Knowledge For Men

Jordan Harbinger, once referred to as “The Larry King of podcasting,” is a Wall Street lawyer turned talk show host, social dynamics expert, and entrepreneur.

After hosting a top 50 iTunes podcast for over a decade that enjoyed nearly four million downloads a month at its zenith, Jordan has embarked on a new adventure: The Jordan Harbinger Show, where he deconstructs the playbooks of the most successful people on earth and shares their strategies, perspectives, and insights with the rest of us.

Jordan’s business sense, extensive knowledge of the industry, and contemporary approach to teaching make him one of the best and most sought-after coaches in the world.

You can learn more about Jordan and follow his new podcast at jordanharbinger.com 

Favorite Success Quote

"Fortune favors the bold" ~Latin Proverb 

Key Points

1. Find the Silver Lining 

Stuff happens. 

It's an inevitability of life. 

Things will not go your way. Partners will leave you. Employees will steal from you. Friends will betray you. 

This isn't a pessimistic outlook on life, it's simply the reality of the world we live in. 

As such, the question is not if these events will happen but how you will respond when they do. 

In every negative situation, every layoff, divorce, breakup, and failure, you have one of two choices. 

You can throw yourself a pity party, whine, moan, and cry that your life isn't where you want it to be. Or you can find the silver lining and move forward with your life. 

Every door that closes opens up a new one. Every failed endeavor frees up your time and resources to pursue a new one. Everything that you currently think sucks has a silver lining... If you're willing to look for it. 

Learn to make the best of any situation and use adversity to your advantage and you will become unstoppable in your business, relationships, and life. 

2. Dig the Well Before You're Thirsty 

There is an old proverb that states, "Dig the well before you are thirsty". 

And truer words have yet to be spoken. 

In every area of life, you must learn to cultivate a proactive attitude instead of a reactive one. 

In your finances, set aside money each month and invest in your future so that when the unexpected happens, you are prepared. 

In your relationship, create your own social circle and build your own life so that, even if your partner leaves you, you aren't left out in the cold. 

In your business and career, learn to cultivate powerful relationships with people when you have no agenda so that, if and when something happens (like a layoff or bankruptcy) you have a network of friends who will come to your aid and support you. 

Take preemptive action in your life to avoid and recover from tragedies before they happen. 

As I've already said, it's not a matter of if something bad will happen, it's a matter of when. 

Plan for these crises and prepare for them before you need to.

Your future self will thank you. 

3. Don't Wait on Other People 

Whether it's a business partner, spouse, or friend you can never allow your momentum in life to be dictated by another person. 

Don't wait for someone else to get on board with your mission and vision. 

Simply take action and move forward. 

If your business partner or significant other is dragging their feet and screwing around with regards to your vision and important goals, fine. Take action without them and move forward on your own. 

You can spend years or even decades waiting for someone else to come through, all the while missing opportunities and possibilities in your own life. 

Don't let this happen to you... 

Chart your own path and move forward whether the people around you are on board or not.  

4. Don't Sacrifice Success for Other People's Comfort 

In many relationships, people will avoid having difficult conversations with their partner because they don't want to hurt the other person. 

For example... 

A wife might avoid talking to her alcoholic husband about his drinking problem because she doesn't want to upset him. 

A man might avoid talking to his girlfriend about her lackluster work ethic and spending problem because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings. 

A business partner might avoid calling his team out for laziness because he doesn't want to be seen as overly critical or negative. 

Stop! 

In all of these situations, the uncomfortable conversation is necessary. 

Unless you are willing to step up, make other people uncomfortable, and call them out on their b.s., they will never change. 

You will never move forward in life and eventually, the relationship will implode. 

Be willing to take a stand for yourself and let other people know when they've violated a boundary or acted in a manner that is unacceptable. 

Otherwise, you will live in a constant fairytale and fail to achieve the life you want. 

5. Do the Things Today that Your Future Self Will Thank You For 

Every day, you have a choice. 

You can either choose to live for the moment or the future. 

While it's all fine and dandy to be present, it's even more important that you are acting in a way today that your future self will thank you for. 

What would make your future self-smile? 

Eating that piece of cake or eating a salad? 

Skipping the gym because you're tired or staying commited to your training? 

Talking to that cute guy/girl or letting fear hold you back from the relationships you want? 

Working hard on your side hustle or goofing off with YouTube and video games? 

You have a choice to create the life that you want. 

The only question is, "What choice are you going to make?"

Next Steps 

Thanks for listening! If you found this content helpful, please pay it forward by sharing it on your favorite social media channel so that other men can benefit from the lessons and strategies we’ve discussed.

If you’d like to learn more about the concepts and strategies I’ve shared here today, then you can get my FREE 3 part video training series on becoming a stronger more Grounded man so that you can build a life of freedom, success, and happiness. Just click here to claim your free training today.

Direct download: Jordan_Harbinger_4.mp3
Category:Success and Life Advice -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Dr. Andrew Hill received his PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from UCLA in 2012, studying how attention operates in the brain. He is currently lecturing for the Undergraduate Education Initiatives program at UCLA, teaching a course sequence gerontology, and the neuroscience of healthy brain aging.

Dr. Hill has published chapters on measuring and modulating human attention, and continues to research self regulation.

Favorite Success Quote

“Do what you love and the money will follow” ~Marsha Sinetar

Key Points

1. If you do not do what you love, you may achieve success but it will not be your success

Many men exemplify the qualities of successful individuals. They have drive, they have ambition and they have an innovative mind. But if you are not actively putting your skills and traits into building the life and business of your dreams, the successes you achieve will not fulfill you.

As the old saying goes “You may climb all the way to the top of the ladder only to find it is leaning on the wrong wall.” Don’t lean your ladder on the wrong wall. Life is short, make the most of it. Do what you love, do it with  a passion, do it will more heart and soul than anyone else, and all the fame, recognition, and money that you have sought after will come.

2. Practice Meditation 

One of the only free methods of cognitive training, mindful meditation has been proven to aid in several neurological functions. From improving your attention control, to memory to, to reducing stress and inflammation, meditation is one of the most beneficial and accessible forms neuro training available.

Studies have also shown that the amount of time you spend meditating actually matters less than the consistency with which you practice, so 3 minutes a day immediately after waking up is more beneficial than an hour once a week.

3. Basic Healthy Habits Increase Brain Health

The best way to increase overall brain health is to improve the quality of your overall health. Eat a diet that is low in starch and sugar and high in fats, exercise in some way every day, and ensure that you are getting at least 6 hours of quality sleep every night.

Without a basic foundation, no amount of nootropics or electrode stimulation will turn you into the high achieving machine you want to be.

4. Exercise Caution when Using Nootropics

A relatively new form of supplement, nootropics are cognitive enhancers that aid in: memory, mental agility, alertness, and overall brain function. However, because of how new the industry is, and the lack of FDA regulation, a large number of supplements on the market are complete bs. Before you purchase or more importantly ingest any nootropic, make sure that it is backed by research, testing, and lots of scientific evidence.

For a simple starter with nootropics, purchase L-Theanine oil and add it to your morning coffee. L-Theanine is a naturally occurring cognitive enhancer found in many teas and other similar drinks. It is inexpensive, completely safe to use, and overall, one of the best introductions to the world of neuro supplements.

5. Figure Out What You Would Do if You Knew You Couldn’t Fail

Many of us waste time in careers that don’t inspire us, relationships that don’t excite us, and lifestyles that don’t fulfill us. Of the many excuses and issues surrounding our complacency, one problem surfaces most of all: Fear of failure. What we must understand about failure is that it is rarely final, and almost never as devastating as we make it out to be in our minds.

Whatever you want to do, go after it like you knew you couldn’t fail. Put in the hours, grind it out, do the work, and what you will discover is that the failure you so dreaded likely never come to fruition. Instead you will be left with a fulfilling and exciting life like nothing you could have ever imagined.

6. Don’t Screw Around 

You only have a limited amount of time on this planet. Despite the societal idea that “30s are the new 20s” you will not live forever. You need to get your tail into gear now and start hustling to create the life that you want to live. Don’t wait for some day, don’t put off what you love for something you “have” to do, and don’t waste time on partying and intoxicants.

Start building the life you want now, so that you can have the future others will only dream of

Direct download: Andrew_Hill.mp3
Category:Success and Life Advice -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva, an online, graphics-design service, and an executive fellow at the Haas School of Business at U.C. Berkeley. Formerly, he was an advisor to the Motorola business unit of Google and chief evangelist of Apple. He is the author of The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and ten other books. Guy has a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from UCLA as well as an honorary doctorate from Babson College.

Favorite Success Quote

“If you believe it, you will see it” ~ Jesus Christ

Key Points

1. Things Are Seldom as Good or Bad as You Think

In life, you will be presented with numerous challenges and triumphs. Accompanying these experiences will be a roller coaster of emotions from tear drenched depression and frustration to euphoric highs of achievement. However, despite what you may feel in the present moment, things are rarely as good or bad as they appear.

The failure in your business or relationship is not the end of the world, and generating your first 7 figure company is not as life-alteringly incredible as it once seemed. As the Latin proverb states “En medio stat veritas,” the truth lays in the middle.

Learn to see life’s struggles and accomplishments for what they truly are and always keep perspective on the good and the bad.

2. Life is Short

Don’t waste  time waiting for tomorrow. If you want to build the business, build it, if you want to talk to the girl, do it, if you want to pack up and travel the world, now is as good a time as any. Do not wait for all the lights to turn green or for the stars to align, if you want something, make it happen. The only certainty in life is death, act in accordance.

3. Your Customer Cannot Tell You What They Want

Your customers are an excellent source for improving existing products, but they lack the innovation and vision to tell you what they really want. They did not know that they wanted an iPhone or Amazon.com or any of the other industry shattering creations of the past. It is up to you as a producer and entrepreneur to innovate and create something that alters the way the industry works

4. The Goal is To Ship

Your goal as a businessman is not to secure funding or build capital, but to ship. Ship your product or service as soon as humanly possible. Then, after you have shipped; learn, improve and ship again.

5. Tell a Story

If you want to connect with a customer or client, tell a story. Don’t hash out the same, dried up marketing hype surrounding every new product. Tell them a story that they can relate to, tell them a story about what your product can do for their lives, tell them a story about who you are and why you are doing what you are doing.

If you can engage your audience into your story, into your journey, you have a much greater chance of closing the sale and building customer loyalty in the long term.

6. Man Up

Quit whining, grow a pair, and put in the work. Quit complaining about how unfair life is and make something of it. If you want something, than go after it, pursue your goals tirelessly, never quit, and at the end of the day, you will achieve what you want.

7. Take Advantage of Opportunity

The biggest key to being a successful entrepreneur is to have the ability to seek out and take advantage of opportunity. When you see a viable opportunity, don’t be like most people who simply say “That’s a great idea,” or “Someone will make millions off that one day.” See the opportunity and take it. You never know when you may pass up on the next billion dollar enterprise

8. Work Your Butt Off 

“Good things come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle.” ~Abraham Lincoln

You cannot sit on the sidelines and expect the world to hand you the life of your dreams. You have to be willing to put in the work to make it happen. Wake up before everyone else, stay longer, train harder, invest more, educate yourself more. Do not settle for mediocre work. Strive to be above average, to be extraordinary.

Be willing to put in more work than anybody could reasonably expect of you, and you will achieve the results you want in less time than anyone could reasonably expect of you.

Direct download: Guy_Kawasaki.mp3
Category:Success and Life Advice -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Alistair Overeem is a Dutch mixed martial artist and professional fighter. He is one of the only fighters who holds a belt in different combat sports and the only mixed martial artists to win the K-1 Grad Prix Title. Alistair is currently training for his next fight against Roy Nelson on March 14th in Dallas, Texas.

Direct download: Alistair_Overeem.mp3
Category:Success and Life Advice -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Growing up in a fatherless home, Tony Little experienced significant adversity in his youth. After moving to Florida to live with his uncle, he began a career in bodybuilding winning the Mr. Florida title and being on track to win Mr. America before a tragic bus accident ended his bodybuilding career.

After a bout with depression and uncertainty, Tony decided to build a career in the fitness and advertising markets. Tony’s fitness products have grossed over $3 billion with over 45 million customers. At 57 Tony is still working in the fitness advertisement industry developing new and innovative products every year.

Favorite Success Quote

“When you change your mindset, you change your life. ” – Tony Little

Key Points

1. Change Your Environment Change Your Life
 

As a young man, Tony grew up in a small town with very few positive influences in his life. As such, he became involved with the wrong crowd at an early age experimenting with drugs and alcohol and butting heads with the law. After an unintentional GTA, his mom decided to move him to Florida to live with his uncle, and this is when his life changed.

By changing his environment, Tony was able to change his future. Regardless of your situation, there are probably some tweaks you can make in your environment to improve your life. Spend less time with unmotivated and uninspiring people, make your pantry more conducive to healthy eating, unplug your TV and buy more books, do whatever is necessary to get you to the life you want.

 
2. Fight Harder When Your Back is Against the Wall
 
Life is full of adversity, always has been, always will be. But the times when it is most difficult to be on our feet are the times when we need to stand strong the most. Whatever challenges life throws at you, do not cower from them, face them and overcome them. Fight like hell and never give up, because it is often the most difficult challenges that result in the greatest rewards.
 
3. Never Quit
 
Plain and simple, reaching your goals is difficult, but quitting wont make it any easier. You only have one shot at the game of life, so make it count. If you want something, fight for it, and don’t stop fighting until you get it. Don’t quit when you’re tired, quit when you’re finished.
 
4. Believe in Yourself
 
Henry Ford once said “Whether you believe you can or believe you can’t you are most certainly correct.” Believing you can do something does not ensure success, but believing that you cannot ensures failure.

 

If you believe in yourself and work tirelessly to make your vision a reality, you will inevitably succeed in some manner. However, lack of belief in self will prevent you from even taking the first step toward your goals.

Direct download: Tony_Little.mp3
Category:Success and Life Advice -- posted at: 9:43am EDT

Jeff Hoffman is a successful entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, published author, Hollywood film producer, and a producer of a Grammy-winning jazz album in 2015. He has been the founder of multiple startups, has been the CEO of both public and private companies, and has served as a senior executive in many capacities. Jeff has been part of a number of well-known companies, including Priceline.com. uBid.com, ColorJar, and more.

Jeff serves on the boards of companies in the US, Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in more than 150 countries. He also serves on the boards of Global Entrepreneurship Week and The Unreasonable Group. He supports the White House, the US State Department, the United Nations, and foreign governments on economic growth initiatives and entrepreneurship.

Jeff is a frequent keynote speaker, having been invited to speak in over 50 countries, on the topics of innovation, entrepreneurship, and business leadership. He is the co-author of the book SCALE, a how-to guide for growing your business. Jeff also teaches innovation workshops to major corporations on a regular basis. Jeff is a featured business expert seen on Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, CNN International, Bloomberg News, CNBC, ABC, and NPR, and in publications including Forbes, Inc., Time, Fast Company, the Wall Street Journal, and more

Key Points

1. Don't Fear Failure... Fear Not Trying 

Failure is an inevitable part of life. 

Most of us spend our whole lives trying to escape and avoid it when we should be running towards it. 

We've been taught our whole lives that failure is somehow a bad thing, that it means you aren't a "real" man, or that you aren't good enough. 

In reality, failure is simply feedback. 

Instead of running from failure, embrace it. 

Learn to fear not trying instead of failing. 

... When you fail, you grow, you learn, and you improve. 

When you allow your fear of failure to control your actions you end up paralyzed and never take action. 

As a result, you stagnate, burn out, and eventually die with your best work inside of you. 

2. Follow your Curiosity and Ignore the Labels 

It's easy to allow your label to control you. 

Think about it... 

How many times have you thought to yourself

"Wow, I'd love to dive into real estate investing, but I'm in IT, I can't do that" 

Or 

"I would really enjoy learning how to dance the Tango, but I'm a powerlifter so that'll never happen" 

Or even...

"I'd really love to produce an album but I'm a marketing guy... That's not really my style"

We get so caught up in our own labels that we prevent ourselves from pursuing our deepest passions and curiosity. 

Remember:

You are a learning machine... Not an occupation. 

Just because you make money in a certain way or have been in a specific niche for a long time doesn't mean that you can't learn new skills. 

... It doesn't mean that you can't pursue new hobbies, passions, and businesses. 

As Joseph Campbell says, "Follow your bliss". 

Pursue what makes you curious, no matter how odd or out of character it may seem. 

At the end of the day, the person who wins at life is the person who leaves it all on the field. 

So stop holding back from life because your interests don't conform to your label. 

3. Stick to One Pursuit at a Time 

Although it's important that you have a wide variety of interests and hobbies to pursue, it's even more important that you understand how to successfully pursue each interest. 

How do you do this? 

... One at a time. 

Although Jeff has a wide variety of achievements and accolades ranging from the transportation business to the music & film industry to consulting and keynote speaking, he didn't try to accomplish all of these things at once. 

He devoted himself single-mindedly to each task for a period of 3-5 years. 

In your own life, you can do anything that you want. 

But you must learn to focus on only one thing at a time...

As the old adage goes, "The fox who chases two rabbits catches none."

Pick one passion, define what constitutes "success" with regards to that passion, pursue it single-mindedly until you achieve your goal an then move on. 

4. Eradicate Your Fear of Failure with This Simple Exercise 

If you are afraid of failure, then listen up. 

I'm about to share a fool proof strategy to eradicate your fear and move forward with your life. 

Are you ready? 

Then here it is... 

Anytime you are afraid of failing, dive into your failure. 

Ask yourself "What will happen if I fail and how can I recover?"

For example, if you are considering starting a new business and you fail miserably, what will actually happen? 

... And more importantly, how can you minimize the damage? 

If you fail at the entrepreneurial endeavor you can:

  • Move back in with your parents 
  • Get a 9-5 corporate job for 6-12 months
  • Save every penny that you can
  • Try again

When you break it down, it doesn't seem so scary, right? 

The concept of failure is often more terrifying than failure itself. 

When you look at the reality of your situation, you will quickly realize that you can overcome any setback with relative ease and quickly get back on your feet if things go South. 

So feel the fear. 

Figure out your escape plan. 

And then take action. 

5. Begin with the End in Mind 

One of the biggest mistakes that most entrepreneurs make is that they begin without a clear end goal in mind. 

They set all of these wild goals and ambitions but never really know where the path is ultimately going to take them. 

Before you set out to achieve anything, you need to begin with the end in mind. 

What counts as success? 

What counts as failure?

What quantifiable metrics can you use to determine whether or not you've achieved success? 

When you have a clear end game in mind, the day to day tasks of pursuing a goal becomes much simpler. 

You know exactly what you need to do, what you need to avoid, and how you can expedite the path to your goal. 

Take some time to sit down after listening to this interview and write out answers to the following:

What does success look like in my:

  • Relationships 
  • Finances
  • Career
  • Personal development
  • Physical health 
  • Spirituality 

When you know exactly what you are trying to get out of life, life has a way of helping you succeed. 

Begin with the end in mind and your path to success will be far smoother and simpler. 

6. Make People Understand Your "Why" 

Oftentimes, as men, we get so caught up in our careers and finances that we can neglect important relationships and connections in our life. 

One of the reasons that this is so easy to do is that we understand the bigger picture and just assume that everyone else in our life understands it as well. 

We think to ourselves, "I'm working this hard for my family, for my community, and for our future... Surely they understand".

But we never actually take the time to sit the important people down and help them understand why we are pushing so hard. 

Your wife and kids probably don't know why you are always at the office. 

They assume that work is more important than they are and that you'd rather work than spend time with them. 

Even when this isn't the case... 

As such, it's important that you sell your proverbial "Board of Directors" (the important people in your life) on the "Why" of what you're doing. 

Why are you working so hard to build this business or advance your career? 

Is it to... 

  • Retire early 
  • Pay for your kid's college
  • Take your wife on a 3 year round the world trip
  • Get out of debt and have the money to work less than 10 hours a week 
  • Enjoy a better quality of life
  • Give back to your community and make a real difference

Why are you doing what you're doing? 

Once you have the answer for yourself, share it with the important people in your life. 

More often than not, they will understand and rally to help you. 

7. Ideas are Welcomed, Execution is Worshiped 

Simply put, ideas are great but execution is where the magic happens. 

You can think and come up with ideas all day long. 

But if you don't get your butt out of the chair and make moves to achieve your goals, you will remain stuck exactly where you are. 

Execution is everything. 

Without the grit and determination to take action and make things happen, you will never succeed. 

Become a master action taker and the world is yours. 

8. Your Success is Someone Else's Miracle 

We live in such a guilt ridden society that it can be easy to get trapped in the mindset that success is dirty. 

... It's easy to believe that making money is wrong and that you should give away all of your surplus. 

But this is a false concept. 

The more successful you are, the more power and influence you can exert to help others. 

When you have millions of dollars in the bank, it's much easier to make a difference when disaster strikes. 

When you have vibrant physical health, it's much easier to help others overcome their own challenges. 

When you are successful, you can show up as a miracle in someone else's life. 

If you want to make a real difference in the world, then success is your duty and obligation. 

Forget what you've been told... 

Becoming successful doesn't make you greedy or power hungry. 

It gives you the ability to make a difference. 

9. What is Enough?

In pursuit of any goal, whether its...

  • Financial success
  • Career success
  • Marriage 
  • Physical health 
  • Travel & Adventure
  • Or fame

You must know when enough is enough. 

When can you call it quits and move on to the next goal or activity? 

If you don't have a clear end game in mind, it's easy to get caught in the comparison trap and waste your life constantly trying to compete with other people and buy the biggest boat, fastest car, or most luxurious mansion in town. 

Ask yourself...

"What do I really need to be happy and feel fulfilled?"

There's no right answer for everyone, but the more clearly you can figure out what you need to be happy, the easier it will be to achieve it. 

Forget keeping up with the Joneses and showing off on Instagram .

Figure out what brings you joy and makes you feel fulfilled and then go achieve it. 

Direct download: Jeff_Hoffman.mp3
Category:Success and Life Advice -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

RJ Mitte is an American actor and producer most widely known for his role as Walter Jr. on the AMC series Breaking Bad. RJ started his acting career at 13 despite suffering from Cerebral Palsy, and has actually learned to use his disability as an advantage in securing movie and TV parts. RJ is currently in the process of auditioning around the country for his next role.

Favorite Success Quote

“Find your niche” – Mother

Key Points

1. Look at your disabilities as a strength

At a very young age, RJ has created a successful career in one of the toughest industries in the world by using his disadvantages as a strength. Despite suffering from CP, Rj has been able to seek out niche roles playing characters with similar disabilities.

We often find ourselves using our past, current circumstances or upbringing as an excuse for why we cannot achieve greatly, however, no excuse is valid, and the career that RJ has been able to create for himself is a testament to what can happen in your life when you forgo excuses in favor of action.

2. You must stand up for yourself

The world is full of people who are complacent and subservient to others. They allow life, society, a spouse, a friend or any number of external influences to walk all over them and their dreams. You must take control of your own life, and stand up for yourself, stop taking crap from other people and make sure that your voice is heard.

3. Make the most of the time you have

Despite its negative connotation, there is great truth in the phrase “YOLO,” you only live once. Do not see this as a green light to live lives of debauchery and frivolity, rather see this as a challenge, a challenge to make the most of the limited time that you have on this earth.

You only get one chance to make a difference, you only get one chance to touch lives, you only get one chance to leave a legacy that will ring through the ages, and you only get one chance to make sure that your life is worth something. You only live once, don’t waste it.

Direct download: RJ_Mitte.mp3
Category:Success and Life Advice -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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