SU2G: Step Up To Greatness Podcast

In the previous episode, Dustin discussed some of the major benefits of being self-disciplined. In this episode, in order to help you come unstuck, Dustin shares some methods for developing self-discipline in your every day life.

There have been a lot of dramatic changes around Step Up To Greatness and the Gruss household. As the end of another year draws near, everyone starts to take a look at their accomplishments towards their goals now and for the future. In this episode, Dustin revisits a video series from 2 years ago, the end of the first COVID affected summer, and how he needed to utilize self-discipline to get himself back on track with his health and mental state. Tune in the next 5 weeks to hear how to develop self-discipline and how it can change your life. We all need help from time to time. If you're struggling taking action to develop self-discipline and you need a little coaching and accountability, reach out to dustin@stepuptogreatness.com.

After a long hiatus with focusing on a new podcast, a speaking engagement and overcoming a second bout of COVID, Coming Unstuck is back and rebuilding it's momentum with an episode about, well, rebuilding momentum. In this episode host, Dustin Gruss, let's you know what he's been up to with his other podcast, Family By Heart, and how his momentum dropped off for both projects. But now he is rebuilding that momentum and he shares how to do it as well, one step at a time. Do you have any tips or stories for rebuilding momentum or how to come unstuck? Dustin would love to hear from you. Message him at: dustin@stepuptogreatness.com. Now that the year is almost halfway done you may still have some goals to accomplish. Check out Step Up To Greatness' online course, Goals to Greatness here. Within this 6 module course you will uncover the road blocks and detractors that have sabotaged your success in the past and find applicable and simple steps to help you set and crush your goals.

After a long hiatus with focusing on a new podcast, a speaking engagement and overcoming a second bout of COVID, Coming Unstuck is back and rebuilding it's momentum with an episode about, well, rebuilding momentum. In this episode host, Dustin Gruss, let's you k ow what he's been up to with his other podcast, Family By Heart, and how his momentum dropped off for both projects. But now he is rebuilding that momentum and he shares how to do it as well, one step at a time. Do you have any tips or stories for rebuilding momentum or how to come unstuck? Dustin would love to hear from you. Message him at: dustin@stepuptogreatness.com. Now that the year is almost halfway done you may still have some goals to accomplish. Check out Step Up To Greatness' online course, Goals to Greatness here. Within this 6 module course you will uncover the road blocks and detractors that have sabotaged your success in the past and find applicable and simple steps to help you set and crush your goals.

Following the "Focus on Your Words" series from the old Step Up To Greatness Life Lesson videos, this episode focuses on the importance of who you surround yourself with. Are the people in your life making you stronger? Better? Or are they creating mold in your life? Making you less of yourself?

Following the "Focus on Your Words" series from the old Step Up To Greatness Life Lesson videos, this episode focuses on the imprtance of who you surround yourself with. Are the people in your life making you stronger? Better? Or are they creating mold in your life? Making you less of yourself?

This third and final installment of the mini series, Focus On Your Words, was originally a bonus episode on the YouTube channel. This particular episode focuses on three categories when it comes to the words we shouldn't say or don't say.  We should not speak in a way that makes others feel small. We should speak up when we're feeling depressed and in need of help, especially if we are having suicidal thoughts. We should talk about/declare the things we want in life. For more details on these three ideas be sure to listen.

In the second part of this series that comes from an old video series, we talk about the words we use in relation to our interactions with other people. Part 1 was about the power of words and how we talk to ourselves. Next week, tune in for the final part of the series - Our Words Left Unsaid. 

The slap heard around the world was preceded by what many would consider a distasteful joke. Words. Words have a LOT of power. In the first part of this 3 episode mini series, I talk about the power of words and more specifically the words we use in reference to ourselves.  This mini series was originally produced in 2020 as a part of my Life Lesson Videos on my YouTube channel, here. As I prepare the launch and draw more of my attention to my new podcast and new client focus you will hear some of the past videos turned into podcasts. There is a lot of great information and lessons to be learned in those videos that I'm proud of and I hope more people will enjoy the reminders or hearing it for the first time.  Keep Moving Forward and Step Up To Greatness!

Transitions and changes have been happening over here and becoming a full time, stay-at-home father has been one of them. My boys that we just adopted turn 2 and 3 as we head into summer which means I've certainly had my hands full. But I've also learned some lessons and have some advice for other parents getting ready to make the switch.  I'm also human which means there are plenty of things for me to learn. Do you have some lessons or tips for me or for other stay at home parents? I'd love to hear from you or maybe even have you as a guest! Please reach out, dustin@stepuptogreatness.com.

Hard to believe it's been almost 2 months since our special adoption episode! In this episode I provide an update on how life as a new family is going and how this life change is leading me to changes elsewhere- including the direction of Step Up To Greatness. I also provide some useful tips for when you're facing a time of transition in your life.

I've been waiting a long long long time for this day and it is finally here. Today is the day we added two to our family in the form of our beautiful boys that we get to adopt. It wasn't an easy road by any means, but we took our bumps and bruises, learned some lessons and are still here... Ready for what's next. This is our story, but there are still many stories to be told. If you have ever thought about fostering or adopting I am happy to chat with you about our experience. Reach out to me at dustin@stepuptogreatness.com.

PODCAST NOTE: As Anchor.fm works to further integrate and develop their video podcast platform through Spotify, it came to my attention that the audio version of my podcast was not showing up in all the usual streaming services, or at least not as quickly. To rectify this until it is all seamless, I will post both the video and audio versions for the episodes that include video as well. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Keep Moving Forward, Step Up To Greatness. - Dustin In the first interview episode of the new season I have a chat with Cleveland's own, Elie Haoui- better known as Elie Magic. I met Elie at a company holiday party just before the holiday break and after seeing his act I knew I had to have him on. We start off our interview with a little confusion when it comes to who he is and what he actually does, a la "Between Two Ferns", but it was all in good fun. In our enjoyable chat we talk about my first thoughts of our meeting, how he won us all over, his early exposure to magic turned life pursuit, how he creates his tricks and much more. For more info on Elie- follow him on Instagram, @eliemagic, and/or visit his website, www.eliemagic.com. If you think you or someone you know would be a great guest on the podcast, contact me: dustin@stepuptogreatness.com.

In the first interview episode of the new season I have a chat with Cleveland's own, Elie Haoui- better known as Elie Magic. I met Elie at a company holiday party just before the holiday break and after seeing his act I knew I had to have him on. We start off our interview with a little confusion when it comes to who he is and what he actually does, a la "Between Two Ferns", but it was all in good fun. In our enjoyable chat we talk about my first thoughts of our meeting, how he won us all over, his early exposure to magic turned life pursuit, how he creates his tricks and much more. For more info on Elie follow him on Instagram, @eliemagic, and/or visit his website, www.eliemagic.com. If you think you or someone you know would be a great guest on the podcast, contact me: dustin@stepuptogreatness.com.

Finishing what I started last year- which apparently was divulging what UNSTUCK stands for in my coaching. In this first episode of Season 2, I share ALL the parts of the method and how you might apply them. Briefly listed here: Understand Note Specify Target Utilize Celebrate Keep moving forward Also in this episode is some brief descriptions of some of the services I offer. For more information you can email me at: dustin@stepuptogreatness.com or visit my site, www.stepuptogreatness.com.

In this final episode of the year we take a look back at some of the past episodes and guests of the first season of Coming Unstuck, as well as some personal accomplishments before we turn our focus to 2022. What are some of the things you accomplished and/or struggled with in 2021? What are you doing to propel yourself in 2022? Do you have a story of triumph or perseverance that would benefit others? I would love to hear from you on all these things! Reach out to me at: dustin@stepuptogreatness.com . Do you need some clarity, focus and accountability to move towards the person you want to be and how to get there? I have some excellent services that we can customize to fit YOUR needs. Schedule a FREE Discovery Chat Session here. Below are some links for my guests from this past year and resources they offer. Author/Key Note Speaker, Alan Stein Jr.: https://alansteinjr.com/ Audio Producer/Writer, Samantha Hodder: https://samanthahodder.org/ , https://bit.ly/EscapeYourStory , https://bit.ly/15Bworksheet Speaker/Podcast Host/Mental Health Advocate, Archie Messersmith-Bunting: https://archiecares.com Career Coach/Speaker/Author, Kris McGuigan: https://professionalcourage.com Author/Speaker/Leadership Mentor/Podcast Host, Dave Ruel: https://effic.co Counselor/Speaker/Podcast Host, Jahmaal Marshall: https://listenthenspeak.com/ Special Event and Wedding Cinematographers, Rachel and Chris: http://narleefilms.com/ Thank you again to everyone that took their time to be a guest, share their story and for everyone that allowed me to bend their ears and hopefully give you some applicable knowledge that helped you to Keep Moving Forward and Step Up To Greatness. Let's have a GREAT 2022!

A Holiday Survival Guide follow up, in this episode I share with you a portion of one of my speaking presentations focusing on how to find more positivity.  For more information on my various speaking presentations visit my site www.stepuptogreatness.com or email me directly: dustin@stepuptogreatness.com . Also in this episode, details on a special holiday deal on a powerful tool I create for my clients, a Personal Greatness Meditation or PGM. This is a literary depiction of what a day in the life of your perfect life would look like if anything were possible based on your answers you provide me in some key areas of your life. It's like a story version of a dream board but its extremely powerful because it gives you clarity and focus on what to work towards when it comes to your dreams because you are hearing and meditating on what it would actually be like to live your greatest life. Now through December 12th I am offering a limited number of 12 BOGO packages of my PGM, the first 5 people will get their own PGM and get to give the experience as a gift for FREE and the next 7 will get to give the extra as a gift at 50% off. For more details or to claim your PGM package, use same contact info as above. Lastly, you'll hear at the end of the episode a quick ad for some fun audio adventures from Firebreathing Kittens. Find their podcast on your favorite  podcast streaming service or here: https://player.whooshkaa.com/shows/firebreathing-kittens

After almost two years apart due to the pandemic, many families and groups of friends are planning on getting together this holiday season- some seeing each other for the first time since it all began! Will it be "absence makes the heart grow fonder" and an absolute joy being around one another after so long? Or will be tensions be higher than ever due to different points of view on mandates, political sides and social injustice? In this episode I provide some simple tips on how to survive the upcoming holiday season reunions. 

The second part of our interview and we really start to get into their passion, what makes them unique as videographers and advice they have for other people looking to get unstuck and start their own entrepreneurial venture. You can find and book Rachel and Chris for your next big event here: www.narleefilms.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/narleefilms

In this interview episode I talk to two of my favorite people from my time back in Florida, my cousin, Chris, and his wife, Rachel. One of the reasons I wanted to do this interview with them is because they have both seen their share of success in the multiple things that they have gotten involved with as they themselves have continued to evolve and discover new passions. In the interview you'll hear their cute and funny story about how they met, some of their past jobs and experiences and how they have continued to pivot along the way and how it has led them to where they are now- a PREMIERE and TOP RATED wedding/event videography team. In part two of the interview you'll hear more about their methods, how they constantly try to improve and some of why they are in such high demand. For more info on Rachel and Chris' services, visit their page: www.narleefilms.com This interview was recorded October 6, 2021.

Here we are with Self Reflection Questions Part 2: Closer To Greatness, the latest episode of Coming Unstuck: A Step Up To Greatness Podcast! You are the professional when it comes to answering these probing questions! The questions may be the same but the answers will be very different for everyone. Again, the more honest you are with your answers the more it can also affect your own trajectory towards the level of greatness you want for your life. If you'd like to talk through some of your answers for either part or any specific question or if you just want to let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you. Email me at dustin@stepuptogreatness.com. Also, please comment, like and subscribe and if you really want to help others find their life of greatness, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Welcome to Self Reflection Questions Part 1: Closer To Greatness, the latest episode of Coming Unstuck: A Step Up To Greatness Podcast! You don't need to hire a professional to figure out the answers for these questions- you are the professional! The questions may be the same but the answers will be very different for everyone. Depending on how honest you are it can also affect your own trajectory towards the level of greatness you want for your life. I hope you find the first set of questions helpful and if you'd like to talk through some of your answers or if you just want to let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you. Email me at dustin@stepuptogreatness.com. Also, please comment, like and subscribe and if you really want to help others find their life of greatness, leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

These are trying times, full of stress, pressure and the cause of anxiety for many. It can affect or be caused by our jobs, our relationships and our mindset. But if we take some small, simple steps, we can relieve the tension we feel, stay hopeful and change our trajectory. One thing different in this episode is I share some powerful affirmations at the end that you can recite to transform your mindset. If you would like a document or audio copy of the affirmations shared in this episode or perhaps of a different topic, email me at: dustin@stepuptogreatness.com .

A promotion. An engagement. An award. Weight loss. No, these aren't your achievements but rather someone you know. What's your initial reaction? Are you happy for them? Or are you jealous? Today's episode will enlighten you on reasons why you should celebrate the success of others.

Are you living your life to the fullest and finding joy and happiness? Or are you dragging, possibly just going through the motions? Here at Coming Unstuck and Step Up To Greatness, my goal is to help you find a life of greatness and this episode is aimed at helping you find a fulfilling and great life. Tune in for some questions, deep thoughts, actionable steps and examples on how you can find a more fulfilling life. To work with or contact me: dustin@stepuptogreatness.com

There are several definitions for the word, manifest. I take a closer look at both the dictionary definition and the way it seems to be commonly interpreted. Is one better than the other? And with either, is just manifesting enough to make your dreams become a reality?

If there's one thing that is for certain when you bring a new addition into your home, whether two footed or four, your world is going to be completely different when you have to care for the health and care of another being. After hitting a milestone with my wife and our littles we thought we had gotten a handle and rhythm down. But even since I previously recorded this episode, we have had new adjustments to make and I imagine there will be more. Thankfully I have found some tips on how to adjust and I share them with you here.

Counselor, speaker and host of the "Listen Then Speak" Podcast, Jahmaal Marshall joins me for my first video podcast episode. Through his speaking engagements, his podcast and his positive approach of "getting into it" with people of all views and walks of life to lift each other up and find some common ground, Jahmaal is driven to bring "grace and peace" to as many people as he can.  In our conversation, Jahmaal shares some of his story and relationship with his father, how to remove yourself from toxic conversations so you can gain an empathetic point of view, how he too is handling the name change of a favorite sports team and how he came up with his "Let's Get Into It" tagline.   For more info on Jahmaal Marshall: www.listenthenspeak.com For more info on being a guest on "Coming Unstuck", hiring Dustin as a speaker or coach visit: www.stepuptogreatness.com or email: at dustin@stepuptogreatness.com .

What's the one thing I heard growing up as a kid that I took a little too literally back then but now know it is important to listen to with the hustle and bustle of life? A saying that has me shift from what I normally sign off with and use as a slogan. Tune in for that saying and stick around for some tips to take better care of yourself.

Yup, I'm out of my 30s. Join me as I reflect on my lessons and experiences as well as look to the future.

Chicken? Or the egg? Does success bring confidence or can confidence bring success? Many people think that you have to be good at something before you can be confident at it. But can you do it the other way around? Can you show confidence and determination in something first and then find success? That's the question I explore in today's episode and give you examples on how to create confidence for yourself.

A river cuts through a rock not because of power, but because of persistence. Has the world gone soft? Do YOU give up at the first sign of resistance? It seems as though the values of perseverance and tenacity have fallen and now sit behind "the easy path," even though they could lead to VERY different destinations. In a follow up to my overcoming rejection episode, I share my own story of a recent time that I needed perseverance and ways to bring back perseverance in your life.

"No, no, no!" Mutombo says emphatically as he swats away the object each person tries to put an object into a goal. It's a beloved commercial by many... But what if you're the person trying to make a goal? Do you struggle with rejection? Being told no or turned away from something you want? In today's episode we discuss some tools and tactics to overcome rejection.

Maybe it's because of a global pandemic. Or maybe it's just how life has gotten to be over the years because you felt "comfortable." But either way, chances are you're probably not using the adjectives "thrilling," "exciting" or "magical" to describe your life. And it doesn't have to be one of those every day, but maybe you could use a spark here or there to help you refocus, reignite, or rediscover something about you, your work or your relationships. This episode is geared at helping you do just that. Make Life More Magical.

Do you have a lot you want to accomplish but there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day? What if I told you that my guest for this episode has a thriving career as a serial entrepreneur, Speaker, Best Selling Author, Leadership Mentor AND hosts his own podcast- and he built this empire while following his "Done By Noon" program?  In this episode I speak with Dave Ruel, author of best selling book "Done By Noon" and host of a podcast by the same name, the "Done By Noon Podcast." The two of us talk about his beginnings as a physique competitor, how he transitioned and created his company Effic which helps create more leaders and coaches, and we talk about his principles and rules for balancing work and life, a.k.a. being done with your work by noon.  For more on Dave Ruel and for some free tools and trainings, check out www.effic.co  Be sure to check out his podcast as well, podcast.effic.co

In this episode I share listener experiences and give you tips on how to "real" in your expectations when they don't line up with reality. Does your imagination or fear get the best of you sometimes? Do you go into situations with too high of expectations? Or are you constantly worried that something might happen without any realistic indication that it will? Thanks to some wonderful people I share some examples with you of when we let our expectations get away from us. And not just for juicy stories, I equip you with some strategies to reel in, or "real" in, those expectations.

In this episode I interview Professional Courage Founder and CEO, Kris McGuigan. Their mission: to unleash the potential of my their clients through individual professional career coaching, keynote and breakout session corporate training, personal branding and resume assistance and more. In our conversation hear about the history of Professional Courage, the direction they're headed and the trends they have seen and assistance they've been able to provide during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on McGuigan and Professional Courage, check them out at www.professionalcourage.com.

In this episode I interview "The Feelings Guy," Archie Messersmith-Bunting, of ArchieCares.com.  Archie was living what many would call "the dream life" as a successful stage actor in the biggest city, New York. But then addiction and depression led him down a path he never expected, to a place where he felt so stuck that the only way he saw "out" was through suicide. After an unsuccessful attempt, Archie began piecing his life together and realized just how important being aware and honest about your feelings can be. How it can not only save your life, but how it could also save someone else's. Archie Messersmith-Bunting champions mental health awareness worldwide at corporations and universities. Last year, Archie transitioned to full-time speaker and consultant providing leadership, mental health and alcohol & drug prevention education.

In our second interview episode of the year, I speak with audio producer and writer, Samantha Hodder, who started doing podcasts way back in 2012. However, the production that goes into her podcasts are parallel to that of a high quality audiobook. Following years of feeling stuck with writing and producing, and battling the challenges that the pandemic has brought to many creators, she decided to codify what she has learned over many years from these experiences, and created a 10 Day Email course, called Escape Your Story. It’s a mix-n-match of lessons from screenwriting, podcasting, journaling and mindful meditation, brought right to your inbox, for 10 days. After listening to our interview be sure to check out the resources and her page below. https://bit.ly/EscapeYourStory https://bit.ly/15Bworksheet https://samanthahodder.org/

In an all new solo episode, we continue unpacking "The Unstuck Method" with step 3 of the method. We've already uncovered the U and N, and in this episode we get "specific" with what the S stands for and how it will help get you out of the place where you've been feeling stuck. When you specify what it is you are focusing on and specify deadlines for you to meet you are more likely to put in the work needed to get you moving in the direction of greatness. Need help with any of the steps so far? Please feel free to reach out at dustin@stepuptogreatness.com .

What started as a passion for a game at the age of 5, Performance Coach and Author, Alan Stein Jr., took that passion for basketball and over the next several decades transformed it into a training career working with likes of top elite athletes such as Kevin Durant and the late Kobe Bryant. If that wasn't enough, he took the principles he with these high performers and transformed them into high performance concepts applicable to the corporate and business world. Listen in as we talk about his journey to becoming a performance coach and trainer to some of the top basketball players in the world, his transition into speaking, the surprising genres he picks up new speaking skills from and some insight into some of the ideas he shares in his book, "Raise Your Game: High Performance Secrets From The Best of The Best." You can pick up his book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1546082859/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_AXTDEX0JN8W82MXGKZGN

Everyone was expecting the simple change of the year on the calendar was going to make everything better than what was the dumpster fire of 2020. But has that been the case for you so far? Or are you struggling to find the happiness you had been looking for? In this episode of Coming Unstuck, I share with you 10 ways to boost your happiness that have nothing to do with simply changing the date. Be sure to share with someone else who could use a little happiness.

Are you guilty of complaining about how hard life is sometimes? Did you know that YOU might be the reason it's that hard? Yea, I said it. But take 12 minutes to hear me out and see if you can identify one of the things you might be doing that is making your life harder than it has to be.

After a couple years under the SU2G moniker, I've switched my focus on my coaching and on my podcast of helping people avoid the tragedy of being stuck when you can be somewhere greater. In this first episode I share a bit of my story and unveil the first part of my "Unstuck Method."

You can't always get what you want. Some times in life, you'll actually be rejected. But should we let the rejection destroy all the good we have going and all that life has to offer us? NO! In this episode I share ways to bounce back from rejection.

It's great to look up to other people, but it's even better to be the hero of your own story. In this episode we examine what it takes to become your own hero.

Do your days just blend together? Are they lacking excitement? Maybe it's time to change the way you do things and bring more passion, energy and purpose into your daily life. I give you strategies how in this week's episode.

Nobody's perfect and nobody can get everything perfect. But if trying to be perfect keeping you from making progress? Does it keep you from experiencing joy. In this week's episode I go over some reasons why you just may want to give up the perfectionist lifestyle.

Do you let your thoughts consume you and your time? Do they affect your happiness and productivity? You're not alone. We ALL have thoughts that can be intrusive, shocking or even scary if we let our minds go there. But, in this episode I give you some tips and strategies on how to overcome those thoughts, including taking them head on.  #controlyourthoughts #dontletyourthoughtscontrolyou #youcanovercome #itsokaytoneedhelp #thursdaythoughts #intrusivehtoughts #lifecoach #lifecoaching #publicspeaker #motivationalspeaker #greatnessfacilitator #keepmovingforward #stepuptogreatness

Between a pandemic, controversial election, changing jobs and facing other big moments in life, no one could blame you for your mood being all over the place in 2020. But did you realize that it's really the small, day to day things that affect your mood the most? In this episode I share some of what has had my mood flipping on a dime and help point out the things to either pay attention to or avoid when it comes to your mood.