The James Swanwick Show (general)

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/296

The best gift that we can give ourselves is a better understanding of ourselves, and Lou Redmond is on today’s episode to speak about that process of finding ourselves, why it is so important, and what the benefits in life are.

If you find yourself struggling in your “outer world,” in your outer success, relationships, and happiness, it’s time to take a deep look at your “inner world.” Because your inner world is what sets you up for either success or failure in life. Peace inside will lead you to the ability to focus on what you want to improve, and to see the kind of success that you are looking for.

In addition, we’re digging into why your environment and the friends you surround yourself with will determine in a large part your success in what you are trying to do in life. If you feel like you keep self-sabotaging your efforts, and you need to optimize your inner-self, this episode is for you!

Key Points

  • Many people try to live a life of epic partying, instead of trying to live an epic life overall
  • The best gift that we can give ourselves is a better understanding of ourselves
  • A lot of people work a job so that they can “enjoy life” on the weekend, rather than looking at their life as a whole, and trying to make the entirety better
  • A lot of us sabotage ourselves by the social circle we choose to be in
  • If you want to make a change in your life, get around other people who have done the things you want to do
  • When you’re trying to make a change, there will always be discomfort and nervousness. But push through, you’ll be glad you did on the other side
  • When you start making changes and seeing the difference, you can almost become addicted to the success, in a good way!
  • Meditation is not about zoning out, but about connecting to yourself
  • Your inner world will immediately affect your outerworld
  • That is why you must do the inner work of self-development
  • Pay careful attention to “who” your environment is, the friends you are surrounding yourself with

Resources:

LouRedmond.com

Book: “Finding Your Truth” by Lou Redmond

Book: “I Hope I Screw This Up” by Kyle Cease

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/296

Direct download: James_-_EP_296.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/295

Do you find yourself doing things you hate? Does it end up ruining the rest of your day? STOP! You’re only making your life harder, and negatively impacting the things you really enjoy.

On this episode of the James Swanwick Show, James dives into ways you can shift your time and focus on the things you love to do. Making this shift will result in being much more productive and successful at what you want to do in life. He gives you real life examples that he went through, and offers in depth suggestions to get you on the right path.

Key Points

  • Text James1 to 44222 or go to JamesSwanwick.com/freestuff to get free stuff!
  • Eliminate all the things in your life you hate or that you are weak at.
  • Doing what you or aren’t good at can cost you time and money.
    • Make your time only go to things you love and that you are good at.
    • Find someone else to do the things you don’t want to do or they will slow you down.
  • James realized one day that doing one load of laundry cost him $600.
    • Hiring a maid saved him time, money, and frustration.
  • James realized shifting through e-mails was a waste of time.
    • Hiring a virtual assistant saved him a lot of time.
  • James stressed himself out doing taxes.
    • Hiring an accountant not only freed him of frustration but having an expert do his taxes meant finding more ways to get money back.
  • Social media brings you down and takes away your time.
    • People post their celebrations, and ends up making you jealous.
    • Limit what news feed you see to keep you positive.
  • Be a minimalist.
    • For a week try to eliminate 12 things a day.
  • Studies show traveling more than 15 minutes will raise your Cortisol, AKA Stress, levels.
    • Try to live within one mile of most things you spend your time doing.
  • You can find ways to make your life simpler without spending more money.
    • Exchange services.
    • Pull resources with others.

What have you eliminated or what things do you plan to eliminate? Tell James in a review on iTunes!

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/295

Direct download: James_-_EP_295.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/294

Do you have chronic fatigue? Always feeling sick? Chances are you are doing it to yourself. If you’re just working, and not looking into your health, wealth and love, you’re only going to cause more and more problems. Not just mental, but also physical.

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James interviews fellow Aussie Melissa Ambrosini. She discusses her downfall and how not taking care of herself and only thinking about her career in entertainment caused her to wind up in the hospital. She shares inside tips about how you can find your place in the world, what really makes you happy, and how to find what you are really looking for - not just what you think you’re looking for.

Key Points

  • Not balancing these life elements can cause both physical and mental problems.
  • You have to take ownership for your own life.
  • You shouldn’t have to hit rock bottom to realize what’s important and that you need to make a change in your life.
    • What will it take for you to make that change?
    • Are you making choices from your heart or from your worries?
  • Without health, you can’t be who you want to be.
    • Eating well is simple, yet we make it hard on ourselves.
    • Quality food can quickly improve your quality of life.
  • Finding your love will make you successful.
    • Hard work won’t seem so hard when it’s something  you love.
    • You’ll feel you have to accomplish something.
  • Be open and curious about the world, and things that interest you.
  • Don’t think about your goals in a selfish manner, do what you do for others.
  • Find what you want to do by looking at what you don’t want to do.
  • Love yourself.
    • If you treat yourself like crap, others will too.
    • If you want more love in your life, give love throughout the day.
  • Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.
  • Master your inner critic.
    • Everyone has negative thoughts and makes mistakes.
  • Be mindful of where your desire for wanting a partner is coming from.

Resources: www.melissaambrosini.com

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/294

 

Direct download: James_-_EP_294.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/293

Are you trapped in a community bubble? Do you shun people for their political belief? You might be surprised to find just how different the world can be, even in the same country.

On this episode, James continues his journey through Tennessee. His adventures lead him to discover just how divided people are in America, through feedback he received from his social media while visiting a shooting range.

While visiting his friends, James also spoke with two girls in their early twenties that were amazed someone like him was unmarried in their forties. On the other hand, James was shocked that it was uncommon for a woman here to not have a husband and children by the age of 22. His eyes were opened to the idea of communities putting family values ahead of  career goals and fascinated at just how many ways there really are to live your life.

Key Points

  • James shares his experience in Tennessee with Trump Supporters versus his liberal friends back in Los Angeles, and explores the many ways to live your life.
  • James talks about how Americans wear their political views on their sleeves, and how divided communities can be.
  • The influence of community values: Career goals vs. Family goals.
    • Can you be content without a romantic relationship?
    • Can career success be fulfilling enough?
  • All the constant fighting in the world over personal perceptions.
  • The history of Tennessee's Centennial Park, and its creation to celebrate the 19th amendment.
  • Everyone has a right to an opinion and it seems harsh to push someone away just because they have conflicting views.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/293

Direct download: James_-_EP_293.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/292

Do you know how to effectively sell? The ability to sell is one of the most useful skills to have in this world. While it is essential to business, it also plays a large role in other aspects of your life. Your ability to persuade others will determine to a large extent the amount of success that you are able to have in life.

So today I am going through the details of how to improve your sales pitch and close more leads. When it comes to selling, a lot of it is an inner game with yourself to create the right mindset to be able to effectively help your lead take the action that will change their life!

Listen to this episode to find out how I was able to sell millions of dollars of product over the phone, and find out how to improve your pitch and become more persuasive!

Key Points

  • Consider your sales activity as helping people to take action that will be good for them. You’re helping them, not the other way around
  • No matter what you’re selling, it’s all about creating and showing value
  • Sales is all about identifying the pain point of your prospect
  • After you understand the pain, speak in that language, and focus on that
  • Get your prospect to identify their past, the pain, and then see your product as the solution to that pain
  • Understanding the pain, and having had it yourself, helps you so much
  • Ask your prospect how making the change they want to make, solving the pain, would change their life
  • Sales is all about comparing your past pain with the potential future of solving the pain
  • Authenticity is essential to sales
  • Your ability to open up and being genuine is going to separate yourself from other people who are trying to sell them
  • Review your sales pitch, and try to identify where you lost the sale

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/292

Direct download: 20170429-121130.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/291

Are there things that you have always wanted to do, but just haven’t found the courage to do so? Is there a place you have always wanted to visit, but haven’t made your way there yet? Is there a job you’ve always wanted, but have never applied for? Why have you not done these things? Realize if you never try, they will absolutely never happen.

Completing these things, is simply as just showing up. You will miss out on these things if you never attempt them. You will regret it, for who knows as long, as well as missing out on great experiences, or even something that could change your life.

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James broadcasts from the Jake Owen concert in Nashville, Tennessee. He discusses the importance of chasing after your dreams, and just showing up.

Key Points

  • While performing, Jake Owen shares his story of his life, which inspires James to share parts of it.
  • Jake Owen called his parents and instead of pursuing his career, he went to Nashville, and thirteen years later is playing in concerts around the world.
  • What’s the lesson? If your heart is telling you to do it, give it a shot!
  • Sometimes you just have to say “F it,” and make your move.
  • Woody Allen said, “80% of successes is simply showing up” - Just show up!
  • James auditioned for a job with ESPN as a sports anchor and got the job. He simply showed up and the results were positive.
  • Just show up!
    • What is a thing that you know you want to do, but you just haven't done yet?
    • Where is a place you have always wanted to go to, but haven't visited yet?
  • Proximity is power, put yourself in a place where you are surrounded by people that you want to be like.
  • Challenge yourself, and do something that you have been wanting to do for a while.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/291

Direct download: James_-_EP_291.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/290

Have you ever thought about the impact your friends have made on your life? Think about your closest friends, have they impacted you positively or negatively? Can you think of specific times that they have inspired you to make positive changes in your life? If not, you may be allocating too much time to the wrong people.

Time is one of the greatest things you can give a person. It is something that is limited, and can become scarce after you take out the amount of time you sleep, eat, and work. When you have free time, are you spending it with people that teach you new things? Or challenge you to be a better individual?

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James details the importance in picking your friends, and even moreso with your close friends. It is said that you are known for those you hang around with. Those that are close to you are the ones that will influence you largely. Pick your friends wisely, because they will determine the quality of your life.

Key Points

  • It is the quality of your friends, relationships, and acquaintances, that determine the quality of your life.
  • Who you hang around with effects the conversations that constantly surround you.
    • If you spend time with people who are business savvy, then your conversations will revolve around business.
    • If you are hanging out with healthy people, then you are going to have healthy conversations.
  • Be choosey with whom you spend you time with.
  • The top 5 people you dedicate your time to will influence your character the most.
    • Who do you spend time with?
    • Are you learning from them?
    • Do you feel good after hanging out with them?
  • Proximity is power. Whoever you are close to will influence you.
  • Hang out with people you want to become like.
  • Hang out with people who are smarter than you, who inspire you, who challenge you.
  • Put yourself in situations that make you feel uncomfortable because the people you are with are smarter than you.
  • Your standard of living will change depending on who you are with.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/290

Direct download: James_-_EP_290.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/289

People all across the world have shelves and shelves of books that discuss self-help. Every years hundreds and hundreds of books are published on self-help, ranging from business topics, to weight loss, to spiritual pick me ups. Do you find yourself constantly purchasing these types of books, but never actually applying any of these tips to your life?

Think about your own life, the knowledge that you have, and what you need to do to change something in your life. Do you apply the knowledge you have to your actions? Or do you simply learn new information, and place it on the shelf?

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James discusses the importance of taking action when it comes to self help and not just sitting by as your life goes on. Do not let your self help turn into shelf help!

Key Points

  • It’s not what you don’t know, it’s what you do know that you don’t do.
  • If you know what you should do / what you are supposed to do, and you don’t do it, no amount of self help / new books / new coaching will help. You will become to ‘new’ things.
  • Its great to get help, read books, get coaching tips, but if you do not actually take it to heart, nothing will change.
  • If you don’t take action on the things you learn, nothing will change.
  • Learn how to take action, and change what needs to change.
  • Do not allow self-help to turn into shelf help.
  • You do the right thing by buying the new book, seeing the new coach, attending the new seminar, but if you only turn it not shelf help then you will stay the same.
  • People all across the world have shelves and shelves of self help books. This is fine, just actually apply the information in the books to your life.
  • Recently attended a conference in Nashville, where I learned a lot, but spent a lot of money on learning new things.
  • This money is not a waste, because I will apply it to my life. If I sat back, and did not change anything, then it would be a waste.
  • If you want to improve, then simply apply the knowledge you have to your life, and things will change.
  • It only matters if you do the things you know.
  • The best way to learn anything is to teach it.
  • Learn to be a man of your word, if you say you are going to do something, do it.

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/289

Direct download: James_-_EP_289.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/288

Your network of friends and acquaintances hold the blueprint to your future, whether you recognize it or not. Who you hang around with influences you hugely, and will shape how successful you are. If those around you are not challenging you, holding you to high standards, being sources of inspiration and knowledge, then you should look at who you are surrounding yourself with.

Recently, on a trip to Nashville, James met up with entrepreneur, Mike Zeller, who started a variety of businesses, selling over one-hundred million dollars in product. Eli Wilhide, and Brandon Carter introduced us over email. Even this interaction demonstrates the importance in good relationships.

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James and guest, Mike Zeller, delve into the importance of friendships, and share stories from personal experience on this. Mike points out some daily practices he keeps in order to be most productive and aware of his time.

Key Points

  • Mike Zeller loves to launch businesses that will make the world a better place.
  • Get close with people who also want to not only change the world, but make it better than before.
  • Spend time with people who make things happen, and be a person that makes things happen.
  • Mike argues that your life will be a reflection of the five people you are closest to. This includes healthwise, spiritually, mentally, athletically.
  • Learn how to shift all relationships into something incredible and compelling, even if they are in a rutt. You can do this by setting new expectations and standards in order to create movement within the relationship.
  • A self-directed life is empowering, you are in charge over your life, instead of feeling powerless.
  • Three important parts to your day: mastery, purpose, and autonomy.
    • Learn to be aware of these, and put an emphasis on each.
    • Create the destiny that you want.
  • It’s important to start your day off on the right foot, a simple 15 minutes of meditation, reading, etc.
  • We have to fight to retain direction and control of our lives.
  • Mike recommends to turn your phone on airplane mode in the mornings so that you can focus on yourself.
  • It is important to protect your decision making energy. If you are constantly being pushed and pulled by others, you will become depleted of this energy.

To learn more about Mike Zeller, check out his website by clicking here

To check out his menswear line click here

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/288

Direct download: James_-_EP_288.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/287

Are you thinking of starting a business or in the process of doing so? Do you often find yourself questioning if you are making the right decisions and moving forward with your plans? Do you ever feel that you are not making progress as fast as you thought you would?

On this episode of the James Swanwick show, James details the importance in investing in a business coach. In 2013, James spent $25,000 on business coach, Ty Lopez, and because of that he has made one hundred times that.

The great entrepreneur and coach,Tony Robbins said, “ it doesn't matter what has happened to you in your past that determines who you become, rather it’s your decision on what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you are going to do about them that determines your destiny.” James discusses the importance of investing in a business mentor, and how it will speed up your process, as well as teach you things you didn’t even know you needed to know.  

It pays to invest.

Key Points

  • I spent $25,000 on a business coach in October 2013, and it was the best investment I have ever made.  
  • Investing in one-on-one coaching will be the best investment for any business owner.
  • James was coached by Ty Lopez, a controversial online entrepreneur who taught him more than he thought he would ever learn about business.  
  • Up until that point he attended free seminars, looked for free stuff, etc.
  • Because the information was free, he was not valuing this information.  
  • The moment he spent the $25,000 was the moment he focused.
  • It brought clarity on the topic, and forced him to put his nose to the grind.
  • Things you learned:
    • As soon as you take information seriously, you will start to see results.
    • All the greats in life have mentors.
    • How to create a business, start an ecommerce site, publish a book, put together programs
  • Most recently started to put together a happiness program. Without the guidance of a business coach, there is no way he would venture into all these different business ventures.  
  • Richard Branson puts an emphasis on mentoring when it comes to making ones way in business.
  • You have to learn to take action, in order for the payoff to come in 12-18 months down the line.
  • It takes a while to see results on a new business venture, but having a business coach can speed this up.
  • Work with people who are familiar with your line of work, and you can learn a lot from.

To join James inner circle click here

Show notes: JamesSwanwick.com/287

Direct download: James_-_EP_287.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT