The James Swanwick Show (general)

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/260

A lot of you will already know my guest today. Aaron Marino of Alpha M is an expert in fashion, self-discovery, confidence, and business. Today we’re talking about fashion, swag, and success for the modern man.

In the current age, an alpha male is a much different thing than it has been throughout history. In previous ages, dressing well was almost considered feminine, and not often conflated with the idea of the alpha male. But all of that has changed, and that is what I’m speaking with Aaron Marino about today.

We also dig into the idea of the overnight success (spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist), the single most important aspect to look at in clothing, and why each failure leads you one step closer to success. All that and more, on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • In the modern age, the idea of an alpha-male is less one-dimensional than it used to be
  • Start helping people. Be self-less to start discovering yourself and gain confidence
  • Overnight success almost never happens. Success take time
  • Fit is the single most important aspect of clothing to consider
  • Develop a grooming habit and stick to it!
  • If you fear starting something, go through the worst-case scenario. It’s probably not that bad
  • Each failure leads you closer to success
  • We buy products that we connect with on an emotional level
  • Alcohol often leads to crappy foods. Quitting alcohol can cause a healthy chain reaction

Resources:

PeteAndPedro.com

Tiege.com

Alpha M on Youtube

IAmAlphaM.com

AaronMarino.com

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/260

Direct download: James_-_Ep_260_-_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/259

Whether you’ve moved to a new place, decided to level-up the kind of friends you hang around, or just want to broaden your social circle, learning how to make new friends quickly is an essential skill for the human existence. From our earliest ages and through the rest of life, the ability to make new friends plays a large role in your ability to be successful and happy in your life.

This episode is about how to make new friends quickly. Having moved around a lot, I’ve found myself in the position of needing to make new friends quickly several times, and have found out what works well, and what brings the right kind of people into your life. That’s what I’m sharing on this episode, so take notes and learn how to make new friends fast on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Commit to hosting a social event. Be the host
  • When you are an active connector of people, you make a very good impression on both people
  • Consider joining a sports time, if that’s your thing, to get plugged in quickly
  • Consider organizing meetups around your interests
  • If you want people to be interested in you, you must be interested in them first
  • Whenever you go to a new place, find out from facebook any friends you have who used to live there, and ask them to intro you to anyone you should meet in the area
  • Make a sincere effort. Invite people
  • Say yes to invites. Get into the habit
  • Just go to where the people are
  • Get involved in the community and charity
  • Host a potluck party

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/259

Direct download: james_swanwick_ep259_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/258

These days, it’s possible to find almost anything online. Not only that, if you’re a little tech-savvy, you can even find pirated versions of a lot of content, and effectively “cheat” your way into thousands of dollars worth of content! But the question is: Should you?

What I have learned through trying both ways is that financial investment is essential to get you to really take massive action on what you want to learn. If you don’t invest, and won’t have “skin in the game,” you will continue to procrastinate, and the education will be worth far, far less to you.

That’s why my phone says “pay to get rich.” It’s a bit counterintuitive, isn’t it? But it’s a fundamental truth, and once you learn it and start investing in yourself, you will see your results dramatically improve, and your learning and education will become so much more valuable.

Key Takeaways:

  • You will find that when you pay for coaching, you take it more seriously
  • Skin in the game is what you gain from purchasing coaching
  • Investing enough money to have skin in the game will help you to make the right decision down the road, when you are tempted to be distracted and not follow through
  • You can learn almost anything you need to for free, but WILL YOU?
  • The act of paying for something fuels productivity, clarity and focus

Resources:

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/258

Direct download: James_-_Ep_258_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/257

Do you remember the movie “Limitless” with Bradley Cooper? In the movie, Cooper plays a character who gains access to a pill that will give his brain limitless functional capability, and completely turns his life around.

But is something like this possible in the real world?

My guest today is Daniel Schmachtenberger, founder of NeuroHacker, a company working to develop nootropics, a kind “brain pill” that increases brain function, alertness, and productivity. In addition, we’re talking about the kind of diet and lifestyle that results in optimal brain function, so listen to this episode to take your intelligence and brain functionality to the next level!

Key Takeaways:

  • Modern diets tend to be low in the nutrients the brain needs to perform at optimum levels
  • Modern habits also contribute toward sub-optimal brain power
  • Go local and organic for foods that won’t hamper brain functionality
  • For optimal ergonomics, look just slightly up at the screen, with the keyboard low
  • It’s important to understand the difference between facebook friends and deep, interpersonal human relationships
  • Smart drugs and nootropics are not supplements, would not appear in nature, and so boost mental performance beyond the baseline of good nutrition

Resources:

NeuroHacker.com

Purchase the NeuroHacker Pills Here, and use discount code "James" for 10% off

JamesSwanwick.com/Procrastination

JamesSwanwick.com/FreeStuff

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/257

Direct download: James_-_Ep_257_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/257

Do you remember the movie “Limitless” with Bradley Cooper? In the movie, Cooper plays a character who gains access to a pill that will give his brain limitless functional capability, and completely turns his life around.

But is something like this possible in the real world?

My guest today is Daniel Schmachtenberger, founder of NeuroHacker, a company working to develop nootropics, a kind “brain pill” that increases brain function, alertness, and productivity. In addition, we’re talking about the kind of diet and lifestyle that results in optimal brain function, so listen to this episode to take your intelligence and brain functionality to the next level!

Key Takeaways:

  • Modern diets tend to be low in the nutrients the brain needs to perform at optimum levels
  • Modern habits also contribute toward sub-optimal brain power
  • Go local and organic for foods that won’t hamper brain functionality
  • For optimal ergonomics, look just slightly up at the screen, with the keyboard low
  • It’s important to understand the difference between facebook friends and deep, interpersonal human relationships
  • Smart drugs and nootropics are not supplements, would not appear in nature, and so boost mental performance beyond the baseline of good nutrition

Resources:

NeuroHacker.com

Purchase the NeuroHacker Pills Here, and use discount code "James" for 10% off

JamesSwanwick.com/Procrastination

JamesSwanwick.com/FreeStuff

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/257

Direct download: James_-_Ep_257_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/256

There is a saying that goes, “you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” If this is true, there’s almost nothing as important to your ultimate success in life as who you choose to be your friends.

That is why I would argue emphatically that YES, you should be picky about your friend group. If there is an area of your life that you definitely should purposefully be picky about, it is your group of friends. However, it can often be tricky to make smart decisions without hurting people. How can you be diplomatic about the decisions you are making? How do you deal with family?

I’m answering all of that and more on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Audit your friend group, and ask yourself: Are they pulling you in the right direction, or the wrong?
  • Some people need to break up with several of their friends
  • Understand that you will change, and your friend group might need to change as well
  • When everything is competing for your attention, you need to make careful decisions about what you put your energy into, and you will put a lot of energy into your friends
  • Your friend-group is an area of your life that you should be very picky about
  • But, it’s not all strategic. Think about who makes you happy
  • You don’t always need to cut people off, just be careful about the amount of time you will invest with them

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/256

Direct download: James_-_Ep_256_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/255

While it’s true that sometimes you need to make mistakes to learn, hopefully they don’t have to be YOUR mistakes! This means that you can learn from the mistakes of others, through books, podcasts, and mentors.

Today I am talking about the biggest mistakes that I made in business, so that you don’t have to make the same ones. These mistakes were costly, and if someone had told me this I probably could have saved millions of dollars.

So learn from my mistakes, and avoid them in your own business ventures!

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn how to be a “business-person” as soon as you can. Educate yourself!
  • Instead of listening to music to kill time, educate yourself with podcasts and audiobooks
  • If you just listen to educational material while working out instead of listening to music, you could be ahead of most people by about an hour a day!
  • Knowledge is not power. Applied knowledge is power. Do it!
  • Take action! Take the first step. Getting started is so essential, and too many people don’t do it
  • Don’t procrastinate!
  • When you have a thought about something you want to do, take immediate action. Otherwise, you risk procrastination over the long-run
  • Don’t take on too many partners, especially early on in business
  • Assign deadlines to projects, and put them in your calendar

Resources:

JamesSwanwick.com/Coaching

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/255

Direct download: James_-_Ep_255_-_Final_Mix.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/254

There are a lot of extremely successful people in measurements of finance, fitness, and many other categories of life, who simply can’t seem to be able to figure out the romantic and relationship side of things, so that is the subject that I’m tackling with Heather Ann Havenwood on today’s episode of the James Swanwick Show.

Heather digs into my own life, past relationships, some of my own preconceived notions about women, what I look for, what has been difficult for me in the past. In fact, this episode basically turned into a “get James a wife” conversation. If you want some practical advice on understanding the often confusing world of relationships, this episode is for you! Hope you enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Marriage, for the woman, is often about security
  • Men have to quickly decipher between “crazy” or “psycho” in a woman
  • We tend to attract what we are
  • Look for a mate who is at a similar level of self-esteem as you
  • Shifting self-esteem is a core change, very difficult to change, which is why it’s better to look for someone who is at a similar level as you rather than to try to change them
  • Feminine and masculine energy are more powerful when they come together than apart
  • Time tested success principles show that masculine and feminine come together for more success together than apart
  • If you may want a prenup, bring it up very early on
  • Be upfront with yourself and people you date about if you want marriage or not
  • Understand how environments shape and affect those in them, and look in the categories that match what you’re looking for
  • Understand the energy that you are looking for in a partner

Resources:

HeatherHavenwood.com

Podcast: HeatherHavenwood.com/podcast

DatingTriggers.com

FaceBook

Twitter

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/254

Direct download: James_-Ep_254_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/253

Today’s episode is a bit off the cuff. I’m sharing an Uber with my mate Brad Blanks, on the way to the airport. We’re both trying to switch our flights, but we manage to talk about some really interesting topics that I think you’ll enjoy and find useful.

We get into how I am able to travel the world through entrepreneurialism, why it’s extremely worth it to get coaches, educate yourself, and put effort and money into building the you of the future, and how sometime it can be clarifying to focus on what you don’t want, to better understand exactly what you do want. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • 90% of success is just showing up
  • Entrepreneurialism can give you the opportunity to travel the world without worrying about stopping the flow of money
  • Get coaches, put effort and money into learning, because it pays off down the road
  • Focus on what you do not want first, to clarify what you do want
  • Never rest on your success, always be looking for what the next thing is

Resources:

Are You Still Stick? Youtube video

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/253

Direct download: James_-_Ep_253_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/252

The choices that you make about how you structure your day, what you spend your time on, the order that you do things in, has a very direct effect on how productive you are able to be and, as a consequence, how successful you are able to be.

Today I am going through the details of how I structure my day, and specifically how I do so today versus earlier in my life when I was less productive. It’s the little choices that I make throughout the day that, individually don’t seem like much, but add up to a large advantage,

For instance, most people listen to pump-up music or something like that when they’re working out, but I listen to educational material. This simple choice ensures that I get an additional 30-90 minutes of education every single day, and over time, that adds up to far more knowledge.

That is just one of the examples of how I make consciously and very purposeful choices to make sure I am able to get the most out of every day. Learn the rest of them on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Use a calendar. Too many people don’t even take that step
  • Making a practice of putting everything in your calendar will help you get them done
  • Put anything in a calendar that you really want to make sure happens
  • Give yourself an “impossible,” or difficult, deadline for projects that you want to make happen
  • Use video conferencing if you work with people remotely
  • Write down your goals. This gives you a far better chance of accomplishing
  • Consider a personal assistant, depending on where you are in your career and if it makes sense
  • Understand exactly the value of your time to make a smart decision about paying for people to help you
  • Do multiple things at the same time, like learning while exercising
  • Consider using Binaural beats if you need to really focus for a bit
  • Build a team to help you
  • If you don’t have a lot of money, look to trade services
  • In terms of getting organized, eliminating, and then delegate
  • If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room
  • Put yourself in an environment of people who will push you and make you grow

Resources:

ScheduleOnce.com

Binaural Beats on Youtube

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/252

Direct download: James_-_Ep_252_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/251

Dan Peña is known around the world as the “50 Billion Dollar Man,” because his mentees cumulatively have created over 50 billion dollars worth of wealth. There are not too many, if any, people who can make a claim like that, and today he is bringing his passion and fire to help others create wealth to the James Swanwick Show.

We talk about how President Trump will change the world, why a first impression is so vital, how to grow a pair, why you must get comfortable being uncomfortable, and how to get the money that you need to build and grow a business.

If you’ve felt like you weren’t living up to your full potential before, in business and in life, Dan Peña is the guy to help you get that extra boost, and that is the knowledge and passion that he is bringing to the show today. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • You only have one chance to make a good first impression, so craft it carefully
  • In a lot of ways, the world has gone soft. People need backbone to survive and thrive
  • Build a personal foundation. Know who you really are
  • You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable
  • Understand where you really want to go, and the sacrifices and decisions that will get you there
  • There's more money available to you than you think
  • Your parents usually mess you up with the mindset they instill in you
  • The majority of the world is unhappy with what they do, and that should not be
  • There is only one standard: Be all you can be
  • Most people, at the end of the day, want to be liked, and this desire is holding them back

Resources:

 

Website                       http://www.danpena.com/

About Dan Peña          http://www.danpena.com/about/

Podcasts                      http://www.danpena.com/ask-the-50-billion-dollar-man-podcast/podcasts/

QLA Seminar               http://www.danpena.com/seminar/

 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook                             https://www.facebook.com/danpenasr

Twitter                                https://twitter.com/danspena

Linkedin                               https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpena

 

For any other inquiries (e.g. book, appointments, etc.), please emailthelmag@guthriecastle.com

 

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/251

Direct download: James_-_Ep_252_V2_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/250

If you feel stressed out, like you’re always striving for more and more, and never able to attain it, or like nothing ever goes right for you and you’re constantly fighting an uphill battle, this episode will speak to you directly.

This episode is a book review of the book “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, which is all about the freedom, joy, and happiness that comes from acceptance. When something goes wrong, act as if it were what you wanted to happen, and spring into action! Take advantage of everything that goes wrong to accomplish something else!

So much of true happiness and contentedness is in how you see the world and circumstances, and this book trains you on how to be happier and more fulfilled in your life through the power of now.

Key Takeaways:

  • A lot of what you want are stories in your head, so when they don’t happen you feel loss, when you really didn’t lose anything because you didn’t have it in the first place
  • This allows you to see what you gain out of difficult situations, rather than what you think you lose
  • Accept conditions and work with them
  • Practice being able to accept things
  • Accept it as if you had chosen it, and then act! See it as an opportunity for something else
  • Complaining makes you a victim, and means you’re not accepting what is
  • If you are unhappy, remove yourself from it, change it, or accept it
  • When something bad happens, look at it as a good sign to make something good happen
  • Live in complete acceptance of what is

Resources:

“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/250

 

Direct download: James_-_Ep_250_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/249

In this age of big businesses, there is a subtle change that is starting to take place: Business are starting to focus on doing good! Whereas businesses used to focus exclusively on the bottom line and pocketing more money, social businesses are starting to pop up, whose founders and operators are focused on doing good in the world, and Adam Force is here to talk to us about that change.

The good news is that any business can change or tweak its focus to be more on social good than bottom line revenue, so this episode is a discussion of what the differences are in these two lines of thinking, how businesses can be changed to be more socially conscious, and how to start and build a business from the ground up that has this intent.

Key Takeaways:

  • Younger generations are more interested in buying things from companies that align with their values
  • In social entrepreneurship, you need to think about scaling impact above scaling income
  • Social entrepreneurs work to make money so that they can continue to address the problem that their business focuses on
  • Upfront self exploration is essential in effective social entrepreneurship
  • Look for ways to build scale into the original model of your business
  • Build systems for people to do good into your business

Resources:

ChangeCreatorMag.com

Twitter: @Change_Creator

How to Stop Procrastinating

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/249

Direct download: James_-_Ep_249_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/249

In this age of big businesses, there is a subtle change that is starting to take place: Business are starting to focus on doing good! Whereas businesses used to focus exclusively on the bottom line and pocketing more money, social businesses are starting to pop up, whose founders and operators are focused on doing good in the world, and Adam Force is here to talk to us about that change.

The good news is that any business can change or tweak its focus to be more on social good than bottom line revenue, so this episode is a discussion of what the differences are in these two lines of thinking, how businesses can be changed to be more socially conscious, and how to start and build a business from the ground up that has this intent.

Key Takeaways:

  • Younger generations are more interested in buying things from companies that align with their values
  • In social entrepreneurship, you need to think about scaling impact above scaling income
  • Social entrepreneurs work to make money so that they can continue to address the problem that their business focuses on
  • Upfront self exploration is essential in effective social entrepreneurship
  • Look for ways to build scale into the original model of your business
  • Build systems for people to do good into your business

Resources:

ChangeCreatorMag.com

Twitter: @Change_Creator

How to Stop Procrastinating

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/249

Direct download: James_-_Ep_249_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/248

Being liked by other people is an essential aspect to living a happy life. Your happiness is, in some ways, going to be directly proportional to the quality of your friend group, and so making sure that you know exactly how to make yourself more likeable is going to be essential to creating a good social circle.

On today’s episode I am going through my top 10 principles for being likeable. Most people have no idea how to improve in this area. They never think about it! Or maybe they think it is something that is built into who you are, but there are things you can tweak, while being 100% genuinely you, that will improve the likelihood that someone will like you when they meet you.

So learn how to become more likeable on this episode! Make careful not of the below 10 principles, and implement them consistently over time to see real results in your social circle, and, as a consequence, your happiness and quality of life.

The 10 Principles:

  1. Remember people’s names. When you do this, it will make a very good impression. People love the sound of their own name
  2. Take a genuine interest in the other person. Stop trying to impress people with your story, and try to learn their story
  3. Ask great questions. Develop the skill to ask great, not good, questions
  4. Find ways to help people
  5. Support people, by being their for people in difficult times, and encouraging them
  6. Complement the other person genuinely. Find something specific, and make sure it’s genuine
  7. Stop sitting around, waiting for people to invite you, and invite them to people!
  8. Express vulnerability. Don’t just talk about success, talk about your setbacks, failures, etc
  9. Be consistent. Don’t just do these for a short time, but consistently do it over time to see it work
  10. Ensure that your words and actions align. Do what you say you’re going to do. Always follow through

Resources:

People Skills Reboot: Online Program by James Swanwick

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/248

Direct download: James_-_Ep_248_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/247

Today I’m going over my 21 principles for success. These are the things that I do daily to ensure that my life is setup for as much success as possible. Implement these in your own life to turn it around!Slowly, maybe one at a time, create a habit out of each of these 21 steps.

The Principles:

  1. Write down your goals
  2. Practice gratitude daily. 2-minutes is enough
  3. Meditate. Try using an app like Headspace
  4. Daily visualization of the life you want. Be specific, and put it on a board
  5. Hold yourself accountable to other people for what you want to do
  6. Get consistent feedback on your work
  7. Daily exercise. Not regular, but every single day
  8. Be an “ask-hole.” Always ask for help, and always ask for what you want
  9. Invite people to do things with you
  10. Stop complaining. No matter how much you have to complain about, find something positive
  11. Don’t by GOOP: the Good Opinion of Other People. If you believe in something, go for it
  12. Pay to get rich. Invest in yourself through coaches, mentorships, books, training, etc. Pay to get better
  13. Practice radical honesty
  14. Practice radical forgiveness
  15. Be a complementing machine. Always find something to compliment people about
  16. Use the concept of “sets and reps” to get better at everything in your life
  17. Take 100% responsibility for your life
  18. Smile. It’s as simple as that. Make a habit of it
  19. Just do it. If you’re wondering if you want to do something, you probably do, so just do it
  20. Just do it NOW! Don’t wait. The best time to do anything is right now
  21. Be persistent. Never, ever, give up!

Resources:

FiveMinuteJournal.com

Headspace.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/247

Direct download: james_-_Ep_247_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Do you ever wonder how some people have endurance beyond what seems at all normal? It seems that Dr. David Minkoff as cracked the code. He has run 41 Ironmans, and it doesn’t seem like he’s stopping anytime soon.

Today, we’re talking about the mindset behind endurance competition, as well as health aspects. Dr. Minkoff has a vast knowledge about amino acids, their importance and their use, proteins, as well as the inner game of endurance.

Whether you’re an endurance athlete or not, this conversation is packed with information to help live healthier and happier. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Work to acclimate your mind to the idea that things will come up, but if you persevere, you will get through it
  • For endurance training, try to break the super long distances into chunks you can understand
  • Don’t compare yourself with your younger self or other people. Compare yourself with what you know you can do
  • Improvement, and the feeling that you’re getting somewhere, is extremely important in keeping you happy
  • There are 22 different amino acids that our body uses
  • A vegetarian diet can be good for vitamins, but bad for protein and amino acids

Resources:

DRMinkoff.com

Direct download: James_-_Ep_246_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Do you ever wonder how some people have endurance beyond what seems at all normal? It seems that Dr. David Minkoff as cracked the code. He has run 41 Ironmans, and it doesn’t seem like he’s stopping anytime soon.

Today, we’re talking about the mindset behind endurance competition, as well as health aspects. Dr. Minkoff has a vast knowledge about amino acids, their importance and their use, proteins, as well as the inner game of endurance.

Whether you’re an endurance athlete or not, this conversation is packed with information to help live healthier and happier. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Work to acclimate your mind to the idea that things will come up, but if you persevere, you will get through it
  • For endurance training, try to break the super long distances into chunks you can understand
  • Don’t compare yourself with your younger self or other people. Compare yourself with what you know you can do
  • Improvement, and the feeling that you’re getting somewhere, is extremely important in keeping you happy
  • There are 22 different amino acids that our body uses
  • A vegetarian diet can be good for vitamins, but bad for protein and amino acids

Resources:

DRMinkoff.com

Direct download: James_-_Ep_246_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Self confidence is the single ingredient that is completely essential to almost anything you want to do. But it’s so difficult to understand exactly how to increase it, isn’t it? Sometimes, it seems like you’re either born with it or not.

The good news is that you certainly can improve it, and YahYa Bakkar is showing us exactly how on today’s episode!

The 3-Ways

  1. Understand that your self-worth is not connected to your net-worth or your social worth
  2. Don’t compare your chapter 1 to somebody else’s chapter 20
  3. People who are confident are confident even in the things that they lack

Resources:

YahYa Bakkar on Youtube

YahYa.tv

Direct download: James_-_Ep_245_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Self confidence is the single ingredient that is completely essential to almost anything you want to do. But it’s so difficult to understand exactly how to increase it, isn’t it? Sometimes, it seems like you’re either born with it or not.

The good news is that you certainly can improve it, and YahYa Bakkar is showing us exactly how on today’s episode!

The 3-Ways

  1. Understand that your self-worth is not connected to your net-worth or your social worth
  2. Don’t compare your chapter 1 to somebody else’s chapter 20
  3. People who are confident are confident even in the things that they lack

Resources:

YahYa Bakkar on Youtube

YahYa.tv

Direct download: James_-_Ep_245_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/244

Why do humans love the ocean so much? Why is it that we enjoy going to the beach? What draws us to the open fields, meadows, and water?

As it turns out, our brains are simply wired this way. From an evolutionary, self-preservation standpoint, the open spaces would have allowed us to see danger sooner, to be able to react more quickly.

This is why being in these spaces provides us with a sense of calm and relaxation. We feel subconsciously feel safer in these places, and it is because of our brain’s wiring.

This means that we should always make the effort to find places like that to relax. If you’re feeling especially stressed for any reason, or you just want to calm your mind and relax, seek out the ocean or an open area. Also, consider carefully where you move, as living somewhere without this sort of space could be a mistake.

Enjoy this episode, and if you like the show, please leave a rating and review in iTunes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Humans love open space, greenery, water, trees, flowers, etc
  • This is not just because it looks pretty
  • Our brains are evolved to enjoy this sort of thing for survival
  • So we need to understand our primal brains, and what it is that will appeal to it
  • If you’re looking for somewhere to live, take this into account
  • Spend time in these places to feel calmer, more at peace

Resources:

“Riveted: The Science of Why Jokes Make Us Laugh, Movies Make Us Cry, and Religion Makes Us Feel One with the Universe” by Jim Davies

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/244

Direct download: James_-_Ep_244_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/244

Why do humans love the ocean so much? Why is it that we enjoy going to the beach? What draws us to the open fields, meadows, and water?

As it turns out, our brains are simply wired this way. From an evolutionary, self-preservation standpoint, the open spaces would have allowed us to see danger sooner, to be able to react more quickly.

This is why being in these spaces provides us with a sense of calm and relaxation. We feel subconsciously feel safer in these places, and it is because of our brain’s wiring.

This means that we should always make the effort to find places like that to relax. If you’re feeling especially stressed for any reason, or you just want to calm your mind and relax, seek out the ocean or an open area. Also, consider carefully where you move, as living somewhere without this sort of space could be a mistake.

Enjoy this episode, and if you like the show, please leave a rating and review in iTunes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Humans love open space, greenery, water, trees, flowers, etc
  • This is not just because it looks pretty
  • Our brains are evolved to enjoy this sort of thing for survival
  • So we need to understand our primal brains, and what it is that will appeal to it
  • If you’re looking for somewhere to live, take this into account
  • Spend time in these places to feel calmer, more at peace

Resources:

“Riveted: The Science of Why Jokes Make Us Laugh, Movies Make Us Cry, and Religion Makes Us Feel One with the Universe” by Jim Davies

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/244

Direct download: James_-_Ep_244_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Understanding how to convince somebody to do something is one of the most important skills that you will ever learn in life. While it’s obviously important in business, being persuasive is essential to almost to accomplishing anything that you want to accomplish, because you will nearly always have to convince others of your idea and point of view.

Josh Muccio is the host the podcast The Pitch, which is currently starting on its second season.

The Pitch is the Shark Tank of podcasts. On it, founders of startups pitch investors for money, trying to convince them to invest in their idea or business. So it’s safe to say that Josh knows a thing or two about pitching.

This episode goes through the specific steps that you need to understand, with certainty and clarity, when pitching. The things you need to practice, the angle you need to take with your words, and how you must present yourself.

If you would like to know how to be more persuasive in your life, this episode is for you! And remember to checkout season 2 of The Pitch.

Key Takeaways:

  • How you say something is almost just as important as what you say
  • Always be excited, be exciting, and be memorable
  • Don’t get too focused about the features of what you do. Focus on the broad overview
  • Lead with benefits, not with features
  • Make sure that the target of your pitch fully understands the problem
  • Focus on hitting the reptilian, non-thinking, but more feeling, side of your brain
  • Understand that, somewhere along the process, you have to sell you and your team, which means you must have a tremendous amount of faith in yourself and your team
  • Name accomplishments of team, forget names at first
  • Leverage your own choice as a founder, and that you’re looking for someone and something specific
  • Don’t be worried about people stealing your idea! Instead, execute yourself!
  • Involve other people in your dream and along the journey
  • Investors invest in people more than ideas

Resources:

The Pitch Podcast

The Pitch on iTunes

Swannies Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Direct download: James_-_Ep_243_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Understanding how to convince somebody to do something is one of the most important skills that you will ever learn in life. While it’s obviously important in business, being persuasive is essential to almost to accomplishing anything that you want to accomplish, because you will nearly always have to convince others of your idea and point of view.

Josh Muccio is the host the podcast The Pitch, which is currently starting on its second season.

The Pitch is the Shark Tank of podcasts. On it, founders of startups pitch investors for money, trying to convince them to invest in their idea or business. So it’s safe to say that Josh knows a thing or two about pitching.

This episode goes through the specific steps that you need to understand, with certainty and clarity, when pitching. The things you need to practice, the angle you need to take with your words, and how you must present yourself.

If you would like to know how to be more persuasive in your life, this episode is for you! And remember to checkout season 2 of The Pitch.

Key Takeaways:

  • How you say something is almost just as important as what you say
  • Always be excited, be exciting, and be memorable
  • Don’t get too focused about the features of what you do. Focus on the broad overview
  • Lead with benefits, not with features
  • Make sure that the target of your pitch fully understands the problem
  • Focus on hitting the reptilian, non-thinking, but more feeling, side of your brain
  • Understand that, somewhere along the process, you have to sell you and your team, which means you must have a tremendous amount of faith in yourself and your team
  • Name accomplishments of team, forget names at first
  • Leverage your own choice as a founder, and that you’re looking for someone and something specific
  • Don’t be worried about people stealing your idea! Instead, execute yourself!
  • Involve other people in your dream and along the journey
  • Investors invest in people more than ideas

Resources:

The Pitch Podcast

The Pitch on iTunes

Swannies Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Direct download: James_-_Ep_243_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/242

Most people don’t have a huge problem with alcohol, and many people in my 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge program have come to it, not because they have a severe problem, but because they want more out of life!

But there are also people who should not be drinking because of some early warning of alcoholism signs that are starting to show up.

But how do you know?? What are the signs to watch out for??

This episode is all about how you can know you have a problem and take care of it before it becomes a bigger issue. Listening carefully, and check the list below, to make sure you’re not headed this direction. If you’re at all worried, or if you just want more from life, consider taking the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge.

You could be headed towards alcoholism if:

  • You need to drink more to get the same effect, you’re heading the direction of alcoholism
  • You spend a lot of time drinking and recovering
  • You continue to drink even though it harms your relationship
  • You cannot quit or control your drinking
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms

Resources:

How to Treat Withdrawal Symptoms (video)

“30 Day No Alcohol Challenge” by James Swanwick (book)

30 Day No Alcohol Challenge

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/242

Direct download: James_-_Ep_242_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/242

Most people don’t have a huge problem with alcohol, and many people in my 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge program have come to it, not because they have a severe problem, but because they want more out of life!

But there are also people who should not be drinking because of some early warning of alcoholism signs that are starting to show up.

But how do you know?? What are the signs to watch out for??

This episode is all about how you can know you have a problem and take care of it before it becomes a bigger issue. Listening carefully, and check the list below, to make sure you’re not headed this direction. If you’re at all worried, or if you just want more from life, consider taking the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge.

You could be headed towards alcoholism if:

  • You need to drink more to get the same effect, you’re heading the direction of alcoholism
  • You spend a lot of time drinking and recovering
  • You continue to drink even though it harms your relationship
  • You cannot quit or control your drinking
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms

Resources:

How to Treat Withdrawal Symptoms (video)

“30 Day No Alcohol Challenge” by James Swanwick (book)

30 Day No Alcohol Challenge

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/242

Direct download: James_-_Ep_242_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/241

Do you feel like you’re constantly seeing girls, or anyone really, that you want to approach, but you have this little voice inside your head saying they’re probably too busy, or they don’t want to you, etc?

If so, you’re like most people! Everyone struggles with this! But the key is to take the fear and anxiety you’re feeling, and turn it into excitement! Take the negative of fear and turn it into the positive of excitement

In addition, understand that most people, in fact, love to be approached, and love the attention! By approaching someone on the street randomly, you are probably actually doing them a favor that they will enjoy!

There’s a lot more to get into on this episode, so enjoy, and commit to approaching people you want to meet, even when you’re scared!

Key Takeaways:

  • Transfer fear into excitement! Use the energy of fear for something good in the moment
  • Don’t let yourself live with the regret of not approaching someone that you want to
  • You never know what will come from sucking it up, and just jumping into a conversation despite the fear
  • Think about what the worst is that could happen. It’s usually not that bad!
  • Tell yourself that the moment you’ve said “hi,” you’ve already won!
  • Don’t let the idea that the person you want to approach doesn’t want to speak to you hold you back
  • Understand that the majority of time, people like attention, so give it to them!

Resources:

People Skills Reboot

RSDMax on Youtube

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/241

Direct download: James_-_Ep_241_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/241

Do you feel like you’re constantly seeing girls, or anyone really, that you want to approach, but you have this little voice inside your head saying they’re probably too busy, or they don’t want to you, etc?

If so, you’re like most people! Everyone struggles with this! But the key is to take the fear and anxiety you’re feeling, and turn it into excitement! Take the negative of fear and turn it into the positive of excitement

In addition, understand that most people, in fact, love to be approached, and love the attention! By approaching someone on the street randomly, you are probably actually doing them a favor that they will enjoy!

There’s a lot more to get into on this episode, so enjoy, and commit to approaching people you want to meet, even when you’re scared!

Key Takeaways:

  • Transfer fear into excitement! Use the energy of fear for something good in the moment
  • Don’t let yourself live with the regret of not approaching someone that you want to
  • You never know what will come from sucking it up, and just jumping into a conversation despite the fear
  • Think about what the worst is that could happen. It’s usually not that bad!
  • Tell yourself that the moment you’ve said “hi,” you’ve already won!
  • Don’t let the idea that the person you want to approach doesn’t want to speak to you hold you back
  • Understand that the majority of time, people like attention, so give it to them!

Resources:

People Skills Reboot

RSDMax on Youtube

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/241

Direct download: James_-_Ep_241_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/240

If you, like many in my program are giving up alcohol here at the beginning of 2017, then you will need some advice and real-world tips about how to deal with alcohol withdrawal, and that is what this episode is all about.

While I do advocate the use of certain supplements, it’s important to always try the most natural remedies first, before moving on to anything else.

However, sometimes quitting alcohol can be a very difficult thing, and my goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to accomplish. So listen to this episode to understand how to handle a life without alcohol, until you get to the point where you really just don’t even want to drink anymore!

Key Takeaways:

  • When you first give up alcohol, in the first few days you may shock your system, and not see the benefits right away. After that time, you definitely will
  • Go for a walk, breath, and meditate
  • Try natural remedies first

Supplements:

  • NAC
  • Lithium Orotate
  • Vitamin C
  • B Vitamins
  • Niacin
  • Vitamin A
  • Milk Thistle
  • Kudzu

Resources:

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

“30 Day No Alcohol Challenge” by James Swanwick

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/240

Direct download: 240_mixdown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/239

Almost everyone can fit into one broad category of their relationship to alcohol, and this episode is about exploring what those different types of relationships mean for everyone, and what is ideal.

A lot of people are what is considered “social drinkers.” It doesn’t really seem like they have any big problem with alcohol, but it just happens to be a part of almost all of their social interactions. This was the kind of drinker I was.

In some ways this level can be the most sneaky, because it’s very difficult to realize that you have a problem, or that your life could be so much more without the alcohol. But it’s absolutely the case!

So enjoy this episode exploring the different types of relationships that people can have with alcohol, and then consider joining the January group of the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge!

Key Takeaways:

  • A lot of people are what are considered “social drinkers,” people who drink on a regular basis, it doesn’t feel like an addition, but it is in sneaky ways
  • Alcohol is simply not healthy, regardless of the amount
  • If you feel like you need a drink to relieve your stress, it doesn’t mean you’re an alcoholic, but you should find other ways to accomplish the same thing
  • When you quit, and perhaps stay quit, you’ll realize that almost everything in your life improves
  • After you quit alcohol for 30 days, you can always go back if you want to. Most, however, would rather stay non-alcohol after they experience what it is like

Resources:

“30 Day No Alcohol Challenge” by James Swanwick

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/239

Direct download: james_swanwick_239_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/238

Most people consider alcohol to be an absolute requirement of any social interaction they have. Whether they’re hanging at the bar, on a date, or doing almost anything social, it’s like they feel that they must be drinking!

The truth is that you simply don’t have to drink to have a good time! In fact, there are a myriad of ways that you can have the best time of your life without alcohol involved.

You do, however, have to be a bit more creative about what you choose to do. You can’t just fall back on the same “hang out at the bar” plan, you have to actually think!

The result of thinking about it and doing something creative, however, is that the event an interaction will be so much more memorable for it, and you will actually have a much better time! Try it! Try out some of the activities mentioned in this episode, and see how much more your life can be without alcohol!

Key Takeaways:

  • Most people think that alcohol is required for social interactions. But it doesn’t have to!
  • Use your creativity to come up with different and better ways to hang out with people that don’t include alcohol
  • Giving up alcohol will actually help you surround yourself with the type of people you will want to be around

7-Fun Non-Alcoholic Activities:

  1. Morning hike
  2. Go for a walk in the sunshine or the snow
  3. Meet at a cafe or juice bar
  4. Run errands together
  5. Meet for desert
  6. Get silly on a novelty date, like mini-golf or something else
  7. Try pretending to be a tourist in your own town

Resources:

“The 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge” book by James Swanwick

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/238

Direct download: James_-_Ep_238_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/237

What are your goals for 2017? And how do you plan to accomplish them?

Many people make New Year's resolutions, promising to live better and to turn into the person that they want to be in 2017, and yet most of those resolutions fall flat by about 2-3 months into the new year, if not before. Why is it so hard to stick with new resolutions?

In this episode, I am talking with some people in Brisbane about their resolutions, and some of the tactics I teach to help people make their resolutions a long-term reality.

If you have ideas for ways that you want to smash 2017, but are at all worried that you will have a hard time sticking with your resolutions, this episode is for you! Learn how to make 2017 your best year yet, on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • When you feel the fear, acknowledge it, and then just do it anyway!
  • Take time to travel when you can, because you never know when things will change and it will get more difficult
  • Establish a daily morning routine to kill everyday in 2017
  • Look into getting a gratitude journal
  • Be very specific about your goals, both in exactly what you want to do and by what date you want to do it
  • Write down your goals for a much higher chance of achieving them. Better yet, write them down everyday to keep them continual on your mind

Resources:

How to Read a Book a Day

Swannies Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Tai Lopez’s 67 Steps

FiveMinuteJournal.com

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/237

Direct download: James_-_Ep_236_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:58am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/236

Most people are pressured by other to drink alcohol. In fact, most people who would rather give up alcohol continue to drink it simply because everyone else is, and it’s scary to think about being made fun of or ostracized from a group because of your decision not to drink.

On today’s episode my Mom and I are reading from my new book, “The 30-Day No Alcohol Challenge: Your Simple Guide To Easily Reduce Or Quit Alcohol.” We’re going through the topics of what to say when you feel pressured to drink, how to respond, and why no one actually cares whether you drink or not! And if they really, really do, why are you keeping them in your life?

We’re also discussing why most people think they want a drink to relieve stress, when in reality they just want to relieve the stress, which they could be doing without alcohol! I’m going through the list of the myriad of ways that you could be relieving stress without turning to alcohol, and why it’s such a better choice to do that instead of drink alcohol!

Enjoy this episode, and remember to sign up for the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge to start 2017 off right, get your life in order, become more productive and turn into the person that you know you can be! Sign up here: 30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Key Takeaways:

  • Nobody actually cares that you're not drinking. You’re overthinking it if you think that they do
  • Make jokes about not drinking, and show them that you don’t care. People can’t make fun of you if you have a light hearted attitude about it
  • Use excuses if you feel you must. There is no end of potential excuses you can use
  • Just repeat what your favorite non-alcoholic drink is
  • People think they want a drink to relieve the stress, but really they just want to be relieved of the stress, so try the following to relieve the stress without alcohol
    • Go for a walk
    • Do 60 seconds of star-jumps or burpees
    • Walk barefoot on the grass
    • Breath deeply and slowly
    • Drink lots of water
    • Be grateful, and write it down in a gratitude journal
    • Upgrade your sleep. Get some Swannies!
    • Get off the grid. Turn the phone off!
    • Give back to the world
    • Hydrate more
    • Become an inflammation-busting machine!
    • Anything else that helps you specifically not be stressed!

Resources:

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Swannies Blue Light Blocking Glasses

“The 30-Day No Alcohol Challenge: Your Simple Guide To Easily Reduce Or Quit Alcohol” by James Swanwick

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/236

Direct download: James__-_Ep_237_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:48am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/235

Most people can’t even imagine running 10 miles, let alone a 26.2 mile marathon, let alone a 100+ mile ultra-marathon! Yet that’s exactly what today’s guest does, and he’s on the James Swanwick Show today to help us understand a bit more about living the best life possible from the point of view of an ultra-marathoner.

As Ryan Young says, running can turn into a sort of meditation as you get better and better at it, and it’s important for everyone to find out what that thing is that they can do, that will get them into that space of calm meditation. For Ryan, it’s running, but it doesn’t have to be that for you. What’s important is that you pay attention to what gets you into the right state of mind, calms you inside and helps you see everything in your life in perspective, and then create a regular habit of doing that thing.

There is a lot of wisdom to be learn from this episode about achieving success, pushing through difficult barriers, staying calm in the face of adversary, and much more, so enjoy this one with Ryan Young!

Key Takeaways:

  • Running can be a very effective form of meditation, especially as you get better and better at it
  • At longer distances, nutrition becomes incredibly vital
  • When it comes to nutrition, it’s really important to study and find out exactly what works for you, as opposed to anyone else
  • There’s a peace that comes with running and getting familiar with the elements that can be very therapeutic
  • Long distance running shows you the incredible value and importance in preparing
  • The value of community in something like an ultra-marathon is immense, and shows the value of community in everyday life

Resources:

FaceBook

Instagram

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/235

Direct download: James_-_Ep_235_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/234

What sort of perspective do you have on life? Do you keep in mind, every day, that this is your own life? That you will not have another chance to do whatever you want to do, so you better put everything you have and not put off anything that you want to do until tomorrow?

That is the concept behind this episode: You will die, so do what you want to do. Don’t put it off! Life your life as best as you can, and don’t let anyone else tell you how you should be living your life, because it’s your one life! Live it to the fullest!

Key Takeaways:

  • If you only have one life, you better life it to the absolute fullest
  • Consider the amount of opportunities you have as compared with so many other people, now and through history, and don’t live a day without taking advantage of it
  • When you remember that you are going to die, it inspires you to simply do what you want to do

Resources:

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/234

Direct download: James_-_Ep_234_-_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/234

What sort of perspective do you have on life? Do you keep in mind, every day, that this is your own life? That you will not have another chance to do whatever you want to do, so you better put everything you have and not put off anything that you want to do until tomorrow?

That is the concept behind this episode: You will die, so do what you want to do. Don’t put it off! Life your life as best as you can, and don’t let anyone else tell you how you should be living your life, because it’s your one life! Live it to the fullest!

Key Takeaways:

  • If you only have one life, you better life it to the absolute fullest
  • Consider the amount of opportunities you have as compared with so many other people, now and through history, and don’t live a day without taking advantage of it
  • When you remember that you are going to die, it inspires you to simply do what you want to do

Resources:

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/234

Direct download: James_-_Ep_234_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/233

What if there was a simple, 5-step process that you could use over and over again to accomplish any goal you set out to accomplish in your life? There is! Today, Brandon Carter is revealing his simple 5-step method to destroy any goal you set in your life.

On of the most important steps is discipline. As brandon says, you can spend all of your time getting motivated to do things, but if you don’t have the discipline to continue to work even when the motivation starts to wear off, you will never be able to accomplish your goals!

So listen very carefully, and use these steps the next time you want to accomplish something great in your life!

5 Steps to Accomplish Anything:

  1. Make a firm decision
  2. Build good habits You are whatever you repeatedly do
  3. Discipline
  4. Make a plan
  5. Track your results and make adjustments accordingly

Resources:

Brandon Carter on Instagram

BrandonCarter.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/233

Direct download: James_-_Ep_233_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 9:51am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/233

What if there was a simple, 5-step process that you could use over and over again to accomplish any goal you set out to accomplish in your life? There is! Today, Brandon Carter is revealing his simple 5-step method to destroy any goal you set in your life.

On of the most important steps is discipline. As brandon says, you can spend all of your time getting motivated to do things, but if you don’t have the discipline to continue to work even when the motivation starts to wear off, you will never be able to accomplish your goals!

So listen very carefully, and use these steps the next time you want to accomplish something great in your life!

5 Steps to Accomplish Anything:

  1. Make a firm decision
  2. Build good habits You are whatever you repeatedly do
  3. Discipline
  4. Make a plan
  5. Track your results and make adjustments accordingly

Resources:

Brandon Carter on Instagram

BrandonCarter.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/233

Direct download: James_-_Ep_233_-_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:51am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/232

Some studies show that 1 in every 5 people suffer from some sort of depression at some point in their lives, and rates of depression have been rising over the last 100 years, even as the quality of life has improved. So it’s not always about what is going on in a life, but rather about biology, as well as tendencies, and can be set off by very difficult times in life.

Justin Stenstrom of The Elite Man Magazine is on the podcast today to talk about ways that you can get over depression and start to really live the life you want! Far too many people let depression, or just down times in their lives, hold them back from who they want to be, and Justin is laying out the 8 steps to get out of that place in your life and onto living the life you want!

Whether you suffer from depression now, have in the past, or just want to know how to live a healthier more full life to avoid any potential issues in the future, this episode is for you! Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Having depression is one of the most paralyzing and energy, life-draining things someone can go through
  • While depression has a lot to do with biology, there are also very real and practical steps that you can take to improve it
  • Understand that the process changing your life and moving out of depression will take time
  • Tell other people who are close to you what you are going through. Don’t hold it in
  • The last thing you should do is sit around at home

9 Steps to Overcome Depression:

  1. Realize that you’re not going crazy, that you’re 100% normal, and that many other people face the same problems
  2. Hypnosis, meditation, or yoga
  3. Live in the present moment
  4. Exercise regularly
  5. Improve your sleep
  6. Improve your diet
  7. Take supplements if you need to
  8. Get out and socialize. Meet people!
  9. Find a purpose in your life

Resources:

EliteManMagazine.com

Twitter: @JustinStenstrom

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/232

Direct download: James_-_Ep_232_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/232

Some studies show that 1 in every 5 people suffer from some sort of depression at some point in their lives, and rates of depression have been rising over the last 100 years, even as the quality of life has improved. So it’s not always about what is going on in a life, but rather about biology, as well as tendencies, and can be set off by very difficult times in life.

Justin Stenstrom of The Elite Man Magazine is on the podcast today to talk about ways that you can get over depression and start to really live the life you want! Far too many people let depression, or just down times in their lives, hold them back from who they want to be, and Justin is laying out the 8 steps to get out of that place in your life and onto living the life you want!

Whether you suffer from depression now, have in the past, or just want to know how to live a healthier more full life to avoid any potential issues in the future, this episode is for you! Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Having depression is one of the most paralyzing and energy, life-draining things someone can go through
  • While depression has a lot to do with biology, there are also very real and practical steps that you can take to improve it
  • Understand that the process changing your life and moving out of depression will take time
  • Tell other people who are close to you what you are going through. Don’t hold it in
  • The last thing you should do is sit around at home

9 Steps to Overcome Depression:

  1. Realize that you’re not going crazy, that you’re 100% normal, and that many other people face the same problems
  2. Hypnosis, meditation, or yoga
  3. Live in the present moment
  4. Exercise regularly
  5. Improve your sleep
  6. Improve your diet
  7. Take supplements if you need to
  8. Get out and socialize. Meet people!
  9. Find a purpose in your life

Resources:

EliteManMagazine.com

Twitter: @JustinStenstrom

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/232

Direct download: James_-_Ep_232_-_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/131

If you feel insecure around women, this episode is for you. I’m speaking with Owen Cook about the exact techniques that will help you get passed your own insecurities about who you are, what you look like, and what you deserve in life.

Most men find themselves nervous and insecure, especially around beautiful women. It’s essential to be able to move passed this insecurities, understand your value, and portray that to the world.

That’s what this episode is all about, so listen up and take notes to learn and improve your life, today on the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • The security of a man often has nothing to do with his physical appearance
  • Even good looking people will seem less attractive when they are insecure
  • Get out of the comparison frame, and just start taking action
  • Understand that no matter where you get to, you will  always have insecurities
  • When you realize that everyone is focused on judging themselves, you can stop comparing yourself poorly to others
  • Go inside yourself and ask yourself what is valuable to you

Resources:

Owen Cook on YouTube

RSDBootCamp.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/131

Direct download: James_-_Ep_231_-_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/131

If you feel insecure around women, this episode is for you. I’m speaking with Owen Cook about the exact techniques that will help you get passed your own insecurities about who you are, what you look like, and what you deserve in life.

Most men find themselves nervous and insecure, especially around beautiful women. It’s essential to be able to move passed this insecurities, understand your value, and portray that to the world.

That’s what this episode is all about, so listen up and take notes to learn and improve your life, today on the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • The security of a man often has nothing to do with his physical appearance
  • Even good looking people will seem less attractive when they are insecure
  • Get out of the comparison frame, and just start taking action
  • Understand that no matter where you get to, you will  always have insecurities
  • When you realize that everyone is focused on judging themselves, you can stop comparing yourself poorly to others
  • Go inside yourself and ask yourself what is valuable to you

Resources:

Owen Cook on YouTube

RSDBootCamp.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/131

Direct download: James_-_Ep_231_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/230

Would you like to learn how to 10X your success in life, and finally get the things actually done that you would like to do?

This episode is all about the specific steps that it takes for you to see success in your life. I’m talking about how to set goals that are achievable, that your brain can comprehend, and that you can accomplish!

I’m also talking about the importance of accountability groups, and having people around you who know your goals and will hold you accountable for them, as well as how to break through mental blocks.

If you’ve ever wanted to accomplish more with your life, this episode is for you, and will give you the tools that you need to 10X your success! Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • It’s easy to get caught up in your own mind about your goals and whether you’re achieving them or not
  • It’s important to break a large goal into much smaller goals
  • A team of people who are holding you accountable for your goals helps
  • Don’t set goals for anything further out than 90 days, because the mind has a hard time comprehending anything that far off
  • Then, break those 90 days into 2-week sections

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/230

Direct download: James_-_Ep_230_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/230

Would you like to learn how to 10X your success in life, and finally get the things actually done that you would like to do?

This episode is all about the specific steps that it takes for you to see success in your life. I’m talking about how to set goals that are achievable, that your brain can comprehend, and that you can accomplish!

I’m also talking about the importance of accountability groups, and having people around you who know your goals and will hold you accountable for them, as well as how to break through mental blocks.

If you’ve ever wanted to accomplish more with your life, this episode is for you, and will give you the tools that you need to 10X your success! Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • It’s easy to get caught up in your own mind about your goals and whether you’re achieving them or not
  • It’s important to break a large goal into much smaller goals
  • A team of people who are holding you accountable for your goals helps
  • Don’t set goals for anything further out than 90 days, because the mind has a hard time comprehending anything that far off
  • Then, break those 90 days into 2-week sections

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/230

Direct download: James_-_Ep_230_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/229

At this moment, you are the youngest you will ever be.

Have you ever taken the time to think about that? To really let it soak in, and realize the incredible value and opportunity that you have right now?

This episode is with Tai Lopez, and we’re talking about how not to waste the time that we have alive, to live it to the fullest, and to be successful in what we’re trying to do. We talk about reading a book a day, about mentors, about why you must look for progress and not perfection, as well as much more.

If you want to learn how to be successful and to achieve more happiness in your life, this episode is for you! Listen up and take notes!

Key Takeaways:

  • The world doesn’t need more people running after quick fame and fortune. It needs more people in the long run
  • Look for progress, not perfection
  • Understand what your end-game is, and make sure that each day moves you a little closer to that
  • Reading books allows you to steal all the best ideas from other people
  • Books allow you to simulate life, and learn from it, instead of learning through making actual mistakes
  • You either learn how to live the good life from other people (mentors and books), or you don’t and suffer in desperation
  • You can do anything, as long as it’s not forever. Grit your teeth and do it if you need to
  • Life is an investment, and if you don’t invest in yourself you will regret it

Resources:

Evolutionary Psychology

Civilization and its Discontents

Managing Oneself

The Selfish Gene

The Lessons of History

Tai Lopez’s 67 Steps

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/229

Direct download: James_-_Ep_229_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/229

At this moment, you are the youngest you will ever be.

Have you ever taken the time to think about that? To really let it soak in, and realize the incredible value and opportunity that you have right now?

This episode is with Tai Lopez, and we’re talking about how not to waste the time that we have alive, to live it to the fullest, and to be successful in what we’re trying to do. We talk about reading a book a day, about mentors, about why you must look for progress and not perfection, as well as much more.

If you want to learn how to be successful and to achieve more happiness in your life, this episode is for you! Listen up and take notes!

Key Takeaways:

  • The world doesn’t need more people running after quick fame and fortune. It needs more people in the long run
  • Look for progress, not perfection
  • Understand what your end-game is, and make sure that each day moves you a little closer to that
  • Reading books allows you to steal all the best ideas from other people
  • Books allow you to simulate life, and learn from it, instead of learning through making actual mistakes
  • You either learn how to live the good life from other people (mentors and books), or you don’t and suffer in desperation
  • You can do anything, as long as it’s not forever. Grit your teeth and do it if you need to
  • Life is an investment, and if you don’t invest in yourself you will regret it

Resources:

Evolutionary Psychology

Civilization and its Discontents

Managing Oneself

The Selfish Gene

The Lessons of History

Tai Lopez’s 67 Steps

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/229

Direct download: James_-_Ep_229_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/228

There are few things that terrify and paralyze men more than talking to women. Most men want to desperately, and that desire and desperation is the very thing that holds them back, keeps them from doing, and then not being successful when they finally get up the gumption to go for it. Men spend tons of time worrying about what they are going to say, trying desperately to avoid running out of things to say to women at that critical moment.

Today I have Owen Cook of “Real Social Dynamics” on the podcast, and we’re talking about how to never run out of things to say to women. We’re going over a lot of tips, but one of the most important ones is that you have to understand and fully believe that what you have to say, and what you are saying in the moment, is good and has value simply because you are saying it, and not for the actual content. When you truly believe that, you will display confidence and what you are saying will be attractive.

And there is so much more in this one. So pick up a pen and paper to take notes, because whether you’re in the dating scene, or you just want to make sure that in social situations you never run out of things to say, this episode will give you the tools you need. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Often not having anything to say is a “lagging indicator” of other issues in your life
  • In social interactions you should not be worries about what to say, you should be focused on the person
  • Whatever you have to say has value purely because it comes from you
  • If you think what you have to say is valuable, it will be attractive to who you’re talking to
  • You must believe in what you have to say
  • What you have to say is interesting because you find it interesting
  • Whatever you feel is what the person you’re talking to will feel
  • Always approach anyway, even if you don’t feel like everything is in your favor
  • Lower your standards of how good what you have to say is
  • It’s not what you say, but the energy behind what you say
  • Don’t plan ahead, stay in the moment

Resources:

Owen Cook on YouTube

RSDBootCamp.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/228

 

Direct download: James_-_Ep_228_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/228

There are few things that terrify and paralyze men more than talking to women. Most men want to desperately, and that desire and desperation is the very thing that holds them back, keeps them from doing, and then not being successful when they finally get up the gumption to go for it. Men spend tons of time worrying about what they are going to say, trying desperately to avoid running out of things to say to women at that critical moment.

Today I have Owen Cook of “Real Social Dynamics” on the podcast, and we’re talking about how to never run out of things to say to women. We’re going over a lot of tips, but one of the most important ones is that you have to understand and fully believe that what you have to say, and what you are saying in the moment, is good and has value simply because you are saying it, and not for the actual content. When you truly believe that, you will display confidence and what you are saying will be attractive.

And there is so much more in this one. So pick up a pen and paper to take notes, because whether you’re in the dating scene, or you just want to make sure that in social situations you never run out of things to say, this episode will give you the tools you need. Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Often not having anything to say is a “lagging indicator” of other issues in your life
  • In social interactions you should not be worries about what to say, you should be focused on the person
  • Whatever you have to say has value purely because it comes from you
  • If you think what you have to say is valuable, it will be attractive to who you’re talking to
  • You must believe in what you have to say
  • What you have to say is interesting because you find it interesting
  • Whatever you feel is what the person you’re talking to will feel
  • Always approach anyway, even if you don’t feel like everything is in your favor
  • Lower your standards of how good what you have to say is
  • It’s not what you say, but the energy behind what you say
  • Don’t plan ahead, stay in the moment

Resources:

Owen Cook on YouTube

RSDBootCamp.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/228

 
Direct download: James_-_Ep_228_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/227

This is a short conversation about what it takes to get what  you want out of life. Most people are too scared, or perhaps think they don’t deserve, true happiness and fulfillment in their life, when the truth is that what you want is already there, waiting for you to grab it! Too many people refuse to reach out for it at all.

Brad Blanks is talking about his life journey, and what it took for him to start seeing success and fulfilment in his life. We dig into some of the details of what brings actual fulfillment in a life, and how to find that, and then how to go for it! Don’t miss it, on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • A lot of times, in order to do what you want to do, you just need the courage to jump right in!
  • Be ready, because you never know when the “break” might come, and you really don’t want to find yourself unready when it does
  • You need to find something that will give you fulfillment and excitement to get up each morning
  • Just say yes, and figure the rest out later!

Resources:

BradBlanks.com

Twitter: @BradBlanks

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/227

Direct download: James_-_Ep_227_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/227

This is a short conversation about what it takes to get what  you want out of life. Most people are too scared, or perhaps think they don’t deserve, true happiness and fulfillment in their life, when the truth is that what you want is already there, waiting for you to grab it! Too many people refuse to reach out for it at all.

Brad Blanks is talking about his life journey, and what it took for him to start seeing success and fulfilment in his life. We dig into some of the details of what brings actual fulfillment in a life, and how to find that, and then how to go for it! Don’t miss it, on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • A lot of times, in order to do what you want to do, you just need the courage to jump right in!
  • Be ready, because you never know when the “break” might come, and you really don’t want to find yourself unready when it does
  • You need to find something that will give you fulfillment and excitement to get up each morning
  • Just say yes, and figure the rest out later!

Resources:

BradBlanks.com

Twitter: @BradBlanks

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/227

Direct download: James_-_Ep_227_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/226

“Do things your afraid of, just to realize that nothing bad actually happens.” - Till Gross

(click to tweet)

Getting out of your comfort zone is one of the most important skills you can master in your life, if you want to learn how to do more, be more, achieve, and have more happiness in your life, and today’s episode is all about how to do just that!

Till Gross is here talking about the ways that we try has hard as we possibly can to avoid rejection, when in reality, even when you are rejected, nothing bad happens! Life continues as usually, and it really doesn’t even hurt that bad!

In order to get beyond our fear we need to continually do the things that we fear the most in order to ingrain in our minds that our fear is in fact not justified! Nothing too painful happens, and we are none the worse, even if we end up getting rejected!

Till is also talking about the specific exercises that we can do to make sure that we are continually getting out of our comfort zone. Learn what they are on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“It’s not all about not fearing or feeling pain, but about not letting any of that hold you back.” - Till Gross

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Fear of rejection is instilled deep inside of you because of our evolutionary history, even though there are not the same kind of real world consequences to rejection that there used to be
  • Because of fear of pain, most people don’t walk up to people and talk to them, so most of us don’t realize that the pain isn’t even there
  • As you continue to put yourself in those situations over and over again, you realize that there is no real pain
  • It’s not all about not fearing or feeling pain, but about not letting any of that hold you back
  • Do things your afraid of, just to realize that nothing bad actually happens
  • Comfort zone challenge are all about making fun of yourself, not other people
  • Often the struggle to succeed is what brings the most happiness and brings meaning in your life

Resources:

ComfortZoneCrusher.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/226

Direct download: James_-_Ep_226_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/225

If there is one single thing that separates those who are able to progress in life, and meet with eventual success, it is certainly the ability to be consistent. More than anything, this is the difference from those who get to where they want to be and those who don’t.

Without consistency, it is nearly impossible to actually get anything done! You will find yourself continually starting new activities, trying to instill new habits,  but none of it will ever lead to success and improvement in your life.

Therefore, if you can be consistent, you can accomplish almost anything! This episode digs into the importance of consistency in life, and practical ways to ensure that consistency is a part of your life. Learn how to create success through consistency on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Consistency is what separates those who succeed and progress from those you don’t
  • Consistency is one of the things that you can learn and apply to every area of life to see better progress in it
  • If you don’t want to do something, try counting down “3, 2, 1, GO” and jump up and do it!
  • People overestimate what they can do in a day, but underestimate what they can do in a year
  • Be consistent in your efforts to keep up with friends, old and new, staying in contact with them regularly
  • Ask yourself what you can be consistent about in your life

Resources:

47DayHabitHacker.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/225

Direct download: James_-_Ep_225_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/224

On the days when I read a book, I read a full book every day. This means that I go through books and learn more much faster than most people, who often struggle to read a book a week! Think about the endless possibilities after you have developed the ability to read one book every day! You will be far smarter, and will have essentially downloaded the wisdom of the smartest people into your brain! You can’t put a price on that.

But the key is to master the fine art of strategically attacking each book with the goal in mind of assimilating as much knowledge as possible in the shortest amount of time possible. In order to accomplish this, I usually read the back of the book first, followed by a wikipedia page about it. Then I will read through the table of contents to get a better feel for content and understand the structure, after which I will start the process of carefully skimming. I go into a lot more detail in this episode.

Most people get too caught up on the idea of reading and internally pronouncing every single word in the books that they read, when in reality this is a huge waste of time if the goal is to assimilate as much knowledge as possible in as short a time as possible. My method accomplishes this goal, and it is how I manage to read a book a day. Learn how in this episode!

Key Takeaways:

  • Most people think that reading a book a day is impossible, because they feel it is necessary to read every single word, rather than focusing on what they learn
  • People look down on skim reading, when sometimes it is all that is necessary to assimilate all the contents of the book, and gain all the benefit of reading
  • Reading non-fiction, all you need to do is learn whatever you can, however you can
  • Underline things you can return to in the future, to reinforce something you’ve learned
  • Schedule the time to read a book. Put it on the calendar to commit to making it happen!
  • It’s hard to quantify the value of reading a book a day. It puts you way ahead of most people!

James’ Process to Read a Book a Day:

  1. Read the back of the book first to understand what the book is about
  2. Go to contents and read the name of the chapters to understand the layout and basic content
  3. Go to wikipedia and get an even better understanding of the content and thesis of the book
  4. When you do read the contents, let your eyes scan over the words, rather than pronouncing every word in your head. It takes practices, but you can learn to comprehend everything using this technique
  5. Take away everything you can learn, as fast as you can, so you can put it to practice in your own life, and don’t waste more time than you have to reading it!

Resources:

Blog Post: How to Read a Book a Day

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/224

Direct download: James_-_Ep_224_-_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/224

On the days when I read a book, I read a full book every day. This means that I go through books and learn more much faster than most people, who often struggle to read a book a week! Think about the endless possibilities after you have developed the ability to read one book every day! You will be far smarter, and will have essentially downloaded the wisdom of the smartest people into your brain! You can’t put a price on that.

But the key is to master the fine art of strategically attacking each book with the goal in mind of assimilating as much knowledge as possible in the shortest amount of time possible. In order to accomplish this, I usually read the back of the book first, followed by a wikipedia page about it. Then I will read through the table of contents to get a better feel for content and understand the structure, after which I will start the process of carefully skimming. I go into a lot more detail in this episode.

Most people get too caught up on the idea of reading and internally pronouncing every single word in the books that they read, when in reality this is a huge waste of time if the goal is to assimilate as much knowledge as possible in as short a time as possible. My method accomplishes this goal, and it is how I manage to read a book a day. Learn how in this episode!

Key Takeaways:

  • Most people think that reading a book a day is impossible, because they feel it is necessary to read every single word, rather than focusing on what they learn
  • People look down on skim reading, when sometimes it is all that is necessary to assimilate all the contents of the book, and gain all the benefit of reading
  • Reading non-fiction, all you need to do is learn whatever you can, however you can
  • Underline things you can return to in the future, to reinforce something you’ve learned
  • Schedule the time to read a book. Put it on the calendar to commit to making it happen!
  • It’s hard to quantify the value of reading a book a day. It puts you way ahead of most people!

James’ Process to Read a Book a Day:

  1. Read the back of the book first to understand what the book is about
  2. Go to contents and read the name of the chapters to understand the layout and basic content
  3. Go to wikipedia and get an even better understanding of the content and thesis of the book
  4. When you do read the contents, let your eyes scan over the words, rather than pronouncing every word in your head. It takes practices, but you can learn to comprehend everything using this technique
  5. Take away everything you can learn, as fast as you can, so you can put it to practice in your own life, and don’t waste more time than you have to reading it!

Resources:

Blog Post: How to Read a Book a Day

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/224

Direct download: James_-_Ep_224_-_FINAL_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/223

“The acorn doesn’t go out and try to improve and achieve the oak, it already has it inside itself.” - Derek Rydall

(click to tweet)

If you’re listening to this podcast, you’re probably at least a little bit interested in self-improvement, and I am as well. But are there instances and situations where self-improvement, and even more the mindset that usually comes with self-improvement work, is bad for us, and actually causing more suffering than it is helping?

Today’s guest is Derek Rydall, and he is speaking with me about the various ways that self-improvement work can cause us to focus on the wrong thing. As he says, the acorn does not need to go out and try to improve itself into a tree. It just needs to be in the right environment, and it will naturally transform into the mighty oak that it was meant to become.

The key, then, is to make sure that all of the aspects of the environment are correct in order to allow yourself to grow into what you already have inside you. By focusing too much on improvement, productivity, or other things, you may in fact be hurting your own personal growth, and missing what is really important! Learn more on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“Often when people are focusing on ‘productivity,’ it is a way of avoiding something deeper.” - Derek Rydall

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Sometimes self improvement just helps you see where you lack, and doesn’t help you create a solution
  • The acorn doesn’t go out and try to improve and achieve the oak, it already has it inside it
  • There’s a perfect pattern within the soil of our soul
  • You can’t improve on who you are. What you can do is create the right conditions so that what is already there can emerge
  • Self development is the process of cultivating the conditions inside and out that will produce the potential that is inside you
  • Too often people who get obsessed with self improvement end up manipulating what is around them to look different, when fundamentally they are the same
  • The way most people think about productivity is getting a lot done. But there is a difference between business, or purposefully focusing on doing what you are designed to produce
  • People who are successful are rarely driven by a need to be productive
  • Often when people are focusing on ‘productivity,’ it is a way of avoiding something deeper
  • Your condition does not determine your destiny, your character does

Resources:

DerekRydall.com

MyEmergenceBook.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/223

Direct download: Ep_223_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/222

“You can make more friends in one month being interested in other people than in a year trying to make them interested in you.” - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Everyone knows that person who seems like they’re friends with everyone. Everywhere the go, they know people, they’re always saying hi to old friends and greeting people. Everyone wants to be that person. Not only do them appear very popular and well-connected, they also have much more opportunities that come their way, both business and personal, because of their many connections.

But how do you become that person?

That is what this episode is all about. At a party recently I recorded this episode where I walk around and ask a variety of people what it takes to make new friends, keep old ones, and create a life full of deep, meaningful friendships.

This episode is their answers. There is a huge variety of good advice inside, and if you carefully put these pieces of advice into practice and turn them into habits, you’ll see your friends multiplying, your network expanding, you will find more opportunities coming to you, and your quality of life will rise. All through making new friends. Learn how on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“If you want to make new friends, start by being genuinely helpful to people.” - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • It’s essential that you are genuine in all of your interactions
  • If you are trying to impress people, people will notice and it will turn them off to you
  • If you’re going to a new city, associate with people who have friends, and make their friends your friends
  • Be willing to constantly put yourself out there to find friends
  • If you want to make friends, always go to where the people are
  • When a conversation is one-sided, and the other person is zoned out while you’re talking, you don’t want to be friends. So be very careful not to do that yourself!
  • Make the effort to put energy out there and support people as much as you can
  • If you feel obligated to do something, give yourself permission not to do it
  • If you want to go to parties, you have to host parties as well. You can’t always be the guest
  • You can make more friends in one month being interested in other people than in a year trying to make them interested in you
  • Be genuinely helpful to people

Resources:

People Skills Reboot

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/222

Direct download: Ep_222_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/221

Bees are in trouble. What does that mean for you? Did you know that bees actually pollinate 1 out of every 3 bites you take?? That means that without them, a very large portion of the foodline starts to fall apart! In fact, they are responsible for so much that no one really knows exactly what the result of bees’ extinction would be be, but it would definitely be disastrous.

It really is time to start taking note, and responsibility for our environment, and that is what I’m discussing with Maryam Henein on this episode. Maryam directed Vanishing of the Bees, a documentary available on Netflix, Hulu and elsewhere, all about what is going on with bees and what that means for humanity.

But we get into a lot more than that on this episode. So take notes if you want to learn how to eat healthier, be more conscious about the environment, and live a better life, and the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways

  • Honey bees pollinate 1 in every 3 bites that we eat. Without the pollination, a huge amount of the food supply would go away
  • Bees are leaving and dying at an alarming rate
  • All beekeepers, all around the world, are reaching the same conclusions about bees
  • The quality of the soil is essential to how healthy the plants are that we eat
  • Be careful and critical about the marketing around healthy eating. A lot of it is just clever marketing, and not healthier. Research!
  • There is an awakening happening, in terms of eating healthy and taking care of the world. And paying careful attention to the bees needs to be part of that
  • It’s very unfair that you have to pay extra for organic food. You have to pay extra to not be poisoned
  • Understand that your skin is your biggest organ, so never put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat because of the ingredients

Resources:

HoneyColony.com

VanishingBees.com

3rd Rock Sunscreen

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/221

Direct download: Ep_221_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/221

Bees are in trouble. What does that mean for you? Did you know that bees actually pollinate 1 out of every 3 bites you take?? That means that without them, a very large portion of the foodline starts to fall apart! In fact, they are responsible for so much that no one really knows exactly what the result of bees’ extinction would be be, but it would definitely be disastrous.

It really is time to start taking note, and responsibility for our environment, and that is what I’m discussing with Maryam Henein on this episode. Maryam directed Vanishing of the Bees, a documentary available on Netflix, Hulu and elsewhere, all about what is going on with bees and what that means for humanity.

But we get into a lot more than that on this episode. So take notes if you want to learn how to eat healthier, be more conscious about the environment, and live a better life, and the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways

  • Honey bees pollinate 1 in every 3 bites that we eat. Without the pollination, a huge amount of the food supply would go away
  • Bees are leaving and dying at an alarming rate
  • All beekeepers, all around the world, are reaching the same conclusions about bees
  • The quality of the soil is essential to how healthy the plants are that we eat
  • Be careful and critical about the marketing around healthy eating. A lot of it is just clever marketing, and not healthier. Research!
  • There is an awakening happening, in terms of eating healthy and taking care of the world. And paying careful attention to the bees needs to be part of that
  • It’s very unfair that you have to pay extra for organic food. You have to pay extra to not be poisoned
  • Understand that your skin is your biggest organ, so never put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat because of the ingredients

Resources:

HoneyColony.com

VanishingBees.com

3rd Rock Sunscreen

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/221

Direct download: Ep_221_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/220

I get asked a lot about the tools I use to stay productive, work with my team, and keep on top of both my personal and business life. This episode is going to be a quick run through of the apps that I have found the most useful to getting things done.

It’s important to use the right tools. I’ve gone through a lot of tools to come up with the ones that I am recommending today. They work well, are stable, and fulfill a very important role for me. Try some of them out, see what you think, and let me know how it goes! Enjoy the show.

Apps Mentioned:

Blinkist

InstaCart

Post Mates

Task Rabbit

ToDoist

WhatsApp

Fandango

GoDaddy

Skurt

Lighting Science

Award Wallet

Calm

Headspace

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/220

Direct download: Ep_220_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/219

When it comes to having a productive day, the night before is absolutely essential! There are specific steps that you can take to ensure that the following day is going to be productive, and that you are going to get done what you need to do!

Today I’m walking you through my own personal nightly process to make sure that I wake up knowing exactly what needs to be done, and with the passion and commitment to follow it through! It really is a system, and on this episode I am giving you my system to make sure you have a successful day.

So listen up and take notes! Try implementing these tips before you go to bed tonight, and see what the following morning feels like! Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Use Swannies for a couple hours before bed every night
  • Plan for tomorrow today
  • Find the ONE thing you MUST do tomorrow, the night before
  • Besides that, make a list
  • Keep quotes and other things that will keep you motivated next to your workspace
  • Prepare your gym bag the day before, if you plan to workout first thing in the morning, so that you have less barrier to actually working out

Resources:

SwanwickSleep.com

JamesSwanwick.com/67Steps

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/219

Direct download: Ep_219_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/219

When it comes to having a productive day, the night before is absolutely essential! There are specific steps that you can take to ensure that the following day is going to be productive, and that you are going to get done what you need to do!

Today I’m walking you through my own personal nightly process to make sure that I wake up knowing exactly what needs to be done, and with the passion and commitment to follow it through! It really is a system, and on this episode I am giving you my system to make sure you have a successful day.

So listen up and take notes! Try implementing these tips before you go to bed tonight, and see what the following morning feels like! Enjoy!

Key Takeaways:

  • Use Swannies for a couple hours before bed every night
  • Plan for tomorrow today
  • Find the ONE thing you MUST do tomorrow, the night before
  • Besides that, make a list
  • Keep quotes and other things that will keep you motivated next to your workspace
  • Prepare your gym bag the day before, if you plan to workout first thing in the morning, so that you have less barrier to actually working out

Resources:

SwanwickSleep.com

JamesSwanwick.com/67Steps

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/219

Direct download: Ep_219_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/218

Is it cool to be sober? A lot of people drink to fit in, to be more like their peers, and to foster a sense of tribe and protect that tribe. But today’s episode questions all of that.

My guest today is Holly Whitaker of Hip Sobriety, and she is talking about the ways that the social norms are slowly moving from being completely accepting of drinking, to understanding the drawbacks of drinking, to the point where alcohol use my even be condemned by society in the future, as cigarettes have been in the current age.

Is society moving towards being less accepting of drinking? Has it started to become ‘hip’ to be sober? When we quit drinking, do we endanger the sense of tribe that was find so important? Does that even matter? There are some many questions here, and we dig into all of them to find answers for you around what it means to live a sober, better life. Learn all about it on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Giving up drinking can be like claiming your freedom
  • Even when drinking isn’t like “hell” in your life, it can be holding you back in significant ways
  • Alcohol touches every bit of your life, and removing it is freedom
  • Quitting drinking can be difficult because of the tremendous societal pressure to drink
  • Humans have an innate fear of anything that threatens their ‘tribe,’ and sometimes it feels like quitting drinking will threaten the tribe
  • A big part of the reason that addictions are able to take hold is because people don’t assess where they are and what their relationship with alcohol is
  • A lot of the fear people have around drinking is that they think they will be boring or unsociable, but it’s just not true

Resources:

HipSobriety.com

HomePodcast.org

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/218

Direct download: Ep_218_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/218

Is it cool to be sober? A lot of people drink to fit in, to be more like their peers, and to foster a sense of tribe and protect that tribe. But today’s episode questions all of that.

My guest today is Holly Whitaker of Hip Sobriety, and she is talking about the ways that the social norms are slowly moving from being completely accepting of drinking, to understanding the drawbacks of drinking, to the point where alcohol use my even be condemned by society in the future, as cigarettes have been in the current age.

Is society moving towards being less accepting of drinking? Has it started to become ‘hip’ to be sober? When we quit drinking, do we endanger the sense of tribe that was find so important? Does that even matter? There are some many questions here, and we dig into all of them to find answers for you around what it means to live a sober, better life. Learn all about it on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Giving up drinking can be like claiming your freedom
  • Even when drinking isn’t like “hell” in your life, it can be holding you back in significant ways
  • Alcohol touches every bit of your life, and removing it is freedom
  • Quitting drinking can be difficult because of the tremendous societal pressure to drink
  • Humans have an innate fear of anything that threatens their ‘tribe,’ and sometimes it feels like quitting drinking will threaten the tribe
  • A big part of the reason that addictions are able to take hold is because people don’t assess where they are and what their relationship with alcohol is
  • A lot of the fear people have around drinking is that they think they will be boring or unsociable, but it’s just not true

Resources:

HipSobriety.com

HomePodcast.org

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/218

Direct download: Ep_218_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/217

How much do you watch sports? Do you obsess over sports? Are you always checking your phone to see what the latest news is about your sports team? Do you spend hours every week watching the game, and then many more analyzing it after the game? Does it stress you when they’re doing poorly? Do you put emotional energy into your team?

That’s exactly how I used to be. But this episode is about a better way. This is not to say that you cannot or even should not have a sports team that you are invested in and keep up with. In fact, there are reasons to do so, including the added happiness that it may bring into your life.

However, it’s important to be completely aware that any time, energy, and emotion put into that is directly being taken from something else. Any effort, time, money, or energy that you put into sports cannot be used in any way to further other areas of your life.

The trade-off is the most important thing to understand. If sports makes you happier, perhaps it is worth it. But maybe you can find a better way to keep up with your team. Maybe you just watch the highlights, or a recording after the fact so you can skip all the commercials and save tons of time. Whatever your strategy is, ensure that you have a strategy, and that you aren’t just following the flow of what it seems like everyone else is doing. Be purposeful about exactly how much of your life you want to invest in sports.

Key Takeaways:

  • People get caught up in sports teams like they rarely get caught up in anything else
  • Anything that makes you happy has a certain amount of value
  • However, it becomes a problem whenever your obsession with a sports team takes away from other parts of your life
  • There is an opportunity cost, when you are putting too much time and emotional energy into a sports team
  • 3 hours spent on a game is always going to be 3 hours not spent on something else in your life
  • Understand the cost in terms of the opportunity to do other things
  • Consider following someone you want to emulate with the same sort of fervor you would put into following your favorite sports player
  • Look into creative ways that you can scale back your sports obsession, and put that valuable time into other areas that will have a larger payoff for you
  • It’s fine to watch and enjoy. Just be purposeful about how much time, energy, and emotion you put into it, knowing that it’s all being pulled from some other area of your life

Resources:

Change Your Habits, and Change Your Life: 47-Day Habit Hacker

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/217

Direct download: Ep_217_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/216

A lot of people spend a lot of money to feel happy. Whether it’s going to DisneyLand, taking vacations, visiting exotic locations, or whatever it is. People think they need to pay, or have some sort of extremely special or unusual experience to be happy. But that is simply not the case!!

Happiness comes from a variety of places. But at the end of the day, happiness is a choice. It’s a way of life. People are miserable at DisneyLand all the time, whether it’s because their kids or their spouse make them miserable, if they are stressed out about work and letting that ruin their trip, DisneyLand, by itself, cannot make you happy.

You have to actively seek happiness, and be smart about the things that you know will bring more of it into your everyday life. Helping other people, doing good for other people, living in the moment, soaking up everything that is around you, progress in your goals, hard work, all of these things can bring happiness! Know yourself, realize when you are truly happy, and create more of those moments in your life!

Key Takeaways:

  • The happiest place on earth is wherever you decided to be the happiest in the moment
  • Happiness is a choice you make
  • Practice daily gratefulness to create more happiness in your life
  • Purposefulness in building the life you want produces happiness
  • But understand that ups and downs always occur, and that is actually what makes the happy times happy
  • Analyze your feelings, to notice when you are the most happy, to create more of that in your life
  • Helping people will bring you happiness

Resources:

Learn how to create better habits in your life

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/216

Direct download: Ep_216_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/216

A lot of people spend a lot of money to feel happy. Whether it’s going to DisneyLand, taking vacations, visiting exotic locations, or whatever it is. People think they need to pay, or have some sort of extremely special or unusual experience to be happy. But that is simply not the case!!

Happiness comes from a variety of places. But at the end of the day, happiness is a choice. It’s a way of life. People are miserable at DisneyLand all the time, whether it’s because their kids or their spouse make them miserable, if they are stressed out about work and letting that ruin their trip, DisneyLand, by itself, cannot make you happy.

You have to actively seek happiness, and be smart about the things that you know will bring more of it into your everyday life. Helping other people, doing good for other people, living in the moment, soaking up everything that is around you, progress in your goals, hard work, all of these things can bring happiness! Know yourself, realize when you are truly happy, and create more of those moments in your life!

Key Takeaways:

  • The happiest place on earth is wherever you decided to be the happiest in the moment
  • Happiness is a choice you make
  • Practice daily gratefulness to create more happiness in your life
  • Purposefulness in building the life you want produces happiness
  • But understand that ups and downs always occur, and that is actually what makes the happy times happy
  • Analyze your feelings, to notice when you are the most happy, to create more of that in your life
  • Helping people will bring you happiness

Resources:

Learn how to create better habits in your life

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/216

Direct download: Ep_216_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/215

“When you do something is extremely important. Most people only think about what to do, not when to do it.” - Dr. Michael Breus

(click to tweet)

We know that everyone is different. People have different personalities, different habits, different sleep patterns, and different emotions. But what we don’t often realize or think about is how this affects the specific times of day that we should be doing specific things. Dr. Michael Breus has written a book called “The Power of When” that allows you to find out exactly what your chronotype is, and use that information to help you choose the ideal time of day to do specific things!

It all comes from taking Dr. Breus’ test, which will show you exactly what chronotype you are. After you learn that, the book goes into all kinds of details about when you should be doing what. Things like focused work, creative work, bedtimes, wake-up times, and even when you should be having sexy, are all things that can be better if done at the right time for your chronotype!

This episode is extremely practical for anyone who wants to get more out of their life. Most people talk and think about what they should be doing, without hardly ever considering when they should be doing it! Learn exactly when you should be doing things in order to get the most out of them, on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“Everyone has different natural sleep timings, and times of day that they do things better. Learning when to do things will help you be more effective in everything you do.” - Dr. Michael Breus

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Everyone has different natural sleep timings, and times of day that they do things better. Learning when to do things will help you be more effective in everything you do
  • A chronotype is your natural tendency for when you go to bed and when you wake up
  • Based on your chronotype, you should do specific things at different specific times for maximum efficiency
  • When you do something is extremely important. Most people only think about what to do, not when to do it
  • Sex in the evening is actually the worst time to have sex. Morning is ideal
  • Your pain sensitivity increases as the day goes, so exercising in the later part of the day will hurt more
  • Having dinner be the smallest meal of the day will help your blood sugar stay constant, which will help you sleep
  • Having a consistent time that you wake up every morning acts as an anchor for the rest of your sleep, to make sure it is good

5-Ways to Sleep Better

  1. Be consistent. Keep one schedule
  2. Stop caffeine by 2 PM
  3. Stop alcohol by 3 hours before bedtime
  4. Exercise. The best thing you can do to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep is to exercise
  5. Spend 15 minutes in direct sunlight every morning
  6. Block blue light at night time
  7. Give yourself time to fall asleep. Consider a ‘power down hour’

Resources:

ThePowerOfWhenQuiz.com

TheSleepDoctor.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/215

Direct download: Ep_215_FINAL_VIDEo.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.v

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/215

“When you do something is extremely important. Most people only think about what to do, not when to do it.” - Dr. Michael Breus

(click to tweet)

We know that everyone is different. People have different personalities, different habits, different sleep patterns, and different emotions. But what we don’t often realize or think about is how this affects the specific times of day that we should be doing specific things. Dr. Michael Breus has written a book called “The Power of When” that allows you to find out exactly what your chronotype is, and use that information to help you choose the ideal time of day to do specific things!

It all comes from taking Dr. Breus’ test, which will show you exactly what chronotype you are. After you learn that, the book goes into all kinds of details about when you should be doing what. Things like focused work, creative work, bedtimes, wake-up times, and even when you should be having sexy, are all things that can be better if done at the right time for your chronotype!

This episode is extremely practical for anyone who wants to get more out of their life. Most people talk and think about what they should be doing, without hardly ever considering when they should be doing it! Learn exactly when you should be doing things in order to get the most out of them, on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“Everyone has different natural sleep timings, and times of day that they do things better. Learning when to do things will help you be more effective in everything you do.” - Dr. Michael Breus

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Everyone has different natural sleep timings, and times of day that they do things better. Learning when to do things will help you be more effective in everything you do
  • A chronotype is your natural tendency for when you go to bed and when you wake up
  • Based on your chronotype, you should do specific things at different specific times for maximum efficiency
  • When you do something is extremely important. Most people only think about what to do, not when to do it
  • Sex in the evening is actually the worst time to have sex. Morning is ideal
  • Your pain sensitivity increases as the day goes, so exercising in the later part of the day will hurt more
  • Having dinner be the smallest meal of the day will help your blood sugar stay constant, which will help you sleep
  • Having a consistent time that you wake up every morning acts as an anchor for the rest of your sleep, to make sure it is good

5-Ways to Sleep Better

  1. Be consistent. Keep one schedule
  2. Stop caffeine by 2 PM
  3. Stop alcohol by 3 hours before bedtime
  4. Exercise. The best thing you can do to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep is to exercise
  5. Spend 15 minutes in direct sunlight every morning
  6. Block blue light at night time
  7. Give yourself time to fall asleep. Consider a ‘power down hour’

Resources:

ThePowerOfWhenQuiz.com

TheSleepDoctor.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/215

Direct download: Ep_215_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/214

Would you like to know how to make $2.7 million in a single year? Today I’ve got a short and to the point conversation with Justin Cener about exactly how he was able to make $2.7 million revenue in 2015 selling T-shirts with cats on them!

There’s a very specific process and formula to follow, and that is exactly what Justin is going through with me today. One of the most important traps to avoid is going to broad with your target market. If you’re trying to appeal to everyone, you could easily end up appealing to no one, so be very careful and focused at first.

Also, focus on matching a perfect product for a specific perfect customer. Understanding your avatar or idea customer is essential to creating a successful business, because it is the only way that you can know that you are creating the right product or service.

Learn all of this and more on today’s short but packed episode of The James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Match your product to your customer very carefully
  • Do market research to carefully prove the demand
  • After you have the perfect customer and product match, advertise slowly and then scale up
  • Proving demand for your product is the most important and first step you should take. Use the Google keyword planner to measure demand
  • Look around your social networks to see what people are passionate and talking about
  • When you get started, focus only on one thing, and don’t go broad

Resources:

JustinCener.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/214

Direct download: swanwick_Ep_214_FINAL_MP3_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/214

Would you like to know how to make $2.7 million in a single year? Today I’ve got a short and to the point conversation with Justin Cener about exactly how he was able to make $2.7 million revenue in 2015 selling T-shirts with cats on them!

There’s a very specific process and formula to follow, and that is exactly what Justin is going through with me today. One of the most important traps to avoid is going to broad with your target market. If you’re trying to appeal to everyone, you could easily end up appealing to no one, so be very careful and focused at first.

Also, focus on matching a perfect product for a specific perfect customer. Understanding your avatar or idea customer is essential to creating a successful business, because it is the only way that you can know that you are creating the right product or service.

Learn all of this and more on today’s short but packed episode of The James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Match your product to your customer very carefully
  • Do market research to carefully prove the demand
  • After you have the perfect customer and product match, advertise slowly and then scale up
  • Proving demand for your product is the most important and first step you should take. Use the Google keyword planner to measure demand
  • Look around your social networks to see what people are passionate and talking about
  • When you get started, focus only on one thing, and don’t go broad

Resources:

JustinCener.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/214

Direct download: swanwick_Ep_214_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/213

A lot of people know that their lives would only improve if they gave up alcohol. It’s widely understood that, even if you don’t have a severe problem with drinking, it’s most likely not doing you any good, and almost assuredly holding you back, even if by a little bit.

But when it comes to actually giving it up, and drinking less or not drinking at all, people have a hard time. There are social situations in which alcohol is just an assumed. You will be spending time around other people who are drinking all the time. You probably keep alcohol in your house, so it will be staring you straight in the face when you come home. How do you resist??

Today’s guest is James Clear, and he is an expert in changing your habits. We’re talking about 3 specific steps that you can take to change your habits, and adjust your mindset so that you aren’t thinking about alcohol all the time. This will in turn lead to less and less alcohol consumption, leading to a better life. Learn all of this and more on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Change your social circles. Know that the more time you spend with people who drink a lot, the more you will want to drink
  • Change your physical space. Your home environment will drive your actions. Remove visual stimuli that will prompt you to want to drink. Throw it away, don’t buy more, remove it from eyeline
  • Think about the benefit of drinking - why you do it. Then, think about the habits you could substitute for drinking that could get you that same benefit

Resources:

JamesClear.com

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

47-Day Habit Hacker

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/213

Direct download: Ep_213_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/213

A lot of people know that their lives would only improve if they gave up alcohol. It’s widely understood that, even if you don’t have a severe problem with drinking, it’s most likely not doing you any good, and almost assuredly holding you back, even if by a little bit.

But when it comes to actually giving it up, and drinking less or not drinking at all, people have a hard time. There are social situations in which alcohol is just an assumed. You will be spending time around other people who are drinking all the time. You probably keep alcohol in your house, so it will be staring you straight in the face when you come home. How do you resist??

Today’s guest is James Clear, and he is an expert in changing your habits. We’re talking about 3 specific steps that you can take to change your habits, and adjust your mindset so that you aren’t thinking about alcohol all the time. This will in turn lead to less and less alcohol consumption, leading to a better life. Learn all of this and more on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways:

  • Change your social circles. Know that the more time you spend with people who drink a lot, the more you will want to drink
  • Change your physical space. Your home environment will drive your actions. Remove visual stimuli that will prompt you to want to drink. Throw it away, don’t buy more, remove it from eyeline
  • Think about the benefit of drinking - why you do it. Then, think about the habits you could substitute for drinking that could get you that same benefit

Resources:

JamesClear.com

30DayNoAlcoholChallenge.com

47-Day Habit Hacker

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/213

Direct download: Ep_213_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/212

Is coffee good for you? Do you need your coffee in the morning before you can do anything else? Are you dependent on coffee? Is that a problem?

Those are just a few of the topics I’m getting into on this episode of Sincere Hogan. Coffee is a staple of the modern diet, and really modern culture in general. While some people are addicted to it, and there is always that danger, it is also important to understand that there are incredible benefits to coffee as well.

At the end of the day, everyone is different, and a substance like coffee will affect everyone differently. One of the most important things for you to do is to track the results from anything you eat and drink. Learn about both the good and the bad of coffee, but then track its influence on you, and make your own decisions from that information!

Key Takeaways:

  • Coffee is full of antioxidants
  • Coffee is good for cardio and brain health
  • Provided the coffee is from a good source, it can be healthy in the right amounts
  • Coffee increases blood flow to the brain
  • Coffee can be an effective pre-workout formula a couple hours before working out
  • Many of the coffees you get will have pesticides sprayed on them
  • Coffee has been shown to lower type 2 diabetes
  • When you are dependent on your coffee to stay away, you are probably dealing with adrenal fatigue
  • Coffee can increase cortisol, which isn’t a good idea for someone who is dealing with a lot of stress
  • Don’t stress about the foods you eat. There is no need to add stress to your life in that way

Resources:

NewWarriorTraining.com

WarriorCoffee.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/212

Direct download: Ep_212_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/212

Is coffee good for you? Do you need your coffee in the morning before you can do anything else? Are you dependent on coffee? Is that a problem?

Those are just a few of the topics I’m getting into on this episode of Sincere Hogan. Coffee is a staple of the modern diet, and really modern culture in general. While some people are addicted to it, and there is always that danger, it is also important to understand that there are incredible benefits to coffee as well.

At the end of the day, everyone is different, and a substance like coffee will affect everyone differently. One of the most important things for you to do is to track the results from anything you eat and drink. Learn about both the good and the bad of coffee, but then track its influence on you, and make your own decisions from that information!

Key Takeaways:

  • Coffee is full of antioxidants
  • Coffee is good for cardio and brain health
  • Provided the coffee is from a good source, it can be healthy in the right amounts
  • Coffee increases blood flow to the brain
  • Coffee can be an effective pre-workout formula a couple hours before working out
  • Many of the coffees you get will have pesticides sprayed on them
  • Coffee has been shown to lower type 2 diabetes
  • When you are dependent on your coffee to stay away, you are probably dealing with adrenal fatigue
  • Coffee can increase cortisol, which isn’t a good idea for someone who is dealing with a lot of stress
  • Don’t stress about the foods you eat. There is no need to add stress to your life in that way

Resources:

NewWarriorTraining.com

WarriorCoffee.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/212

Direct download: Ep_212_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/211

“The fastest shortcut to self-confidence is simply loving yourself.” - Yahya Bakkar

(click to tweet)

We hear the term all the time the “natural born leader,” and when we think about this person, we assume they have massive amounts of self-confidence, charisma, and all other leadership characteristics. We revere these people as being born with something that simply sets them apart. But the truth is that self-confidence can be learned, practiced, and perfected, and Yayah is here to tell us how!

Yahya talks about the three steps towards building massive self-confidence, which are self awareness, self acceptance, and finally self love. These three ingredients, implemented and practiced in the right way, are the perfect trifecta to bring your confidence levels up, and help you be able to project that confidence to the world, to become more charismatic, and become a better leader.

This episode is an extremely practical one for anyone who wants to do great things with their life. Leadership is essential to doing amazing things, and self confidence is one of the most important steps towards becoming a great leader. So listen up and take notes on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“When you start to compare yourself to others, catch yourself doing it, and ask yourself what you have that you’re really proud of.” - Yahya Bakkar

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Most people grow up seeking acceptance and affirmation from everyone, and many people’s biggest unconscious fear is rejection
  • Self awareness of who you are, your strengths and weaknesses and what is hurting you at the moment, you’ve made a big step toward confidence
  • Then, you have to learn self acceptance, understand what you can’t control and what you can, and be ok with it
  • Finally, you have to love yourself, because if you don’t love yourself you will self sabotage
  • Look in the mirror naked every morning, at all the things you might hate about yourself, and say “I love you”
  • Trying writing things on your bathroom mirror, adjectives that describe the good in you, to remind yourself throughout the day
  • The fastest shortcut to self-confidence is simply loving yourself
  • When you start to compare yourself to others, catch yourself doing it, and ask yourself what you have that you’re really proud of
  • The minute that you notice what you are feeling, bad feelings will start to diffuse, because they no longer own you
  • Be constantly aware of your body language, how it will be affecting those around you, and adjust it to show more confidence
  • When people see you smiling, they are automatically attractive to you

Resources:

yahya.tv

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/211

Direct download: Ep_211_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/210

“When you pay for something, you take it more seriously, put more value on it, and get more out of it.” - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Why would you pay to get rich? It seems like going the wrong direction, doesn’t it? Seems like to get rich, you should save, save, save, right? But that’s not how humans work, as it turns out.

The reason you often need to pay in order to get rich or see success in any endeavor is because when you pay for something, you instantly put more value on it. Because you have invested, and have “skin in the game,” you will now take your training or whatever it is far more seriously. You will show up and be focused, and really achieve what you set out it.

The reality is that all of the information you need to be wildly successful is available to you on youtube and the rest of the internet. It’s available to everyone else, too. But it will only help you if you put it into practice, and for a very large number of humans, the only way you will put it into practice is by paying for it.

“Instead of saying “I can’t afford it,” say “How can I afford it?” When you need something, you find a way.” - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • When you pay for something, you take it more seriously, put more value on it, and get more out of it
  • Paying is a great way to ensure that you really follow through and do the work required to get the most out of your education
  • Similarly, when you invest money in a personal trainer, you will be far more likely to see results
  • It’s important to be emotionally invested in results, and putting money into something is one way to get emotionally invested
  • Most importantly, know yourself, and what it will take to get you to implement what you learn
  • Instead of saying “I can’t afford it,” say “How can I afford it?” When you need something, you find a way

Resources:

30 Day No Alcohol Challenge

Swannies Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/210

Direct download: Ep_210_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/209

“Patients need to do their own research, and become educated on the issues that may be affecting them. You can’t count on anyone, including a doctor, else to know.” - Elle Russ

(click to tweet)

Are you familiar with the functionality of your thyroid? Do you even know where your thyroid is in your body?

If you don’t, don’t feel too bad, I didn’t either! But as we learn in this episode, the thyroid is one of the most important areas to take care of, as it is essentially the life-force of your body! This is where you get your energy from, and where a lot of other essential functions of your body take place, so take notice of today’s episode!

Elle Russ is on the show to take you through exactly what you need to do in order to make sure that you are taking care of your thyroid, and how to deal with it if you have already developed thyroid issues.

But be careful! Many doctors are not educated enough to understand what is going on with your thyroid, so we carefully outline some of the questions you need to ask them to make sure that they have a deep enough understanding of the issues to effectively take care of you.

This is an extremely important topic, so listen up and take notes! Whether this is an issues for you at the moment or not, this is a topic that you must be aware of, and that you actively need to be taking steps today to protect. Learn how to do all of that on today’s episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“Vet your doctor by asking specific questions about the issue that you have researched.” - Elle Russ

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways

  • Thyroid issues are full of non-diagnoses
  • Patients need to do their own research, and become educated on the issues that may be affecting them. You can’t count on anyone, including a doctor, else to know
  • The thyroid is like the energy center for your entire system. When you have thyroid issues, it affects everything about your health and energy levels
  • When you over-workout and over-diet, your chances of developing thyroid issues are high
  • Thyroid metabolism needs to be optimized
  • Sometimes you don’t realize the onset of thyroid issues. Maybe you just have slight cognitive issues, feel dumb, or have a general disinterest in life
  • Vet your doctor by asking specific questions about the issue that you have researched
  • Whenever you are recommended anything from doctors, get 2nd and 3rd opinions, as well as doing your own research

Symptoms of Thyroid Issues

  • Low body temperature
  • You feel cold
  • Depression
  • Inner itching of the ears
  • Acne
  • Heavy legs
  • Heart palpitations
  • Gynecological or sexual malfunctions

Thyroid Testing to Ask Your Doctor For:

  • TSH
  • Free T3
  • Free T4
  • Reverse T3
  • TPOAB
  • TGAB

Resources:

“The Paleo Thyroid Solution” by Elle Russ

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/209

Direct download: Ep_209_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/209

“Patients need to do their own research, and become educated on the issues that may be affecting them. You can’t count on anyone, including a doctor, else to know.” - Elle Russ

(click to tweet)

Are you familiar with the functionality of your thyroid? Do you even know where your thyroid is in your body?

If you don’t, don’t feel too bad, I didn’t either! But as we learn in this episode, the thyroid is one of the most important areas to take care of, as it is essentially the life-force of your body! This is where you get your energy from, and where a lot of other essential functions of your body take place, so take notice of today’s episode!

Elle Russ is on the show to take you through exactly what you need to do in order to make sure that you are taking care of your thyroid, and how to deal with it if you have already developed thyroid issues.

But be careful! Many doctors are not educated enough to understand what is going on with your thyroid, so we carefully outline some of the questions you need to ask them to make sure that they have a deep enough understanding of the issues to effectively take care of you.

This is an extremely important topic, so listen up and take notes! Whether this is an issues for you at the moment or not, this is a topic that you must be aware of, and that you actively need to be taking steps today to protect. Learn how to do all of that on today’s episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“Vet your doctor by asking specific questions about the issue that you have researched.” - Elle Russ

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways

  • Thyroid issues are full of non-diagnoses
  • Patients need to do their own research, and become educated on the issues that may be affecting them. You can’t count on anyone, including a doctor, else to know
  • The thyroid is like the energy center for your entire system. When you have thyroid issues, it affects everything about your health and energy levels
  • When you over-workout and over-diet, your chances of developing thyroid issues are high
  • Thyroid metabolism needs to be optimized
  • Sometimes you don’t realize the onset of thyroid issues. Maybe you just have slight cognitive issues, feel dumb, or have a general disinterest in life
  • Vet your doctor by asking specific questions about the issue that you have researched
  • Whenever you are recommended anything from doctors, get 2nd and 3rd opinions, as well as doing your own research

Symptoms of Thyroid Issues

  • Low body temperature
  • You feel cold
  • Depression
  • Inner itching of the ears
  • Acne
  • Heavy legs
  • Heart palpitations
  • Gynecological or sexual malfunctions

Thyroid Testing to Ask Your Doctor For:

  • TSH
  • Free T3
  • Free T4
  • Reverse T3
  • TPOAB
  • TGAB

Resources:

“The Paleo Thyroid Solution” by Elle Russ

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/209

Direct download: Ep_209_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/208

“The way you make your money will affect how happy it makes you.” - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

The old saying, “money can’t buy happiness” is ingrained in our society on a deep level. The idea of the rich businessman who pursues money at the cost of all else including relationships and family, and ends up old with lots of money and no fulfillment in life is a common story, frequently passed on.

Today I’m tackling the questions, “Can money buy happiness?” And I think my answer may surprise you.

Yes! But the important differentiator between if more money makes you happier or not is how you earned it. If you have created a product or service that you really believe in, and you know is helping people, more money means more sales, which means that more of your product/service is getting into the hands of those who need it, which means your happiness levels increase as you do more good.

So the age-old saying, “money can’t buy happiness,” is actually false! Provided your increase in money comes in a way that you feel good about and really believe in, more money can indeed equal more happiness. In this episode I am talking about all of that, as well as how it relates to my current business situation as Swannies have started to sell very well, so listen up to get a deeper look at all of that!

“When you believe in your product or service, the more you sell, the better you feel about yourself.” - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways

  • The way you make your money will affect how happy it makes you
  • Financial goals help you keep track of where you are and where you want to go, and reaching those goals is very satisfying as a way to show where you are and where you’ve come from
  • When you believe in your product or service, the more you sell, the better you feel about yourself
  • The more good your product or service does in the world, the better you feel as you level up and sell more and more, creating more income as well as happiness in you life
  • The difference between making money with a product you believe in and one you don’t is huge
  • Having the ability to make money and knowing that you have that ability will give you additional confidence
  • Finances are one very tangible way of measuring progress, and good progress brings a lot of happiness
  • But always be careful to avoid the “hedonic treadmill” of spending more as you earn more

Resources

SwanwickSleep.com (Swannies Glasses)

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/208

Direct download: Ep_208_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

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Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/207

As one of the most successful businessmen of the modern age, Jeff Bezos has built an incredible brand and business empire through Amazon. He has proven an adaptability to different circumstances, focus and stamina to whether difficult times, and a keen eye for where the market is going.

Today I’m reviewing the book “The Everything Store” by Brad Stone, and digging into exactly what about Jeff Bezos has allowed him to become so successful. Something you will notice about him as well as many other highly successful businessmen is that he has seemingly boundless energy to work and get things done.

Starting and running a business is difficult and requires hard work and perseverance, so this kind of energy will go far. Learn what else about Jeff Bezos has helped him in business, so that you can take those same concepts and apply them to your own life to become more successful in your own endeavors, today, on the James Swanwick Show!

Key Takeaways

  • When you really focus on what you want, and spend time thinking about it, it’s as if it appears everywhere around you
  • In business, the customer always comes first
  • Don’t be too concerned with what other people are thinking
  • Study people who have done what you want to do, and copy them
  • Don’t take defeat personally. Learn, and move on
  • Continually ask and try to find out what the customer really wants
  • Rely on statistics and numbers to make decisions, but also listen to personal stories
  • Don’t be afraid to fail

Resources

“The Everything Store” by Brad Stone

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/207

Direct download: Ep_207_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/206

“In selling, understand that you are almost always selling a transformation, not a product.” - Jim Miller

(click to tweet)

When it comes to sales, there’s a definite right and wrong way to do things, and a surprisingly large number of salespeople and people trying to convince anyone of anything take the completely wrong approach.

Today I am talking with Jim Miller about the sales strategy and process that he taught me, which helped me sell millions of dollars in product sales for Tai Lopez. We’re going through the exact steps that you need to following, in order for the prospect to fully understand the value of what you are selling, and to be empowered to take action to really change their life.

And that is a core principle of what Jim Miller is teaching in this episode: You are not trying to push your product or service on them, you are trying to help them take the action that they need to take in order to become the person that they want to be!

“Today is the only day to get started. Assume nothing less.” - Jim Miller

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Move out of a product/transactional focus to a relational/conversational focus
  • Ask to understand the prospect in-depth. You have to get to know them at a core level
  • Understand that you are almost always selling a transformation, not a product
  • Ask if the client can envision the life they would have with your product. What does it look like?
  • Your goal is to show the prospect the future, ideal you. The “fantasy state.” The prospect needs to feel like they really are that person in the fantasy state.
  • Move to “What is it that has kept you from the fantasy state?” This moves to the “despair state.”
  • Future pace: Ask what will happen if they continue the way they have been going?
  • Create a story in their head of the despair state if they do not make the change
  • Then, future pace of how they would feel and what their life would look like if they purchased
  • Create a cognitive dissonance by the fact that they have a desire to be some way, but are not taking the actions that they should to get there
  • Reveal through generalization and minimization. “The program is very simple, all my clients were like you, and here is what has happened to all my clients.” Three main points of the program. And the economics of the program are this.
  • Today is the only day to get started. Assume nothing less
  • There are no objections, only resistance.
  • Always align with the resistance. “Yes, it is a lot of money.” And that’s it. Align with the prospect
  • “All of my clients in your position today have said the same thing in one way or another. Here’s the questions I asked them that I will ask you as well. I was talking to my client, and I asked when was a time when you wanted to wait but took action.” And hold them to thinking of that time

Resources:

themillersystem.com

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/206

Direct download: Ep_206_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/205

"Meditation is not easy for many people, and only rewards those who really commit to it in the long run." - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

What you can do that will only take 10-minutes out of every day, but will lead to your being calmer, thinking things through more thoroughly, and not reacting in the heat of the moment? The answer, of course, is meditation!

I have just recently gotten back into the habit of doing a daily meditation, and I have found that a mere 10 minutes in the morning can drastically affect the rest of the day, as far as how productive and focused I am.

Think about it: 10 minutes a day to change your life is nothing! Give it a try! I am, and am so far loving it. On this episode, I am going to answer all of your questions regarding meditation, how I practice it, and what it has done for me. Enjoy!

"10 minutes a day is enough to see real results in meditation." - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • When you meditate, for the rest of the day you will find yourself more able to handle momentary difficulties throughout the day without freaking out
  • Meditation is not easy for many people, and only rewards those who really commit to it in the long run
  • 10 minutes a day is enough to see real results in meditation
  • The mind is often far too overactive, and meditation will calm it for the rest of the day
  • Meditation will increase your awareness of when you’re going crazy, and help you to know to stop it before it takes off
  • When you’re calmer, you act smarter because you really think things through

Resources:

Headspace

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/205

Direct download: Ep_205_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/205

"Meditation is not easy for many people, and only rewards those who really commit to it in the long run." - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

What you can do that will only take 10-minutes out of every day, but will lead to your being calmer, thinking things through more thoroughly, and not reacting in the heat of the moment? The answer, of course, is meditation!

I have just recently gotten back into the habit of doing a daily meditation, and I have found that a mere 10 minutes in the morning can drastically affect the rest of the day, as far as how productive and focused I am.

Think about it: 10 minutes a day to change your life is nothing! Give it a try! I am, and am so far loving it. On this episode, I am going to answer all of your questions regarding meditation, how I practice it, and what it has done for me. Enjoy!

"10 minutes a day is enough to see real results in meditation." - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • When you meditate, for the rest of the day you will find yourself more able to handle momentary difficulties throughout the day without freaking out
  • Meditation is not easy for many people, and only rewards those who really commit to it in the long run
  • 10 minutes a day is enough to see real results in meditation
  • The mind is often far too overactive, and meditation will calm it for the rest of the day
  • Meditation will increase your awareness of when you’re going crazy, and help you to know to stop it before it takes off
  • When you’re calmer, you act smarter because you really think things through

Resources:

Headspace

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/205

Direct download: Ep_205_FINAL_VIDEO_Chopped.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/204

The term “diet” has become very commonplace in modern language. The idea that people will go on a diet for a set period of time, to try to whip their body into the shape they want, before plunging directly back into the habits and lifestyle that brought them to the point of needing a diet in the first place, is a vicious cycle.

So the solution for how to stick to a diet is simple: Don’t diet! Instead, focus on living a healthy but sustainable lifestyle. For me, this means eating about 80% healthy foods, and 20% junk food or cheat meals. This way I am not torturing myself and my body to eat healthily, to the point where it is no longer sustainable, but rather sticking to a percentage that is sustainable.

Everybody’s body will be different, and react differently to different health choices.. But the broad concept here is true and broadly applicable to everyone. Don’t diet! Focus on a healthy lifestyle and eating habits that you will be able to keep up in the long run, leading to a far healthier you!

Key Takeaways:

  • You shouldn’t be on a diet in the first place! Instead, you should be on a consistently healthy lifestyle
  • When people try to do a diet instead of a healthy lifestyle, they lose weight, but then put it back on down the road
  • Don't’ starve yourself or be too strict because it’s not sustainable
  • Have a 80/20 lifestyle: 80% very healthy, and 20% ‘cheat’ meals
  • Know yourself, your body and your limits, then stick to them!

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/204

Direct download: Ep_204_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/204

The term “diet” has become very commonplace in modern language. The idea that people will go on a diet for a set period of time, to try to whip their body into the shape they want, before plunging directly back into the habits and lifestyle that brought them to the point of needing a diet in the first place, is a vicious cycle.

So the solution for how to stick to a diet is simple: Don’t diet! Instead, focus on living a healthy but sustainable lifestyle. For me, this means eating about 80% healthy foods, and 20% junk food or cheat meals. This way I am not torturing myself and my body to eat healthily, to the point where it is no longer sustainable, but rather sticking to a percentage that is sustainable.

Everybody’s body will be different, and react differently to different health choices.. But the broad concept here is true and broadly applicable to everyone. Don’t diet! Focus on a healthy lifestyle and eating habits that you will be able to keep up in the long run, leading to a far healthier you!

Key Takeaways:

  • You shouldn’t be on a diet in the first place! Instead, you should be on a consistently healthy lifestyle
  • When people try to do a diet instead of a healthy lifestyle, they lose weight, but then put it back on down the road
  • Don't’ starve yourself or be too strict because it’s not sustainable
  • Have a 80/20 lifestyle: 80% very healthy, and 20% ‘cheat’ meals
  • Know yourself, your body and your limits, then stick to them!

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/204

Direct download: Ep_204_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/203

“For the sake of survival, nature intended for us to be healthy.” - Darryl Edwards

(click to tweet)

 

The old health advice was simply “go to the gym and make sure to eat your fruits and veggies.” But we’ve moved far beyond that in our understanding of what makes for a healthy lifestyle, one that promotes a long, healthy life, and Darryl Edwards is talking about what exactly that means on today’s episode.

The closer that we can get in fitness to the behaviors and movements to what our ancestors would do, as a very general rule, the healthier we will be, and this is the foundation of the paleo diet. Instead of going to the gym and doing the exact same movement with the exact same weight many times over (which would never happen in nature), find new, more creative and constantly changing ways to challenge yourself physically.

In nutrition, shoot to eat mainly the things that a caveman would eat, such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding dairy, wheat and other grains, and legumes, as well as processed foods, or even foods that contain those (such as wheat-fed meats, etc). This may seem simple, but you will find that it is far removed from the common diet of today, and will provide you with far more energy, mental clarity, and fitness benefits than some of the more common approaches to diet today.

So if you want to learn how to become a better you in many ways, this episode is for you! Listen up, take notes, and refer to the bullet points below, and most importantly implement it in some way TODAY to start taking your life to the next level!

 

“If the animals you eat are healthier, you will be healthier as a consequence.” - Darryl Edwards

(click to tweet)

 

Key Takeaways

  • For the sake of survival, nature intended for us to be healthy
  • In the past, in order to obtain foods, we needed to utilize a very wide range of different movements
  • In the modern age, we can avoid movement for the most part, but it is very detrimental to our health
  • With modern advances in medicine and treatment, we’re living for longer, but we’re living less healthy
  • If the animals you eat are healthier, you will be healthier as a consequence
  • A lot of physical fitness focuses on one type of fitness, such as only cardio, or only strength, when the best lifestyle fitness is one that combines a very wide variety of types of fitness and movement
  • Practical movements that have or used to have everyday use are the ones that usually provide the most health benefits
  • The downside of lifting at the gym is that people tend to do the exact same movement and weight over and over again, often leading to injuries or strains
  • Take the stairs, not the escalator
  • Stand more than you sit

What you should eat

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Vegetables
  • Fruit
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

Avoid

  • Dairy
  • Wheat and other grains
  • Legumes

 

Resources

TheFitnessExplorer.com

“Paleo Fitness: A Primal Training and Nutrition Program to Get Lean, Strong and Healthy” by Darryl Edwards (book)

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/203

Direct download: Ep_203_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/203

“For the sake of survival, nature intended for us to be healthy.” - Darryl Edwards

(click to tweet)

 

The old health advice was simply “go to the gym and make sure to eat your fruits and veggies.” But we’ve moved far beyond that in our understanding of what makes for a healthy lifestyle, one that promotes a long, healthy life, and Darryl Edwards is talking about what exactly that means on today’s episode.

The closer that we can get in fitness to the behaviors and movements to what our ancestors would do, as a very general rule, the healthier we will be, and this is the foundation of the paleo diet. Instead of going to the gym and doing the exact same movement with the exact same weight many times over (which would never happen in nature), find new, more creative and constantly changing ways to challenge yourself physically.

In nutrition, shoot to eat mainly the things that a caveman would eat, such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding dairy, wheat and other grains, and legumes, as well as processed foods, or even foods that contain those (such as wheat-fed meats, etc). This may seem simple, but you will find that it is far removed from the common diet of today, and will provide you with far more energy, mental clarity, and fitness benefits than some of the more common approaches to diet today.

So if you want to learn how to become a better you in many ways, this episode is for you! Listen up, take notes, and refer to the bullet points below, and most importantly implement it in some way TODAY to start taking your life to the next level!

 

“If the animals you eat are healthier, you will be healthier as a consequence.” - Darryl Edwards

(click to tweet)

 

Key Takeaways

  • For the sake of survival, nature intended for us to be healthy
  • In the past, in order to obtain foods, we needed to utilize a very wide range of different movements
  • In the modern age, we can avoid movement for the most part, but it is very detrimental to our health
  • With modern advances in medicine and treatment, we’re living for longer, but we’re living less healthy
  • If the animals you eat are healthier, you will be healthier as a consequence
  • A lot of physical fitness focuses on one type of fitness, such as only cardio, or only strength, when the best lifestyle fitness is one that combines a very wide variety of types of fitness and movement
  • Practical movements that have or used to have everyday use are the ones that usually provide the most health benefits
  • The downside of lifting at the gym is that people tend to do the exact same movement and weight over and over again, often leading to injuries or strains
  • Take the stairs, not the escalator
  • Stand more than you sit

What you should eat

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Vegetables
  • Fruit
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

Avoid

  • Dairy
  • Wheat and other grains
  • Legumes

 

Resources

TheFitnessExplorer.com

“Paleo Fitness: A Primal Training and Nutrition Program to Get Lean, Strong and Healthy” by Darryl Edwards (book)

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/203

Direct download: EP_203_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

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Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/202

“When you get into a new environment and culture, out of whatever comfort zone you have, it forces you to think differently.” – James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

 

Lots of people would like to be the life of the party. But the truth is that, in order for that to happen, not only do you need to be outgoing and charismatic, you have to be interesting!

Don’t skip that most important step! Lots of people think they just need to be loud, but you need something to talk about! This is the reason that I so strongly recommend that everyone travel while they’re young! Simply making this decision does so much for you! You get out of your comfort zone, start to look at life from a different perspective, you can educate yourself at the same time through audiobooks and podcasts, and you become a more interesting person!

Travelling while you’re young kills lots of birds with one stone. Even if you’re not as young as you once were, you’re the youngest you’ll ever be, so travel if you can! If finances are an issue, go to a country where your currency will go further, but find a way to have these experiences! You will not regret it!

“The best time to travel is now if you possibly can.” – James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Emphatically: YES! Travel while you’re young!
  • When you get into a new environment and culture, out of whatever comfort zone you have, it forces you to think differently
  • It will help you see things in your life from a different perspective
  • Use travel time to educate yourself at the same time, through audiobooks, podcasts, etc. You will have lots of opportunities for this during travelling
  • The best time to travel is now, if you possibly can
  • If finances are a difficulty, go to countries where your money will go further
  • Find ways to force yourself out of your comfort zone
  • Travelling simply makes you more interesting! The experiences give you more to talk about
  • Document your travels, through youtube, or whatever medium makes sense for you

 

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/202

Direct download: Ep_202_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/202

“When you get into a new environment and culture, out of whatever comfort zone you have, it forces you to think differently.” – James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

 

Lots of people would like to be the life of the party. But the truth is that, in order for that to happen, not only do you need to be outgoing and charismatic, you have to be interesting!

Don’t skip that most important step! Lots of people think they just need to be loud, but you need something to talk about! This is the reason that I so strongly recommend that everyone travel while they’re young! Simply making this decision does so much for you! You get out of your comfort zone, start to look at life from a different perspective, you can educate yourself at the same time through audiobooks and podcasts, and you become a more interesting person!

Travelling while you’re young kills lots of birds with one stone. Even if you’re not as young as you once were, you’re the youngest you’ll ever be, so travel if you can! If finances are an issue, go to a country where your currency will go further, but find a way to have these experiences! You will not regret it!

“The best time to travel is now if you possibly can.” – James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Emphatically: YES! Travel while you’re young!
  • When you get into a new environment and culture, out of whatever comfort zone you have, it forces you to think differently
  • It will help you see things in your life from a different perspective
  • Use travel time to educate yourself at the same time, through audiobooks, podcasts, etc. You will have lots of opportunities for this during travelling
  • The best time to travel is now, if you possibly can
  • If finances are a difficulty, go to countries where your money will go further
  • Find ways to force yourself out of your comfort zone
  • Travelling simply makes you more interesting! The experiences give you more to talk about
  • Document your travels, through youtube, or whatever medium makes sense for you

 

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/202

Direct download: Ep_202_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/201

“Every day, write down your three biggest problems that need solving, to train yourself to always be solving problems.” - Jay Samit

(click to tweet)

Business is nothing more than solving problems for people. This is the premise of the book “Disrupt You!” by Jay Samit, and it is the premise that allows Jay to lay out exactly how to develop the muscle most important to the entrepreneur.

Jay says that you should make a habit of writing down your 3 biggest problems every single day. Doing this will rewire your brain to see problems and think creatively about ways to solve them, which will, in turn, turn into potential business ideas, and give you the mental abilities to become an effective entrepreneur.

Then, if you solve a big enough problem, or one that people are willing to pay you for, you will have the beginnings of a very solid business. As an entrepreneur, this is an incredible practice, and will give you the mental capacity to become a truly great entrepreneur. Learn how on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“Every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise.” - Jay Samit

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways

  • Every day, write down your three biggest problems that need solving, to train yourself to always be solving problems
  • Doing this will rewire your brain to solve problems, which is what business is all about
  • Solve problems consistently so that you get good at it, which will equal you becoming good at business
  • In order to come up with amazing ideas and become an amazing entrepreneur, hang out with that type of person
  • Every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise
  • Start each day with a positive attitude
  • Commit to lifelong learning

Resources:

“Disrupt You!” by Jay Samit

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/201

Direct download: Episode_201_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/201

“Every day, write down your three biggest problems that need solving, to train yourself to always be solving problems.” - Jay Samit

(click to tweet)

Business is nothing more than solving problems for people. This is the premise of the book “Disrupt You!” by Jay Samit, and it is the premise that allows Jay to lay out exactly how to develop the muscle most important to the entrepreneur.

Jay says that you should make a habit of writing down your 3 biggest problems every single day. Doing this will rewire your brain to see problems and think creatively about ways to solve them, which will, in turn, turn into potential business ideas, and give you the mental abilities to become an effective entrepreneur.

Then, if you solve a big enough problem, or one that people are willing to pay you for, you will have the beginnings of a very solid business. As an entrepreneur, this is an incredible practice, and will give you the mental capacity to become a truly great entrepreneur. Learn how on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“Every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise.” - Jay Samit

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways

  • Every day, write down your three biggest problems that need solving, to train yourself to always be solving problems
  • Doing this will rewire your brain to solve problems, which is what business is all about
  • Solve problems consistently so that you get good at it, which will equal you becoming good at business
  • In order to come up with amazing ideas and become an amazing entrepreneur, hang out with that type of person
  • Every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise
  • Start each day with a positive attitude
  • Commit to lifelong learning

Resources:

“Disrupt You!” by Jay Samit

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/201

Direct download: Ep_201_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/200

“The best time to prospect is when you don’t need anything.” - Bill Caskey

(click to tweet)

When it comes to accomplishing great things in this life, selling, or rather persuading, is one of the most important skills to learn. Without good sales techniques, it is nearly impossible to inspire any real change in the world. A common misconception is that salespeople convince people to do things that they don’t want to do, when in reality the good salesperson it simply helping people do what they should be doing in the first place, and doing what will help them in the long run.

Bill Caskey is my guest on today’s episode, and on this episode he is going through the 5 specifics steps to becoming a master salesperson. When it comes to sales, a lot of it is a mind game in the mind of the salesperson, and Bill’s steps will absolutely help you get your mind right on these topics, and will absolutely make a huge difference in your sales efforts.

So whether you are actively involved in sales, run a business, or don’t even consider yourself involved in sales in the traditional way, you will find these techniques and steps extremely helpful if you pay careful attention and implement in your life today! Enjoy!

“As a salesperson, you need to go deep and connect with someone to understand their pain point deeply.” - Bill Caskey

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • If you cannot sell, you will never have very much money, or influence
  • When you don’t know what you’re doing, sales will always be a terrible struggle. Learning the right techniques can really turn that around
  • Sales are all about inspiring people to make decisions that will help them in the long run
  • In a perfect sales process, you don’t even know you’re being sold
  • The best time to prospect is when you don’t need anything
  • When a salesperson doesn’t make the call, they’re saying “no” for the person, when, for all they know, the person could need it desperately!
  • As a salesperson, you need to go deep and connect with someone to understand their pain point deeply

5 Steps to Become a Master Salesman

  1. You must be detached from the outcome. Don’t be too attached
  2. Condition yourself to see abundance in the world, and not scarcity
  3. Understand your specific intention for each interaction, make focus it on high intent: The prospect, their needs and their problems
  4. Be authentic and don’t act like a salesperson. Understand the requirements of a prospect to make a decision. Stop selling, and start creating an environment where the buyer is selling you
  5. Position yourself as an expert, not by talking about being an expert, but by being an expert

Resources

The Advanced Selling Podcast

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/200

Direct download: Ep_200_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/199

“A smile is the simplest and most powerful gift you can give anyone, including yourself.” - James Swanwick

(click to tweet)

Are you willing, really willing, to step into someone else’s shoes? To understand what they’re all about? To approach new ideas and new experiences without judgment, but rather with an eye toward learning?

This episode is a continuation of last Monday’s report from Burning Man, and I am talking with several people about what burning man means to them, what they get out of it, and what they think that the world can take away from the ideas.

For many, Burning Man is an opportunity to get back to ground zero. To hit the restart button if you will, get back to pure nature, and take a look at the world around you from that vantage point. When you start to commit yourself to that process, you can see things with more clarity than you did, and you can often understand things about your life and decisions you need to make far better.

Many criticize or laugh at Burning Man as just a bunch of hippies out in the desert, but the truth is that there is a lot to learn here about life, and how to live the best life possible. And that’s exactly what I’m bringing you on this episode of the James Swanwick Show!

“The best people in the world are the weirdos, because they are the people who are thinking outside the box, unwilling to be contained by society.” - Thai Neave

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Giving without the expectation of anything in return has tremendous effects on your health and well-being
  • A smile is the simplest and most powerful gift you can give anyone, including yourself
  • The best people in the world are the weirdos, because they are the people who are thinking outside the box, unwilling to be contained by society
  • Life is very short, we’re all going to die, youth is fleeting, so simply enjoy your life!
  • You have to take time to reflect on your year, get a reality check, get away from it all, and see what insights you come up with
  • Step into other people’s world without judgement, and try to understand what they are all about

Resources

Download 3 Free Books from James Swanwick!

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/199

Direct download: Ep_199_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/198

“The youthful mind is apt to confuse temporary success for permanent success.” - Napoleon Hill

(click to tweet)

Do you wonder what the differences are between the people who seem to actually get what they want out of life, and those who simply drift through life without a purpose, constantly consuming content and ideas but never putting them into practice nor really thinking for themselves?

Napoleon Hill calls these people who pass through life without major purpose or action “drifters” in his book “Outwitting the Devil” which I am reviewing on this episode, and he has powerful tips for how to keep yourself from becoming that drifter!

If it seems like you are always consuming other people’s ideas but never thinking for yourself, or it seems like you are always getting pumped up and motivated but never actually doing anything, this episode is probably for you. You’re going to learn how to get out of that mindset, how to stop procrastinating, and how to really get stuff done and ultimately get what you want out of life!

“When plans fail, substitute other plans, but with the same end goal in mind.” - Napoleon Hill

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • The biggest thing that people struggle with is drifting: Allowing yourself to be influenced by circumstances outside his own mind. A drifter has lots of opinions but none of them are his own
  • The youthful mind is apt to confuse temporary success for permanent success
  • In the same token, don’t think that the down times will last forever
  • When plans fail, substitute other plans, but with the same end goal in mind
  • All habits, except that of the love of definiteness of purpose, may lead to the habit of drifting
  • Drifters have a total lack of any major purpose in life
  • Laziness + Indifference = Indifference = Drifting

  • Positive thoughts can be woven by time into permanent habits
  • Every human being owes himself the duty of finding out how to live a full and happy life
  • Non-drifters don’t wait for opportunities, they create opportunities

Resources:

How to Beat Procrastination

"Outwitting the Devil" by Napoleon Hill

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/198

Direct download: Ep_198_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/198

“The youthful mind is apt to confuse temporary success for permanent success.” - Napoleon Hill

(click to tweet)

Do you wonder what the differences are between the people who seem to actually get what they want out of life, and those who simply drift through life without a purpose, constantly consuming content and ideas but never putting them into practice nor really thinking for themselves?

Napoleon Hill calls these people who pass through life without major purpose or action “drifters” in his book “Outwitting the Devil” which I am reviewing on this episode, and he has powerful tips for how to keep yourself from becoming that drifter!

If it seems like you are always consuming other people’s ideas but never thinking for yourself, or it seems like you are always getting pumped up and motivated but never actually doing anything, this episode is probably for you. You’re going to learn how to get out of that mindset, how to stop procrastinating, and how to really get stuff done and ultimately get what you want out of life!

“When plans fail, substitute other plans, but with the same end goal in mind.” - Napoleon Hill

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • The biggest thing that people struggle with is drifting: Allowing yourself to be influenced by circumstances outside his own mind. A drifter has lots of opinions but none of them are his own
  • The youthful mind is apt to confuse temporary success for permanent success
  • In the same token, don’t think that the down times will last forever
  • When plans fail, substitute other plans, but with the same end goal in mind
  • All habits, except that of the love of definiteness of purpose, may lead to the habit of drifting
  • Drifters have a total lack of any major purpose in life
  • Laziness + Indifference = Indifference = Drifting

  • Positive thoughts can be woven by time into permanent habits
  • Every human being owes himself the duty of finding out how to live a full and happy life
  • Non-drifters don’t wait for opportunities, they create opportunities

Resources:

How to Beat Procrastination

"Outwitting the Devil" by Napoleon Hill

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/198

Direct download: Episode_198_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show notes at: JamesSwanwick.com/197

“If you don’t have something that differentiates yourself from competitors, the only thing you can do is lower prices - which is a race to the bottom.” - Matthew Pollard

(click to tweet)

 

In business, far too many people and companies are trying to be all things to all people. But early on this is a losing formula, and business coach Matthew Pollard is here to explain why today.

The value in focusing on a niche market is that you can understand in a deep way your particular customer, what they look for and what their pain points are, and then you can speak to them in a way that makes perfect sense. The broader and less niche you go, the more you’re forced to compete purely on price, which, unless you’re an established company like Wal-Mart, is a losing formula.

Matthew has a 5 step process to learn how to uncover what your unique competencies are outside of your functional skills, which is the key to understanding what your particular niche is, and how to sell yourself. He also has a powerful 5 step sales process that we go through in depth, so you definitely want to pay close attention as we go through the step to achieving massive and rapid growth in business!

“Look for competencies that you have that are outside of your functional skill. This is what sets you apart from competitors.” - Matthew Pollard

(click to tweet)

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Unique things that you are willing to do above and beyond are what is going to set you apart from your competition
  • If you don’t have something that differentiates yourself from competitors, the only thing you can do is lower prices - which is a race to the bottom
  • Look for competencies that you have that are outside of your functional skill. This is what sets you apart from competitors
  • Most people focus on the functional skill instead of marketing
  • Understand your goals very well to implement smart marketing
  • Most people try to sell to everyone at first, and niche down when they get more successful But it’s much better to start with a niche and expand later
  • If you have a niche, you know your potential customers better than they know themselves, and can speak directly to them
  • In sales, just get people talking about their problems, then shut up and listen
  • You must understand that if someone needs and could benefit from your product, and you don’t sell them, you’re actually doing them a disservice

Rapid Growth Marketing Exercise

  1. Write down a list of all the customers that you’ve worked with
  2. Write down a second list of all the people that you make great money from
  3. Look for similarities between the two lists, and group people by their similarities. Circle every group that you get great referrals from, and circle with a different color the ones that you make good money, but they don’t love you. Make a decision of which group you want to work with
  4. Of the group you enjoy the most, what are the benefits above and beyond your functional skill that you provide.
  5. Look at it, and try to understand what the higher-level benefit is of what you do above your functional skill

The Process of a Sale

  1. Build rapport
  2. Set an agenda: “In order for me to help you, I’m going to have ask you a few questions.”
  3. Find the pain points, point them out and bring them up
  4. Connect the cost of your product with the cost of not purchasing your product, connect it to emotional problems as well
  5. “So, how soon do you want to start fixing this problem?”

 

Resources:

MatthewPollard.com/Growth

BetterBusinessCoachPodcast.com

Show notes at: JamesSwanwick.com/197

Direct download: Ep_197_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

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Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/196

Burning Man has a unique reputation in the world. Most people associates hippies with it, but most people also feel quite a bit of curiosity toward it. I took a trip out to burning man just recently, and recorded some of my thoughts on the whole experience, and I’m presenting them to you in this episode.

One of the key thoughts here is to avoid being too judgy about any idea before you have tested for yourself. A lot of people think about the more ‘spiritual’ practices of forgiveness in your heart, perhaps writing down what you’re holding a grudge over on a piece of paper and then burning it, to be too much of the ‘woo woo’ sort of self-help.

But don’t close your mind to anything that has the possibility to help you! Test everything! Some things won’t be for you, but some things may really surprise you with how much the help! Give anything a shot for a set period of time, and see if it produces the desired results. If it doesn’t throw it away. If it does, make it a part of your process.

Key Takeaways from Burning Man

  • Find times to let loose in a way that would not always be considered socially acceptable, if you’re the kind of person who needs outlets like that
  • Find ways to connect with your primal self when you can
  • Forgiveness is a very freeing experience. Don’t hold grudges against anyone, move on!
  • Test everything! You may think it seems strange or that it won’t work, but test everything to find out for yourself

Show Notes: JamesSwanwick.com/196

Direct download: Burning_mAn_mixdown_Colin_Export.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show notes at: JamesSwanwick.com/195

Commit to your business.. Believe in it more than everybody else. You can overcome shortcomings by bringing sheer passion to your work.” - Sam Walton

People say you should only take advice from people who have actually done what you want to do. Not just written or spoken about it, but actually done it.

Well, if you want to make money, there’s absolutely NO ONE you should pay more attention to than Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart and Sam's, whose remaining family currently possesses a net worth of $149 billion from Sam’s business ventures.

How did he do it? In the book “Made In America,” he lays out the 10 more important tips that helped him achieve what he did, and I’m giving them to you in today’s book review. So take notes, because you will probably never get 10 tips from anyone quite as qualified to give them to you in your life! Enjoy!

“In business, motivate your partners with more than money. Continually think of new ways to motivate and challenge them.” - Sam Walton

Key Takeaways

  • Commit to your business. Believe in it more than everybody else. You can overcome shortcomings by bringing sheer passion to your work
  • Share your profits with all your associates and treat them as partners. Encourage associates to hold stake in the company
  • Motivate your partners with more than money. Continually think of new ways to motivate and challenge
  • Communicate everything you possibly can to your partners. The more they know they more they will understand and care
  • Appreciate everything your associates do for your business. This will buy more than a simple paycheck
  • Celebrate your success, and find some humor in your failures. Loosen up!
  • Listen to everyone in your company and figure out ways to get them talking. The people on the front lines are the only ones who really know what’s going on
  • Exceed your customers expectations
  • Control your expenses better than your competition does. This is where you can always find a competitive advantage
  • Swim upstream. Go the other way. Ignore the conventional wisdom. This is how you can find your niche

Resources:

“Mad in America” by Sam Walton

Show notes at: JamesSwanwick.com/195

Direct download: Ep_195_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show notes at: JamesSwanwick.com/195

Commit to your business.. Believe in it more than everybody else. You can overcome shortcomings by bringing sheer passion to your work.” - Sam Walton

People say you should only take advice from people who have actually done what you want to do. Not just written or spoken about it, but actually done it.

Well, if you want to make money, there’s absolutely NO ONE you should pay more attention to than Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart and Sam's, whose remaining family currently possesses a net worth of $149 billion from Sam’s business ventures.

How did he do it? In the book “Made In America,” he lays out the 10 more important tips that helped him achieve what he did, and I’m giving them to you in today’s book review. So take notes, because you will probably never get 10 tips from anyone quite as qualified to give them to you in your life! Enjoy!

“In business, motivate your partners with more than money. Continually think of new ways to motivate and challenge them.” - Sam Walton

Key Takeaways

  • Commit to your business. Believe in it more than everybody else. You can overcome shortcomings by bringing sheer passion to your work
  • Share your profits with all your associates and treat them as partners. Encourage associates to hold stake in the company
  • Motivate your partners with more than money. Continually think of new ways to motivate and challenge
  • Communicate everything you possibly can to your partners. The more they know they more they will understand and care
  • Appreciate everything your associates do for your business. This will buy more than a simple paycheck
  • Celebrate your success, and find some humor in your failures. Loosen up!
  • Listen to everyone in your company and figure out ways to get them talking. The people on the front lines are the only ones who really know what’s going on
  • Exceed your customers expectations
  • Control your expenses better than your competition does. This is where you can always find a competitive advantage
  • Swim upstream. Go the other way. Ignore the conventional wisdom. This is how you can find your niche

Resources:

“Mad in America” by Sam Walton

Show notes at: JamesSwanwick.com/195

Direct download: Ep_195_FINAL_VIDEO.mp4
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Get your question answered by James on the Podcast! Click here.

Show notes at: JamesSwanwick.com/194

“Master-level persuasion is getting someone to do something because they want to do it.” - Raymond Duke

(click to tweet)

Do you know how to be persuasive? Most people don’t. And yet, if you think about it, persuasion is the single most important thing when it comes to getting what you want out of life. It is the one skill that will translate into anything that you do. Whether you’re selling something, asking somebody out on a date, or just trying to convince your friends to see the movie you want to see, persuasion is a fundamental life skill.

My guest today is Raymond Duke, and he is a professional copywriter who has worked with big names in the world of business like Tai Lopez and many others. He’s here to teach the 4 U’s of persuasion, and how you can use them in every facet of your life.

So if you’ve ever wondered how some people are able to be so much more persuasive than you simply through the words the speak or write, or perhaps the copy on your website or ad is not converting the way you would like it to, this episode is for you! Listen up and take notes, because this will change your life!

“In effective sales copy writing, focus on the pain of not taking action to instill urgency.” - Raymond Duke

(click to tweet)

Key Takeaways:

  • Master-level persuasion is getting someone to do something because they want to do it. They convince themselves
  • Balance between practicing and learning anything that you want to learn
  • Focus on the pain of not taking action to instil urgency
  • Just because you are using the four U’s doesn’t mean it has to be long. You can condense them into 1-2 sentences if you are careful about wording
  • Understand the market, and then ride the wave intelligently with your copywriting

The 4 U’s of Persuasion

  1. Urgency: How can you make someone take action now instead of later. Stress the pain of the situation right now
  2. Uniqueness: How do you differentiate yourself from everything else? Be unique in the way you approach customers, people you want to persuade, and your product/service itself
  3. Ultra-Specific Proof: You can make claims all day long, but you have to support them. Show people that it works
  4. User-Friendly Offer: Your call to action has to be positioned in a way that emphasizes the user’s best interest

Resources:

RaymondDuke.com

 

 

Show notes at: JamesSwanwick.com/194

Direct download: Ep_194_FINAL_MP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT