Right Your Own Story

Embrace Your Journey: The Dangers of Comparison and the Power of Personal Growth.

In this episode, I talk about the impact of comparing ourselves to others. I also discuss the inherent dangers of the comparison trap and explore the empowering journey of personal growth. Key Insights: 👉 Pitfalls of Comparison: Uncover how comparing ourselves to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and hinder our own progress. 👉 Shift Your Focus: Learn the art of shifting your focus from external benchmarks to your unique journey, finding inspiration within yourself. 👉 Power of Personal Growth: Explore the liberating power of personal growth by comparing yourself to an earlier version, acknowledging progress, and embracing self-acceptance. 👉 In a personal reflection on my own musical journey, particularly in learning to play the guitar, we'll explore how I came to terms with the fact that my guitar hero, Chet Atkins, was light-years ahead of me. Yet, this realisation became a source of inspiration rather than frustration, illustrating the beauty of embracing one's unique path. Join me on this transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Watch and discover how you can revolutionise the way you view your personal growth.

If you need some help with this yourself, my contact details are below.

My best wishes, James

👉 If you would like to book a free 30-minute consultation with me to discuss this, please use this link

🙏 Support The Channel: If you find this video helpful, please consider giving it a thumbs up, sharing it with your friends, and leaving a comment with your thoughts and questions. Your support really does mean a lot.

👉 Some other links you may find helpful:

📚 Want to journal your way to success? If so, I have something that you will love. Brand new, I have created 'The 1-Minute, 365-Day Appreciation Journal', but it is a journal with a difference.

Leadership Lessons from Captain Kirk: The Art of Delegating for Success.

In this insightful vlog post, I talk about the valuable lessons we can glean from the legendary Captain Kirk on effective leadership and delegation.

Discover how relinquishing control while maintaining authority can propel your team and business to new heights.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership Mastery: Insights into Captain Kirk's leadership style and how he balances control with delegation.
2. Real-World Analogies: Learn from everyday examples like car repairs and Henry Ford's management philosophy to understand the significance of effective delegation.
3. Building Your Star Team: Practical tips for assembling and leading a team that thrives in their roles.

Watch how to unlock the secrets of successful leadership through the eyes of Captain Kirk.

Take the helm of your life and your business with confidence!

If you need some help with this yourself, my contact details are below. 

My best wishes,

James

#106- Making Tough Choices: Prioritising Your Well-Being

In our journey through life, we often encounter challenges and difficulties. Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where we've been dealing with a problem for far too long, just like the toothache I am presently experiencing.

This blog post is about the importance of making tough decisions to improve our lives.

Problem Identification:

Recognising our personal issues is the first step toward personal growth. Many individuals struggle with acknowledging their problems, unsure of how to address them.

The longer we put off addressing these issues, the more they can affect various areas of our lives.

Consequences of Inaction:

Procrastination and avoidance can have dire consequences.

Neglecting problems can lead to a cascade of negative impacts on our well-being and quality of life. It's vital to understand that the longer we wait, the harder it becomes to deal with the issue effectively.

Making Tough Choices:

I recently faced a difficult decision regarding my toothache. Although I don't want to have my tooth extracted, I recognise that it is the best decision for my long-term well-being.

If I do not do this, it will get worse, become more painful, and may even start to impact with other teeth or even my gums.

That 'not taking action' is just a path I am simply not willing to take.

Making such choices can be challenging, if it was easy it would not be a problem, but they are often necessary for personal growth and improvement.

Prioritising Long-Term Well-Being:

Prioritising long-term well-being is a fundamental aspect of personal development.

When we address our problems and make difficult decisions, we set ourselves on a path toward a better future. Remember, your well-being is worth the effort and discomfort in the short term.

Conclusion:

In summary, recognising and addressing personal issues is a crucial step in personal growth.

Making tough choices, despite initial apprehension, can lead to a brighter future and a higher quality of life.

Don't let problems fester; take action today for a better tomorrow.

If you have been dealing with a problem, and it is impacting various aspects of your life, remember that you have the power to make a change.

It all starts with acknowledging the issue and taking that first step towards a solution.

If you have a tough decision to make, and you are finding yourself feeling 'stuck', perhaps working together as a team would assist you?

Lessons We Can learn From Spiders.

A spider has been sitting outside my office window, and I have been seeing it each day, doing its thing.

Like most things in life, there is a lesson there for me, and in this episode, I talk about that.

Perhaps there is a lesson there for you too?

I hope you like this one.

Best wishes,

James

Some other links you may find helpful:

What Is Unconditional Positive Regard? 

As a counsellor, hypnotherapist, and life coach, I am often curious as to what goals clients are setting or have set themselves. 

For some, it is many, whereas for others that space is very vague. 

Goal setting is such a huge area of exploration, and I believe it really is crucial for our own mental health. 

Without a goal, we drift, going from day to day without any progress, like a ship without a captain.

In this episode, I talk about the 3D's regarding goal setting, what this means, give examples, and more. 

I hope you enjoy this one. 

If you have any questions, please pop them in the comments. 

Best wishes, 

James 

Other links you may find helpful: 

Psychological testing comes in many forms. They can be random, seemingly innocent questions or scenarios, but your answers or responses can betray your deepest darkest unconscious thoughts. In this episode, (and just for fun), I ask just two questions. What will your answers reveal? I hope you like this one. Best wishes, James

A Tip For Creating Success.

How To Turn On Your Superpower.

You have a superpower within you and I want to help you 'turn it on'.

But HOW?

I have created a journal to achieve this, but it is a journal with a twist.

The 1-minute, 365-Day Appreciation Journal.

You get rid of the dark by turning on the light. You get rid of the cold by turning on the heating. You get rid of negative thoughts by turning on your appreciation.

With just one minute each day, you can reflect on the good things in your life and express appreciation for them, leading to a whole host of benefits, like improved mood, better relationships, reduced stress and anxiety, and a greater sense of meaning and purpose.

It's like finding a compass that points you in the right direction - suddenly, you have a sense of purpose and clarity.

As an online Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, and Life-Coach, goal setting is something that features a lot in my client work.

Many want to either stop something or start something, sometimes it is both.

I would really encourage you to set yourself goals, either personal or professional, and then break the goal down into bitesize chunks so it becomes doable.

I also believe having a goal is great for your mental health too, as it gives you something to strive for, to head towards, and the opportunity for internal growth too.

A few top tips here:

• Make it a tangible goal, something you can see, feel, or experience, and identify the bullseye of the goal. If you are slightly off, you still hit the target.
• Work on it every day, even if you can only manage a few minutes, but more if possible.
• Identify why this goal is important to you. It does not have to make sense to others as it's not their goal, but it does need to make sense to you. A clear 'WHY' reason is fuel for your fire.
• Imagine what life will be like for you when you achieved it. What will change? What will it mean? How exactly?
• Act like the person NOW as if you have already attained it. For example, if it is an exercise regime, would the future version not bother exercising, or would they turn up for themselves no matter what? So begin behaving as that future version would behave.
• Can you get an accountability partner? Picking the right partner can really add to your success.
• Make an internal promise to yourself that this is your time now. This is your moment to shine. This is where you rise from the things that have been holding you back, that you are just not stopping and will do whatever it takes. When the 'internal you' gets on board with this, you are tapping into enormous energy, and it is like a superpower

Why Letting Go Is Good For Your Mental Health.

As a Counsellor, Life Coach, and Hypnotherapist a phrase I hear myself using a lot is, 'Let Go Or Get Dragged Along'.

That is the theme of this podcast episode - The power of 'letting go', and it truly is a thing that if you embrace it fully, can change your life.

There can be many reasons why you should (or could) 'let go' of something. Maybe it could be a pain you have felt about a situation, a grudge you are holding, or a limiting belief about yourself. There are many more.

When you 'release' yourself from it, it loses its power over you, and you then have power over it, and there is a big difference in that.

In my own private practice as a Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, and Hypnotherapy Supervisor, decisions play a big part. Generally, clients want to start something or stop something, sometimes it's a little bit of both. Well, I had to make a big decision myself recently. In this podcast, I talk about that, including the unexpected (and unwanted) thoughts that came up for me, and how I addressed them. I hope this video helps you with your own decisions. Best wishes, James

#rightyourownstory #decisions #decisionmaking Other links you may like:

#94 - Three Great Questions to Ask Yourself.

A lesson I once received from a mentor has really helped me grow both personally and professionally. This, in turn, has helped me help my counselling, hypnotherapy, and life coaching clients in a better way so their results improve.

Its simplicity is its genius!

I hope you enjoy this episode.

Best wishes,

James

#93 - How To Say NO, and a free gift.

What Happens In A Therapy Session?

As an online counsellor, hypnotherapist, and life coach, I see clients for many different reasons, and for some, it has been the first time they have ever had therapy.

In this podcast episode, I thought it may be an idea to explain what the process is like, what to expect, and how it generally goes.

What Does Seal Rescue And Therapy Have In Common?

As a Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and Hypnotherapy Supervisor, I often hear about lots of difficult issues my clients are facing. Some initially feel lost, some feel angry, some frustrated, and some feel wounded by the things they have experienced, or are still experiencing right now.

There is a way out of this, and therapy is an excellent tool to facilitate it.

So you may be wondering what does this have to do with seal rescue. No, that is not a clickbait title.

A Thank You, and a Tip For Achieving Your Goals.

In this upload I want to begin by saying a big THANK YOU. My podcast channel has just reached 7,000 downloads, so THANK YOU for this. I literally could not have done it without you. I also give a tip on achieving your goals and do not let the simplicity of it fool you.

You are not creating a to-do list. Instead, you are creating a SUCCESS list.

Is this the secret to overcoming Procrastination?

Are you tired of procrastinating and struggling to get things done? If so, you're not alone. Procrastination can be a major obstacle to achieving our goals and can leave us feeling frustrated and unproductive.

But there is a simple technique that can help you overcome procrastination and take action towards your goals. It's called the "5-second rule," also known as the "54321" technique, and it was popularised by motivational speaker and author Mel Robbins.

Here's how it works: when you want to do something - whether it's going to the gym, starting a new project, or even just getting out of bed in the morning - you simply count down from five to one, and when you reach one, you take action.

By counting down and committing to taking action once you reach one, you're interrupting the cycle of procrastination and giving yourself a clear signal that it's time to get moving. And once you start taking action, you'll often find that it's easier to keep going than it was to get started.

Whether you're a chronic procrastinator or just looking for a simple way to get more done, this technique can help you overcome inertia and take action towards your goals, thanks to Mel Robbins' insights and research.

So why not give it a try and see how it works for you?

Hypnotherapy and Hollywood - The Surprising Connection With Sylvester Stallone

Are you curious about the benefits of hypnotherapy? Do you want to learn more about how it can help you reduce stress, break bad habits, and enhance your creativity and focus?

Hypnotherapy can help you learn to tap into the power of your subconscious mind and unlock your inner potential. Whether you're looking to improve your sleep quality, overcome anxiety, or boost your productivity, hypnotherapy can help you achieve your goals.

Don't just take my word for it though.

In this podcast episode I explain how even Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone turned to hypnotherapy to help him write his blockbuster hit "Rocky". If it worked for him, imagine what it can do for you!

So why wait? Click on the link below to book your free, online, 30-minute consultation call and see if I can help you overcome your limitations and unlock your full potential.

Finding Strength in Seeking Help: Drew Barrymore's Mental Health Journey.

Drew Barrymore is a household name, but few people know the personal struggles she has faced throughout her life.

Growing up in the public eye, Drew experienced substance abuse, a tumultuous family life, and mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.

Drew's journey to recovery started when she was only 13 years old when she was placed in a mental institution.

In a 2014 interview with People magazine, Drew spoke about this experience, saying, "I was in there for a year and a half. I was very rebellious. I started smoking cigarettes when I was nine, and I think I stole my first car when I was 12. I was going to clubs and not going to school and stealing my mom's car and, you know, I was out of control."

During her time in the institution, Drew received therapy and support from professionals who helped her confront her demons and start the healing process.

As she stated in a 2020 interview with Glamour, "I was really scared and really young, but I wanted to get better. And that was such a profound moment of my life."

After leaving the institution, Drew continued to work on her recovery and started therapy sessions with a new therapist. In a 2016 interview with InStyle, she shared, "I love therapy. I'm in therapy all the time... I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy."

Through therapy, Drew learned to confront her emotions, set boundaries, and cultivate healthy habits. As she stated in the same InStyle interview, "I'm very disciplined about therapy and about finding new ways of growth and healing."

Drew's journey to recovery hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it. She has used her experiences to inspire others and advocate for mental health awareness. In a 2018 interview with Today, she shared, "I think that everyone's life journey is about finding that courage and finding that strength to keep moving forward, and to keep acknowledging that there's stuff to work on and there's stuff to face."

Drew Barrymore's story is a powerful reminder that no matter what challenges you may face, there is hope for healing and growth.

Seeking therapy can be a vital tool in your journey towards mental and emotional wellness, just as it has been for Drew.

If you're ready to start or continue your own journey to recovery, I encourage you to book a therapy session with me. As a counsellor, hypnotherapist and life-coach I can provide a safe and supportive space for you to work through your challenges and achieve your goals.

My Embarrassing Fashion Faux Pas!

Following last week's theme of 'Give Yourself A Chance', here is another true story. This time it is about a big purchasing decision I made when I was younger, and how I have never regretted making it, BUT a huge fashion faux pas followed soon after. I am so glad there are no photos!! I hope you like this episode. Best wishes, James

In this podcast episode, I talk about one of those unexpected life lessons that came out of the blue, and how it inadvertently shaped my outlook ever since.

I also speak about a funny incident that happened to me years later when I was attending a night school, trying to learn a new skill.

I hope you like this episode.

Best wishes,

James

An Unusual Sight!

Recently, I was on a train travelling into London Victoria, when something unusual caught my eye. Me being me, I do like to go down the rabbit hole with my own thoughts, and the memory of it has stayed with me.

You see, there was a lesson for me to learn in that event, and it was a good one too, so I thought I would share it with you too.

I hope you like this episode.

Best wishes, 

James

David Goggins And The Cookie Jar.

In this podcast episode, I talk about a technique created by David Goggins which he calls 'The Cookie Jar', and it is extremely powerful.

David Goggins is the only U.S. soldier who has undergone Navy Seal, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller Training.

His 'Cookie Jar' technique helps you defeat that negative voice that we all have at times, and David Goggins takes no prisoners with it either.

For more background on David Goggins, he has also written two books. 

His first book (which I have) is called 'Can't Hurt Me'. This is about his early life and the things that began to forge his willpower. 

The Gift. 

In this weeks podcast episode I talk about a gift that you may not realise you can claim, and how it could benefit you too. 

Best wishes, 

James

A Romantic Evening Gone Wrong!

A sincere and genuine 'Thank You', as the podcast channel has just reached 6000 plays. So as a break from the normal content on here, I wanted to share a true but funny story from my past.

I hope you like it!

Best wishes, 

James

#rightyourownstory #thankyou #truestory

Other links that may interest you:

#79 - Tune In And Tune Out

We all operate on frequencies, either consciously or unconsciously, and these 'frequencies' can either be positive or negative. 

If you are unconsciously tuning into a negative frequency, you will feel .......... negative. 

Whereas if you are tuning into a positive frequency, you will feel positive. 

Yes, I know that is very obvious, yet so many do not actively decide what they are tuning into, to their detriment. 

So in this podcast episode, I talk about getting your control back regarding your frequencies, tuning into what you want, AND tuning out of what you need to tune out. 

That becomes a win-win, and if you are a regular listener on here you will know how I do like a win-win.

I hope you like this episode.

Best wishes, 

James

A Painful Mistake, And The Law Of Sacrifice

In this podcast episode, I talk about a painful lesson I learned, and a concept called 'The Law Of Sacrifice', which is a life-coaching concept. When you combine the two, you become very resilient. 

Useful links

Lessons We Can Learn From Trees.

In this podcast episode, I talk about lessons we can learn from trees, (and there are LOTS), but you have probably not thought of it in this way before.

We are actually more similar than you think!

Useful links

The Seven Whys. 

In this podcast episode, I talk about a discovery exercise called 'The Seven Whys', and how it can lead you to either continue a healthy habit or behaviour, or help you find the reasons to eliminate it.

Either way, it's a win-win scenario, but only IF you act on it.

It really helps you go down the rabbit hole with your own thoughts, (and there is treasure down there if you look for it!)

I hope you enjoy it.

Best wishes,

James

Making A Decision.

Making a decision can be really hard. Should you take option A or option B? Are they the only options? For many, the stress of it all makes them make no decision, but there is a huge error in this.

Making 'no decision' is still making a decision.

So in this podcast episode, I give a few ideas to help you with this.

I hope you enjoy it.

Best wishes, 

James

Right Your Own Story Ltd

In this podcast episode called, 'Let's Clean Up' I talk about a little revelation I made recently regarding a hoover of all things!

Me being me, I do like to go down the rabbit hole with these little discoveries and see how I can learn and then apply them to my life. 

I mention a few things in the podcast, so here are all the links as promised:

The Hall Of A Thousand Mirrors.

In this weeks podcast episode, I tell a wonderful story I heard recently called, 'The Hall Of A Thousand Mirrors'.

I also talk about the power of choosing to put some goodness out into the universe too. 

I hope you like this episode.

Best wishes, 

James

Let's Get Real For 2023.

We have all made those New Year resolutions with the best of intentions, only to fall off the horse sometime in January. (You know that's true).

Well, how about approaching this differently this time?

In this episode, I talk about how to start saving NOW for next December (you end up with £1378 if you follow the plan).

PLUS, I have just set up a private Facebook group to help you not only set the resolutions properly but also keep on track so you achieve them too. 

An Out Of Body Experience.

In this week's podcast episode I talk about an out of body experience I once had, which was not a pleasant one at all.

Have you ever had an out of body experience yourself? I would be really interested to hear about your experience. 

The Scorpion And The Frog. 

In this podcast episode I tell a story of 'The Scorpion and the Frog', and how you may resonate or identify with it. 

I also offer a solution if you have, and what to do to take the first step to address it.  

What is Shadow Therapy?

Shadow Therapy, sometimes called 'Shadow Self' or 'Shadow Work', is a concept by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung. 

Jung believed that we all have a Shadow Self, a part of us that we keep locked away or hidden, consciously or unconsciously, and for a variety of reasons too. 

Shadow Therapy is when a client is encouraged to look at this, understand why it is there, get clarity of where it comes from, and potentially transform it into something else. 

It is a fascinating form of therapy. 

I hope you enjoy this episode.

Best wishes, 

James

Are you STRESSED?

As Christmas approaches, stress levels can definitely increase. There are the finances, the expectations, the planning, the shopping, and perhaps having to tolerate 'Uncle Bob' who drives you to distraction, and he is coming to dinner this year!

In this podcast episode, I give two ideas to consider. 

The first is 'Box Breathing', created originally for special forces in stressful situations. 

The second idea are two books I would recommend, written by a friend and his wife, and specifically designed to reduce your stress levels. Both books are on Amazon.

The Remote Control. 

Control is a funny word. For some it can mean power, for others peace, and if you are not generally 'in' control can you really achieve either?  

We cannot obviously be in control of everything (and where would the fun be in that), but we can take steps to be MORE in control of ourselves.  

How Gratitude Can Change Your Life.

Gratitude is such a powerful concept, yet is used by only a small minority. However, those that know how powerful it can be use it daily, and I would strongly encourage you to start this too. 

In this episode, I talk about the power of gratitude, and give a few tips and ideas of how to start doing this yourself.

I hope you enjoy this episode. 

Did you know you can listen to these podcast episodes on all the major players?

Click on the links below to find them all, and remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.  

#65 - The Four Seasons

In this podcast episode I talk about the four seasons and how we can look to plan our future by working with them, rather than against them.

I hope you like this episode. 

Best wishes, 

James

#64 - Stories We Tell Ourselves (and my NEW BOOK is out!)

In this podcast episode I talk about the power of the stories we tell ourselves, the benefit of questioning the validity of these stories, and the release of my new book, 'Stories And Metaphors For Therapists', which is also available as an audiobook too on Amazon and Audible.

A Thank You, A Small Secret, and A Top Tip.

In this weeks podcast episode I say a sincere 'Thank You' too all of the listeners and supporters of this channel. It is very much appreciated and I do enjoy creating the content for you. I hope it is helping and inspiring. If you would like certain things covered or discussed, please just ask. 

The Chimp Paradox - How To Control Your Emotions

Do you find yourself ever getting the 'Red Mist' at times, saying or doing something that you regret, and it's almost as if someone else is in control of you? 

That's because it is. It is your chimp!

#61 - Let's Declutter!

In this week's podcast episode, I talk about the benefit of decluttering, a recent thing I have been doing myself at home. I also talk about the benefits of having a mental declutter too!