the Game.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I'm going to talk about aligning your purpose and passion with a plan. It's a holistic path. To CEO flow. And when I say CEO, This is not just a title reserved for those at the helm of Fortune 500 companies. It's a role. It's a mindset. Whether you are an aspiring leader. For the top excellence of the corporate world. We're a solopreneur, carving out your unique path. You embodied the spirit of a CEO. You're in command. Steering your enterprise and, by extension, your life admits the intricate dance of complexity and uncertainty we all face. To manage the mist, navigate these challenges with foresight, adaptability, and resilience. Every decision, every action, every strategy. Is a Testament of your leadership. Not just in business but in life itself. And that's what I mean by flow. Because at the heart of this intricate dance lies the ability to synchronise your purpose. Andrew passion. And encapsulate them with a tangible, actionable 90-day plan. Because without the plan, it's just fluffy. Woo, woo stuff. Right? So to achieve this synchronisation, the concept of flow. Is essential. So, let's start by understanding the pitfalls of distraction and misaligned focus. I get it. I'm a business owner. I've walked the path of growing a business and leading teams, and the alert of the next big thing is intense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we remain consistently in Flow, ensuring peak performance? The answer lies in anticipating the triggers that divert us from our optimal state.During my early days as an athlete and later in my sales job, I was often caught off-guard by unforeseen disruptions that took me out of my groove. In this episode I share tips and tools to identify your triggers and stay in flow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had moments when the world falls away, and you're entirely in the ‘now'? This isn't just a fleeting feeling but a scientifically backed phenomenon known as ‘flow', first identified by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.When not managed effectively, the ‘mist', comprised of internal and external triggers, clouds our clarity, disrupting the harmony of our mind and environment. I remember during hockey games, every pass and shot seemed effortless. I felt invincible. But there were games clouded by distractions and self-doubt. This experience I coined as the ‘mist' in my book Managing The Mist.While flow emerges as the hero, guiding us towards unparalleled performance and blissful immersion, the mist is its formidable antagonist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, I learned more about the profound connection between risk and life and the thread that runs through the very fabric of our existence.I had the privilege to spend 90 minutes talking with Geoff Trickey, a charted psychologist who it's an honour to call my friend. We talked about risk, human psychology and peak performance.Geoff is the creator of Risk Type Compass. The design of the Risk Type Compass is striking in terms of (a) its psychological reasoning and (b) its technical test development perspective. It offers an innovative conceptualisation of personality related to risk perception, threat reaction, and propensity for risk-taking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ignite Your Expertise, Achieve Mastery and Find Your FlowBe really good at what you're good at.Let's start with a bold statement: The best athletes who compete at the top level know their skill set inside out. They understand their strengths and where they can add value to their teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast, I share 4 Ways to Achieve Flow Amidst Life's Chaos.Navigating the demands and challenges of life often feels like trying to peer through a foggy window.My journey with "Managing The Mist" has illuminated a path to profound clarity within this chaos.This transformative experience has guided me towards achieving clarity in four remarkable ways since I penned the first edition in 2013. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to today's show. We will discuss thinking like a sports scout when hiring people for your business. We talk about clarifying your strategy before you even think about hiring people. We talk about always networking, hiring, and ensuring that you are showing up in the best possible way as a business leader. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I am joined by Matt Davies, leadership consultant, executive coach and speaker, and we go deep into the parallel universe of the FTSE 100 and the premier league. And we also go into whether the education system is doing enough to develop future leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's fast-paced business world, clarity and simplicity are paramount. Yet, many business owners often complicate their vision with vague, convoluted statements that fail to resonate with their teams and customers.The result?Confusion, wasted time, and missed opportunities. As a business leader who has experienced the frustration of crafting vision statements that ultimately confused my sales teams, I empathise with the struggle to find the right approach.This podcast will explore how focusing on three clear goals can transform your business and empower your team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to "The Journal of a Head Coach," the podcast where sports strategies and business leadership intersect. Join your host, Andrew, a seasoned practitioner and consultant, as he navigates the world of athletics and translates its invaluable lessons into actionable insights for success in the business realm.In each episode, Andrew shares his wealth of knowledge and lived experiences as a head coach and consultant, blending practical wisdom with strategic thinking. From the thrilling victories to the challenging defeats, he pulls back the curtain on the strategies that drive sports teams to greatness and reveals how those very strategies can be applied to excel in the dynamic landscape of business leadership.Andrew explores various themes through captivating storytelling and compelling analysis, including teamwork, strategy, motivation, adaptability, and more. Drawing inspiration from renowned coaches, athletes, and successful entrepreneurs, he uncovers the hidden connections between the sporting arena and the boardroom, offering a fresh perspective that will revolutionise how you approach leadership.But this podcast isn't just about theory but tangible results. Andrew takes you beyond the concepts and provides practical applications, exercises, and tips that you can implement immediately to enhance your leadership skills and drive your business to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned executive, a budding entrepreneur, or a passionate sports enthusiast, "The Journal of a Head Coach" is your go-to resource for bridging the gap between sports strategies and business success.So, get ready to be inspired, educated, and empowered as Andrew shares his deep insights and actionable strategies to transform how you lead your team, make critical decisions, and achieve remarkable results. Subscribe now and embark on a journey that will propel you towards becoming an exceptional leader in the game of business."The Journal of a Head Coach"—where sports strategies become your playbook for business triumphs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Priestley is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and international speaker. Starting with nothing, he built successful multi-million dollar businesses in Australia, UK and Singapore.By working with some of the world's most successful people, Daniel discovered there are 5 strengths that the top entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders possess. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I don't know about you, but to me, it looks like all these shiny new gadgets and wearable tech were supposed to make our lives easier, but instead, they're just giving us more reasons to pull our hair out and hit the burnout button! And it's a paradox that's leaving me scratching my head.So, why is this happening? Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, the line between work and personal time has become blurred with the rise of remote work and the constant connectivity that technology provides. I have found it harder than ever to switch off from work, leading to longer hours, increased stress, and potential burnout.Secondly, the pressure to constantly be productive and on top of things has increased. The myth of the 4-hour week has led many of us to believe that we should be able to achieve more in less time, leading to a feeling of guilt when we can't live up to these expectations.Lastly, the digital world can be isolating and lonely, leading to a feeling of disconnectedness and a lack of social support. This can have a significant impact on our mental health.While technology has the potential to improve our lives and our work, it's crucial to be aware of its potential impact on our mental health. We need to be mindful of our digital habits, take care of our mental health, and seek support if needed. Only then can we truly reap the benefits of technology and avoid the dangers of burnout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Negative self-talk can majorly impact our mental health and well-being, but it is possible to overcome it with the right tools and support. In this video, Andrew Sillitoe shares how we can work towards a more positive and constructive self-talk pattern and improve our overall mental health and work at our full potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to set intentions instead of goals can be a valuable mindset shift for personal growth and self-improvement. Like, instead of developing a plan to lose 10 pounds in the next 3 months, I set an intention to prioritize my physical health by making healthier food choices and incorporating regular exercise into my daily routine. By focusing on the present moment and aligning my actions with my values, I can make sustainable changes that lead to a greater sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good steak?Another reason I set intentions is that they allow for more flexibility and adaptability. When I set a goal, I often feel like I have to stick to a strict plan, like a hockey coach yelling at me to "skate faster and shoot harder", which can be frustrating if I encounter obstacles or change my mind. However, when I set an intention, I can adjust my approach to align with my current situation and values. This allows for growth and change without the added stress of feeling like I have failed.Additionally, setting intentions is empowering because it allows me to take ownership of my actions and make choices that align with my values and desires. Goals can often feel like external pressures or expectations imposed upon me, but intentions come from a deeper understanding of myself and what I truly want.Setting intentions allows me to define success on my own terms and create a sense of purpose that aligns with my values and desires.Setting intentions can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-improvement. They focus on the present moment and are flexible and adaptable.Instead of setting specific goals, I set intentions that align with my values and desires and see how they can positively impact my life. Like scoring the winning goal in hockey, it's all about the journey, not just the destination!Email me at andrew@andrewsillitoe.com with your thoughts on this topic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As an individual, let's be honest, motivation plays a crucial role in determining your success, both in your personal and professional life. While there are many different types of inspiration, there are two main types: intrinsic and extrinsic.Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is driven by your personal interests and passions. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation comes from external factors such as rewards or punishments.You may find that intrinsic motivation is often more powerful and long-lasting than extrinsic motivation. This is because when you are intrinsically motivated, you are more likely to engage in activities for the sake of the action rather than for the rewards or recognition you may receive.For example, as a leader, if you are intrinsically motivated, you are more likely to put in the time and effort to develop the necessary skills and knowledge because you are passionate about leading and making a positive impact.On the other hand, if you are extrinsically motivated to become a leader, you may only be inspired by the rewards or recognition you may receive, such as a promotion or a raise. In this case, you may need to be more committed to developing the necessary skills and knowledge to be an effective leader, and you may not be as successful in the long term.As a leader, you may also find that you are more likely to be authentic and genuine in your leadership style when you are intrinsically motivated. You are more likely to lead by example and be true to your values and beliefs. This can be a powerful motivator for your followers, as they can see your passion and dedication and be inspired to work towards similar goals.Furthermore, you may be more resilient and adaptable as an intrinsically motivated leader. You are driven by your passion and belief in your abilities rather than by external rewards or recognition. This means you may be less likely to be discouraged by setbacks and challenges and more likely to find innovative solutions to problems.Plus, you'll be having fun while doing it because why not? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to season 6! I'm so excited about this new show. Amazing guests join me in this episode. They are members of The 4 Keys Mastermind and mentors on the programme.Tune in. This is an awesome show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Agreeing on behaviours within your team is one of the most important aspects of leadership. By not agreeing on a set of behaviours, it is impossible to hold each other accountable.Creating above-the-line and below-the-line behaviours that everyone agrees on, will enable us to set boundaries and therefore create an environment where everyone is able to hold each other accountable. These rules should be conducive to achieving your vision and should be aligned with your goals. Our role as leaders is to recognise that we can't change people, people can only change themselves, but we can help raise awareness of their behaviours. So when it comes to accountability, the most crucial part is holding people accountable for their behaviour, and then skills and knowledge follow after.To find out more, head to my website.Is your house in order for 2023?Answer 15 questions against five critical factors It takes two minutes Receive a personalised report immediately LINK TO QUESTIONNAIRE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allowing your team to analyse what is working well for them and what could be better creates more ownership and responsibility, so the idea of getting people to personally reflect is so important.When we do this in business or sports, and everyone shares what they feel is going well, what they have contributed or what could have been better, everybody starts to relax a little. With this episode, learn how to implement a thorough review process so that you and your team can assess what is working well and what isn't, resulting in the ability to fail fast and learn quick.Is your house in order for 2023?Take the questionnaireIt takes two minutes Receive a personalised report immediately https://playercoach.scoreapp.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In my experience, it's impossible to grow a business without identifying a group of people who can support and challenge you, who can help you grow your business and can be the people who maintain the culture and have shared values and beliefs in what you're doing. Grow and scale your team by using this simple method to create future leaders that will help align your business' values and goals.Is your house in order for 2023?Take the questionnaireIt takes two minutes Receive a personalised report immediately https://playercoach.scoreapp.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is a common belief that many leaders think they need to have all the answers, that they need to be a fountain of knowledge to be able to be put on the spot and be able to put a fire out and deal with problems immediately, and if they don't then they think they will be seen as weak. But actually, it's the complete opposite. Ask these three questions to inspire action, increase engagement, increase buy-in and improve productivity within your team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The idea of embracing failure and recognising that something is going on at a neurological level, is hardwired in all of us as human beings.Emotional intelligence is the ability to compose yourself under pressure and manage the fight or flight response. The brain doesn't differentiate from one threat to another, it just responds. It doesn't care whether it's a sabre-tooth tiger, a keynote speech or if you're putting to win the championship on the 18th hole, it doesn't care.It's just going to respond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I think one of the most essential skills that any player-coach, leader, or business owner can develop is the ability to mentor people and see it as a real skill. I think that sometimes when we're having these conversations with people, and when I talk about mentoring, I'm talking about sitting down, having a one-to-one and having a conversation that doesn't mention KPIs or results, but just a real conversation.The ability to ask questions that make people think and feel challenged, but get them to think through their challenges to help them get creative, to help them think about where they are now and what's getting in their way and how to help them get unstuck, to help them think through what their actions could be and what options they've got to solve that problem and ultimately achieve their goal, then that's our role as a mentor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the things I see in the player-coach and leaders of all levels is a need to fix people. They see a problem, and I suppose maybe it's hard-wired in our DNA to see threats, that when we see a threat, we want to deal with it, and I think that as coaches, we often see the gaps in people.We must remember that we can't change people, we can only help them reflect on change, and this has to be self-directed. So, have these conversations where you can get your team to think and reflect on their performance, but always start with the highlights and the strengths of what's working well and then help them build on the areas they need to develop. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

You've got to have a game plan. You need to know where you're going, where you are now and how you will get there. It seems slightly obvious to say have a game plan, and it might be something that you struggle with. It might be something that, when you think about what you truly want in your business and where you're going, it might not be that easy to articulate or get clear about. I'm going to share with you some information through this program that will not only help you shape that game plan but also make sure it gets implemented, works, and is successful. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humans have evolved in remarkable and countless ways. From Stonehenge to putting a man on the moon. From the Bayeux Tapestry to the Industrial Revolution, to air travel to being able to FaceTime your parents, even though they keep holding their phone to their ear during the conversation. You have to admit we've gained a lot of knowledge since that time we were supposedly all fish. And we're not afraid to use it. Understanding, embracing and mastering technology allows us to reach people in more ways and in less time than ever before. When it comes to success, technology has a lot to answer for. But it is also the cause of a lot of failures. The problem with remote management is it can allow managers to be able to manage without knowing their team at all. And that's where I think this advancement of technology has gone too far.My name is Andrew Sillitoe, and today we are discussing how to future-proof your business and your career as a manager. Welcome to the Player-Coach Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Balancing is not that easy to picture, and I think that's because it is even harder to achieve.As a player-coach, it can be challenging to see what balance looks like, but it doesn't have to be difficult to achieve. With a few simple changes, in this podcast I will help you not only imagine what balance looks like but also help achieve it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's a tale as old as time. You're all sitting around the boardroom table, sipping the last of the water in your glass, and staring through the empty communal water jugs, as five o'clock turns to half five, which turns to six.You start composing another apology message to your partner in your head so you can rattle it off quickly as you leave the meeting and rush towards the later half of rush hour. You shift uncomfortably in your seat, which has now been beneath you for so many hours it is essentially a plaster cast of your own behind.And as six o'clock turns to seven and another page of the flip chart is revealed. There are almost inaudible sighs and groans, and you, naturally, start plotting your colleagues' quick and painful murder.No? Just me then. This podcast is not about how I have escaped prison. In fact, I am happy to say I now rarely plan anything other than making sure I have dinner with my family, but that is because I now know how to solve problems with, and within, my team. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are two things you need to know about the simple secret to success. One - it is simple. Incredibly easy. So basic, in fact, it will leave you screaming, "why didn't I think of that" whilst shaking your fist towards the sky and speaking in an accent you would describe as "vaguely Hollywood". The second thing you need to know about the simple secret to success is…that it's a secret. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you've ever heard the sound of hundreds of plates smashing all over the floor around you will know three things. 1) it is loud - the kind of noise that makes time both slow down and speed up all at once 2) it is dangerous - sort of the grown up version of one of the games my children play where the floor is lava and if you step on the shrapnel your feet will be destroyed and3)...this is the point I really wanted to make… you are spinning too many plates and you are spinning them badly. If you've been guilty of this, as I have, then chances are you are a high achiever, a big contributor to the team and you're trying to lead your team at the same time. And it is not easy.Maybe you are the sort of person who wants to set the targets, lead the meetings, present the presentation, cook the staff lunch and build the office. Maybe you're the sort of person who wants to hire the team, do the marketing, close deals and arrange the annual work outings. Perhaps you are the sort of person who is first in and last out, the person the buck stops with and the person the company vision started with… If that's you then you're a player-coach, my friend. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Remember when the US Army had a “don't ask, don't tell” policy? If you missed that they did that, you've been lucky until now. Maybe you are not asking to hear about it, but I will tell you about it seemingly breaking the rule itself because that's the sort of “caution to the wind” host I am. “Don't ask, don't tell” was the policy that prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted members of the LGBTQ community who served in the military. When the Clinton administration introduced this, if you mistakenly think it is a policy from three thousand years ago, you could not serve in the US military if you were openly gay, lesbian or bi-sexual. “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” sent a clear message to all that you can be prepared to die for your country, but your country doesn't need to know who you are. Thank you very much. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Whether we like it or not, as business leaders, we live in a world where our differences are highlighted daily. Where politically and socially, there seems to be an “us and them” narrative driving behaviours, and in a world that is supposed to bring us closer together, there seem to be forces that drive us apart. There is undeniable tribalism that is coming out. Every day we are asked to work out which side we are on…I wish I could tell you that in this podcast, I will discuss what it means to be a leader in today's world, what connects us regardless of our colour, gender, sexual orientation, belief, physical and neurological differences. I wish I could lighten the mood and say we are all the same. I hope I could make you laugh with a joke. But I am afraid I can't. This blog is about low self-esteem, and since I am the only one in the history of the world who has ever suffered from it, this blog will be all about me… Ah. I've disproved my own set-up…Here is my podcast, and this is about all of us. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was in office, he wore the same thing every single day. Ok, not exactly the same thing like he was a character in The Simpsons, but pretty much the same thing every single day. He wore white shirt with a blue or grey suit and he didn't entertain the idea of switching up this pattern during his 8 years as leader of the free world. Why?His reasoning was simple. He had so many decisions to make with massive, real world consequences that he didn't need to lose time or valuable headspace thinking about whether pairing a pastel pink shirt and brown brogues would make him more or less popular with the electorate. He had other things to think about. And so do you. You might not be the U.S President, but if you're listening to this show, chances are you are a person in business, perhaps even a CEO looking to gain a little balance in a world that is constantly asking you “what's next”. If that's you and you're looking for a little advice and support, you've come to the right place.When I was young, I didn't have dreams to become the President of the United States. Not only because I had a reasonable understanding of the geography of the situation making it an unlikely dream in the first place, but also because I loved ice hockey and wasn't willing to sacrifice my time on the ice in the hopes of one day sitting in The Oval Office. Also The West Wing hadn't come out yet so if I'm honest, I didn't give it as much thought as this intro suggests…When I was younger, I didn't spend too much time thinking about what to wear. What I spent a lot of time thinking about was what I was going to eat. I was a chubby child and children, as we all know since we all were one once, can be cruel. I knew I was a chubby child and I was reminded of it by my peers.This resulted in food and cravings becoming an obsession well before I knew how to spell the word obsession. Now, I am pleased and relieved to say food cravings do not control my life anymore. I have found simplicity and balance in a world begging me not to. And in this episode, I'm going to explain how. Welcome to The Andrew Sillitoe Show. We've got a tasty episode for you today. Let's get stuck in. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Unpacking what it means to be Unbreakable. If you're anything like me, when you were at school and you saw your ruler was describing itself as “shatter proof” you immediately snapped it in half. This is because I had no time for lies and I had no regard to school property. Alright, I had some respect for school property, but I did break those rulers. I think there is something to be said about an item or person claiming it is unbreakable and then wanting to prove it wrong. I'm not saying that the Titanic got what was coming to it, but I think there is a danger in saying “this ship is unsinkable” before setting sail across the ocean. It's sort of a more extreme version of having a bad day and then saying “well at least it's not raining” just as a weather warning is being announced on the news… As humans we are striving to make ourselves unbreakable. We are sold the idea that we need to build ourselves up to such a state of being that we can handle anything. We're told we need to be ready for any and all eventualities. So we try and become shatterproof… and we shatter. In today's episode we are going to be discussing what it means to be unbreakable and if we need to re-assess those ideas that we have. Are we striving to achieve the impossible to distract ourselves for the everyday or is there a way to truly become unbreakable? Welcome to The Andrew Sillitoe Show. The Andrew Sillitoe Show Title MusicWhen do you feel strong? I mean really strong. Strong enough that you are incapable of feeling emotional pain or discomfort. Strong enough that sticks and stones won't break your bones, let alone those words that have never hurt you, if the playground chant is to be believed? In this episode I am going to share with you when I feel at my strongest and the journey I've been on to get there. When I was younger, I was competitive. There is something about the world of sport that asks this of you. You have to fight for your place in the team, you have to prove that you are worthy of the logo on the front of your shirt and number on the back. You have to train, to turn up everyday with a mental and physical energy that you need to succeed. I have carried that attitude into adulthood. And still apply today.The knowledge that victories are hard won and loses that are devastating but not the end of the road, are the result of my sports based passions as a young man. I have found the qualities I needed for team sports were matched when it comes to the mindset that I need to succeed in business. It is essential that you have a winning mentality, endurance, an acknowledgement of a team effort, a desire to improve. These qualities made me stronger. I knew, and know, the importance of practice. The strength that you build upon. The growing belief that you, and your team, can come across any challenge, face it head on, and win. A victory is a powerful dopamine hit and adrenaline rush. Your body is flooded with reward hormones for overcoming nerves and hitting the puck into the back of the net. Your body rewards you for smashing that presentation and landing your company a huge new contract and when it comes to our father's fathers before us, they were praised by their bodies for chasing away that saber tooth tiger and living to fight another day. The rewards that come after a hard fought victory are almost unparalleled. Almost. I am going to share with you when I feel at my strongest and I'm going to tell you, with complete honesty, that I feel the strongest I have ever felt today. Right now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When I told my Grandad and my Father I was going to be a professional ice hockeyplayer they said I wouldn't be. Just like that. Not in the way that most parents would say“No” to the idea of their child demanding they wanted to eat sweets for breakfast orwhen they get older, knowing they had to be back home by 9pm but asking if it could be11pm. It was not a reasonable “No.” It was a deflating, infuriating and confidencecracking “No.”I promised myself that when I became a parent, I wouldn't be like that. Don't get mewrong, I don't let my kids eat flying saucers instead of toast and curfews for my olderkids are not up for debate, but if my child believes they can do something, if theyexpress a wish to me or my wife that they'd like to try something new, to pursue a newhobby, we would allow them to do so without judgement...It is often said you either follow the same path as your parents or you do the opposite.Children of Conservative voters register with the Green Party, the off-spring ofacademics opt for a career in the arts or the family business is kept ticking over by thenext generation and the legacy continues.My five year old has just started playing ice hockey. I couldn't be prouder. Or moreexcited. Or more desperate to show him that he can not only play ice hockey but hecould be the youngest ever winner of the Stanley Cup... I am not like my father. Buthave I gone to the other end of the scale?This is the Andrew Sillitoe Show.I'm a business leader and a parent. I am proud of my achievements in both and amknacked and energised by these roles, equally. Sometimes these positions and theskills needed for success in them go hand in hand. The skills needed to be a goodleader; patience, determination, ambition, drive, ability to listen overlap with the skillsneeded to be a good parent.I try and listen to my children in a way that I was not listened to by my parents. It's not acriticism of them. My Dad was pressured by circumstance, the idea that he had to makemore money, the idea that he was the head of the family and the provider. If you'velistened to the podcast before you know that the relationship with my Dad has shapedmy life in many ways. But this episode isn't about my Dad. This episode is about mebeing a Dad and how my son's new hobby has made me question more aboutparenthood than I was expecting.My son, at the time of this recording, is 5 years old. He is the oldest he has ever been,because that is how time works, but he is also my youngest child and, because I am aparent, I have the unique position of being able to see him at every single stage of hislife when I look at him. I am told that this doesn't ever stop and friends of mine withchildren who are forty still reach for their children's hands while they cross the road,almost unaware that they have been voting, paying taxes and existing as a humanwithout the need for parenting, for decades.When my son expressed an interest in ice hockey, one of my true loves, I wasoverjoyed. I had imagined buying his kit, cheering him on from the sidelines andhugging him at the end of a match defeat with so much passion he felt like he had won.I have also been reminded that living my life through my son is not an option. To quote afamously troubled father in the form of King Lear “That way madness lies...” and I haveno intention of being that kind of father.I am aiming to walk that tightrope between being supportive but not pushy andencouraging but not encroaching. Let me tell you right away it is a thin line... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How many X factor winners can you name? I'm going to give you 10 seconds to have a think. How many have you got?..If you're new to the podcast, you might have spent the 10 seconds frantically and confusedly looking through your phone or computer to see what podcast you accidentally clicked on. If you've joined us before you might be confused by the change in direction we've taken. Maybe you were expecting to tune in to a podcast that is discussing balanced living in a complex world. Perhaps you are seeking advice and support from a fellow business person who is looking to achieve results but striving to avoid burning out. Instead, you got asked to name X factor winners... And I bet you were rubbish at it. Ok. Another question. What if I asked you to name artists whose careers have spanned more than 20 years. The musical greats if you will. Go one, I'll give you another 10 seconds… Who have you got? Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Springsteen, Bowie, Madonna?...And how many? Whatever your number is I am sure it is higher for my second question than my first... We are not going to dwell on musicians in this episode because 1) we don't have the rights to use any of their songs and are already possibly in dangerous territory and 2) they are not the entire subject of today's episode… In today's episode we are going to be asking a big, complex question. Even bigger than “how many X factor contestants can you name?” I hear you ask? Yes. Much bigger than that. My name is Andrew Sillitoe, this is The Andrew Sillitoe Show and today I am going to be asking “Are you really winning?” “It's not about the winning, it's the taking part that counts.” This phrase is repeated by every compassionate supporter of someone who is, to use an unfair turn of phrase, a loser. Now listen, if you, like me, have ever been on the receiving end of such a comment you will know that it tends to be as soothing as a handful of salt to the wound you've just been left with. The only thing left to do is rub it in… But even the winners, the people who come in first, the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote, still might not have won the whole race… So what does winning really look like, and how willing are we to challenge our preconceived ideas? In this episode I'm interested in exploring what winning really means to us, and what it really should mean.. Winning in business is often an unachievable, impossible goal, an ever moving target that is asking us to hit the bull's eye, then as soon as you do, do it again and if you don't, you have to put down your bow and arrow and to conclude this archer based metaphor, hang up your Robin Hood hat and vow never to return to Sherwood Forest again… The feeling that “everyone else is doing better than me” is a common and understandable one. I felt it often. I still feel it. I feel it when I turn on the tv and see actors that look like they've been hand crafted by angels. I see it when I engage with social media, people celebrating their achievements that range from buying their dream home to mastering a full English breakfast. I feel it in business when I see the end of year figures that make my eyes water… If you, like me, feel like you are not really but I think it is time we talk about what winning looks like and more importantly what it feels like. I'm going to tell you a quick story about a time that I felt I had lost. winning, you are not alone... So listen in! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

My entire life has changed because of 16kg. This weight I am referring to is maybe not what you'd expect. It is not the weight I lost giving me the body I had always dreamed of (this aim is problematic for many reasons but we will get to that later). It is not the combined weight of my children at certain ages. 16kg is not the amount of steak you have to eat to have your photo taken and placed on the “mega meat challenge” at my local eatery. It is the weight of my kettlebell and that kettlebell has entirely changed my personal and business life. You can't buy happiness. But you can buy a kettlebell and for me, it is sort of the same thing. Welcome to the Andrew Sillitoe Show.I'm an active person. Sometimes too active. I have pushed my body to its limits and asked it to do more than it is able. I have set myself unrealistic goals, given myself too little recovery time and done myself serious damage. Often when we think of being unhealthy we think of 3 of the 7 deadly sins; gluttony, sloth and greed. This seems to feed into this idea that the worst thing we can do is sit down and consume, and that's sometimes true. However, I think it is important to acknowledge that putting yourself through too much is equally as damaging. It is all harmful. I have managed to find a way to set myself regular, achievable goals and it has dramatically changed my life. I'd like to share with you the secret. As business leaders we are naturally target driven. We feel in competition with everyone, sometimes even the people in our team. I have certainly stayed later than everyone else, got in earlier than everyone else and asked more of myself than I would of anyone in my team. I told myself it was because I was the leader, the example, the person in charge. However, over time, I have come to realise it was because I was trying to push myself too far. This realisation combined with my family history of working to an early grave felt as if I had been struck by lightning. The way I was behaving was not long term. I couldn't keep it up and so I had to make changes to improve my life. This thing that improved my life was the kettlebell. And the kettlebell is not the small mechanism my wife rings when she wants a coffee, but the 16kg weight that has changed my life. I started to use the kettlebell in 2012, but with very little strategy, until I met StrongFirst Master Instructor Pavel Macek. Pavel uses the kettlebell daily. He uses it to improve his flexibility, strength and stamina and said I could do the same. He looked me straight in the eye and said “This will change you”First off, I didn't believe him...I have grown up, as you have, surrounded by the messages from companies that tell you you need to buy, and keep buying things to make you happy so the thought that I could get everything I needed from one purchase and hard work didn't ring true. How could I get everything I need from the kettlebell?.. The truth is businesses rely on you feeling that you “are not good enough” and have created multi-billion pound industries that produce pills, clothing, equipment, dietary supplements, shakes, retreats and gyms to keep you buying things that will not give you what you need. What I needed was a kettlebell and a lot of patience. Once I bought a kettlebell and started using it, I did not look back. I did not need to spend time away from my family because I had to workout for an hour at the gym. During the lockdown I swung it everyday, I didn't spend my time desperately trying to navigate work, homelife and exercise in an attempt to “have it all”. I discovered that you can “have it all” you just have to readjust what that looks like for you... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Often I find that when I hear a voice telling me I can't do something, it is my own. Worse still, I often find that I am the only one who can hear it... I used to find wherever I went, I was accompanied by my demons. So much so in fact that I am surprised they didn't insist on me purchasing them a plane seat when I was travelling. Maybe they were concerned for my finances? What they were not concerned about was my mental health. When it came to my work, my demons filled me with doubts, fears and insecurities so regularly that I might as well have put them on the payroll. My demons were persistent. They worked round the clock, evenings and weekends with the enthusiasm that you could only dream of finding in a colleague. My demons were both incredibly loud and totally invisible, like an angry ghost. In this episode, we are going to be talking about facing our demons. So I hope you're all listening. Welcome, you and all your demons, to The Andrew Sillitoe Show. In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed his nation as the 32nd President of the United States of American and said “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”What Franklin D. Roosevelt didn't know at the time was he would soon have to lead his country into a World War and he would die in office. I wonder if he knew how his presidency would end he would have started it with those fateful words... “There is nothing to fear but fear itself”. Fear is an essential part of the human experience. Doubts are useful. The voice that said “this seems scary, start running away.” was vital when the thing in question was a tiger. The little voice that says “I'm not sure you can do this” was helpful when the “this” was fighting with a mammoth. The little voices that make us question an outcome before we do something is the reason you are all able to listen to this podcast today. Those little voices have allowed the human race and each individual that makes up the human race, to survive…Those voices can, however, stop us doing something we really can achieve. The warning signs that were essential when we were hunting and gathering and cave dwelling are less necessary when we are working and relaxing and power-point-presenting. We have been listening to our doubts and our demons to our detriment. Today we are going to start speaking back to them…In today's episode of The Andrew Sillitoe Show we are talking about facing our demons. Many of you listening will know why I do what I do. My journey to becoming the business man, coach, husband and father I am today, has been accompanied by my own demons. My father died far too young. He died too young because he was working too hard. Too much, too young. Both an incredible song and a terrible reality. My father had his own demons and when he passed away I am certain some of my father's demons started hanging out with me. There is no easy way to face them. There is certainly no easy way to deal with them, but as we have touched on before, nobody said it would be easy. Most things that are worth doing are difficult. The fears and doubts might be telling you to run away. I am telling you to stop and to face those demons that tell you, you can't. If you have listened to my previous episodes you will know that there are 4 foundations on which I believe you can build a successful business without sacrificing your health, well-being and personal relationships. The four foundations; do the work, no excuses, always ready and speak the truth are not without challenges and if you are anything like me they are not without a voice telling you your time is better spent elsewhere. My promise to you is I live and breathe these foundations. Upon them, I have built my life but in order to do so, I have had to face my demons. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When something is working, we don't often think about it. If a car starts smoothly as soon as you turn the key, we don't think: “Thanks, car, good work today... And thanks to all the engineers and inventors who have pushed this vehicle's design forward and thanks also to the workers who built the roads-”. We do not. Because we would be late for where we are going to and soon be thanking our clients for not doing business with us so swiftly and our family for leaving us with such speed. My point is When things are working, we don't notice them. When things go wrong, we do. If the car doesn't start, we are late and annoyed and probably swearing. If the lid of our takeaway coffee comes off as we rush to work, our fingers might get burned and we might swear again. My point is that because of this we carry around a lot of negative emotions with us and often far fewer positive ones. We notice when things go wrong and we remember them. They affect us. They change our mood for the worse. In the same way that a child carries their favourite soft toy with them everywhere they go, we carry emotional baggage and daily stresses with such regularity we might not even notice we are doing it… Until we are told to let go. In today's episode of The Andrew Sillitoe Show we are going to be talking about ice baths and epiphanies. Come on in and join us, the water's lovely. Titles for The Andrew Sillitoe Show.I'm going to talk to you now about a living legend. Wim Hof. Not only does his name sound like he should be a heroic character in a Terry Prachett novel but he is basically as brave and otherworldly as that BUT he exists in real life. He is nicknamed the Iceman. Presumably, Iceman is the only name cooler than Wim Hof so he was rightly awarded it. If you can't tell, I'm a fan. If you're not a fan, it is probably because you don't know who he is. That's about to change…Wim Hof runs half marathons, bare foot, on ice. Wim Hof set the world record for swimming 57.5 metres completely under ice. Wim Hof climbed 5,700 metres up Mount Everest wearing just shoes and shorts. Wim Hof has also changed my life. He didn't get an award or medal for it at the time so I am going to give it at least some of the recognition he deserves by talking about it in today's episode. A couple of years ago I sat in a bath full of iced water whilst on a Wim Hof Method workshop. During the day, in the few minutes I sat surrounded by freezing cold iced water, I had an epiphany. Although this sentence might, rightly, make you question what sort of person would do that to himself voluntarily, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Like many good ideas it did not feel like a good idea at the time. It felt like one of the worst. Your body goes into shock. Your brain,that is sending messages to your body is screaming at you to “Stop doing what you are doing, immediately” like a panicked parent when you come into the room and see your child spreading jam on the sofa…Your brain is there to protect you but, as we have mentioned before in previous episodes, with far fewer tigers roaming wild on our streets and the increase in supermarkets, things are slightly less “high stakes” in modern life but our brains have been slower to adapt in some ways. When I was in the ice bath my brain went into panic mode. It assumed I was dying and in a way it felt like I was. It was reacting in the way it has evolved to do, to get me out of danger. The danger, though, as I have said, was not a tiger or a stampede of mammoths, it was an ice bath.My breath quickened and got shallow. I began to tense up and became unable to focus. I was struggling. The man who was leading the exercise, Jakub, was trying to get me to focus, to listen to him. He was telling me to breath, he was telling me to concentrate but I couldn't. Then Jakub said two words that I not only heard but was able to respond to. He said “Let go”. These words were able to cut through the ice. Let go.It was a true moment of clarity. Shockingly so. Like when you accidentally wake up late and open the curtains thinking it's first thing but the sun is shining brightly because it is the middle of the day. Let go. Two words that have changed my life from that moment on. Because you only notice when things go wrong, I was carrying years of pressure, disappointments and fears without noticing. I had with me, without my knowledge and against my wishes, been carrying more emotional baggage than you can carry in both arms… So I started to let go. The good thing about the ice bath is that when you're out of it your brain immediately rewards you for not dying. It floods your body with endorphins that say “HOORAY, YOU MADE IT” and then “DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN, I WAS WORRIED SICK.” In that same way that as a worried parent I have both celebrated and scolded my daughter for coming back from a party late, but in one piece…I had started to let go. Not entirely, not of everything, but I started to let go. Like a sugar cube in a hot tea (which both works as the perfect visual for how “letting go” felt and the perfect drink to have after submerging yourself in freezing cold water) I was able to dissolve, to melt. A friend of mine always starts her day by doing what she calls “swallowing the frog”. No, she does not seek her morning meal from reptilian sources, what she means is she starts her working day with doing the worst job on the to do list. She gets rid of the thing that is hanging over her. She swallows the frog and gets on with her day. Since the ice bath all those years ago, I have started having a cold shower every single morning. I suffer now so I don't have to suffer later. I shock my body and my brain so I am alert and present. It is almost impossible to think of anything else when your body is in cold water. You brain is focused. Your mind is clear. This is cold. This is unpleasant. But it will not last forever and it will not kill me.I have a two minute cold shower everyday and my life has dramatically improved because of it. This is not a fad where you are convinced to financially invest in the latest “must have”. It does not take up more than a couple of minutes of your day. You have 1438 minutes left in the day to spend them however you please, but two minutes in a cold shower can change your life. I went back recently to submerge my body in iced water and something amazing happened. In just a few years, in the same bath, with the same coach, Jakob, I submerged my body in iced water. The difference? My breathing remained the same. There was no panic, there was no sharp, shallow breathing. I had, it seemed, through daily practice, managed to make my body behave the way I wanted to. I didn't see the growth until I was back in the ice bath, but I had moved on from the scared person I was, surrounded by ice and trauma. I had let go.When I take the cold shower, I am suffering. When I am out of it, that suffering immediately stops. Doing it everyday grounds me. It is one of the 10 daily habits that I perform every single day. And I encourage you to do it too. You know that phrase “come on in, the water's lovely”? Well this water is not. It is cold and will shock you. But do it anyway. Spend two minutes out of the 1440 you get today, to change your life. Breathe and Let go. Thanks for joining us. This has been another episode of the Andrew SIllitoe Show. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Thou shalt not covet. This is one of many instructions handed down hundreds and hundreds of years ago to give the human race clear guidance. However, like the terrible cook that I am (except for steak and eggs), I know that there is plenty of room for error in between the reading of the recipe and dinner time, and the same can be said for these commandments. We could be given all the instructions in the world, and it still might not lead us to perfect results.But going back to the historical order, "thou shalt not covet…" I suppose my question is... why not? Why can't I look across the road and see a faster, more expensive car and use that as my motivation to work harder? Why shouldn't I watch the Olympics and want to look like the swimmers when I arise from a holiday swimming pool and therefore kickstart a fierce workout regime? Is there really a suggestion that wanting some of what someone else has and using that as a springboard into action to make that wish a reality is bad? Why shouldn't we hear that voice saying, "what you have achieved so far is not enough?" why shouldn't we be riddled with doubt and the feeling that we are not good enough and we are never going to be good enough? Why shouldn't we push ourselves past our edge and into a free fall of depression and anxiety and oh... I get it.This is the Andrew Sillitoe Show, and today we are talking about life in the fast lane.If you run your own business, chances are you are motivated. Chances are you ask yourself questions, sometimes daily, like "how can this be done quicker?", "How can this be better?", "How can I improve?"All of these questions are important and should be asked. But sometimes they push us to an unhealthy place; sometimes they mean we end up in the fast lane against our will or even our knowledge. I mentioned the Olympics earlier. If you've listened to the podcast before, you'll know that I have a background in the sport. I am a hockey player, and so I have had a winning mindset for a long time. Playing sport and, in particular, team sports gives you great lessons that you can bring off the pitch and into your everyday life. Skills such as teamwork, perseverance and hard work are vital in business. A setback in the first half doesn't mean the game is lost before the halftime whistle blows. It means you can fight back, push yourself and win. These are all skills that I have taken off the hockey pitch and into my business. Sometimes, though, I have found myself travelling at full pelt in a direction I am not sure I consented to. The fast lane often takes more out of you than it can give back. It could mean you are spending vast amounts of energy and time to simply not "fall behind". When we are so focused on targets and data, we can forget the real reason we are here. I'm going to ask you a question now… Why did you start on the career path you are on? You can have a few minutes to think about it if you like. It's not an easy question to be asked, and I know that from experience. I have pushed myself too far in the past. I have put profit over people and sales figures over my family. I've asked you the question, "why did you start in the career path that you're on" so I can check your answer isn't "because I wanted to own the fastest car on my street." I doubt it is. If it was, you might be feeling extremely vulnerable right now, and I am sorry for that. Perhaps you are listening to this podcast in your fast car, and you are so shocked by my almost psychic comment that you might cause a minor traffic accident. If that is you, please pull over now because we have more home truths coming your way and little to no time to wait for roadside assistance.If you are pursuing your goals because of an inner drive to succeed, that's great. If you are pushing yourself past your limits to get the next "thing" that you want, I'd recommend you readjust your motivations. I am not judging you. Like I say, I was in that "fast lane" trap myself. Do you know how sometimes you only realise how thirsty you are when you start drinking a glass of water? Work can be like that. You can be moving along really well and at such a speed that you are not listening to your body. It is only when you stop running that you can start to catch your breath.As you can tell, when I was putting together this episode, I had just been swinging the kettlebell, and it made me thirsty. However, it remains true that if you are living your life in the fast lane, you might be missing a lot of important stuff as you hurtle towards your ever-moving goalpost. Yes, striving for excellence is essential, but when I think about why I started my business, it was, essentially, to make a better life for my family and to not turn into my Dad. Since I spent so much time away from my family to pursue this dream and whilst I was at it, I was heading towards the same early grave my father entered, it seemed I was achieving the complete opposite of what I had set out to do. I felt like a defender smashing the puck into my net. I knew what I wanted to do, but under pressure ended up doing the reverse..The other thing about coveting what you don't have is that you don't know what it has cost the person who has it. Sure after some jealous, frantic googling, you can work out based on the car reg, make and model, roughly what your neighbour has paid for their wheels, but you don't know how much it has taken. How many missed dinners, forgotten birthdays or late nights in the office. And frankly, it doesn't matter. What does matter is knowing that you are unwilling to make any sacrifices that will worsen things in the long run? "Did you renew your life insurance?" My wife asked me this question over coffee this morning."Why? I'm not going anywhere."It's a morbid thought, but it was a reality check. LIFE IS A ONE WAY TICKET.I must prepare for the worse. How would my family survive without me?Then came an even worse thought. I am not indispensable. My wife is more than capable of making money and raising the family.Remember: You are not indispensable. Next time you question taking a holiday, or enjoying an afternoon off or doing the school run, remember the business will carry on.Your business and team will survive.Life will carry on, so make the most of the time you have and don't stress. Life in the fast lane might feel unavoidable, but if you put the breaks on, you might start to notice that there is more that you're passing by than you are experiencing. The graveyards are full of indispensable leaders. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How many lies have you told today? Depending on what time of the day you're joining us the number could be extremely high. I don't want to rustle too many feathers so early into the episode either so rest assured they don't have to be big lies. I'm not out and out calling you a liar…But chances are unless you're living an exhausting and time consuming double life or have been a successful secret agent, the lies won't be big ones but you will have told some. But how many?.. Roughly?.. I would be surprised if your answer is zero. In fact, if your answer is zero, I think I will call you a liar… A recent study conducted by the University of Massachusetts found that in a 10 minute conversation 60% of people told on average 2-3 lies. So depending on how long you've been awake today, chances are you are racking up mis-truths into at least double figures… But don't feel bad. It's not just you doing it. People are lied to between 10-200 hundred times a day. It seems we're all at it. So is honesty really the best policy? Or are we being lied to about that, as well? This is The Andrew Sillitoe Show where we talk about balancing living in a complex world. Thanks so much for tuning in. I'm really glad you could join us. Honestly. Today on my Show we are going to be talking about speaking the truth. As you heard from my introduction, truth telling may not be as commonplace as we think it is. However this idea does prove that telling the truth can be difficult. If it was easy, surely more of us would do it more often. There is science to the lies we tell. For example studies show that about 25% of lies are told for the benefit of others, to protect them, support them and assure them that no one would have noticed how drunk they were at the staff party and they really have nothing to worry about on Monday morning… This means, however, that the rest of the lies, the 75% of the lies we tell, are to benefit ourselves. The thing is though, they might not be benefiting us as much as we think. If I ask you to think of what you want, what would your answer be? Unless this question is at the forefront of you mind daily, it might be hard to answer, but I am going to encourage you to have a think…What do you want?… I want to be really clear that I want you to search for an honest answer. Today we are going to start getting to the truth. This question was probably easier to answer when we were younger. I think the reason we as adults like asking children “what do you want to be when you grow up” is because the answers are often hilarious. If you asked me what I wanted to be when I was 6 I would have said a HOCKEY PLAYER*. I said it with confidence, honesty and determination. If you'd have asked my friend Katie when she was 6 years old she would have told you she wanted to be a Dinosaur. When I asked my son, he said hockey player. My daughter wanted to be a police. All of these dreams were clear, honest answers to the question “What do you want to be?” As we get older and have more regular visits to “the real world” not only, often, does our passion go, but also our honesty. I am going to invite you to have a quick think about what you want and I want you to answer honestly. Only when we know what we are seeking will we know when we find it. Being honest about what you want is the first step towards achieving it. So be honest. What do you want? Once you've worked out what you want, the next challenge is of course, how do we make it happen? This question is another where lying to yourself and others will not serve you no matter how much you think it will. Let me give you an example. I, as many of you know by now, play hockey. I love playing hockey and I am motivated to keep playing and improving as much as possible. I want to be the best player and team mate I can possibly be. If I want to achieve this, I need to be realistic about how to do that. It means taking into consideration training, it means eliminating alcohol intake, making sure my diet is providing me with the fuel I need to succeed. The least I owe myself, and the least you owe yourselves is honesty about what it takes to get to where you want to go. There is a famous image, I'm not sure if you've seen it or not, of a ballet dancer on pointe, where they are up on their tip toe in a ballet shoe. The image next to it is her foot without the ballet shoe on it. Her toes are bandaged, plastered, cut and bruised. Now, let me be very clear, the takeaway from this isn't nor should it be “if you're not bleeding by the end of the day, you're not working.” There is little to no benefit from ending your work day with less blood in your body than you started with. But I think it is a helpful reminder that success takes hard work, sacrifice, compromise, enthusiasm, dedication and honesty. The ballet dancer makes it look deceptively easy but they know how much it took to get there… They are honest about what it takes. And we should be too. Success in business and in your personal life takes honesty. From listening to your body and really hearing what it has to say, whether that is “we need to rest” or “we could do with some exercise.” all the way to the terrifying thought that someone in your business may be able to do a job just as well as you. A thought that, I confess, I struggle with sometimes. If you run your own business, like I do, you know it is not just a job. It is a passion, a life choice, a tangible, real part of your existence. It is often one of the first questions we are asked when we meet someone. Remember those events we used to be allowed to reluctantly go to when we are trapped in the dreaded small talk of- “…sooooo….what do you do.” Although this pandemic has been going on so long now, I almost miss awkward small talk… My point is, the fact that running a business takes so much energy and passion means, by default, that many of us fall into the “control freak” category of humans. And there are plenty of us there. We are unable to contemplate that someone else could do the job as well as us, and maybe that it true, but if we are being honest, as we are trying to be from now on, remember, it shouldn't stop us delegating. Running a business shouldn't stop us asking others for help when we need it. Running a business should actually force us to be better at it. It shouldn't stop us from listening to all ideas before making a decision. Honesty comes in all shapes and sizes and when it comes to speaking your truth, it has to come with the courage to share your truth with others and allow them to do the same. Elton John wrote “sorry seems to be the hardest word” but being more of a Beatles fan, I tend to relate more to the song “Help”. There is a strength in letting go and asking for help. And there's a truth to it. And that's what today is all about. You are not under oath, unless you currently are, and in that case, why and how are you listening to this podcast? But most of you are not under oath. So please don't think that, following this episode, if you want to be a successful leader you can never tell a lie again. But try and focus a little more on speaking your truth. The great Mark Twain once said “if you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” so start speaking the truth to yourself. Honestly. I've been Andrew Sillitoe and this has been Desert Island Discs… Ahhh. I forgot my own advice. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I can make your life longer and more enjoyable. That's a bold claim but I mean it and I am going to show you how. Focused professionals take their business seriously, sometimes too seriously and become overwhelmed, spread themselves too thinly and unknowingly drop their quality. This has certainly been my experience as an athlete and as a business leader. I often wonder how much better I could have been if I had a little more fun when competing. I would have expressed myself differently. Take time to laugh at yourself, be silly and have some fun at your own expense. When we learn to lighten up and don't spread ourselves too thinly our quality and performance improve. Play to your strengths and enjoy the moment. Otherwise, life will pass you by and you'll wonder where the time went. How do you make time for fun? It's often said that when someone is lying on their deathbed they rarely mention, in those last moments, that they wished they'd worked more. Maybe they wished to have seen more, travelled more, loved more but rarely if ever, worked more. Humans are extremely capable of adapting and evolving. We learn to listen to our bodies and respond accordingly in many ways. Fire burns, so we keep a safe distance. If you're feeling thirsty, drink some more water. However, when it comes to our work, we stop listening to our bodies. We push through with things that make us uncomfortable, we feel we have to stay longer at our desks, work weekends, check our emails before bed and generally go against what our bodies are telling us. Your work is better when you are happy, but this fact, we ignore. It is as if getting as many sadness points as possible will make us somehow seem braver and more hardcore to our peers. When I think back to school and the learning I embarked on, it is not often the lessons in the classroom that stick with me but the ones I learnt on the playground. That break time when I saw the new kid sitting eating their sandwiches on their own and some and my mates went over and asked them what their name was and if they wanted to play with us. We didn't want to be friends with them, we were just being nosey and needed a goalkeeper. I think about the kid who isn't at the top of the class when it comes to maths and science but can beat the school 100m record by 3 seconds and the pride they took in that. I remember itching for the lunchtime bell to ring because we knew after sitting at our desks for what felt like days we would soon be able to laugh and run but most of all, play. Those games we used to play at break time were so important but as we got older those games, that playfulness we'd see only on the occasional or non-existent “away days”. The time we spent away from the desk when we were young was as important for confidence, development and happiness as any correct answer in English. So what changed? We grew up. Me, somewhat reluctantly, due to a combination of reading Peter Pan regularly and the general pressures associated with adulthood which I saw reflected in the grown ups around me. When I was younger I was very competitive. I bet I was more competitive than you. See? I became an athlete and a business leader so it is clear I never lost that competitive edge that began when I was little. My personal goalposts moved from coming first on sports day to winning gold medals as a coach at global sporting events but as the prizes got bigger, the rewards seemed smaller and more than that, they cost me dearly. Success is not the prize at the end. Often people start a job because they are passionate about the day today. Think about how many children want to be an astronaut or a footballer or an in my son's case a dinosaur when they grow up. It is not because they want to be acknowledged by NASA or win a playoff final after a long season of injuries or live near a volcano. It is because those things are cool and exciting. It should be the work that brings you joy, not the end goal. It's not holding the statue at the Oscars that means the most or else everyone would stop after they've won one. Actors continue being actors after they receive the highest honour they can possibly get because they love their craft, so they carry on. Thinking about it, the only person who should have stopped after they won an Oscar is Nicholas Cage… When I think of success, it's hard to ignore the incredible achievements of Bill Gates. Bill Gates apparently said, “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.” There are two things I want to say about that. Firstly, if it's true, it clearly shows that Bill Gates has a sense of humour and I doubt that he has got as far as he has without one which is basically the whole point of me talking to you today. Secondly, I think this quote made me smile so much when I read it because of the truth in it. It's not about staying at your desk longer than anyone else. It's not about how family engagements you missed to show your dedication. It's not about working harder. It's about working smarter. There was a reason we had so many playtimes at school when we were younger. Yes it's because teachers were sick to the death of children after just minutes with them, but also because setting time aside for play, for laughter, for fun is all part of success. We need to get back to the playing. I'm going to tell you a story about a friend of mine who is an actor. She was doing a show and was really nervous. The show was about her being an actor and following her dreams to become one. It was a comedy and she knew she could make people laugh but had a couple of slip-ups during the show at the start. Then she made a mistake. She said completely the wrong line and everybody knew it. She stopped, acknowledged it, made a joke about how she can't even say her own words correctly, no wonder she couldn't get an agent and it got the biggest laugh of the night. We like it when comedians mess up jokes and own it. We like it when a waiter drops a tray of food and bows when the restaurant claps because they haven't taken themselves too seriously. Unless it is our tray of food and we are hungry, then it sucks. We like to laugh. And it is good for us. A 2011 study done by Dr Ursula Beermann, Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Psychology at the University of Innsbruck looked at how different people reacted to themselves when they saw their reflection in a funhouse mirror. Those who laughed at themselves the most had the fewest negative emotions and were more prepared to acknowledge they were “not the centre of the universe.” That's why I have installed a funhouse mirror in my office. That's not true, but I do try and laugh at myself more. I try to not take myself as seriously and have reluctantly discovered I am not the centre of the universe nor do I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. This allows me to stand a little taller and smile a little more as I do so. A 2009 study conducted in Maryland found that people who laughed more were less likely to suffer from heart disease. Not only that, research has found it improves short term memory and increases your pain threshold. This means, presumably if you fall over and laugh about it, you are far less likely to hurt yourself when you do it. I am not, and I can not stress this enough, telling you to run at walls to see how funny it can be, but next time you trip and you think nobody's seen you, know that almost certainly somebody did, and they found it funny, so you might as well too. Next time it's raining and a car drives past through a puddle and splashes you, swear at them, by all means, but then, when they are out of sight, laugh about it, but make sure they've gone. You don't want to give that horrible driver the satisfaction…And get out of those wet clothes so you don't catch a chill. It is really, really important to laugh at yourself but it is much, much harder to laugh when you have pneumonia. Put simply, laughing at yourself makes you live longer and makes you better to be around. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint unless you are a sprinter and then your career is exactly that. Of course targets, goals, awards and medals are important, but there should be other measures by which we judge ourselves and each other. If you get to the end of the day and you feel like you've not laughed yet, you've been too careful. Invest in a funhouse mirror. Dance like nobody's watching or if this all seems too much like hard work, you can fake it until you make it. Research has shown that the body gets as many benefits from fake laughing as it does from a genuine one. Sitting for three minutes with a pencil in between your teeth, forcing you to smile has an immediate and positive impact on your mind and body. Also, you might be less likely to be bothered at work because people don't want to talk to the strange person at the desk who is chomping down on their HB pencil. These are jokes. I hope they have made you laugh. And if they haven't, laugh anyway. It will make me feel better. And I promise it will make you feel better too. I can make your life longer and more enjoyable, all you have to do is lighten up. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to season 4!In my podcast, I share simple principles that enable you to lead your business, whilst maintaining a healthy body, relationships and mindset. A balanced life is about being proactive with your body, relationships and mindset so you can thrive. Applying the basic fundamental principles opens the door to optimal health no matter where your business is at, your current level of fitness, or your relationship status.Check out the 10 Daily Habits, as well as my daily blog including insights, tips and messages from mastermind members who have applied The 4 Keys Method to live a happier, healthier and more productive life.I hope you'll take the challenge to start applying the 10 daily habits —and browsing the site for personal interests and issues to bring your life into balance. Share a line on the comment boards, join my Community Facebook group, and sign up for the newsletter to receive the latest business, health, relationships and mindset tips.I have spent thousands of hours researching how to balance a career with everyday life in order to provide you with actionable tips.While my approach to business, health, and mindset might not always align with conventional business thinking, the techniques you find here are proven from the 1000's of members who have experienced a personal transformation.This podcast isn't intended as business advice, but I hope it will be an informative and inspiring source as you grow your business and live a healthy, fulfilling life.Welcome—and get ready to level up your life.Cheers,Andrew See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How to avoid overwhelm and get more done See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's a badge of honour for many business leaders to demonstrate their ability to burn the candle at both ends.They are considered legends and it becomes a personal brand.But what are the consequences?“Did you hear about Dave? He died of a sudden heart attack”“Well, he lived life to the full right?”“Yeah, but he was only 48!”I've seen this too many times over the years, and not just heart attacks, but also depression and a downward spiral of mental health by living life in extreme.Know your limitations and how much you can afford to give. Learn how to balance your energy across your business, body, relationships and mindset.Waking up every morning feeling energised, happy and ready to go at it, is the biggest reward in life.Proving you can work hard and play hard as a badge of honour will catch up with you in the end.Choose a happy, healthy and productive life.Want to take a tactical break from alcohol and thrive every day? Join The 4 Keys Mastermind for 90 Days. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.