The Strategic Living Podcast with Brian Holmes

SLP186 - Monday Mastery Edition : The 4 Cornerstones Framework

Today I lay the foundation and framework for the 4 Cornerstones. Listen and settle in as we start a brief series on how these 4 Cornerstones can transform your life.

SLP185 - Transition : What It Really Means To Disconnect

If you’ve not heard our previous three episodes (#179, #181 and #183) in this series on transition, I’d encourage you to give them a listen.

So far in our sessions, we’ve covered the fact change is inevitable. Transition is an absolute in our life, but how we deal with it varies tremendously. In order to experience a meaningful – and successful – transition, there are four stages each person needs to walk through. We’ve uncovered the first stage of Discontent, and today, we’re talking about stage two: Disconnect.

The Gist:

There is a stark reality of being emotionally tethered to unhealthy relationships, careers, or environments. We are connecting, collaborative people! It’s natural and normal to become engaged with people, ideas, and contexts with which we carry out our daily lives. However, if you’re  being pulled in a new direction and if the state you’re presently in is no longer satisfying, a healthy crisis is about to ensue.

That said, you’ll be faced with the oftentimes challenging task of letting go, leaving behind, or DISCONNECTING from those things.

Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines disconnect as follows: To separate something from something else; to break a connection between two or more things. To sever the connection of or between. To terminate a connection. To become detached from or to withdraw. 

Things You May Have To Disconnect From:

• Relationships
• Roles/Titles/Sense of Identity
• Affiliations
• People-pleasing (a must!)

7 Things To Know About The Process of Disconnecting:

1. What was excellent on the previous level is mediocre (at best) on the new level.
2. Not every relationship will follow you through transition.
3. Most people need you to be the same person they’ve always known you to be.
4. Your worth and value are not deteremined by the role or title you fill.
5. Disconnecting does not require you to deny the blessings, benefits, or value from your previous season of life.
6. Give yourself permission to grieve.
7. If you refuse to disconnect from what’s anchoring you to your past, you’ll be stuck in discontent.

Closing Thoughts:

• Are you faced with the opportunity to disconnect from someone? Something?
• Disconnect is no easy feat, but it is entirely necessary.
• Wherever you are in this process, be encouraged!
• You will find the strength and courage to get through on the other side.
• Next week – Reconaissance.

SLP184 - Monday Mastery Edition : Happy Labor Day!

Today is a special episode, wishing you a happy Labor Day!

SLP183 - Transition : Why You Should Absolutely Embrace Discontent

If you’ve not heard our previous two episodes (#179 and #181) in this series on transition, I’d encourage you to give them a listen, as I’m confident they will increase your understanding for what we’re going to unpack today.

So far in this series, we have laid a solid foundation for understanding what transition is, and shared an overview of the four stages of transition and their importance in this process.

We want to dive a little deeper and begin to unpack each of the four stages so you can better understand the need, significance, nuances and indicators of entering transition

In this session, we will be dealing with stage #1, and talking about the uncomfortable yet necessary feeling of DISCONTENT.

The Gist:

The attitude or condition of discontent is generally looked upon in a less-than-positive light, and as a result, a culture and prevailing mindset have locked people into their present circumstances, and multitudes have gone to their graves never having discovered what was possible beyond discontent.

Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines discontent as follows: Restless aspiration for improvement or change; The condition of not being satisfied.

10 Indicators of Discontent:

1. An inner awareness something is calling you
2. An insatiable (yet healthy) desire for something fresh, new, and more fulfilling
3. A real sense of possibility, but …
4. No idea what it is or how to engage it
5. The evident lack of passion for your current situation
6. An elevated need to find fault and criticize
7. A lack of motivation or drive
8. Loss or decline in creativity
9. Borderline (or full on) depression  (weight gain, etc.)
10. Self-imposed isolation (the cave)

5 Things You Can Do To Leverage Discontent:

1. Fully embrace it as your friend
2. Give in to the “new thing” tugging on your heart
3. Say yes to the possibility of a different and more fulfilling future
4. Release yourself from the need to figure it out
5. Commit to the process, and take it one day at a time

“Living things grow, and growing things change”          ~ Unknown

Closing Thoughts:

• Are you sensing a deep sense of discontent or dissatisfaction?
• Are you lacking the passion and drive you once had?
• Are you lethargic or even depressed?
• On a more positive note, are you hungry for MORE, and are you feeling something new calling to you?
• Stay plugged in, and stay tuned
• Remember, discontent is your friend!
• Embrace it, walk it out, and you will successfully transition to stage #2.
• Next week … DISCONNECT

SLP182 - Monday Mastery Edition : If It’s Not On The Calendar, It Ain’t Happening!

In this episode, I’m explaining how to get serious about getting stuff done: If It’s Not On The Calendar, It Ain’t Happening.

SLP181 - Transition : Producing Real Change and Purposeful Promotion

Last week, we started a new series on transition. Have you ever struggled in dealing with change? I’ve had an overwhelming response from people requesting help and coaching through transition in their life. This is a huge issue impacting leaders all over the world, and why I want to bring this expanded teaching.

We began this new training series exploring what transition really is, why so many people find themselves in it, and how most struggle to successfully move through it. This week, we’ll dig deeper.

At the end of the episode, be sure to stay tuned for a special offer and information about how you and I may be able to work together.

Let’s go right now to session TWO of our series on Transition.

The Gist:

In this session we’ll explore how you can successfully:

• Identify when you are entering transition
• Leverage the discomfort of engaging the process
• Manage the minutia of separating from the old
• Open your eyes to the existing possibilities
• Fully engage your new season

If you’re somewhere between where you’ve been and where you dream of being, this session will give you a framework to help you navigate your transition.

4 Stages of Transition:

• Discontent
• Disconnect
• Reconnaissance
• Re-deploy

Discontent:

This first stage is often evidenced by the emergence of a deep desire for something new, different, or something more. The challenge lies in not having an idea of what the “new thing” is. The sense of possibility causes the present state to become lack-luster.

Disconnect:

This second stage is especially challenging, as it requires us to leave the comfort of what is familiar to us, and step into the unknown. Since it is impossible to embrace the new while holding firmly to the old, you must intentionally disconnect from people, places, or even ideas, that won’t serve your next, new season.

Reconnaissance:

Defined, this means “to inspect, observe, or survey in order to gain information, clarification, and ultimate strategy.” What a powerful picture of how our future is often revealed to us in sections, even in the context of collaboration and relationships. This is really about pursuit and persistence in seeking clarity and purpose.

Redeployment:

Transition has no set timetable. At some point, you will have enough clarity to begin again, and then to become active in the purpose for which the transition was necessary. This fourth stage has you possessing the confidence and clarity to leave the safety of the sidelines and pursue the goal of your end-game.

“The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the OLD, but on building the NEW.”          ~ Socrates

Closing Thoughts:

• If you find yourself in the middle of an uncomfortable place … you may be in transition.
• If you sense you are ready for a change but are unsure of how to even pursue the possibilities, you may be in transition.
• If you are discontent or feeling diminishing passion for the work you are doing, you may be in transition.
• This series will help you … I guarantee it.
• Stay plugged in, and stay tuned.
• There is passage and there is hope!

SLP180 - Monday Mastery Edition : The Joy of Seeing Your Student Become the Teacher

In this episode, I’m explaining The Joy of Seeing Your Students Become the Teacher.

SLP179 - Transition : Navigating the Between

As you know, I travel the globe teaching, training, and sharing with leaders from all walks of life. In all my traveling over the years, I can’t remember a time when I’ve seen so many people in the throes of transition.

I recently gave a TED-like talk at an event in Tennessee and decided it would be appropriate to share some of the concepts on transition in this podcast series. My talk was relatively short but really resonated with many of the attendees. During the break, I was inundated by people asking for my card. My email has also blown up, and people are genuinely seeking help as they navigate the often uncomfortable and unfamiliar territory transition brings.

Over the next several weeks, we will be looking at transition from a number of perspectives:

• What is transition?.
• How do I know if I am in it?.
• The 4 Stages of Transition
• Specific tips and tricks to help you successfully navigate through to the other side.
• Lessons I’ve learned in my own life transition events
• And so much more.

At the end of the episode, stay tuned for a special offer and information about how you and I may be able to work together.

The Gist:

Staying comfortable is staying stuck. Instead, pursue what is available to you, and deal even with the unknown. To circumvent the natural seasons of life, or to refuse to allow your life to organically move in the direction of destiny is to choose to die. When something’s season has come to an end, to continue living in that season’s glory will lead to frustration and even sometimes, dramatic failure.

What is the answer?

• Effectively recognize and successfully navigate seasons of transition.

7 Challenges of Transition:

• Unwillingness to recognize or acknowledge the end of a season
• Inability to bury the past
• Fear of the unknown
• Personal worth/self-esteem issues
• Fear of losing relationships
• Developing the new discipline of dreaming again
• Walking by faith and not by sight

Closing Thoughts:

• If you find yourself in the middle of an uncomfortable place … you may be in transition.
• If you sense you are ready for a change but are unsure of how to even pursue the possibilities, you may be in transition.
• If you are discontent or feeling diminishing passion for the work you are doing, you may be in transition.
• This series will help you … I guarantee it.
• Stay plugged in, and stay tuned.
• There is passage and there is hope!

SLP178 - Monday Mastery Edition : Never Underestimate The Power of One Relationship

In this episode, I’m explaining why it’s so important to Never Underestimate The Power of One Relationship.

SLP177 - Starting Over : An Interview with Dr. Phil Carson

We’ve spent the last several weeks unpacking some training during our podcast, and I trust you’ve found tremendous value in the materials we’ve shared over the last month.

Today, I’m taking a slight detour from the training track and am sharing an interview with a dear friend and colleague about life, failure, and starting over. Dr. Phil Carson and I go back quite a ways, and I know his story will touch you and inspire you.

I’m thrilled to introduce Dr. Phil Carson to the Brian Holmes community today!

About Dr. Carson:

Phillip Carson, President of Carson Natural Health, LLC is a Pharmacist who thinks outside the box of traditional medicine. He believes in helping people find natural alternatives and integrative nutritional solutions to their health problems. He is committed to leading people to finding the root cause of their health problems and not just treating the symptoms. Phillip is passionate about encouraging and teaching people how to live more balanced, healthier and vibrant lives. He believes in equipping people with the knowledge to make the right choices for optimal health.

Phillip Carson a Registered Pharmacist, Doctor of Pharmacy with license in MS and TN is a 1985 graduate of the University of MS School of Pharmacy. Since earning his degree in Pharmacy Phillip has been certified as a Compounding Pharmacist, a Diabetes Care Pharmacist and most recently a Consulting Pharmacist. Phillip has also earned certifications in Lipid Management, Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). He has earned numerous certifications in Natural and Alternative Medicine Therapies for weight loss, fibromyalgia, ADD/ADHD and many other health conditions.

Dr. Phil, as he is often referred to by his clients, has spoken to many groups, churches and organizations over the years and enjoys sharing the message about how alternative therapies changed his own health as well as the hundreds of individuals he has counseled with and coached to better health.

Believing in and promoting healthy marriages and families as well, Phillip and his wife Kim have been married for over 30 years and have 5 happy and healthy children.

For more information about Dr. Phil Carson’s work, please visit his website at:

carsonnatural.com

Tidbits From Dr. Phil Carson:

Too many Americans are living as prisoners in their own bodies, held captive by bad habits that have drained them of their livelihood and sentenced them to a premature death. These harsh realities are what have kept Dr. Phil Carson passionate about practicing pharmacy since 1985.

After encountering many patients who were seeking answers when their needs were not met by traditional medicine, Dr. Phil founded Carson Natural Health in 2005 with the mission of helping patients find the best natural solutions to their health problems.

Dr. Phil is passionate about improving his patient’s quality of life and encouraging everyone he comes in contact with to live healthier lives and transform their overall health into a blessing, not a burden. Dr. Phil Carson knows how to help people get the most out of their life by working together with them to uncover the root cause of their health issues.

Patients come to him with problems and leave with renewed hope that they can be healthy again. A practicing pharmacist in the Southeast, since 1985 he has not only consistently improved many patients quality of life, but also literally saved a few of them.

• Founder of Carson Natural Health in 2005

• Co-founder of the Life Transformation Medical Center

• Certified Diabetes Care Pharmacist

• Certified Consultant Pharmacist

• Certified Lifestyle Coach

• Certified 48 Days Coach

Closing Thoughts:

• Plug into all Dr. Phil Carson has to offer at carsonnatural.com
• Don’t let your failure rob you of your future!