Leo, you change the structure of your heart even in your 70s by doing the right things, exercising, eating, and sleeping.

Change your mindset. It isn’t necessarily easy, but you can change your style and do something different to shake things up.

Leo talks about a woman he knew who would deliberately use her opposite, non-dominant hand to help stimulate her brain for something different. Coach jumps in because he brushes his teeth with his left hand in the morning and shaves with his left hand to stimulate that part of his brain.

Leo is right-handed and deals with his left hand when playing cards.

Leo points out that you don't want to give up the power of running the show; you want to control your habits or create habits that work for you.

The coach talks about several more destructive habits, like procrastination and distracting yourself, which can also be a form of procrastination. Other include smoking, poor eating habits, excessive drinking,

Old messages learned and absorbed from family, school, and others, this early learning becomes automatic.

An old Jesuit says, “Give me the child up to age 7, and I show you the person.”

We pick up all kinds of beliefs in our childhood and our lives about what we shouldn't do and what we can and can't do. Leo talks about a woman he met from his high school class. There was a supermarket shopping, and he asked her if she was going to the class reunion, and her response was oh no “ that's for students and rich people.” So the question arises: what stories is she telling herself, and where did she get these stories? Denis and Leo decided to do a separate podcast on the stories we tell ourselves and how they affect our lives.

How do you break a bad habit?

First, you must have an attitude or belief that you can change.

Remind yourself that you are capable. I graduated from high school, went to college, served in the military, and started a small business; whatever you have done or learned proves that you can do things you can change. That belief or those beliefs are really important.

It goes back to the growth mindset, as Carol Dweck wrote in her book “Mindset,”

Leo points out that we're conditioned to commiserate and tend not to look for the positive as much as possible. If you say too much positive, people will look at you like what's up with them.

We tend to want to commiserate...share misery,

Leo mentions Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Developed by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. REBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps a person identify self-defeating thoughts and feelings, challenge the nature of irrational and unproductive feelings, and replace them with healthier, more productive beliefs.

Albert Ellis’Model is ABC

• Activity, or event, what happened?
• Beliefs about the activity or event
• Consequences, our feelings, and behaviors in response to adversity caused by our beliefs

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) focuses on changing irrational beliefs that lead to emotional and behavioral issues. The core of REBT is the ABC model, which stands for Activating Event (A), Beliefs (B), and Consequences (C). Here's a brief overview:

1. Activating Event (A): Any event or situation triggers a reaction. For example, someone was criticizing your work.
2. Beliefs (B): These are your thoughts and beliefs about the activating event. Often, these beliefs can be irrational, such as thinking, "I must never be criticized" or "I am worthless if someone criticizes me."
3. Consequences (C): These are the emotional and behavioral responses resulting from your beliefs, such as feeling depressed or avoiding similar situations in the futur

Email: dennis@drdecision&coach.com

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Increasing Your Success

Understanding Success Through Luck, Preparation, and Decisions

Luck isn't just about chance—it results from your actions and mindset. It's about putting yourself out there and being ready to seize opportunities. We are all lucky many times in life.

The Traditional View:Luck = Preparation + Opportunity

• Preparation involves openness to experiences, continuous self-education, and readiness to act.
• Opportunity involves actively asking for information, seeking out possibilities, and metaphorically knocking on doors to create chances.

However, luck alone doesn’t guarantee success. There’s a critical step often overlooked:

The Expanded Formula:

Success = Luck + Decisions

• Luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity.
• Decisions involve integrating preparation and opportunity into practice, making the necessary choices, and taking action.

Practical Example: A coach shares a story about a property that sat vacant for a year while neighbors hesitated. Within four days of discovering the property, the coach acted, purchased it, rehabbed it, and sold it for a significant profit. This story illustrates that success comes from decisive action while luck presents an opportunity.

Empowerment Through Perspective: Believing that luck is solely about being in the right place at the right time can be disempowering. Instead, recognize that luck happens to everyone—it’s your response to it that matters. As the coach often says, “The universe rewards action.”

Wisdom from Jim Rohn: Jim Rohn emphasizes personal growth and the importance of continual self-improvement:

• Change Yourself to Change Your Circumstances: “If you change, everything will change for you.”
• Seek Self-Betterment: Don’t wish for an easier life; wish to be better. Don’t wish for simpler challenges; wish for more skills. Start working on acquiring and honing new skills.

Rohn's philosophy underscores that your value in the marketplace reflects your skills and contributions, not just the time you put in.

The Coach’s Real Estate Journey: Starting at 23, the coach faced initial failure due to inexperience and tough market conditions. However, this period of learning and growth laid the foundation for future success in real estate and beyond. The key takeaway: The value gained from experiences often outweighs the immediate outcomes.

Becoming a 2%’er: Dennis' mentor, Frank Herberg, points out that only 2% of the people who attend a seminar or workshop actually take action.

Continual Improvement:

• Work Harder on Yourself: Beyond job performance, focus on self-improvement and skill development.
• Keep Learning: Continuous learning is essential both on and off the job. It's a process of constant growth and adaptation.

Upcoming Book:

Coaches’ new book, Unleash the Power of Connection, explores these themes in greater depth and provides insights on leveraging connections and opportunities for personal and professional success.

Email: dennis@drdecision&coach.com

#success #procrastination # confidence # Personal development #habit #consistency

Unlock the secrets of emotional resilience with Dr. Leo Polizoti as we explore the fascinating world of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Discover how ACT, a powerful psychological approach developed by Steven Hayes, can transform your relationship with negative emotions, enabling you to navigate the complexities of life without being weighed down by them. From dealing with the heartache of losing a pet to overcoming business setbacks, learn how ACT encourages us to see feelings as natural, manageable parts of life rather than obstacles to happiness.
Join us as we delve into the power of self-education and the surprising benefits of reducing our dependence on therapy and medication for everyday challenges. Through insightful anecdotes and expert advice, Dr. Polizoti illustrates how embracing life's imperfect moments and taking an educational approach to mental health can lead to significant personal growth. We stress the importance of adapting to unexpected life changes, like the sudden departure of an employee, and inspire you to take control of your mental well-being by acknowledging that not every discomfort requires professional intervention.
In our final segment, we shift focus towards the resilience needed to thrive amidst life's ups and downs, especially during career transitions. Drawing from Dr. Polizoti's personal journey, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a proactive mindset and the practice of decatastrophizing. Celebrate your achievements and learn to discern between what you can control and what you cannot. By tuning in, you'll gain valuable tools to empower your mindset through resilience and continuous learning, transforming life's inevitable challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
This podcast discussion centers on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), reframing it as self-psychological education. The hosts argue that many common emotional struggles, like those following a pet's death or job loss, are normal human experiences rather than requiring extensive therapy. They promote practical techniques like mindfulness, decatastrophizing (assessing the worst-case scenario and its real impact), and the "can and can't" method (identifying controllable actions) to build emotional resilience and move forward constructively. The overall purpose is to empower listeners to navigate life's challenges by accepting difficult emotions, focusing on what they can control, and ultimately avoiding the overuse of therapy and medication for typical human experiences.

FAQ: Self-Education and Emotional Resilience

1. What is the main idea behind Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

ACT emphasizes accepting negative emotions as normal responses to life's challenges rather than avoiding or struggling with them. It encourages individuals to acknowledge their feelings and move forward in a meaningful way.

2. How does ACT differ from traditional therapy approaches?

ACT views many emotional issues as normal human experiences that don't necessarily require extensive therapy or medication. It focuses on self-education and practical techniques to manage emotions and build resilience.

3. What are some key techniques used in ACT?

• Acceptance: Acknowledging and accepting the realities of life, including difficult emotions.
• Mindfulness: Shifting focus away from distressing thoughts and engaging with the present moment.
• De-catastrophizing: Evaluating the worst-case scenario and recognizing that it's often not as dire as perceived.
• Can and Can't Technique: Identifying what aspects of a situation are controllable and focusing on taking action where possible.

4. How can de-catastrophizin

Email: dennis@drdecision&coach.com

#success #procrastination # confidence # Personal development #habit #consistency

Feeling stuck in the comfort of your success? Break free from the "velvet rut" and reignite your passion for life. In this thought-provoking conversation, inspired by Tim Ferriss, Stoic philosophers, and our guest, Dr. Leo Polizoti, we delve into the universal experience of stagnation. Regardless of status or profession, the risk of losing motivation threatens personal growth. This episode urges you to embrace change and make passion a driving force in your journey.

We explore how negative news and political strife can impact daily life, drawing wisdom from Mark Twain and Seneca. When approached with the right mindset, adversity fosters resilience and growth. Using vivid analogies from sports and military training, we underscore the value of consistent practice and readiness for life’s uncertainties. Proactive decision-making and constant self-assessment are key to avoiding unexpected crises and ensuring you’re prepared for any challenge.

Stay vigilant, embrace progress, and let this episode inspire you to make passion and growth central to your life.

The Velvet Rut: Even seemingly comfortable and successful situations can be a form of stagnation. Staying in this "velvet rut" can make individuals vulnerable to external changes and limit personal growth. As the hosts discuss, "It tricks you into feeling that you are not stuck in your life...where you are."

· The Importance of Continuous Growth: The episode emphasizes the Stoic philosophy that lack of growth is a form of death. Continuous learning, skill development, and adapting to change are essential for avoiding stagnation and navigating life's inevitable challenges.

· Proactive Preparation for Adversity: Instead of being caught off guard by setbacks, individuals should actively prepare for potential disruptions. This includes having backup plans, developing diverse skills, and building resilience through embracing challenges. As Dr. Polizoti puts it, "The importance of adversity...it got, you know, really got you going. I’ve got to take care of this and do what I have to do."

· The Value of Mastermind Groups and Mentorship: Seeking advice and different perspectives from trusted individuals can help individuals break free from their ruts and discover new possibilities. The episode highlights Napoleon Hill’s concept of a “personal mastermind group” where individuals can mentally engage with the wisdom of historical figures or mentors.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

· Everyone, regardless of success or social standing, experiences periods of feeling stuck.

· The constant influx of negative news can lead to a desire for comfort and escapism, further contributing to the "velvet rut."

· Technological advancements, like AI, are disrupting industries and highlighting the need for adaptability and continuous skill development.

· Financial preparedness, like having an emergency fund, is crucial for navigating unexpected changes.

· Individuals should avoid procrastination and actively pursue personal growth opportunities.

· Self-reflection and seeking honest feedback from trusted individuals can reveal areas for improvement and potential pathways out of a rut.

Key Quotes:

"It tricks you into feeling that you are not stuck in your life...where you are."

"[The Stoics] thought it was a kind of death that if you were not growing and moving forward, personal growth, and all that business it was a type of death."

"The importance of adversity...it got, you know, really got you going. I’ve got to take care of this and do what I must do."

"We're all self-made, bu

Email: dennis@drdecision&coach.com

#success #procrastination # confidence # Personal development #habit #consistency

Self Efficacy-Can & Can’t
Optimizing self-efficacy.
What the heck is that?
The belief is that an individual can get the desired outcomes.
The concept originated in Stoics.
Components of Self-efficacy

1. Building on small successes
2. Seeing others succeed
3. Getting encouragement

The Serenity Prayer: an offshoot of the Stoics

• Control what you can
• Let go of what you can’t
• Learning the difference

Control what you can, your activities, what you do each day, and your career. You can't control the government, the economy, or other people; you can only control yourself, which can be hard enough.
Mindset and what you believe or have been told what to believe are important.
Dr. Decison suggests that even if we can't change something now, it may be good to hope that we can change it later.
Hope; adopt the philosophy of “Not Yet,” a belief that you will get there.
Drawing from past successes, we can garner confidence and belief that we can achieve something new.
Leo saw a handkerchief in the store once containing a quote by Marilyn Monroe. When she was faced with making a decision, it said, “What the hell? “ This was supposedly her attitude when faced with a challenge or something new.
Even when something is out of our control, we still have power. We can still make choices and decisions. We always have the power to decide which way to go.
When a situation occurs, most people run off the principle of “Stimulus Respond.”
Barry Kaufman of the Option Institute suggests we consider “Simulus--Belief—Respond.” In other words, stop and ask yourself what you believe and think about that before responding.
Use ABC Method
Activity-what happen
Belief-examine the belief
Consequence-the belief controls the consequences
Always sticking with your values
No matter the situation, there's always a choice, a decision, and no one can take that away from you. You may not always like the possibilities or the potential outcomes, but it's still your choice, your decision.
The author of the Dilbert comic strip, Scott Adams, had tons of jobs and said, “I learned something from each job.”
We often can’t control a situation but can control how we react.
When we can no longer change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.
Tips

1. Start small
2. Get support
3. Remember “Not Yet”
4. Never miss two days in a row if you are starting something new; then you are at least at 50%

When we can no longer change the situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.
Email: dennis@drdecision&coach.com

#success #procrastination # confidence # Personal development

Email: dennis@drdecision&coach.com

#success #procrastination # confidence # Personal development #habit #consistency