10min. That is how long I give myself to write these blog posts. As soon as I come up with the title/focus, I hit the start button. And when the timer is up, I typically have completed 80% of the post. It is incredible how this strategy jumpstarts me into taking action and how it prevents me from checking my email, social media, or checking my phone. I also use it for other tasks and adjust the time from 20min to 50min.  How often are we inventing things to do to avoid the important? By Eric Papp

  I bought a book called The Way of Energy by Master Lam Kam Chuen a while back. And the first part of increasing your energy is to stand like a tree.  I usually do strenuous physical exercises to reap health benefits, so when I read the phrase "stand like a tree," I was skeptical.  And so I put it to the test. I would "stand like a tree" in the morning for around 10min. At first, it was uncomfortable, and then it was like my body craved it.  From this simple act or "exercise," my energy has improved dramatically, and I have experienced less anxiety about my day.  Here is a video if you would like to try it for yourself.  by Eric Papp

One of the most challenging parts of communication is to listen to someone complain and not do one of two things. Agree with them Give them advice As humans, we want our voices to be heard and people to listen to what we say, and we usually don't like advice. I feel that I'm still learning this. Why is our default response to give advice? Everyone is an expert in everyone else's business except their own. by Eric Papp 

When do we Not have our phones on us? (shower and airport security screening) When are we Not available? (sleeping) Being "connected" 24hrs a day creates the disempowering belief that time is scarce. How can you practice leaving it behind? (in the car or the other room) by Eric Papp

Who's at the door? It's most likely Amazon.  This is my typical thought process if the dog barks or I hear something outside the front door.  It seems as though there isn't a day or two that doesn't go by that we are getting some delivery from Amazon. And this has undoubtedly removed the friction of getting into the car, going to the store, and buying it.  And now, being able to order just about anything from our phones has made life easier. But we (my wife and I) also find we are buying more than we need/want.  And sometimes, a need/want is created. Amazon knows our buying habits and does a great job of recommending future purchases. LOL  It seems as though with the ease at which we can consume, we need to have some filtering process. This is where self-discipline comes in.  Certain amount to spend each week  An item has to be in the cart for 72hrs to cut down on impulse buying  Create two categories. Essential and Other  Are we still the consumers? Or have we been consumed?  by Eric Papp 

I'm letting go of these thoughts  They will love it There will be no tech issues  They will find me funny  Above is an example of what I typically write down before I take the stage.  I want to rid my mind of any worries or negative thinking that might be going on. And I find that writing them helps get them out of my head and keeps me focused on the present moment.   You can think of it as a clearing process. For example, if you show up to something (meeting, presentation, date, etc.) and if there is something in your space (head), it's most likely to surface if you don't acknowledge it.  Get it out of your head where it takes up valuable real estate. How do you clear your mind of worrying thoughts?   by Eric Papp