in this episode, I'm exploring some strategies for keeping your mind sharp and mental status on track. NOTE: This is NOT intended as psychological or medical advice. If you are in mental distress, SEEK HELP from qualified professionals. We're talking about tools like: ✔︎ Gratitude Practice ✔︎ Meditation Practice ✔︎ Forgiveness ✔︎ Activity - keeping the brain active and engaged with puzzles, games, exercises, and creative activity. ✔︎ Nutrition - "Brain Food" and avoiding toxic foods, beverages and drugs.

Approaches to Mental Fitness

This is the first episode in a a mini-series on health and self-care. This time, we're exploring exercise, along with some of (my) limiting beliefs and how I'm reframing them as I commit to exercising more.

Changing your attitude about exercise and fitness

Life is like a symphony, with ups and downs, many surprises, triumphal marches, and instruments in sync with each other.  In music, harmony refers to the combination of complimentary notes. In our daily lives, we seek harmony in our relationships, in our activities, the people and things around us. This episode explores the nature of harmony, some misconceptions about it, and strategies you can implement to achieve and maintain greater harmony in all aspects of life.

On Harmony

The little things

Focus and Distraction Intro I’m Gordon Firemark, and I’ve got a problem. I have a really hard time getting focused. Staying focused. I’m easily distracted. I’ve never been diagnosed, but I’ve probably got a minor form of ADHD. I love to have lots and lots of things going on. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life. But it can also be a detriment. Getting things done can be a real challenge... a test of willpower Staying focused when we need to is hugely important. Fortunately, I’ve been able to learn some skills for getting and staying focused when I need to... and you can do that too. Start with goals - know what you really want/need to accomplish Be specific Write them down Prioritize Be clear about WHY Break own the goals into action steps. - a plan Map the path to completion of each task. Once you’ve settled on your plan, WORK IT. Be methodical and systematic Allocate the time for “deep work” Minimizing interruptions The power of ritual - getting into the Zone Create an environment conducive to focus Quiet? Hubbub? Too much quiet can also be distracting One Thing! Eliminate the common distractions Mobile Inernet Phone, etc. Quiet your mind Meditation Breathing exercises Visualize being in “the Zone” Tools Try some music - http://www.focusatwill.com has specially designed music tracks with specific tempos and beats to get the brainwaves optimized for focus. To Do lists Set a tomato timer. (Pomodoro method). https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique Stay on task for 50 minutes, then take a short break. Switch tasks from time to time. If you’re feeling the pull. When you know you’re only tied to one task for a short time, it’s easier to stay in the zone.

Focus and Distraction Intro I’m Gordon Firemark, and I’ve got a problem. I have a really hard time getting focused. Staying focused. I’m easily distracted. I’ve never been diagnosed, but I’ve probably got a minor form of ADHD. I love to have lots and lots of things going on. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life. But it can also be a detriment. Getting things done can be a real challenge... a test of willpower Staying focused when we need to is hugely important. Fortunately, I’ve been able to learn some skills for getting and staying focused when I need to... and you can do that too. Start with goals - know what you really want/need to accomplish Be specific Write them down Prioritize Be clear about WHY Break own the goals into action steps. - a plan Map the path to completion of each task. Once you’ve settled on your plan, WORK IT. Be methodical and systematic Allocate the time for “deep work” Minimizing interruptions The power of ritual - getting into the Zone Create an environment conducive to focus Quiet? Hubbub? Too much quiet can also be distracting One Thing! Eliminate the common distractions Mobile Inernet Phone, etc. Quiet your mind Meditation Breathing exercises Visualize being in “the Zone” Tools Try some music - <a href="http://www.focusatwill.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.focusatwill.com</a> has specially designed music tracks with specific tempos and beats to get the brainwaves optimized for focus. To Do lists Set a tomato timer. (Pomodoro method). <a href="https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique</a> Stay on task for 50 minutes, then take a short break. Switch tasks from time to time. If you’re feeling the pull. When you know you’re only tied to one task for a short time, it’s easier to stay in the zone.

Focus & Distraction

In this episode, we explore the masks we wear, and how to be more authentic about who we are, what we believe, stand for, and care about.

Authenticity: Be yourself... your best self

Let's explore where you're living and how it impacts your success, happiness and achievement. Listen for more details.. it's not how you're thinking.

Where you live matters!?

In this episode, I reveal the power of a carefully assembled plan in achieving your goals. With this system in place, you are three times more likely to complete your tasks and move toward your goals.

Its all in the plan

This episode explores why we procrastinate, how we can stop and prevent it, and how living from a clarity of purpose can help. Get our free Vision Worksheet at https://www.gordonfiremark.com/worksheet And sign up for a coaching discovery call at https://gordonfiremark.com/coaching

This episode explores why we procrastinate, how we can stop and prevent it, and how living from a clarity of purpose can help. Get our free Vision Worksheet at <a href="https://www.gordonfiremark.com/worksheet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.gordonfiremark.com/worksheet</a> And sign up for a coaching discovery call at <a href="https://gordonfiremark.com/coaching" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://gordonfiremark.com/coaching</a>

Procrastination and Purpose Driven Life

In this episode, Lawyer/Coach/Entrepreneur Gordon Firemark explains why IMPATIENCE is the true virtue for creatives, leaders and business owners.

"Patience Is A Virtue" us a load of BS!

Success Strategies for Show Business ProfessionalsHelping Actors, Writers, Directors, Producers and other Show Business Professionals to set and achieve powerful goals and realize their dreams.

Gordon has a way of speaking that makes you feel like you’re sitting down with him for coffee. Great tips, valuable insight, and easy to follow &amp; learn.

Insightful

Success Strategies for Show Business Professionals Helping Actors, Writers, Directors, Producers and other Show Business Professionals to set and achieve powerful goals and realize their dreams.

More. Better. Faster.  Success Strategies for Creative Professionals

Alain Hunkins

Author and business consultant Alain Hunkins shares leadership strategies and insights. His new book is "Cracking the Leadership Code". http://crackingtheleadershipcode.com

Author and business consultant Alain Hunkins shares leadership strategies and insights. His new book is "Cracking the Leadership Code". <a href="http://crackingtheleadershipcode.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://crackingtheleadershipcode.com</a>

Cracking the Leadership Code with Alain Hunkins

Today, I'm talking about how simple shifts in perspective can change your entire experience, and that of the people around you.

Change your perspective, change your life!

In this episode, I explore the three R's of making connections in the industry, or in any aspect of life. Hint: It's about growing relationships, not exploiting them!

The 3 R's of making connections

What do you really want?

In this episode, I talk about strategies for limiting your inputs to those best suited to helping you have a good life and achieving your goals.

Are your inputs good for your output?

In this episode, I relate a recent loss, what I've learned, and how to take important lessons from every interaction we have.

Learning from loss and failures

In this episode, I talk about integrity, and why it's so crucial to your success.   Mentioned in this episode:   Starting With Vision Worksheet

In this episode, I talk about integrity, and why it's so crucial to your success. Mentioned in this episode:   <a href="https://gordonfiremark.com/visionworksheet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting With Vision Worksheet</a>

Living In Integrity

In this episode, I discuss the use of metrics to improve your results

Why Metrics Matter

For nearly 30 years, I've been helping creative professionals to realize their dreams and achieve more, better, faster. One of the big mistakes I've seen countless talented people make is failing to set up accountability systems to keep themselves on track. In this episode of More, Better, Faster!, I share a few ideas on how to implement accountability, periodic check-ins, and other systems to dramatically increase successful outcomes. Join the conversation by becoming a member of the More, Better, Faster! Facebook group, at http://facebook.com/groups/morebetterfaster Get clarity of your personal vision for yourself. Visit http://gordonfiremark.com/visionworksheet to download your vision worksheet.

For nearly 30 years, I've been helping creative professionals to realize their dreams and achieve more, better, faster. One of the big mistakes I've seen countless talented people make is failing to set up accountability systems to keep themselves on track. In this episode of More, Better, Faster!, I share a few ideas on how to implement accountability, periodic check-ins, and other systems to dramatically increase successful outcomes. Join the conversation by becoming a member of the More, Better, Faster! Facebook group, at <a href="http://facebook.com/groups/morebetterfaster" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://facebook.com/groups/morebetterfaster</a> Get clarity of your personal vision for yourself. Visit <a href="http://gordonfiremark.com/visionworksheet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://gordonfiremark.com/visionworksheet</a> to download your vision worksheet.

On Accountability

Resilience

In this week's episode we're exploring the trait/skill/ability to be resilient. To bounce back quickly and easily from setbacks is a key to achieving your goals. Join in as we look at the idea of reslience, it's importance, and some strategies to exercise and strengthen your resilience "muscle"

On Resilience

In this episode, I talk about how Woody Allen's famous quote "Showing up is 80% of Success" is WRONG. Join me as I explain, and share the truth about what it takes to really succeed! Please also join the More, Better, Faster group on Facebook (http://facebook.com/groups/morebetterfaster) where we share lots of strategies, tips, insights and celebrate our wins! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I talk about how Woody Allen's famous quote "Showing up is 80% of Success" is WRONG. Join me as I explain, and share the truth about what it takes to really succeed! Please also join the More, Better, Faster group on Facebook (<a href="http://facebook.com/groups/morebetterfaster" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://facebook.com/groups/morebetterfaster</a>) where we share lots of strategies, tips, insights and celebrate our wins! Thanks for listening!

Woody Allen Got It Wrong

 Worrying:  Causing anxiety about actual or potential problems   NOTE:  I’m talking not about chronic, pathological, psychiatric level Anxiety Disorder... I’m talking about the kind of worrying we all do from time to time, and sometimes get into a cycle of worry that can be hard to break free from...   How worrying manifests itself:   Sleeplessness Agitation Bursts of emotion -- anger, sadness, etc. Mind racing Panic Stress Response   Fight or flight   Hormonse like cortisol - boosts blood sugar and triglycerides   Can cause a number of physical reactions including   dizzinesss Headaches Fatigue Muscle aches/tension Nausea/indigestion Respiratory distress Sweats IMMUNE Disorders Memory loss Coronary Artery disease Heart attack De3pression Suicidal thoughts       Worrying is a waste of your time and energy   Most of the time we’re worrying from fear of things that won’t really come to pass or be as bad as we think. We tend to blow up the feared consequences into worst-case scenarios   It’s better to view challenges and problems as opportunities for:   Solutions Growth Change/Pivot   How to break the worry cycle   Reframe Ask what  positive things could happen, instead of focus on the negatives. Insist one actual evidence before you make conclusions Don’t discount or dismiss positive thoughts Accept the uncertainty of things you can’t control or solve Exercise Meditation Relaxation exercises Deep breathing Talk it out Mindfulness -   Get quiet and comfortable Close your eyes Breathe/focus acknowledge Release Stay focused on the present     DON’T WORRY... TROUBLESHOOT!   Ask yourself the questions:   What is the real problem? Is it real? Is it something I have  control over?   No - accept and dismiss.   How can it be solved, handled, or delegated? What are the opportunities here? What action can I take right now that will move this toward a positive outcome?     

<ul> <li>Worrying:  Causing anxiety about actual or potential problems</li> <li> <ul> <li>NOTE:  I’m talking not about chronic, pathological, psychiatric level Anxiety Disorder...</li> <li>I’m talking about the kind of worrying we all do from time to time, and sometimes get into a cycle of worry that can be hard to break free from...</li> </ul> </li> <li>How worrying manifests itself:</li> <li> <ul> <li>Sleeplessness</li> <li>Agitation</li> <li>Bursts of emotion -- anger, sadness, etc.</li> <li>Mind racing</li> <li>Panic</li> <li>Stress Response</li> <li> <ul> <li>Fight or flight</li> </ul> </li> <li>Hormonse like cortisol - boosts blood sugar and triglycerides</li> <li> <ul> <li>Can cause a number of physical reactions including</li> <li> <ul> <li>dizzinesss</li> <li>Headaches</li> <li>Fatigue</li> <li>Muscle aches/tension</li> <li>Nausea/indigestion</li> <li>Respiratory distress</li> <li>Sweats</li> <li>IMMUNE Disorders</li> <li>Memory loss</li> <li>Coronary Artery disease</li> <li>Heart attack</li> <li>De3pression</li> <li>Suicidal thoughts</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Worrying is a waste of your time and energy</li> <li> <ul> <li>Most of the time we’re worrying from fear of things that won’t really come to pass or be as bad as we think.</li> <li>We tend to blow up the feared consequences into worst-case scenarios</li> </ul> </li> <li>It’s better to view challenges and problems as opportunities for:</li> <li> <ul> <li>Solutions</li> <li>Growth</li> <li>Change/Pivot</li> </ul> </li> <li>How to break the worry cycle</li> <li> <ul> <li>Reframe</li> <li>Ask what  positive things could happen, instead of focus on the negatives.</li> <li>Insist one actual evidence before you make conclusions</li> <li>Don’t discount or dismiss positive thoughts</li> <li>Accept the uncertainty of things you can’t control or solve</li> <li>Exercise</li> <li>Meditation</li> <li>Relaxation exercises</li> <li>Deep breathing</li> <li>Talk it out</li> <li>Mindfulness -</li> <li> <ul> <li>Get quiet and comfortable</li> <li>Close your eyes</li> <li>Breathe/focus</li> <li>acknowledge</li> <li>Release</li> <li>Stay focused on the present</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>DON’T WORRY... TROUBLESHOOT!</li> <li> <ul> <li>Ask yourself the questions:</li> <li> <ul> <li>What is the real problem?</li> <li>Is it real?</li> <li>Is it something I have  control over?</li> <li> <ul> <li>No - accept and dismiss.</li> </ul> </li> <li>How can it be solved, handled, or delegated?</li> <li>What are the opportunities here?</li> <li>What action can I take right now that will move this toward a positive outcome?</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> </ul>

You Can't Worry Your Way Out Of A Problem

When you set your goals, ask yourself, "are you serious about achieving this, or just kicking the tires?" The symptoms of tire-kicking are many, and easier to see with hindsight, but asking the right questions will get you focused on the goals about which you are truly serious. They are aligned and consistent with your core values, purpose, and mission. And, achieving them feels easier because you're in "flow" when working toward them. In this episode, we explore these questions, and how to achieve important, meaningful goals. (Even if I couldn't recall what all the letters in SMART Goals stand for! ;-) And, If you are truly serious about making 2020 YOUR BREAKTHROUGH YEAR, the year you achieve MORE, BETTER, FASTER, then we should talk. Head over tohttp://gordonfiremark.com/kickstart . Our Kickstart2020 program is only days away, and if you’re truly serious, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

When you set your goals, ask yourself, "are you serious about achieving this, or just kicking the tires?" The symptoms of tire-kicking are many, and easier to see with hindsight, but asking the right questions will get you focused on the goals about which you are truly serious. They are aligned and consistent with your core values, purpose, and mission. And, achieving them feels easier because you're in "flow" when working toward them. In this episode, we explore these questions, and how to achieve important, meaningful goals. (Even if I couldn't recall what all the letters in SMART Goals stand for! ;-) And, If you are truly serious about making 2020 YOUR BREAKTHROUGH YEAR, the year you achieve MORE, BETTER, FASTER, then we should talk. Head over tohttp://<a href="http://gordonfiremark.com/kickstart" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gordonfiremark.com/kickstart</a> . Our Kickstart2020 program is only days away, and if you’re truly serious, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

Are you serious, or just kicking the tires?

Purpose Driven Living

In this episode, I share a few tips on keeping a positive attitude and remaining optimistic

Tips to stay positive and optimistic

Cortlon Cofield

In this episode, we talk to financial expert Cortlon Cofield, Owner &amp; Lead Advisor of Cofield Advisors, LLC. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) who has dedicated his career to helping creative entrepreneurs thrive. Cortlon started "Cofield Advisors" because he believes in entrepreneurship and wanted to give creative entrepreneurs access a one stop shop for financial and tax services. Three actionable tips Cofield recommends for every creative: 1. Set up systems to save and take human nature out of financial decision making. 2. Automate your savings and financial management as much as possible 3. Invest and Plan for the future. Sacrifice today, so you don't have to later. More about Cofield Advisers at http://cofieldadvisors.com Instagram: @cofield_advisor Get Cofield's Financial Success Toolkit at https://www.cofieldadvisors.com/instagram 

In this episode, we talk to financial expert Cortlon Cofield, Owner &amp; Lead Advisor of Cofield Advisors, LLC. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) who has dedicated his career to helping creative entrepreneurs thrive. Cortlon started "Cofield Advisors" because he believes in entrepreneurship and wanted to give creative entrepreneurs access a one stop shop for financial and tax services. Three actionable tips Cofield recommends for every creative: 1. Set up systems to save and take human nature out of financial decision making. 2. Automate your savings and financial management as much as possible 3. Invest and Plan for the future. Sacrifice today, so you don't have to later. More about Cofield Advisers at <a href="http://cofieldadvisors.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://cofieldadvisors.com</a> Instagram: @cofield_advisor Get Cofield's Financial Success Toolkit at <a href="https://www.cofieldadvisors.com/instagram" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cofieldadvisors.com/instagram</a>

Manage Your Finances Like a Boss with Cortlon Cofield

In this episode, I explore some strategies for managing time – prioritizing our tasks for maximum productivity and achievement. And, I offered my Free, "It Starts With Vision" worksheet, to help you get clarity on your personal vision, and draft a vision statement that will guide you as you set your priorities. Download the worksheet at http://www.gordonfiremark.com/visionworksheet

In this episode, I explore some strategies for managing time – prioritizing our tasks for maximum productivity and achievement. And, I offered my Free, "It Starts With Vision" worksheet, to help you get clarity on your personal vision, and draft a vision statement that will guide you as you set your priorities. Download the worksheet at <a href="http://www.gordonfiremark.com/visionworksheet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.gordonfiremark.com/visionworksheet</a>

Manage Your Time Like A 4-Star General

In this episode, I relate some ideas about our own self-imposed obstacles and self sabotage when working toward our goals, and present a strategy for discovering what you really want and why.

What gets in your way? You!

John Kenny

In this episode, I talk with transformational relationship coach John Kenney, author of  “The P.E.O.P.L.E. Programme” How to overcome your blocks to success.   John helps people identify, address and overcome the things that they let get in their way, so they can build strong, healthy relationships, and achieve the kinds of successes they dream of.

In this episode, I talk with transformational relationship coach John Kenney, author of  <a href="https://amzn.to/34iCOmf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“The P.E.O.P.L.E. Programme” How to overcome your blocks to success.  </a> John helps people identify, address and overcome the things that they let get in their way, so they can build strong, healthy relationships, and achieve the kinds of successes they dream of.

Relationship Coach John Kenny

Success is a team sport

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Best Episodes on Science, Humans & The World

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!