A New Level

This was a landmark week for me as I delivered my Mental Resilience masterclass to a Vistage group in London. This was the first time I really felt that the material I presented was just right, and the group’s response confirmed this.
 
In the past, I have experimented with various techniques and exercises, and although good was never just right. For the first time, it felt ‘just right’. The Chair of the group, Harry Wyndham, confirmed that the verbal feedback after my session was very positive, and he is considering me for another booking in January.
 
 
Vistage Groups
 
Vistage is a business leadership organisation that provides executive coaching and peer advisory services to business leaders and executives. The organisation was founded in 1957 in the USA and has since grown to become a global network of business leaders who come together in small groups, known as Vistage groups, to support each other in their professional and personal development.
 
I have presented to these groups on many occasions, but this was different. The trip to London felt different, and I feel like I have reached another level.
 
It wasn’t always this way. When I first started my business, I delivered my first presentation to a Vistage group around 10 years ago. It was so bad I didn’t get paid! I was embarrassed and humiliated and felt like giving up. But I didn’t give up, and year by year, I slowly improved. Mental Resilience isn’t about overnight success it’s about perseverance and improvement.
 
 
High pressure
 
The pressure of these groups is quite immense as they score you out of 10 on several criteria, and if you score less than 8, you are unlikely to be booked again. These scores go on your personal page on their website for all the Chairs of the groups across the country to check before they book you.
 
These groups consist of Managing Directors of different-sized multi-million-pound companies who want to learn something new and be challenged in some way, so this is a high-level presentation.
 
I have also recently developed a second Masterclass based on amazing Time Management techniques, which completely transform the way people work and, more importantly, rest. I have seen remarkable change from people who have implemented my suggestions, and this excites me. I have used these techniques myself, and my workload has reduced, my leisure time has increased, and, most importantly, my productivity has improved.
 
 
The benefits of perseverance
 
Not giving up or persevering can bring about various benefits in personal and professional pursuits. Here are five key benefits:
 
Achievement of Goals: Perseverance is often the key to achieving long-term goals. Many successful individuals attribute their success not just to talent or intelligence but to the ability to persist in the face of challenges. By not giving up, you increase the likelihood of reaching your objectives.
 
Resilience: Perseverance builds resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. Life is full of challenges, and those who persevere develop a resilience that helps them navigate difficulties more effectively. This resilience can be a valuable asset in both personal and professional life.
 
Personal Growth: The journey of not giving up often involves facing and overcoming obstacles. This process of overcoming challenges promotes personal growth. It allows individuals to discover their strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities, leading to continuous self-improvement.
 
Building Confidence: Successfully overcoming challenges through perseverance can boost confidence. Each time you face a difficulty and push through it, you gain confidence in your abilities. This increased confidence can positively impact other areas of your life, contributing to a more positive self-image.
 
Learning Experience: Perseverance involves learning from both successes and failures. When you encounter setbacks but continue to push forward, you gain valuable insights and experiences. These lessons can be applied to future endeavours, making you wiser and more adept at handling challenges.
 
Ultimately, not giving up is a mindset that can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life. It requires determination, resilience, and a belief in your ability to overcome obstacles. While the path may be challenging, the benefits of persistence often far outweigh the difficulties encountered along the way.
 
 
Discovering my purpose in life
 
I have spent many years building this business to a level where I truly believe I am offering something unique and special to help people live healthier and happier lives.
 
It would have been easy for me to give up, and I wanted to on many occasions. Many times, Julie was there to pick me up, perseverance kept me going, and I am now seeing the fruits of this work.
 
I could have given up when I lost all my business, aged 66, when Covid 19 hit in March 2020. This was a tough time, and I had to start all over again! It was daunting, and I had to push through every fibre in my being telling me to give up.
 
 
It’s worth the effort
 
There is a true joy when you finally get there. The journey is tough, but the life after the pain is so worth it. I have a true passion for what I do as well as a purpose for my life, for which I am truly grateful. I intend to carry on to the age of 80, and on my 80^th birthday, on the 9th of February 2034, I want to be speaking on stage somewhere in the world.
 
I have a plan for how this can be achieved, and I have 10 years to encourage one of my clients to put on a company conference on my Birthday!! Then, in my 80’s, I want to carry on working online, recording videos, coaching, and delivering masterclasses from the comfort of my home.

 
 Thoughts for the week 

1. What are you going through right now where you want to give up?
2. Is this something worth fighting for?
3. If it is, then get back up and fight again.
4. This week, try to visualise what life will be like if you achieve this thing. Get excited about it, and then try again.
5. This new motivation will give you the drive and determination to keep going until you reach that day when you finally succeed. 

 
Well, that’s it for this week, have a wonderful weekend and keep believing in yourself.
 
Warm regards

John