I am often said to have identified the amygdala as the brain’s ‘fear’ centre. But the fact is, I have not done this, nor has anyone else.” Joseph LeDoux (2015)

Hmm? 

Information we have been given has us believe that the amygdala is the brain region responsible for the fear response. 

But, what if what we know is not accurate? How would knowing this impact us?

Neuroscientists have been working to ‘fill the gap’ with the pathway to fear and fear memory.

What they are discovering is that a sensory-based threat memory pathway could be rooted in the primary olfactory (piriform) cortex. It’s been observed that the primary olfactory (piriform) cortex is hyperactive in anxious individuals (anxiety is fear of the future).

Smell that one… 

This could mean smell therapy could become all the rage. (I’m coining it smellology).

Smell does trigger some physiological responses in people. The smell of freshly cut grass, the smell of the beach, the smell of your old flames perfume. Takes you back down memory lane. 

Why is this important? When we understand the brain and our responses, it helps us to transform them.  

It’s interesting that, in today’s era, we don’t know everything about the brain. What we do know is the evolution of fear in people’s cognition and behaviour have evolved over time, especially in the brain.   

The evolution of the human brain has involved the preservation of primitive brain structures and their associated processes while developing new structures and processes on top of these. Imagine it to be like different operating systems on the deeper hardwiring of the brain.

By now, you would have heard of the prefrontal cortex, which contributes to higher-level critical thinking and decision-making, literally sits atop more ‘primitive’ mid-brain regions and communicates with them.

The prefrontal cortex is otherwise known as the rational mind. Imagine this to be the like a rider on the back of an elephant, with the rider being our conscious thoughts and the elephant being our automatic and emotional processes.

So when it comes to doing the inner work, we have to get the elephant to do what the rider wants. 

That’s why, if we experience fear or anxiety, we have to go deep with our inner work.

I had a client this week with a business challenge. They had lost a significant client. They were sharing how they had noticed changes in their thinking, but their bodies and responses acted in the inverse. They could start to find the blessings but want to avoid work, not show up and struggle to get their head in the game.

This shows a deeper charge yet to be resolved as the hardwiring has not been reprogrammed. (ie. Look at what your actions are, not your thoughts)

We are working on the conscious mind when we ask ourselves questions. We want to dig deep and transform the deeper layers of our mind, right down to the deeper hardwiring, to make deep and, most important, lasting change. 

It makes me think, what would happen if we had essential oils or even coffee when we do the deep work, and if that could help reprogram our brain and body to behave differently? 

I don’t know, but I’d love to hear from you if you’ve tried this.

SIDENOTE: It is not as simple as that. (deep sigh). Any complete theory of fear must consider it a complex phenomenon, a give-and-take between conscious cognitive processes and automatic (out-of-awareness) brain functions. Think about the multi-dimensions of the work, like in a previous blog. 

The dance between conscious cognition and automatic brain functions shapes our emotional landscape, guiding our responses to fear and anxiety.  

As we seek to decipher this intricate dance, we unearth the potential to mitigate irrational responses, promote emotional resilience, and refine our relationship with fear.

Amid these discoveries, one question resonates: Can we harness this evolving understanding to craft a future where fear loses its grip, and our emotional well-being flourishes?

I’d love to hear from you,

Tanya x 

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator

BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth

 

You have heard people say “Fake it until you make it.”

I cringe when I hear it. 

Here’s why…

Imagine this –  it is your first client session as a coach, or it is your first customer strolling through the doors to buy your product, and you have embraced this idea, fake it until you make it.

It helps you to overcome the anxiety, the anticipation of a no, and something new and uncomfortable, all in the hopes that you’ll breeze through and look more polished and professional like you have more years under your belt than you do.

Nevertheless, while those echoing this line may be well-intentioned, there is one major underlying problem with this saying — an incongruent four-letter word. 

F-A-K-E.

No one wants the fake version of you. 

The fake version is your true self hiding away.

If you start your business by being not true to yourself, selling a fantasy of who you are to the outside world, then you are setting yourself up for a serious amount of strife in business.

So, what do you do? 

Here are the top two universal principle alternatives to ‘Fake It Until You Make It.’

These universal principles will empower you, turning you from a victim of your lack of experience to a master of your vocational destiny. 

Face it until you ace it.

People appreciate your raw and real self. Own all parts of yourself and that you are new at your craft, or your facing a new challenge you haven’t faced before with a client. 

You swap one tiny letter, — the “k” for the “c” — and your authentic self shows up. No need to hide a part of yourself or your insecurities. 

I personally say “Let’s talk this out” when I am faced with a challenge I am unsure of. I process out loud with the client. It doesn’t help the client if I go in with all guns blazing with the client thinking I have done this type of session a zillion times. 

Sometimes I might just say ‘hey, this is a first for me.’ But my love of serving is what matters, not my skill. Because we get there in the end. If I sell an idea, we are going to smash through this in 20 minutes, and they (and I) will be let down. 

Do you notice the difference? Humility pays. Arrogance costs. 

Use humility and lack of experience for you, not against you.

Learn it until you earn it.

When you fake it before you make it, you are better than you are, when you’ve really only started your journey. No one is an expert at the beginning of their career. Think of the 10,000-hour rule. According to Gladwell, you could become an expert in nearly any field as long as you are willing to devote the requisite 10,000 hours to studying and practising the subject or skill. 

When you come across as more knowledgeable, it can come across cocking rather than contributing. Expect a little humble slapping my friend. 

Instead, “learn it until you earn it.”  Continue your learning journey, knowing it will pay off for you. 

I am still fascinated by humans – 14 years later. Even now, as we apply the Demartini Method on abstract and astronomical things, like the sun, the ever-changing ocean, and even a black hole, people are realising that there is greatness inside themselves that brings them to tears. 

I never want to stop learning about humans. Yes, never.

Being a continual learner alleviates any pressure we place on ourselves to be at the top. There isn’t a top. Focus on the journey. 

The problem under the problem

Let’s face it, the expectations of society often push us towards the belief that we need to pretend until we’ve achieved success. Or at the very least, there is an emphasis on being successful. 

However, true accomplishment is not about reaching the pinnacle instantly or maybe not at all. When we are green we are growing, when we are ripe we are rotten. 

It’s about embracing the daily climb and confronting challenges with courage, humility, and perseverance.

Instead of “fake it until you make it,” choose alternative approaches like face it until you ace it and learn it until you earn it, as they emphasize the value of authenticity and a growth mindset.

By embracing these two alternative approaches, you create an environment where genuine growth and progress can flourish, allowing for a truly transformative experience.

Onwards and upwards,

Tanya x

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator

BAppSoSc (Counselling)

Maximum Growth

This time of year allows us the opportunity to reflect on our income. And perhaps a step further, our financial future. 

I remember growing up with a friend who owned a major real estate company in Melbourne. I was 10 when I went to her home for the first time. It had so many bedrooms, I was lost inside, a green grass tennis court, and a short stroll to the beach. 

It was sold for $8 million a few years ago. 

Going back home to my middle-class life, at that time, 50% or more of Aussies were much wealthier than my family and enjoyed fancy homes, flashy cars and luxurious lives.

Fast forward some time, the top 10% seemed to be the number that used to describe wealthy Australians. This was usually measured by their net worth. If you were in the top 10% you were doing very nicely thank you very much.

Today, the percentage is shrinking even further, and wealthy people seem to be in the top 1%.

So what does it take to be among the top 1% by net worth?

The amount of money you need to hit a 1% milestone in Australia has doubled in the past 2 years in now sits at 5.5 USD (8.3 million) of net worth.

Well, my childhood friend’s parents, assuming they have other assets would be sitting pretty now, having sold their property at an event 8 mil. 

In Australia, we rank third behind Monaco, Switzerland, New Zealand and the US and require at least 5 million USD.

In Australia, the wealthiest typically have only about 3 homes. Some have commercial properties and shares are the biggest asset holding.

8 million, you say?

Well, not if we move to another country. 

• The top 1% of people in India hold at least $175000 USD or $264000 AUD of wealth
• The top 1% of people in the Philippines it’s $57000 USD or $86000 AUD
• The top 1% of people in Kenya it’s $20000 USD or $30000 AUD,

But not everyone wants to uproot their life and go and live like a king or queen in a foreign country. 

And it depends on what type of lifestyle you want. 

Do you want to go away 3 months of the year around the world, travelling business class or do you want to stay at home and spend it with your family? 

Your spending will have a lot to do with the number. 

So do you want to be in the top 1%?

Or perhaps aim to be in the top 10% for the top 20% or even 40%?

Remember, wealth comes in many different forms. Yes, there is the financial monetary form, and there is wealth from relationship stability, being healthy physically, or strong social bonds and connections.

• Why not reset (or set) your objective?
• What are you working for?
• What is your financial goal? 
• What are your life dreams you’d love to work towards?

Then this time of year, you can check in to see how you are tracking not only financially but all areas of your life. 

Onwards and upwards, 

Tanya x

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator

BAppSoSc (Counselling)

Maximum Growth

Tell me what you’re stressed about, and I’ll tell you your illness.

I have your ears pricked up, don’t I?

This intriguing question: “Can the most stressful life events predict future illness?” has captivated researchers and medical professionals for decades. 

In 1967, two researchers named Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe embarked on a groundbreaking study to explore the potential correlation between stress-inducing life events and the likelihood of developing illnesses. 

The outcome of their study was the development of the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, a tool widely used to assess the impact of stress on health. 

Holmes and Rahe’s study involved an extensive analysis of the medical records of over 5,000 patients. Their primary objective was to determine whether there was a clear connection between highly stressful life events and the subsequent development of illnesses. 

To their astonishment, the researchers uncovered a strong correlation. This correlation was so significant that Holmes and Rahe decided to rank the stressful life events they identified on a scale ranging from the most stressful to the least stressful. 

So, what are these life events that the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale takes into account? 

They encompass a range of circumstances that many of us encounter throughout our lives. 

Some examples include 

• Death of a loved one
• Divorce
• Job loss
• Financial difficulties
• Relocation
• Getting married
• Taking a vacation (say what?!? It’s a matter of perspective – haha)

After lots of studies using this metric, researchers have concluded that stress impacts your physiology. 

But you want to know more about your specific stress, don’t you?

Relationship Stress

Studies have linked relationship stress to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, weakened immune function, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Relationship stress can sometimes manifest as psychosomatic symptoms—physical symptoms that arise from emotional or psychological distress including headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, or chronic pain.

Financial Stress

The toll of financial stress extends beyond mental health and can manifest in various physical health issues. High levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, associated with financial strain can lead to elevated blood pressure, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Financial stress often disrupts sleep patterns, leading to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Sleep deprivation can have far-reaching consequences such as diabetes and weakened immune system function so you’re more prone to viruses and colds. 

Family Stress

Family stress can significantly impact our mental well-being. Conflicts, strained relationships, and feelings of resentment or obligation can contribute to increased stress levels and emotional distress. This chronic exposure to family stress can lead to conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Home is where you spend a lot of time in, and prolonged exposure to stress hormones, such as cortisol, associated with family stress can lead to elevated blood pressure, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders. 

Workplace Stress

Jobs that involve repetitive tasks, poor ergonomics, or physical strain can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Workplace stress can exacerbate these conditions by increasing muscle tension and promoting poor posture, leading to issues such as back pain, neck pain, and repetitive strain injuries.

High levels of stress can impair cognitive function, affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities. This can hinder productivity and performance at work, further adding to the stress.

So tell me what you’re stressed about, and I’ll tell you your illness. OK, it’s not a science, but there are potential determinants that impact health. 

Each time you apply the Demartini Method and bring your perceived stressful perceptions into balance, you dissolve your stress and you place your body and mind into homeostasis, and the optimal place for wellness to occur. 

With gratitude,

Tanya x

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator

BAppSoSc (Counselling)

Maximum Growth

In one of the lessons in The Power Walkshop, 8 people were standing on a massive hill, overlooking a vast landscape of rolling hills, seeing the ocean off in the distance. 

Yet, as we stood at the top of this hill, each individual had their own perspective of the hill, the view and their life. 

Your perception is the lens through which you view the world. What you perceive is not an objective representation of reality but a construction crafted by your mind. 

And it can distort or illuminate your understanding. 

The hill is a great example of this. 

Everyone had a different perspective of walking up the hill, the view at the top of the hill and if you wanted to go seek another hill or go back down to the plains again. 

The power of perception shapes your understanding and experiences. It acts as both an illuminating force, offering clarity and insight, and a distorting lens that can cloud your judgment. 

Your perception deeply influences how you interpret and interact with the world around you, creating your thoughts and emotions and guiding your actions. 

Your perception is influenced by your past experiences, both positive and negative. 

Memories shape your understanding of the present, creating a framework through which you interpret new information. 

A traumatic event may taint our perception, leading us to see danger where none exists or causing us to perceive threats as more significant than they are. 

So if you have walked a hill before and strained a muscle, you might be a little wary this time. 

On the other hand, perceived positive experiences can foster optimism, colouring your perception with a brighter hue, like summiting your first mountain (and a hill is easily achieved).

Throw into the mix your cognitive biases to further shape your perception, introducing subtle distortions and shortcuts that influence your judgment. 

Confirmation bias, for example, leads you to seek information that supports your existing beliefs while disregarding or downplaying conflicting evidence. AKA “this hill is hard”, and you walk on the squishiest part of the hill and it’s incredibly difficult to walk. 

This bias can lead to a narrow and skewed understanding of the world, reinforcing your preconceived notions and inhibiting your ability to consider alternative perspectives. 

Your perception is not solely an internal process. It is deeply intertwined with your interactions and relationships with others. 

Social dynamics influence your perception, as you are a social being deeply influenced by your social environment. 

Peer pressure (I have to walk the hill – because everyone else is doing it) and societal expectations (I’m on course, I have to walk the hill, and god forbid I should stop halfway) shape your perception, influencing your behaviour and guiding your choices. 

The opinions and judgments of others (I don’t want to let the group down) can have a profound impact on how we perceive ourselves and the world, often leading us to conform or seek approval.

However, it is essential to recognize that our perception is not fixed or immutable. It is malleable and subject to change. 

Through self-reflection and introspection, we can become more aware of our biases, assumptions, and preconceptions. 

That’s what the Demartini Method is doing to your mind, remoulding it, making it malleable by seeking different perspectives and engaging in an internal dialogue with yourself to broaden your understanding and challenge your ingrained perceptions. 

This process of self-reflection allows us to peel away the layers of distortion and create a more accurate view of the world.

In the realm of personal growth and self-discovery, understanding the power of perception liberates us from self-imposed limitations. No hill is too big to summit. 

It invites us to question the narratives we construct about ourselves and the world and create new hills of possibilities. 

By challenging our self-perceptions and expanding our horizons, we can transcend self-imposed barriers and unlock our full potential.

So, as you navigate the labyrinth of perception, remember that your understanding of the next hill you’re about to climb, remember your perception is a reflection of your unique lens. 

As the philosopher William James once wrote:

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

The power of perception shapes our experiences and responses to the challenges we encounter. It reminds us that our perception is not a passive process but an active choice we make in how we interpret and navigate the world.

In every hill we face, whether literal or metaphorical, our perception determines whether we see it as an insurmountable obstacle or an opportunity for growth. It is our ability to choose empowering thoughts and perspectives that enable us to overcome adversity and embrace the journey of self-discovery.

So, as you embark on your next adventure, be it climbing a hill or tackling the hurdles in your life, remember that your perception holds the key to unlocking your true potential. 

With a mind attuned to the transformative power of perception, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

So, take a deep breath, adjust your lens, and let the beauty of your chosen perceptions illuminate your path. 

The hills may rise before you, but by shifting your perception, you will rise above them.

May your perception be a kaleidoscope of wonder, revealing the hidden beauty in every moment.

If you are interested in joining me for the next Power Walkshop, then you can opt-in here. 

Places are limited. 

With gratitude,

Tanya x

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator

BAppSoSc (Counselling)

Maximum Growth

Understanding human behaviour is fascinating. 

When you go down the rabbit hole of the mind and people, you’ll find that there is a myriad of factors that influence it. 

There is one principle in psychology that I wanted to share with you that might help you to understand yourself a little more.

It is called multiple determinants, a concept that human behaviour is influenced by the interaction of multiple factors, past and present.

We might become a little rigid or fixated on the concept that we do not see things as they are, we see them as we are, and that our experience is a matter of perception.

But let’s define that as your internal world. 

Our perception of the world is shaped not only by our internal world but also by our external world. The external world includes a multitude of factors that influence our behaviour and interpretations. 

The concept of multiple determinants emphasizes that our behaviour is influenced by biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. 

These determinants interact to shape our unique perspectives and interpretations of the world. Our biological makeup, cognitive processes, social interactions, and environmental context all contribute to how we perceive and understand our experiences. 

Let’s explore each a little more,

1. Biological Factors: Our genetic makeup, brain structure, and physiological processes significantly impact our behaviour. 
2. Psychological Factors: Our thoughts, emotions, and cognitive processes play a crucial role in understanding behaviour. Our interpretations of events, cognitive biases, and unconscious motivations all contribute to how we perceive and respond to the world around us.
3. Social Factors: The people and social environments we encounter influence our behaviour. Social norms, cultural values, family dynamics, peer pressure, and societal expectations shape our actions, attitudes, and decisions. We are social creatures, and our interactions with others can greatly impact our behaviour.
4. Environmental Factors: Our physical surroundings, including our home, workplace, and community, have a significant influence on our behaviour. Environmental factors such as access to resources, socio-economic conditions, and exposure to stressors can shape our choices and opportunities.

Acknowledging the role of multiple determinants in perception rather than only your inner world perspective encourages you to consider the complexities and influences that contribute to our individual perspectives, leading to a more nuanced understanding of ourselves and the world around us. 

What is even more interesting is that when it comes to solving a program, there is not a single process that will work for everyone. 

If you consider the different variables:

1. Our genetic makeup
2. brain structure,
3. physiological
4. Our thoughts
5. Emotions
6. Cognitive processes (which there are squillions)
7. Interpretations of events
8. Cognitive biases (lots of these)
9. Social environments
10. Social norms 
11. Cultural values
12. Family dynamics
13. Peer pressure
14. Societal expectations
15. Physical surroundings
16. Access to resources
17. Socio-economic conditions

Let’s look at an example

CLIENT A: has financial struggles and has very little income coming through the door.

Client A’s financial struggles and limited income can be understood as a result of various interacting factors. Let’s consider some of the determinants that may contribute to their specific situation:

1. Biological Determinants: Biological factors can play a role in Client A’s financial struggles. For instance, their physical health or disabilities may affect their ability to work and earn income. 
2. Psychological Determinants: Psychological factors can influence how Client A manages their financial situation. Their attitudes, beliefs, and mindset about money, as well as their decision-making processes, financial literacy, and self-control, can impact their ability to generate income, save, or effectively manage their finances.
3. Social Determinants: Social factors play a significant role in Client A’s financial situation. Their social support network, access to educational opportunities, employment prospects, and socio-economic background can affect their income potential. 
4. Environmental Determinants: Environmental factors also contribute to Client A’s financial struggles. The local job market, economic conditions, cost of living, and availability of resources in their community can impact their ability to find employment or generate sufficient income. Additionally, factors such as affordable housing, access to transportation, and the availability of social welfare programs can influence their financial stability.

You’ll often hear me say “Let’s find the problem under the problem.” This is what is in my mind when I am searching for a deeper issue. 

It is important to note that these determinants do not operate in isolation but interact with and influence each other. 

Client A’s limited income might lead to increased stress and mental health challenges (psychological determinant), which in turn could affect their ability to find and maintain employment (social determinant). These determinants work together in a complex manner to shape Client A’s financial situation.

So as you can see, human behaviour is complex and one quest doesn’t fix one problem.

If it was – how easy would it be. 

What is important to remember is our perception is not fixed but is an ever-evolving result of a dynamic interplay between various determinants.

In the classes and coaching sessions, I sometimes hear clients give more weight to their minds and psychological factors of why their life is the way that it is. 

But the list above shows so many factors at play and gives a beautiful demonstration of why human behaviour is complex, and you might find yourself working on the same issue for weeks and months (and let’s face it, sometimes years).

This is because of all the nuances and factors that are at play for the one issue. 

I’d love to open you up to the concept of multiple determinants and their significance in psychology allowing you to have deeper insights into your own behaviour and look at your challenges more broadly. 

So when you are unpacking your challenges, remember the principle of multiple determinants which is that human behaviour is not determined by a single factor (ie your mindset), but rather by a combination of various influences. 

The principle of multiple determinants reminds us that human behaviour is shaped by a multitude of factors, both internal and external, which influence our perceptions and experiences.

It encourages us to move beyond a narrow focus on any single aspect and recognize the intricate interplay of various influences. 

As the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer once wrote, “Every person takes the limits of their own field of vision for the limits of the world.” 

This quote highlights the inherent subjectivity of our perception. 

It suggests that our understanding of the world is limited to our own unique perspective, influenced by the multiple determinants that shape our thoughts and experiences. 

By embracing the concept of multiple determinants, we become more aware of the diversity of factors that contribute to human behaviour, expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. 

It reminds us to approach others with an open mind, recognizing that their perception of the world is shaped by their own set of determinants. 

Through this awareness, we can cultivate a greater understanding and appreciation for the complexities of human behaviour and the diversity of human experiences.

Inspiring love and connection,

Tanya x

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator

BAppSoSc (Counselling)

Maximum Growth

This one is for the business owners and entrepreneurs of the group.

But if you’re not one don’t be phased…

There is some juice in this for you too

Because this game-changing principle

Is applicable to all relationships

Fair exchange.

I know, I know you have heard it before.

But,

It runs deeper than you may think.

It isn’t just dollar for time

It isn’t just product for money

It isn’t just a trade.

When I work with business owners I find an extremely common thought process.

“The exchange that exists at the transaction point is the money for the service”

But this is untrue.

There are many unconscious and conscious exchanges that occur that are either spoken or unspoken.

And in this.

There are many unconscious and conscious expectations that occur that are either spoken or unspoken.

And these unconscious unspoken expectations are the driver of the slowly eroding perception of the value of the product or service.

Both in the eyes of the business owner

And

In the eyes of the client and customers.

Now you might be thinking how…

Well, let me explain.

Within our offers, we have multiple value points.

And for each value point we have an expectation of use.

And if we are unaware of our true expectation for how we want the client to interact with that value point (e.g. FB Group), in the way that provides us the exchange we desire

We end up judging our product or service as “not good enough” and feeling ashamed or guilty about it.

This unconscious unspoken expectation of the client or customer to interact in a certain way with a value point drives the erosion of our perception of the product.

Then leads us to overcompensate to make up for it.

Let me share how I discovered this.

When I first stepped into my coaching business…

I had a weekly community Q+A as a part of signing up for either my group or my 1 to 1
And to utilise this you had to ask questions.

But I barely got any questions, and not many people would show up for them.

So I started to build up resentment towards my clients for not asking questions and not showing up, BUT I also started to feel guilty that I wasn’t providing the value I promised because people weren’t showing up.

And so I started going over on sessions times.

Over-discounting other products

Giving up my boundaries to fill this feeling of it not being enough.

I knew something was off.

And had explored it from many angles

But it wasn’t until I asked myself the question

“At the moment of transaction, what is it that I am expecting from my clients that I have communicated and I haven’t communicated?”

I went through and wrote a list, and then POP…

Like a wave through me,

I felt the resentment and guilt shift.

“I expected them to show up for the lives, add value and be a part of the community”

In exchange for

“The live Q+As, the group and being connected into other like-minded individuals”

But I had never communicated this.

Because it was something I was giving to them as a bonus…

You know ADDING VALUE…

And because I hadn’t communicated the expectations at the transaction point, no one knew I expected it.

I didn’t even know that I had an unspoken unconscious expectation of exchange that I expected to occur for the bonus value.

And so I was getting the feedback of guilt and resentment to awaken me to this.

Once I realised this.

It shifted the entire way I approach all my transactions.

And the entire way I look at my business offers and products.

And the way I get my clients to explore their transactions in business and in their personal relationships.

Making this shift stops the erosion of your service’s worth in your mind and the overcompensation pattern.

And so understanding what you expect for each value add and value point of your service or product is important. 

To maintain the feeling of fair exchange within yourself, with your customers and clients, and with yourself and your business. So you don’t build up resentment and resistance to them.

So I encourage you to explore the questions of Wisdom below.

You will most likely find that you have some unspoken, unconscious expectations eroding yourself, your relationships and your business transactions.

Remember:

The name of the game is fair exchange.

But if you are unaware of what makes it fair for you, you will be out of exchange with those around you. 

QUESTIONS OF WISDOM 

IN BUSINESS

“At the moment of transaction, what is it that I am expecting from my clients that I have, and I haven’t communicated?”

RELATIONSHIPS

“What is it that I expect for what I provide that I have and haven’t communicated?”

Crush Life,

Justin Wiseman

Entrepreneur and Business Owner
Mindset and Business Coach
Demartini Method Facilitator

P.S. If you loved this newsletter and know someone who it could help! Please share this signup link to them!

My wisdom came at a cost. 

I’ve been through:

+ parents divorcing 

+ not seeing my biological mother for most of my pre-teen & teen years 

+ all kinds of unwanted sexual experiences

+ divorce 

+ physical and mental abuse in a relationship 

+ eating disorders 

+ suicide attempts 

+ panic attacks 

+ death

+ so broke and getting food from the Salvation Army 

+ major depression 

+ self-harming 

+ relationship breakup 

+ relationship breakup 

+ relationship breakup 

+ relationship breakup 

+ relationship breakup (that’s not a glitch – I’m an expert at those)

Oh the trials. 

The tribulations. 

The fire I’ve been in. 

The fire that’s been under me. 

The fire has run through me. 

And yes. It’s created me. 

But it hasn’t been easy. 

I have built bridges, made connections, and worked my arse off to appreciate the underlying hidden perfection (twelve years of a line, on average a week of applying the Demartini Method). 

The insights that have been birthed from these make me appreciate that in the deepest darkness, there is light. 

And that in every moment, there is a purpose. 

Let me say that again, just in case you missed it. 

Every. Single. Moment. Has. Purpose. 

Every seed sits in darkness before it’s birthed. 

Without my darkness, I wouldn’t have the wisdom to share with you. 

If you’re wondering about something you have been through and would love to find the deeper meaning, hit reply, I’m here for you. 

Tanya x

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator

BAppSoSc (Counselling)

Maximum Growth

Wrap your mind around this…

Everything around you was once an idea.

Imagined in the mind’s eye of someone else.

Or even imagined and created by you.

Your phone,

Your car,

Your bed,

The clothes you’re wearing,

The home you live in…

Even more powerfully, the life you are living.

I remember when this hit me.

I was staring at a skyscraper,

From the pool deck on our honeymoon in 2016…

“POP”

A tear ran down my cheek.

We can manifest from our mind’s eye, into our reality.

This huge building was once an imagined idea.

That was now standing in reality as a reflection of that individual’s vision for it.

This really blew my mind.

I mean it really really blew my mind.

It was a paradigm shifter…

It made me really grasp the power of being human and the limitlessness of our potential.

To literally be able to imagine an idea,

Build it in our minds,

Then create it into existence.

If you do not grasp the limitless of this power,

Sit for a minute.

Take a few deep breaths and then look around you.

What is man-made that you can see?

This was someone, somewhere, at sometime’s idea.

That you now have these things surrounding you.

Now even more powerfully…..

Take a close, deep, honest look at your life.

What ideas did you have for the life that you now live?

What did you imagine and envision for yourself that you now have?

What was once an idea that is now a reality?

What are you creating right now that was once an idea?

I hope you are starting to grasp the reality of this now…

It isn’t some hocus pocus bullshit.

It’s REAL.

It’s POWERFUL.

It’s what makes us as humans the ultimate creators when we focus on creation.

We literally have the power to create the life we want…

The deep, meaningful, intimate relationship,

The life-altering business,

The high-income,

The wealth,

The new industry changing products.

ALL of it.

You just have to have the courage and the belief in yourself to go after it…

Commit to the creation,

Create a plan,

Start building it.

Take the time to go through the “Questions of Wisdom”. I specifically created it for you to get in touch with your inner creator and increase your belief in this part of you.

Look through your entire lifetime, and you will uncover the magnificence of what you are capable of creating.

QUESTIONS OF WISDOM

What ideas or vision did you have for your life, that your life is now a reflection of?

What did you imagine and envision for yourself that you now have?

What was once an idea that is now a reality for you?
What have you imagined, that you have then created and manifested?

What are you creating right now, that was once in your mind’s eye?

Crush Life,

Justin Wiseman

Entrepreneur and Business Owner
Mindset and Business Coach
Demartini Method Facilitator

“Every morning I wake up and just know that today is going to be just as hard as yesterday. And I’m convinced that tomorrow will not be any different than today. Is this what depression feels like? Because if it is, I’m depressed.” – Client A.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.

Yep. It is.  

It’s important to understand that depression can manifest in various ways and doesn’t always fit the stereotypical image we may have in our minds. 

If you believe that depressed people don’t get out of bed, mope around and look sad then you may not recognize the actual signs of depression in others or yourself.

Sometimes, people who are depressed can seem perfectly fine on the surface, which makes it challenging to identify the problem.

Unfortunately, this lack of awareness and understanding can lead to individuals ignoring their symptoms or others dismissing their struggles as simply being moody or seeing the world through a negative perspective. 

This is why it’s important to recognize that depression can come in many forms, and it’s essential to pay attention to the signs that may indicate a problem.

Here are some subtle ways you may be depressed. 

• When you lose sight of what is important to you, you fail to see it as the first step that can lead to depression.
• When you find yourself staring at the ground when you walk rather than out into the world.
• When we feel malaise about life and lose hope for the future. 

5 Signs You’re Ignoring Being Depressed

If someone cannot see that they are depressed, even the most convincing proof will not help them change their mind. Here are some signs you are ignoring your mental health and depression. 

1. You believe and give weight to your internal critic.  
2. You avoid and control your feelings (including feeling sad or down).
3. There is a huge gap between what you want and what you have, or between who you are and who you want to be. 
4. Your thought pattern is on a “struggle cycle,” where you find short-term gratification that doesn’t change once the feeling of gratification has passed. 
5. You have lost your purpose or direction in what is important to you. 

Steps Toward Transformation

If these five signs of depression are showing up in your life, rest assured that you are not alone. And you don’t have to stay on struggle street a moment longer than you choose. 

Maximum Growth was created to help you to get to the root cause of your emotions and help you to find more meaning in your life, which kicks depression in the butt. 

If we can help you in any way, just reach out. 

With love and connection,

Tanya x

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator

BAppSoSc (Counselling)

Maximum Growth
P.S. Need mindset support? Private Coaching and Group Coaching are available for you!

I had this idea recently to do a review of my finances with a fine tooth comb. I wanted to know what a year’s worth of anything would cost me.

Opening my bank account on my browser, I begin searching between January 1st and December 31st 2022 on what I spend on various items.

• Personal Development: $46,498
• Health (in getting well again): $9,897
• Travel (not paid by work): $4,388
• Fitness: $2,852

The list was more extensive but it made me reflect on what is a year’s worth of anything.
It’s interesting to see how much I have spent on certain items that I may not have thought of as being that expensive.

For example, my personal development was a large portion of my spending, but I can see the value it has brought me in terms of new skills and knowledge. My coach helped me to see the value I offer in business, build my confidence in my path and purpose.

The return on that investment for the year was 3 fold. I’d invest more again to know I can make a bigger gain. That’s a year’s worth of something highly valuable.
Plus, the return continues as I don’t forget what I learned, I only grow more by learning more. #learningintoearning

On the other hand, my health expenses were unexpected due to being sick and off work for 31 days in the first six months of 2022.
I almost fell off my chair when I saw how many days it was.

It made me realize the importance of taking care of my health and a year’s worth of health is worth. Priceless.
Ok, so not priceless, everything is worth something. For me, it cost me being able to offer my service to the world. And that feels like it affects my soul. #ouch

Lastly, I love to travel. Especially being able to travel with Bonnie and for her to see the world. Time out gave me quality time with family and friends, plus the ability to put perspective on business. With perspective, I can come up with new and innovative ideas.

The idea of having Justin Wiseman to partner with me at Maximum Growth was born from time in Salt Lake City. (Did you miss that news?! Check out this post to learn more).
This exercise of “what is a year’s worth” has made me reflect on my spending habits and what each area that I have spent, and what is the return on that investment.

It has given me a clear picture of what a year’s worth of anything truly costs.
I now know I can set better financial goals for the future with this concept in mind.

I encourage everyone to take a closer look at their own finances and see what a year’s worth of anything is for them.

Tanya Cross

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

P.S.
Justin and I are doing The Conversation together. The topic is “How To Overcome The Fear Of Failure”. It’s going to be inspiring. Make sure you join us for the two jam-packed sessions by registering here.

 

 

 

 

 

Firstly, this is a long post and, just in case you were wondering, this post is sponsored by caffeine and my undying appreciation for writing.

Being in the service business, we can sometimes get the balance out of whack.

Running a service-oriented business often requires a delicate balance between doing what you love and delegating responsibilities to others.

It is especially tricky when you are a new business owner and trying to strike the balance between saving money (and you doing the work) and investing in others to grow the business.

Striking this balance is essential for growth and success, as it allows business owners to focus on their strengths while leveraging the skills of others to expand their reach.

For me in 2022, the balance was waaaaaaay off. I was working 12 hours a day, plus being a mum to Bonnie, which meant working until past midnight most nights, very little time for much else.

My head was so full of a million things that needed to be done and I was stretched beyond my limits. It would have been OK for a month, but rolling into the fourth month in a row was starting to take a toll.

I dropped the ball, I made mistakes, I sent emails to the incorrect list, the timing was off in calendars. It was a hot ball of mess. (thank you for your patience too)

On one hand, I love what I do and that I sincerely care about my clients and that is the driving force behind business.

But the day that I realized that I was ‘burnt out’ and I couldn’t take another client session was the day something had to change.

I took four weeks off work (only a week extra than originally planned) and I got to work. The focus: How to strike a balance between doing what I love, building a business – oh and getting my life back again. 

As the universe provided, I had an all-expense trip for five days to Salt Lake City, so I took the opportunity to deeply reflect on my life.

If I solely relied on personal inspiration for growth and sustainability, I’m limiting myself.

My struggle was with areas of business that I didn’t love. I wasn’t paying attention either. I couldn’t keep up with the demands of running a business alone.

Delegation is critical for growth and sustainability. By empowering others to handle routine tasks and responsibilities, you  free up time and resources to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Additionally, delegations can bring new perspectives and ideas to business, helping to drive innovation and growth.

I wanted to delegate more, but I wanted to delegate in a way that meant the people who worked with me were equally invested in growing Maximum Growth as I was.

 

That is when an idea popped into my head. Justin Wiseman, a dedicated student at Maximum Growth, a business owner, a coach, would be a perfect fit in business. We have complimentary skills inside of business while sharing a love of coaching, universal principles and self-development. It’s the perfect business partnership.

We started a conversation and you know when you know that you just know.

It was like that. Roll on seven weeks later and Justin is now an equal partner of Maximum Growth. (check out the Facebook post if you missed it).

We are now able to leverage the strengths of each other, plus our automation queen Clavel who joined MG at the beginning of the year, so that we are able to grow Maximum Growth and lead the community in an inspiring way.

I am not recommending nor saying everyone has to get a business partner to grow. I know for my private coaching business, I don’t need someone to partner with, I can do that with the help of my executive assistant and some great processes in place.

But as Maximum Growth is a business, we have to adapt and evolve as the business grows.

This year is about doing more of what I love, filling all my buckets up, not just with work, but family, friends, fitness and striking the perfect balance between all my values being fulfilled.

How about you?

How’s the balance in your life going? Is there too much of one thing? And not enough of something else?

Curious to know, hit reply and let’s see how we can help you strike the perfect balance so you live up to the light that is within you.

Tanya Cross

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

P.S.
Justin and I are doing The Conversation together. The topic is “How To Overcome The Fear Of Failure”. It’s going to be inspiring. Make sure you join us for the two jam-packed sessions by registering here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Even those who know universal principles and coach people, find themselves sliding down a slippery slope of depression and can’t seem to stop the fall. 

 

There is clinical depression, which is intense and persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that interfere with daily functioning.

 

But what about mild depression? It is lingering but not enough to make you stay in bed all day, but just enough to be like a black cloud hanging over you that you can’t seem to shake.

 

Many individuals are often unaware of the signs and symptoms of mild depression, and may even ignore them altogether. 

 

When we ignore it, bottle it up, and not deal with it, it can lead to a delay in seeking the help that is needed to overcome this mindset. 

 

Having worked with clients this week who were experiencing between mild to severe depression, I wanted to share with you the three signs that you may be experiencing depression and ignoring it.

 

1. 1. You’re experiencing physical symptoms.
      
      Depression can manifest itself in physical symptoms, such as fatigue, lack of energy, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. If you’re feeling run down and exhausted, even when you’ve gotten enough rest, it could be a sign that you’re struggling with depression.
      
      Crying about small things, hiding from the world, not wanting to go out, not wanting to share your personal life. Depression can manifest itself in many different ways, and these behaviors are often seen as symptoms of the condition.
      
      Similarly, changes in appetite and sleep patterns can also be indicators of depression.
       
   2. You’re struggling with negative thoughts and emotions.
      
      Depression often comes hand in hand with negative thoughts and feelings, such as hopelessness, helplessness, and low self-esteem.
      
      If you find that you’re battling negative thoughts and emotions and can’t seem to shake them from your thinking, it could be a sign that you’re dealing with depression.
      
      It’s important to acknowledge these feelings, understand the thinking that is creating them and seek support to help transform depression into living life again.
       
   3. You’re losing interest in things that once brought you inspiration and enthusiasm.
      
      One of the hallmark signs of depression is the loss of interest in activities that once brought you inspiration. You might have been in a relationship, and it is high value, and you are no longer in the relationship.
      
      You started building a coaching practice and then, after a short period of time, you lost your drive to build it.
      
      If you find that you’re no longer interested in things that you once loved, it could be a sign that you’re struggling with depression.

 

Depression is a complex condition that can impact many aspects of our lives. 

 

I know for me personally, last year, I invested a lot of time working through my low levels of depression. It felt like being in a dark tunnel and wondering when the darkness would lift. 

There were so many changes in my life, I found myself in a place in business I didn’t want to be in anymore. I was doing too much and not delegating enough- at my expense.

 

It felt like never-ending changes and having to adapt and pivot, continuing to apply mindset questions even when sometimes I wanted to curl up in bed and sleep all day. 

2023 has definitely turned a corner as a result of lots of hours of working on myself, my fears and fantasies. I can’t wait to share them with you this coming week.

 

In the meantime, if you’re experiencing any of the signs discussed above, we have a community who sincerely cares about you, and classes that help you to overcome depression and regain your sense of spark in your life again. 

 

Classes are back for 2023. 

So please come and join us, or share with a friend who could benefit from this email. 

 

Looking forward to seeing you on the inside, 

 

Tanya Cross

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

 

P.S. Need mindset support?

Here are 3 ways to get our expert advice:

 

1. 1. Read the blog.
      You’ll find tips and advice on everything from how to make decisions, discovering your purpose, mastering your mindset and much more.
       
   2. Ask a question.
      Our free Students Of Wisdom Facebook group is a great place to meet other personal development lovers and get any burning questions answered or ask a question in the Ask Me Anything class here.
       
   3. Join Maximum Growth Academy.
      This is the place to be if you want to master your mindset, grow your leadership and elevate your business success. From training to support, you’ll find all you need in one place, no matter what stage of leadership and business you’re at. Learn more here.

 

 

 

 

 

Relationships are some of the most fulfilling and meaningful aspects of life. They offer a shared life experience, a companion, and a sense of belonging. But despite the perceived positive benefits, relationships are not without their challenges. 

 

The struggles people face in their relationships can impact our ability to work, focus, and make effective decisions. Knowing how to navigate these challenges can help you stay on track and on purpose in life and in business.

 

All relationships are unique. There is no one right or wrong way to be in a relationship, and what works for one couple might not work for another. It’s about what works for each other and the relationship.

 

Having coached business owners in their personal and professional lives for 13 years, what I have noticed is that there are certain universal struggles that people face in their relationships, and it can be helpful to understand why they occur and how to address them.

 

In relationships, some people feel trapped or stuck. This can happen when one or both partners feel that they are not able to be themselves, grow, or express themselves fully in the relationship. 

 

The more’ stuck’ or ‘trapped’ one feels, the more they believe leaving will ‘free’ them. But if we live by universal laws, you can never have one without the other. You’re free inside a relationship but trapped outside.

 

For example, a client I worked with who desperately wanted out of a relationship was free to do what they wanted, when they wanted, and became trapped financially as they only had one income to support their three children.

 

Every relationship has to manage conflicts and disagreements. When two people come together, they bring with them their own set of values, beliefs, and habits, and it is inevitable that they will clash from time to time. 

 

We live in a culture where arguing is seen as negative and agreeing is seen as positive. Arguing is neither right nor wrong; it is a clash in communication and an opportunity to seek common ground and work together to find a solution that works for both of you.

 

Fear is another common struggle in relationships. Whether it’s fear of losing your partner, fear of being vulnerable, or fear of being rejected, fear can have a major impact on your relationship. 

 

Make fear your friend, and face it head-on. Talk to your partner about your fears and work together to find ways to address them. In our Maximum Growth Business Class, we apply a series of questions to clear the fear each quarter, so there is less in the way of having the life you love.

 

So, it’s the month of love, and regardless of your relationship status, I wish you oodles of love flying your way.

 

Tanya “with bundles of love” Cross

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

 

P.S. Our doors open soon to join Maximum Growth. Know someone who’d like to join? We’d love an introduction to see how we can help them. 

 

 

 

 

This week in Australia, a new airline, Bonza, launched. 

 

It offers low-cost flights to some hidden regional and major capital cities. 

 

As part of Bonza’s phased rollout of flight releases, you’re able to book flights to 12 destinations on 15 routes.

 

Shouldn’t we all jump up and down with excitement?

 

Ah… Sit back down.

 

No. The flights go to random places like Coffs Harbour on the Sunshine Coast or Newcastle on the Whitsundays.

 

It is like saying you want to fly from Brighton to Oxford in the UK or Bloemfontein to Polokwane in South Africa. 

 

Every new business requires a business plan and then takes action to execute it. 

 

You can’t jump into your business if you have a vague idea of what you want, how you will market, get bums on seats or clients in sessions. 

 

I’m going to make a big assumption that Bonza has a plan in place. Especially since in 2020 the travel industry came to a screaming halt. The launch of a new business like Bonza could mean a sign of recovery. It costs a bomb to start a new airline, you don’t want it to come crashing down (oh God! Not the plane or the business!). 

 

The upside is, they are a company, and share the responsibilities around them. 

 

Being a solopreneur, you have to be the decision maker, the executioner, the CEO, CFO, CMO, COO, everything within the business. Maybe at some point in your business, you move from doing everything on your own to having help.

 

In the meantime, it can be challenging for several reasons:

 

• Financial instability: You’re responsible for all expenses and income. This means they have to bear the financial burden of running the business without the safety net of a larger organization.
• Lack of resources: You often have limited resources, such as time, money, and personnel. This can make it challenging to handle all aspects of the business and can lead to burnout.
• Isolation: Without a team or co-workers, you can experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can also impact their ability to bounce ideas off others and receive support.
• Responsibility: There is no one else to rely on. Everything from sales and marketing to finances and operations falls on the solopreneur’s shoulders.
• Difficulty in scaling: You may struggle with growing their business, as they often lack the resources and manpower needed to expand.

 

Starting, growing or thriving in business in any industry is no small feat. It takes courage, determination, and a clear understanding of yourself, your business and the market.  

 

Not everyone aspires to have a big business like Bonza, but you might have an unknown and unexplored destination in business you’d like to travel to and unsure how to get there. 

 

At Maximum Growth, in our Business Classes, we work every week of the year on your mindset around business. It takes what you imagine, and shifts your internal world to match your vision and goals. 

 

It’s a very inspiring 1 hour class, every week.

 

Come join us and make 2023 when all your business goals come to reality, see you in class. 

 

Let’s reach for the stars together,

 

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

👉 Only a Mindset Member? Upgrade to the Business Membership here.

👉 If you’re keen to join us for the Maximum Growth Transformation Day coming up. Find out more, click here

 

 

“If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” This rings in my ear this week.

It is important to know your values and have a set of principles that guide your actions and decisions. When you don’t have a clear sense of what you believe in, it is easy to be swayed by others or to fall into what others want for you. You end up living someone else’s life. 

One of the most important things in life is to have a sense of purpose. This purpose can come in many forms – it can be a yearly goal you’re working on, focusing on your health, building a business, or a lifetime goal you’d love to achieve.

Whatever it is, it gives you a sense of direction and helps you navigate through the ups and downs of life. When you have a clear sense of purpose, it becomes easier to make decisions, set priorities, and stay focused on what is truly important to you.

Let’s face it, it’s not easy to define what you stand for. We have to sort through the other voices, what we think we want to get clear on what we truly want for ourselves. 

This process can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it is necessary to truly understand yourself and what you want to stand for.

Once you have a clear sense of what you stand for, then it is being oh so brave to act in alignment with what you decide. This means being true to yourself even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable, and even challenging someone else.  

It also means being willing to take a stand for what you believe in, regardless of who will stand against you. 

Standing for something means being willing to question the status quo and to challenge the status quo. This can be difficult as it can create conflict with those who may disagree with you. 

For me, it is the essence behind Maximum Growth. What we stand for is:

Maintaining equanimity with others and equality within self

Seeing the hidden balance and potential in our experiences

Share meaningful things with the world

Find fulfillment in what we have while striving for more

We also believe firmly that no great thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen. #Epicitius 

Results take time. I stand firm in that there is no easy or quick fix, but consistency is key. That is why we have weekly classes for you to join every week to go deep with your mindset work, find the problem under the problem and deeply transform your business, leadership and life. 

I know the work is deeply healing and life-changing. 

So I’m curious, what do you stand for {first_name}? What are you willing to stand for and go against the crowd because it is something you believe in?

Remember, when you stand for something, you are less likely to fall for anything. 

With love from my heart to yours,

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

One day, I was sitting at my desk contemplating a new program I wanted to run. Looking out of my window, I was allowing space and time in…

Purpose is one of those tricky and sticky things that people struggle with for most of their life. 

Let’s take a step back in time with purpose and have a review of this topic according to the Stoics, Plato, and Aristotle.

The Stoics believed that the ultimate goal of life was to live in accordance with nature and reason. They believed that by understanding the natural order of things and aligning our actions with it, we could achieve fulfillment. The Stoics emphasized the importance of living in the present moment and appreciating whatever happens as part of the natural order.

Plato, on the other hand, believed that the ultimate goal of life was to achieve knowledge of the Forms*, or the eternal and unchanging truths that underlie the physical world. He believed that by gaining knowledge of the Forms, we could transcend the world of appearances and arrive at a higher understanding of reality.

(*Plato’s Forms are eternal and unchanging entities that exist independently of the physical world. Plato believed that the forms were the only true reality and that the physical world was a mere shadow or copy of the forms.)

Aristotle believed that the ultimate goal of life was to achieve eudaimonia, or human flourishing. He believed that this could be achieved by living a virtuous life, in which one develops and exercises virtues such as courage, wisdom, and justice. Aristotle also believed that finding one’s purpose in life was closely tied to one’s unique talents and abilities, and that each person had a distinct role to play in society (amen to that Aristotle).

The Stoics, Plato, and Aristotle all had different views on what the ultimate goal of life was, but they all believed that finding one’s purpose was essential for achieving a fulfilling life. The Stoics emphasized living in accordance with nature and reason, Plato believed in gaining knowledge of the Forms, and Aristotle believed in living a virtuous life and exercising one’s talents and abilities. Reflect on what you believe and align your actions accordingly.

If you are a curious creature and want to know how to discover your purpose, here are three steps.

1. Reflect on your values and what makes you feel alive:
   The first step to finding your ultimate goal in life is to reflect on what you truly value and what passions drive you. Take some time to think about what matters most to you, whether it’s family, career, community service, or personal growth. Write down your values and what makes you feel alive and consider how they align with your current life and goals.
2. Assess your skills and abilities:
   The second step is to assess your skills and abilities. Consider what you are naturally good at and what you enjoy doing. Think about your past experiences and successes, and how they can contribute to your future goals. Identify areas where you need to develop your skills and abilities to achieve your ultimate goal.
3. Set specific, measurable and attainable goals:
   The final step is to set specific, measurable, and attainable goals that align with your values, passions, and skills. Break down your ultimate goal into smaller, more manageable steps. Set deadlines for each step and make a plan to achieve them. Remember to be flexible and adjust your goals as needed.

Your ultimate goal is something that drives you, and makes you inspired to achieve it. Finding your ultimate goal in life requires self-reflection, assessing your skills and abilities, and setting specific, measurable and attainable goals. And this takes time, but it is worth it. 

If you have ever wanted to know what your purpose is, and want to invest some dedicated time to discovering, uncovering or rediscovering your purpose, come to Maximum Growth Business Class. We are about to start 6 weeks of inspired work around purpose that will spark something within you. 

Here’s to living up to the light that is within you, 

 

Leadership Coach & Master Certified DeMartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

We would all like boundless energy, right?

But you just can’t ignore these enormous shifts in your energy level. 

Where exactly did all that energy come from? There was no sudden change in your eating or sleeping habits. You didn’t rest for longer periods of time to build up your energy?

Yet when you get an inspiring idea for business or you think of a new piece of content you want to write, you’re not tired at all. The energy, the enthusiasm just won’t stop overwhelming you. People see you and they remark on how you look like a bundle of light. Where did all this energy come from?

What you’ll see if you watch carefully is that you have a phenomenal amount of energy inside of you that doesn’t come from food. It doesn’t come from sleep. It doesn’t come from anything external. 

This energy is available to you at any moment. You can draw upon it. It just wells up and fills you from the inside. When you’re filled with this energy, you feel like you could take on the world.

When it is flowing strongly, you can feel it coursing through you in waves. It gushes up spontaneously from deep inside, restores, replenishes and recharges you. We all want a little more of that for 2023, don’t we?

(I can’t imagine you saying no thank you, I want more of laying in bed watching Netflix and being tired please!)

The only reason you don’t feel this energy is that you block it. You block it by closing your heart and closing your mind. This closes you off from all the energy. When you close your heart, you close your mind, you hide in the darkness within you. There is no light, there is no energy, there is nothing flowing, and energy is still there but it can’t get in.

How many times have you experienced this dynamic in your life?

At MG, we live by the quote, you are not bound to win, you are bound to be true. You are not bound to succeed, you are bound to live up to the light that is within you. 

All the energy gives you light within. 

You have this beautiful energy inside you when you are open, you don’t feel it when you are closed.

This flow of energy comes from the depth of your being. It’s been called by many names in ancient Chinese medicine. It’s called Chi in yoga; it’s called Shakti in the West. It’s called Spirit in Christianity. Call it whatever you want. All the great spiritual traditions talk about this spiritual energy just given different names.

That spiritual energy is what you’re experiencing when love rushes into your heart. That’s when you’re experiencing it, you’re exhausted by something, and all this high energy comes up inside you.

The only thing you must know is that opening allows energy in and closing blocks it out.

Now you must decide whether or not you want this energy. How much enthusiasm do you want to have to do the things you do?

If enjoying a full life means experiencing energy, enthusiasm, and love, then don’t ever close.

There are very simple methods for staying open. Come and apply the DeMartini Method to resolve your emotional charges. 

The more you learn to stay open, the more energy can flow into you.

Now, you have to ask, are you stopping your flow?

 

With flowing love from my heart to yours. 

Leadership Coach & Master Certified DeMartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

Today is a day to be present with all the gifts and gratitude available to you.

Here is a few from the team at MG to you,

• The fresh start you’re given every second of the day
• The gifts from nature
• The freedom to choose
• Opportunities for growth
• The challenges that allow you to grow
• The ever-present opportunities to make wise decisions
• The gift of language and being able to communicate
• The ability to learn from the past and step into the future with the new learnings
• The “haters” who helped you build resilience by saying, “No, you can’t!”
• The random smile that got you through your last impossible day
• The inspiration that sweeps you out of your comfort zone
• The people who’ve dedicated their lives to inspiring others
• The pain that reminds you of the need to change
• Each failure that led to your achievements, and everyone who encouraged you to keep going
• The impossible, for inspiring us to expand our limits
• The ability to change your whole life with one single thought
• The option to be grateful no matter where you are or what you’re experiencing
• The gift of being alive

Have a beautiful day, and inspiring finish to 2022. 

Much love,

Leadership Coach & Master Certified DeMartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

Dreams really do come true.

 

Of course, if you tell yourself they don’t, they won’t. 

 

So I’m kind of a Grinch. 

 

The whole consumer thing just feels so pointless to me. 

 

I don’t need presents. Unless they come in the form of life-changing education… or a plane ticket. 

 

And even then, I love to invest in those myself. 

 

Yes, I’m aware there’s a deep cosmogonic, mythical meaning to the holidays (no matter what religion, race or belief you are.) 

 

But honouring that doesn’t take decorations, a honey-glazed ham or glossy red ribbons. 

 

Or does it? Where do you fall on the spectrum? Would you feel some of the ‘magic’ disappear without the festive trimmings? Or is it enough to have the people you love around you and be grateful for the time you get with them?

 

It’s so hard to sell this idea of getting rich slowly. 

 

Especially when you’re competing with money-grab products that promise to “10x your income in 10 minutes a day.” (fibbers)

What does work for making dreams come true?

 

Here are the top three tips:

1. Be specific, so you get exactly what you want, and not the universe playing funny jokes on you. 
2. Consistency is key. No matter what it is, do the small steps that help make the big leaps.
3. Revisit your dreams often. You can set and forget, but I find revisiting gives the dreams more energy and life. 
4. And lastly, give yourself permission to dream. I have seen clients manifest multi million dollar deals, the relationship they pictured in their mind to exactly how their partner looks and behaves (talk about manifesting!), the ability to travel and earn at the same time. 

 

So, what is in your wildest dreams? And how can I help you to manifest them?

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

P.S. – had a shower of power (which is totally a thing that I have been raving on about for years) the other day and the gem “Consistency is Key” floated into my head. Powerful little message. Steal it and pop it on your wall if you want. Worth affirming whenever you’re in a tight spot or facing a fork in the road.

P.P.S. If there happens to be something on your mind you’d love to work through before we walk into 2023, then come to the New Years’ Transformation classes.

 

 

In this week’s class, death was a consistent topic that showed up. 

 

I couldn’t help but wonder, knowing there is a facilitator – client dynamic at play, how I feel about my own death. 

 

In the past, this is something I thought about too much. This time, I thought about it differently through the lens of what I want post-death, in decades to centuries’ time.

 

Death is challenging for some to dare to question this. We can be seen as weird, even people like Spinoza was excommunicated from questioning this very topic. 

 

Why do we fear death?   

 

It is a question I don’t believe people will not stop asking, unless we unlock immortality, which will be unlikely. 

 

The ancient Epicureans believed fearing death was a mistake, that you should fear only those things that can harm you, and if you are dead then nothing can harm you. 

 

When you are dead, you’re dead. 

 

What stood out in the class we had this week was the members talked about living a shell of a life. And how he feared not living, more than dying. 

 

I remember a client who was terminal said to be when we met for a juice in Chaple St in Melbourne.

 

“Tanya, this is my life, I only have so many days left. I want to spend it with people I choose. I want to do the things I want to do, like go to Hawaii and hike a mountain. It’s my life. And I do not want to spend it with people that only want to see me so they feel better about themselves.”

 

Her voice still echoes in my mind as if she was sitting in front of me.  

 

We only have a finite number of conversations and connections left in our life. 

 

For me, I want to invest my life in creating heart-opening goosebumps moments that then ripple through time. Maximum Growth Classes allow me to do this.

 

When people in a centuries’ time watch a Hot Seat or a clip from class, my intention is they will feel the transcendent moment and it heals their minds and hearts in that moment. #eternaltransformations

 

How about you ? Do you fear death? Fear not living? Or are you living a life worth living?

 

With love and deep transformations, 

 

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

Helping leaders to level up using a transformational mindset work

 

Last week in our private Maximum Growth Facebook group, one of our members shared a revealing post about childhood sexual trauma. 

 

“There is so much beautiful unwrapping to do, thank you Tanya for creating this space.” 

 

The post and it’s attached article brought me to tears. 

 

Not the inspiring tears, but the deep pain tears. You know the ones?

 

The article described a young 6 year old who was dressed as a super hero. 

 

She was trying to protect herself from being sexual abused while in the care of a family friend. 

 

It shows my own unresolved pain, which is a beautiful gift this member gave to me. 

 

As a mother of a young daughter at the same age this young girl’s experience began, I reflect on their experience and my daughter’s future. 

 

What humbled me most was the clients I’ve worked with who have similar stories and have felt Maximum Growth or private sessions as a safe space to share and to work on their pain and perceptions. 

 

In class, people have revealed things about themselves they haven’t revealed to their closest friends. 

 

We recently even held a space for one of our members to cry. 

She went into her childhood pattern of shutting down and running away when an experience became too much. 

 

So everyone in the room stayed with her, and encouraged her to continue leaning into what felt uncomfortable for the healing to occur. And it did. 

 

It is an honour to be a part of the community when our intention is to heal and in this moment, healing was fully feeling. #heartopen

 

Class is a space where the practitioner-client relationship is valued. It becomes the third dynamic when working with someone. 

 

I believe this space is an important and influential dynamic in healing. 

 

It’s the external intangible force that helps with the process. 

 

Here’s how we do this at Maximum Growth;

1. We believe consistency is key, we will show up every week, week in and week out throughout the year for you so you can have the certainty we are there for you. 
2. We believe in not pretending things are ok, if they really aren’t. (Because then we can do something about them.)
3. We believe in maintaining the connection in the relationship to create progress by knowing that you won’t be yelled at or pushed, but instead sincerely cared for to help you with your transformation.
   

So, if there happens to be something on your mind you’d love to work through before we walk into 2023, then consider coming to the Maximum Growth New Years’ Transformation classes.

So, if there happens to be something on your mind you’d love to work through before we walk into 2023, then consider coming to the Maximum Growth New Year’s Transformation class. Check out the details here. 

See you on the inside, 

 

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

 

 

 

As I was driving to meet a friend, a BMW driver in front of me tossed something out the sunroof at 70km per hour onto the road. 

 

“The road isn’t a rubbish bin” ran through my mind. My instant reaction was anger. 

 

Fast forward to the walk around the bay, my friend shared a moment where she was driving and had a lot of road rage inside her. She became irrational towards a stranger who cut her off (I hear ya sista). 

 

As we explored her experience, her anger was triggered waaaay before she was in the car.

 

Anger grows from irrational thoughts, and leads to a difficult-to-break cycle of growing frustration. You want the cycle to stop, but you don’t know how. 

 

Let’s understand anger. 

 

Cycle of anger 

1. 1. Trigger point: An unresolved button is pushed. 
   2. Negative thoughts: Irrational thoughts occur.
   3. Emotional response: negative  thoughts turn into negative emotions. 
   4. Physical symptoms:  autonomic response of increase heart rate, clenched fists and jaw.
   5. Behavioural response: your reaction based on your thoughts, feelings and physical symptoms. 

The behaviour response of fighting, yelling, and anger is a response to the anger. 

 

How to break this cycle

It can be hard for you to control your anger because you haven’t yet learned how to deal with the emotions you feel inside. 

 

Even deeper, we often focus on the outcome, the feeling of anger but not the trigger of what started you to feel this way in the first place. 

 

Or, let’s throw this in the mix, the repression of emotions that are not being dealt with that bubble up unconsciously inside.

 

Anger is a natural emotion.

 

Ain’t getting rid of this boiling sensation any time soon.  

 

Yes, anger is isolating. 

 

For example, teenagers who have trouble managing their anger often have fewer friends, behave in more negative ways, and receive lower grades in school. 

 

This is often because teens who have difficulty with anger are often unhappy and feel isolated, even if they get a lot of attention for angry behaviours.

 

You are not here to control your temper. Control breeds out of control.  

 

Yes, you want to take responsibility for your actions. You actually have the power to decide how you will behave in certain situations ahead of time if you find a way to “keep a cool head”.

 

But we all know in highly triggered situations, that’s impossible.

 

If you think about the consequences of your behaviour. Realize that how you behave affects not only you but also those you love and others around you.

 

However, this is allowing society to govern you. 

 

One helpful tip is to pay attention to how your body feels and notice when you are angry. 

 

Sometimes people are first aware of experiencing anger through their bodies rather than their thoughts or feelings. 

 

When you notice your body beginning to react, it’s time to identify what triggered the feeling before reacting.

 

You’ll find the problem under the problem. 

 

Then, of course, apply the Demartini Method on your misperceptions.

 

NON Members

If you want to come and clear your year of any of your triggers in 2022, come join us for the Maximum Growth New Years’ Transformation Workshop here. 

 

NON Members

If you want to come and clear your year of any of your triggers in 2022, come join us for the Maximum Growth New Years’ Transformation Classes here. 

 

With love and light,`

Leadership Coach & Master Certified DeMartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know Halloween was last month, but holy crap. The future can be a scary place to visit.

 

With so much uncertainty over the past few years, it’s been challenging to plan, as you didn’t know what the world would look like or how the new world would impact your own little real estate on this floating blue planet.

 

Now that the travel bans have been lifted, we have stopped wearing masks, and the streets are filled with people, we are finding some level of new normal. 

 

The unknown for people is scary. 

 

What do we do in the face of the unknown? 

 

Well, some of us bury our fear in a pint of Haagen Daz cookies and cream. (Which I’ve never done, of course. Everrrrrrrr. Lol.) 

But afterwards, we smash through a growth ceiling. 

 

In that spirit, I wrote some technical musings on dealing with uncertainty, and this email feels like the perfect time to share them with you. So please, be my guest:

 

—Start of Musings—

 

The world is uncertain, a lot of changes have happened and will continue to until the day you die (a bit morbid, but bear with me), and you don’t know what is going to happen around the corner. 

 

Business is shifting gears, the worldwide financial markets have dropped significantly, more than it did in the 2008 financial crisis, and the future is unknown. 

 

These are a few uncertainties top of mind for people today.  

 

This rapid change leaves many people with heightened emotional responses, even the smallest challenges send them into a tailspin.  

 

As Warren Buffett says “If you can’t manage your emotions, you can’t manage your money.” 

 

This same principle applies when you read the media and you can’t manage your emotions when you read an article or scroll through social media, you can’t manage your life or business. 

 

Your role is to find certainty in an uncertain world, no matter what the outer world is saying or doing. 

 

True self-leadership is being able to stay centered in the eye of the storm, no matter how disordered things appear to be. 

 

Instead of being caught up in the masses, step into being a master. 

 

If you want to do something different, you have to change what you are thinking first.  

 

How you become objective minded and shift your perceptions is by asking yourself some quality questions. 

 

Ask, “Where is the certainty in my future?” if you feel uncertain in your future. Find where the opposite is true in your life now. 

 

When you open your eyes and mind you finally appreciate the perfection right in front of you. This is self mastery. 

 

Not everyone will understand this level of thinking. To be great is to be misunderstood.  

 

What do you choose? Follow or lead? Submission or Mastery?

 

And not just today. Because just like in a relationship, the power of one choice made long ago can fade. This is a choice we make every day. To recommit.

 

—End of Musings. Task to follow—

NON MEMBERS:

Now, if you’re open to creating a divine design that transcends the outside world, and plan it out in 2023, then come and join the Maximum Growth New Years Workshop. Its an epic 24 hours of classes over 2 months to Clear Your Year and Set Your Year and not be wavered by the outside world. Click for details here.

 

MEMBERS :

Now, if you’re open to creating a divine design that transcends the outside world, and plan it out in 2023, then come and join the Maximum Growth New Years Workshop. Its an epic 24 hours of classes over 2 months to Clear Your Year and Set Your Year and not be wavered by the outside world. Then make sure you turn up to class in December & January (FYI – this program is included in your membership and replaces!). 

 

Happy belated Halloween/end of the world/glimmer of hope.

 

Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
One on one & group coaching available