The Creative Giant Show with Charlie Gilkey

Peter Droppers said, the only things that evolve by themselves in an organization are disorder, friction, and malperformance. In a similar vein, it seems that businesses and organizations naturally tilt towards complexity, much to the dismay and frustration of the people and those who interact with them. You can’t beat complexity with more complexity. Ken Segall joins me today to share how leaders have to think simple to counteract complexity in their organizations. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:03] Learn more about Ken Segall, author of The New York Times bestseller Insanely Simple and the new sequel, Think Simple. [3:14] What inspired the creation of Think Simple following Insanely Simple? [6:21] What is it about simplicity that makes it so hard for organizations to stick with or cling to? [10:23] Why simple solutions or simple creative efforts are typically overlooked. [15:45] What has surprised Ken about big companies and simplification? [21:08] Hear about Ken’s experience with writing Think Simple. [30:03] Ken shares his view on what made Steve Jobs special. [31:58] The 85% solution for beating complexity.  [36:51] The one thing Ken wants listeners to remember about him and his body of work.   Mentioned in This Episode: Ken Segall Books by Ken Segall Think Simple Insanely Simple Brian Hartzer, Westpac CEO and Huge Fan of Simplicity Steve Jobs

There are two myths about being a successful creative that get us into a lot of troub. One, that doing it by yourself is better and two, that having a creative partner would make life so much easier. It turns out that neither is true, at least for most people. Leah Heinz and Naz Murphy join me today to discuss how their uncomfortable friendship is the source of their personal and professional growth. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [0:52] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #95.  [1:58] Charlie introduces Leah & Naz, co-founders of The Connection Effect.  [4:59] The story of how Leah & Naz started a business together. [13:08] Realizing there are individual differences in the way one works in the world. [24:08] Recognizing growth moments and overcoming challenging times.  [31:20] How to have a great business relationship and face the differences in any relationship. [37:55] Reconciling your different money stories in a business partnership. [44:33] The beauty of a creative partnership. [49:17] Being outcome-focused and individual shifts in energy can be helpful with switches in responsibilities. [57:56] Changing their brand name from The Ripple to The Connection Effect. [63:59] Leah and Naz offer a key piece of advice on having a creative partnership that works.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant The Connection Effect The Connection Effect on Facebook Live Your Legend

Today’s episode is a rerun of one of my favorite episodes, episode 3 with Seth Godin. We’re doing a rerun today for several reasons: 1) I wanted to share some of our past episodes, that were fantastic, with new listeners who may not have scrolled all the way to the bottom of the episode list to see this one; 2) I think it’s time for everyone to reconsider how they’re not picking themselves; and 3) I wanted to remind people who are thinking about putting their art out there, whether their art is a podcast, a blog post, a book, a new initiative at work, music, or whatever - that it always amounts to just putting it out there and then doing it again. We have come a long way with The Creative Giant Show, so much so that the audio and my discomfort in this episode makes me cringe, but the chief thing is that we started and I’m so grateful for everyone for sticking with us. As always, I hope the content and the example help you pick yourself and get your art out there. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:37] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #94. [2:54] Find out the story behind episode 3 with Charlie’s mentor from afar, and long-time hero Seth Godin. [8:32] How to Pick yourself. [16:17] Seth asks - “What are you going to do tomorrow that’s going to make you more connected to what you’re doing today?” [18:14] What it takes to be a genius.  [19:51] What was it about The Icarus Deception that scared Seth? [24:50] Why people are afraid of being successful.  [30:06] Seth believes one way we get in trouble is by misunderstanding success. [32:47] How to use a given feeling to motivate yourself. [35:35] Seth’s final words of wisdom.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant Seth Godin TED Talk by Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius Books by Seth Godin

While a lot of career paths aren’t linear, Creative Giants in particular often seem to have dramatically, nonlinear career progressions. One of the reasons for this is that we’re often actually pursuing multiple passions or growth edges at once. Kristoffer Carter (K.C.) joins me today to share his journey from a corporate sales guy to creative powerhouse and back to a corporate catalyst for mindfulness. It’s a wild journey but that’s a bit par for the course with K.C. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [0:57] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #93. [1:58] Who is Kristoffer Carter (aka K.C.)? [4:42] How did Charlie challenge K.C. when he thought he had to quit his job at the Good Life Project? [8:48] What is Kriya Yoga and how has it helped K.C. focus on the good? [11:53] K.C. on his spiritual practice, his meditation teaching, cumulative deposit and compounding return.  [15:18] K.C. talks about having had 3 jobs and realizing that he doesn’t need to be “all these things to all these people.” [19:28] How does K.C. negotiate those over-reaches? [21:52] Time to go on a spiritual sabbatical! K.C. shares the story. [24:50] K.C. shares a little bit about the time he took a sabbatical. [29:45] If he only had to choose one of the 3 core programs from the Camelot Culture Group, which one would K.C. focus on and why? [32:16] What about what K.C. is going through right now most terrifies or challenges him? [34:12] Looking back, what did K.C. think was going to be really hard that turned out not be as difficult as he thought it would be? [35:37] K.C.’s main message from this episode.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant Good Life Project Centro This Epic Life Camelot Culture Group Autobiography of a Yogi by P. Yogananda

The pursuit of happiness is often tied to the acquisition of more stuff. But we should instead be asking how the stuff in our lives prevents us from being happy, creative and connected to the ones we love. Courtney Carver, from bemorewithless.com, joins me to discuss how simplicity and minimalism is a path to love and freedom. It’s not about letting go but getting back. She also prompts me into reefing about why we need more diversity in the productivity and minimalist spaces. So you might find that interesting if you’ve ever wondered about it. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:06] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #92. [2:10] Who is Courtney Carver? [3:42] How did Courtney’s journey toward simplicity and minimalism work for her? [6:03] What is meant by minimalism & simplicity in the context of today’s discussion? [9:49] Project 333 is a minimalist fashion challenge. Courtney elaborates. [16:40] “If I let all of that go, then who am I?” is a scary question that can surface when you dig deep enough. [21:19] Courtney believes that simplicity is the way back to love. [23:41] What to do when you can’t buy yourself out of your suffering.  [30:27] Women vs. men in the simplicity/minimalism space. [33:22] Women vs. men in the productivity space - is there a problem? [40:03] Minimalism is not about giving up, it’s about getting back! There is a lot of ‘getting rid of things’ but it’s to make space for the things that you care about. [43:28] Looking for that inspiration to spark the start of your minimalist journey and wondering where to start? [46:10] Courtney’s one message for listeners: simplicity will bring you back to love if you give it a chance.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant Be More With Less Be More With Less on Facebook Courneycarver.com Project 333 The Life Changing Magic of Tidying UP, Book by Marie Kondo The More of Less, Book by Joshua Becker Colin Wright Tammy Strobel Minimalist.com

It’s easy for coaches to not walk their talk. Especially, since we are so focused on transformation and transitions. While the outcome of transformations and transitions are great, the process isn't comfortable for anyone, including the coaches who facilitate said growth. Andrea Lee joins me today to share her transition from one of the top pioneering business coaches to a blank_er_ slate as a humanistic writer. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:00] Thank you to SaneBox for sponsoring episode #91. [2:07] Who is Andrea Lee? [5:49] Back to 1998 and how Andrea’s career transpired. [8:40] What’s changed in the coaching world from the client’s perspective? Andrea weighs in on the pros & cons. [10:37] Back to 1998 and what happened after Andrea got hired as a customer service rep. [12:15] What is the life time membership model created by Thomas Leonard? What happened to this lifetime membership after his passing? [15:11] One of Andrea’s main takeaways after Thomas’s passing is that every day counts.  [17:37] How did Thomas’s passing propel her towards becoming a thought leader? [20:23] What about sabbaticals between Multiple Streams and Thought Partners? [24:43] Andrea’s piercing thoughts right now! [28:10] Andrea speaks to the tension that she describes as “a big giant co-dependence mess”. [33:54] A discussion on resetting relationship dynamics and resetting our own understanding of how we relate to the world. [38:45] Andrea feels very clean and settled about her essence. [40:30] Have you read “In The Name of Identify” by Amin Maalouf? [44:16] How is Andrea’s Rubik’s cube spinning for her right now? [47:16] Andrea is writing something else right now but it’s very raw at the moment. She shares more about this new work. [51:49] What’s the most unanticipated challenge Andrea is facing right now? [54:06] Andrea’s main message is to be brave and listen within.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant Thomas Leonard Multiple Streams of Coaching Income, Book by Andrea J. Lee Tara Gentile’s Quiet Power Strategy In The Name of Identity, Book by Amin Maalouf We Need to Talk by Andrea J. Lee

This is our first Q & A episode and I’m excited about it. In today’s episode I discuss: 1) creative ways to use the results from your productivity heat map, 2) how I suggest people approach heat mapping when their schedule is largely determined by somebody else, and 3) what tools I use for blogging. At the end of the episode I’ll let you know a few of the other questions I’m going to be answering in the next Q & A so keep your ears open for that. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [0:56] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #90. [2:00] What’s going on with the format of the show? [6:11] Question #1 from Jennifer - What are some creative ways to use the results from your productivity heat map? [7:59] Think about the 4 different types of blocks you might have throughout your day - Creative, Social or Service, Admin, and Recovery. [9:05] What’s the schedule sorting game and when should you play it?  [10:35] Basically, you plan your day based upon the different blocks & you use those blocks very seriously. [16:30] Question #2 from Laura - How does Charlie suggest to approach heat mapping when your schedule is largely determined by somebody else? [18:32] Charlie's first tip is to un-schedule a day from your schedule. [20:22] Charlie’s second tip is to separate what’s on your schedule with how you actually feel. [22:25] Bottom line on what to do when you don’t have autonomy over your schedule? Listen in for the communication piece you can steal and use with your workplace. [25:23] Question #3 from Patricia - What tools does Charlie use for blogging? [26:22] Writing tools: TextMate or Lightroom, then copied them into WordPress. [28:17] Charlie uses an Idea Garden to capture blog post ideas. [29:05] Another tool is the Blog Post Calendar which you can download for free. [30:04] Charlie uses Jetpack by WordPress and Google Analytics to keep track of stats. [31:21] Charlie catalogs posts mostly by memory. [32:05] Social media tools: The native platforms like Twitter, Facebook, then Buffer and now Edgar.  [33:25] What about refreshing and recycling social media content? [37:36] A recap of the tools: Google Docs, Jetpack for WordPress Stats or Google Analytics, Blog Post Calendar, Edgar, and Rainmaker. [38:11] Big thanks to Jennifer Layton, Laura Hackle and Patricia Bravo for their great questions. [38:21] Coming up on the next Q & A: Examples of triggers & why they matter, how Charlie worked through with what needed to happen with the Live Your Legend transition, and maybe one of your questions which you can email to charlie@prductiveflourishing.com. [38:39] If you liked this episode or the show in general, please leave a review or rating on iTunes to help us reach more people. Go to bit.ly/creativegiantshowfaq for a walkthrough on how to do this!       Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant @CharlieGilkey on Twitter Episode 47: The Future of the Creative Giant Show Get more done in less time by heat mapping your productivity Idea Garden The Blog Post Planner and Calendar TextMate Lightroom WordPress Markdown Jetpack for WordPress Google Docs WordPress Stats Google Analytics Edgar Rainmaker

Think about what comes to mind when I ask you to think about a marketer or sales person. Be honest! Did you think of a smart, soft spoken, insightful woman? If not, I hope today’s episode changes that for you. Sonia Simone is a marketing trend setter and founding partner of Rainmaker Digital, formerly Copyblogger Media. Throughout our conversation, she reveals how a risk averse, introverted and insanely curious writer became one of the leading voices in digital marketing today. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:03] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #89. [2:17] Charlie introduces Sonia and her line of work. [4:22] What is it about marketing that got Sonia involved? [6:34] There is an invisible aspect of digital marketing. Sonia explains. [8:01] Sonia has always approached marketing from the content marketing perspective, even before there was a word for it. [10:25] Marketing and selling are learnable skill sets; you don’t need to be born with them. [12:29] Every human being on this planet has a certain set of assets and a certain set of constraints. [15:28] Barriers are a lot easier to step over in digital platforms. [18:39] Sonia walks us through her journey from corporate to Copyblogger. [25:22] Sonia speaks on folks out there that sell business advice based on the fast outliers. [28:58] Sonia likes Chris Gilbo’s flavor of entrepreneur teaching because it includes a big minimalist component.  [32:06] Sonia talks on Clay Collins’ vision of being a business owner. [34:10] “What’s the shortest line between me and a cheque?” - Naomi Dunford [36:40] Internet Marketing for Smart People vs. Nice People!! [39:49] Sonia has been highly focused on values lately. [44:10] Naomi writes 85% of the things she says in her podcast Confessions of a Pink-Haired Marketer, which she has been her primary focus lately. [48:34] What’s the most unanticipated challenge Sonia is currently facing? [52:05] Sonia’s final words of advice: “Be honest about your own set of Legos and don’t try to build somebody else’s thing.”   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant www.copyblogger.com Rainmaker Digital Remarkable Communication Clay Collins Naomi Dunford Internet Marketing for Smart People Confessions of a Pink-Haired Marketer Podcast

This is a jam between Angel and I on what happens when you go against your daily rhythms and having awareness and synchronicity with your natural biorhythms. We also chat about creative energy, adapting to schedule shifts, peak creative times, “screen sucking”, schedule optimization, and more. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [0:32] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #88. [1:40] What’s been going on since Angela and Charlie’s last podcast? [3:33] What are biorhythms? [5:03] Spring is in the air and there is a lot of shift in people’s creative energy. [6:11] Charlie has shifted his native biorhythm to meeting in the mornings and creating in the afternoons. How is this new schedule change working for him? [7:40] What are Angela’s peak creative times? [8:32] This industrial biorhythms a lot of us are on is actually not natural in some ways. [11:11] If Charlie already knew what his creative peak times were, why did he change it? [14:15] The difference between theory and practice is that in theory there’s no difference between theory and practice! [19:46] Angela weighs in on how technology and modernity has changed our natural biorhythms. How does this relate to habit changes? [21:56] Charlie goes on a social media rant as it relates to “screen sucking”. [25:24] Charlie knows when he’s “screen sucking” but he stops and asks if what he is doing is nourishing. [27:34] Charlie’s new schedule has resulted in him getting a lot more done in the last couple of weeks but it’s not sustainable. [30:38] When did Charlie know his schedule change was not going to be sustainable in the long term. [36:20] The point Charlie wants to drive home is to pay attention to what parts of your schedule are working for you and what aren’t. [36:34] Angela and Charlie discuss the challenges women face with regards to their biorhythms and how they internalize set expectations. [40:11] What’s your natural biorhythm? Lean in to that! [40:44] How can you plan and negotiate your day so that you’re really tapping into the energy when it’s best for you, and not doing things at the wrong time. [40:59] What are the signals that you use to gauge whether you’re energetically on point? [41:27] What permission will you give yourself to explore creating a schedule that’s more nourishing for you? [42:07] Angela’s gentle reminder: practice compassion with yourself while you’re going through these changes.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant Heat Mapping Your Productivity Charlie Gilkey The Night Owl Manifesto by Mike Vardy

As uncomfortable as it is to make big changes in life no matter what those changes are, fear kicks into overdrive when you’re changing great careers and great jobs. Michelle Bushneff joins me today to share her purpose-filled pioneering journey from software companies to Athleta to her own consultancy and now back to more full-time positions. We explore the difference between passion and purpose, second acts and the changing realities of being a woman in today’s business world. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:03] Charlie tells us a little bit about Michelle Bushneff. [3:52] Which two common threads have bound all of Michelle’s different projects? [6:13] Michelle has played an important role in using emerging media & technologies to give women a voice, but also to serve women better. [7:00] Being a part of helping to shift dynamics in the business world in terms of women & leadership roles. [8:03] What are some of the biggest shifts Michelle has seen in terms of new and emerging opportunities for women? [11:56] Social media as a personal publishing platform has had such a huge impact for women. [13:31] The distinction between passion and purpose. [17:14] What is Michelle passionate about and what is the purpose behind it for her? [18:37] How did she know it was fear that was holding her back in her career? How does the fear come into play for her? [21:38] Michelle is not a fan of her awful commute but it’s OK because where she’s going serves her purpose. [24:55] What elements in Michelle’s work have been out of her passion or purpose box? [27:48] Michelle talks on her journey of taking a leap from Athleta to consulting to now working full-time. [32:55] There are always tradeoffs in life!  [33:52] Figuring out how there was a better way to go about fulfilling her purpose. [36:52] Michelle shares advice on staying real. [40:49] Michelle shares how all the inspiration out there has infused her with inspiration. [43:08] Having humility and a lifelong learner mindset and embracing it. [45:46] The more diversity you can bring into an environment the more potential there is for something exceptional to happen. [46:31] What is the most unanticipated challenge Michelle is currently facing? [48:29] Michelle wants people to stay purpose-focused and not be afraid to take some leaps.     Mentioned in This Episode: Athleta Michelle Bushneff on LinkedIn @BIGthinkster on Twitter www.bigthinkster.com

A lot of our decisions revolve around enhancing our own freedom. The challenge is that there are two distinct kinds of freedom that are often in tension and lead us to making decisions that keep us from flourishing and being our best selves in the world. In today’s solo riff, I’m going to explore the two concepts of freedom and how they lead to different outcomes.   Key Takeaways: [0:49] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #86. [1:50] Have you ever made a choice to increase your freedom only to figure out you were no happier afterwards? [1:56] Or have you ever found you’ve been the most happy during times in which you were the least free? [2:02] If so, you’ve experienced the reality of there being two kinds of freedom: Negative freedom and positive freedom. [2:54] The two concepts of freedom often hang in tension with one another experientially. [3:14] The distinction between the two concepts of freedom becomes even more tense for those of us who are service-focused & enjoy working in groups. But how? [4:58] Entrepreneurship and having a small business gives you the option to choose which interferences and inconveniences you want to face. [6:45] The distinction between positive and negative freedom is not new. In 1958, Isaiah Berlinshared a philosophical lecture called Two concepts of Liberty. [9:22] What constraints will give you the most positive freedom? What do positive freedom and negative freedom each gives us? [9:56] Freedom shares the same relationships with constraints as creativity does with structure. [11:10] Picking a business strategy or model and sticking with it enables more positive freedom for your business. [11:32] A better question than “How can I be free?” is “What conditions enable me to thrive and what do I need to do to get them in place?”   Mentioned in This Episode: www.sanebox.com/Giant Two Concepts of Liberty by Isaiah Berlin

Each of us wears a different mask every day, whether that mask is being a mother, a creative person, a brother or a manger. Knowing when we’re wearing the right one and which ones not to reveal, is key to our success and happiness. Dr. Atira Charles joins me today to jam about how the mask we wear relates to authenticity, vulnerability, productivity and stress. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [0:54] Charlie tells us a little bit about Dr. Atira Charles. [2:19] Dr. Charles speaks on wearing many different masks in life and how that relates to our sense of identity. [4:23] There are different ways to wear a mask and we can be or not be aware of whether we’re wearing one or which one we’re wearing. [5:01] Dr. Charles gives an example to explain what she means by “a mask” and how that can set different expectations. [6:41] People are so reactive that we’re not pro-active. [7:46] We’re either self-defined or auto-defined. Dr. Charles explains the difference. [9:54] Identity can be a source of affirmation and pride or it can be a source of threat. But different identities can exist at the same time. [14:14] How can we analyze the mask we are wearing and determine if it’s the right one for us at a given time? [19:06] There is a fine balance between transparency and vulnerability. [23:48] What are the most valuable and emotionally charged masks we can wear? [28:47] Masks are not something to hide and conceal. It’s about when to wear which ones. [29:52] What are the emotional and psychological consequences of having a creative thirst that’s never quenched? [33:31] Charlie and Dr. Charles discuss instant gratification and how it relates to self-identity. [37:26] In any situation certain identities we have, no matter what space we’re in, are who we are. What are your unwavering self-identities? [39:20] How can a manufactured urgency for insatiability come from external pressures? [41:05] Have peace about where your stage is because all comparisons are not equal. [44:40] What’s the most unanticipated challenge Dr. Charles is currently facing? [46:41] The one thing Dr. Charles wants everyone to take away from this episode.   Mentioned in This Episode: @DrAtiraCharles on Twitter www.ourmasks.com

Something we don’t talk about enough is that many entrepreneurs and small business owners realize being in that space isn’t necessarily right for them. Sometimes it’s about business models and market trends, and yet other times it has nothing to do with those external conditions. But given that being an entrepreneur or small business owner is a core way of understanding their place in the world, it can be hard to take the next right step for them without feeling shame, grief, frustration or anger. Laura Neff joins me today to share what she has learned as someone who stepped away from one small business she started and grew; and is potentially stepping away from her current one into something bigger and better. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:09] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #84. [2:13] Charlie tells us a little bit about Laura Neff. [4:46] How did Laura get to the point of realizing she may not be going down the road that’s going to flourish her the best? [7:58] Charlie loves teams and achieving goals in a team format. [9:45] One of the #1 core values Laura has noticed people have in common is freedom. [11:46] Charlie’s #1 rule for insight: whenever you come up with an ‘either/or’, realize that it’s a false dichotomy. [13:57] What has Laura realized is so appealing about going back to a corporate structure? [17:29] Why is it not so simple to know what you want to do? Laura explains. [22:44] Laura believes in the next couple of years we’re going to see a bit of an ‘exitist’ from the solopreneur/entrepreneur online business space. Charlie agrees! [26:21] Laura embraces the organic unfolding of what’s to come and not knowing what is next. [31:51] Laura describes a mental image of the organic unfolding she speaks of. [34:03] What is the one main message Laura wants listeners to take away? [34:36] Laura’s challenge for listeners is to get real.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox www.lifeleadershipcentral.com Two Concepts of Freedom by Charlie Gilkey

Every one of us has our own unique set of challenges and negative beliefs that keep us from living life to the fullest. To thrive, we have to develop rituals, practices and methods that help us root out the negative thoughts and beliefs that are hurting our productivity, goals, health and relationships. Marc and Angel join me today to share the practices, tools and insights that helped them in their journey from newlyweds and trying circumstances to being recognized by Forbes as the creators of one of the most popular personal development blogs in the world. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:02] Charlie tells us a little bit about Marc and Angel Chernoff. [3:24] Marc tells us about the early days in his and Angel’s journey. [6:01] How did their blog, marcandangel.com, evolve? [9:15] Marc talks on the shift in expectations in relation to the ‘hockey stick’ effect. [10:48] What were some of the mindsets and limiting beliefs Marc and Angel struggled with? [14:33] When you’re faced with two opportunities, always go with the one that scares you the most because that’s the one that you’re going to be able to grow with the most. [18:27] A huge part about being grounded is simply, gratitude. [19:14] Implementing very small rituals can help you make positive changes. [20:31] You have to have a contingency plan. Always ask what’s the worst and best thing that can happen and be prepared for it. [24:22] Back in 2006, Angel and Marc were faced with lots of tragedies. Angels talks on how they overcame some of those challenges. [27:45] Marc speaks on some of the relationship challenges they faced. [29:18] How do Angel and Marc keep things healthy and warm given the nature of their professional relationship? [31:39] Journaling and self-enquiry are two major tools that Marc uses to work through his perfectionistic tendencies. [35:14] Distractions and working on multiple things at once is something Angel has to work through. [37:03] What’s the most powerful story they have told themselves and how was it created? [41:30] Parenting has turned out to be the most unanticipated challenge for Angel and Marc. [45:29] Don’t doubt yourself. You’re the most important person in your life.   Mentioned in This Episode: www.marcandangel.com 1,000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently by Marc and Angel Chernoff  

All too often, exercise and movement are put in a different bucket of activities than those that count towards being productive. Unfortunately, that’s backwards. Exercise is a foundation for success, so focusing on our health and fitness is one of the most productive things we can do. Mike Goncalves joins me today to talk about the relationship between creativity, confidence, priorities, and exercise. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [0:56] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode 82 of The Creative Giant Show. [2:00] Charlie tells us a little bit about Mike Goncalves. [3:23] Mike believes exercising helps us to become more creative.   [5:25] When you’re at your best, everything else benefits, but we tend to prioritize ourselves last, rather than first. [7:22] If you want to excel at any part of your life, you have to take up exercise, fitness, and healthy eating.   [9:30] How do we get past that feeling of not wanting to get up and start exercising? [11:29] What can you do when you have ‘zero’ time for exercise? [12:41] Email Mike to respond to his challenge. He answers all his emails personally. [13:37] What 5 exercises can you do in 5 minutes? Try doing each one for a minute and shoot Mike an email to let him know how it felt. [15:19] How does focusing on your own health and happiness inspire others? [18:52] Motion Effects Emotion! Studies show over and over again that even a simple 15-20 min walk changes your confidence level and energy.   [20:54] What are some of Mike’s areas for self-improvement and growth? [22:16] How does Mike work through all the "I have to’s"? [23:28] What’s Mike’s biggest challenge right now and how is exercise helping him move through it? [25:38] Mike identifies himself as the ‘fitness guy’ and that helps him do what needs to get done. [27:45] Exercise is the foundation for success. [30:26] A study found that one of the top reasons health resolutions don’t last is because we come out of the gate too fast, swinging too aggressively, so it’s not sustainable. [31:37] Try doing these 5 exercises: jumping jacks, burpees, pushups, abdominal/bicycle, abdominal/plank. [34:05] You have to focus on where you are and not where you think you should be. [36:22] The one message Mike wants to leave us with.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox Mike’s Email: mike@thewellnessbucket.com Mike Goncalves (@WellnessBucket) on Twitter www.thewellnessbucket.com Uncertainty by Jonathan Fields