Mind Your Mindset

Credit: Mind Your Mindset

Overview

In your mind lives a narrator that's constantly creating stories to help you understand your experiences. But what if those stories aren't true? What if the tales we tell ourselves keep us from enjoying the level of success we know is possible? Mind Your Mindset contains the instruction manual to challenge your narrator, rewrite your stories, and succeed beyond what you thought possible. Credit: Full Focus Store; Michael Hyatt.

The First 90 Days By Michael D. Watkins

 

 

 

Credit: The First 90 Days, Michael D. Watkins

 

 

The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded: 

Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter

 

Overview

Transitions are a critical time for leaders. In fact, most agree that moving into a new role is the biggest challenge a manager will face. While transitions offer a chance to start fresh and make needed changes in an organization, they also place leaders in a position of acute vulnerability. Missteps made during the crucial first three months in a new role can jeopardize or even derail your success.

In this updated and expanded version of the international bestseller The First 90 Days, Michael D. Watkins offers proven strategies for conquering the challenges of transitions--no matter where you are in your career. Watkins, a noted expert on leadership transitions and adviser to senior leaders in all types of organizations, also addresses today's increasingly demanding professional landscape, where managers face not only more frequent transitions but also steeper expectations once they step into their new jobs. Read more here. Credit: HBR.

We Can Do Hard Things

 

Credit: We Can Do Hard Things

Every day, Glennon Doyle spirals around the same questions: Why am I like this? How do I figure out what I want? How do I know what to do? Why can’t I be happy? Am I doing this right? The harder life gets, the less likely she is to remember the answers she’s spent her life learning. She wonders: I’m almost fifty years old. I’ve overcome a hell of a lot. Why do I wake up every day having forgotten everything I know?

Glennon’s compasses are her sister, Amanda, and her wife, Abby. Recently, in the span of a single year, Glennon was diagnosed with anorexia, Amanda was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Abby’s beloved brother died. For the first time, they were all lost at the same time. So they turned toward the only thing that’s ever helped them find their way: deep, honest conversations with other brave, kind, wise people. They asked each other, their dearest friends, and 118 of the world’s most brilliant wayfinders: As you’ve traveled these roads—marriage, parenting, work, recovery, heartbreak, aging, new beginnings—have you collected any wisdom that might help us find our way? Read more here. Credit: Penguin Random House.

Abundance By Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson

 

Credit: Abundance

To trace the history of the twenty-first century so far is to trace a history of unaffordability and shortage. After years of refusing to build sufficient housing, America has a national housing crisis. After years of limiting immigration, we don’t have enough workers. Despite decades of being warned about the consequences of climate change, we haven’t built anything close to the clean-energy infrastructure we need. Ambitious public projects are finished late and over budget—if they are ever finished at all. The crisis that’s clicking into focus now has been building for decades—because we haven’t been building enough.  Abundance explains that our problems today are not the results of yesteryear’s villains. Rather, one generation’s solutions have become the next gener­ation’s problems. Rules and regulations designed to solve the problems of the 1970s often prevent urban-density and green-energy projects that would help solve the problems of the 2020s. Laws meant to ensure that government considers the consequences of its actions have made it too difficult for government to act consequentially. In the last few decades, our capacity to see problems has sharpened while our ability to solve them has diminished. Credit: Abundance.

"Think This, Not That" By Dr. Josh Axe

 

Credit: Think This, Not That By Dr. Josh Axe

Brief Overview

The key to a more meaningful life? It's right there in your mind. That's where it all begins. If you've been living with false narratives in your head, they've been keeping you locked up in a prison of unfulfilled dreams and untapped potential. But here's the game-changer: you can cultivate a brand new mindset, one based on what's actually true. Dr. Josh Axe, in Think This, Not That, is your guide to this amazing journey. He’ll help you unpack those top twelve mental barriers that have been holding you back from becoming the person you're meant to be. For each barrier, Dr. Axe presents a brand new empowering mindset. Credit: Dr. Josh Axe.

Four Thousand Weeks By Olive Burkeman

 

Credit: Four Thousand Weeks

 

The paperback edition of the liberating Sunday Times bestseller is set to enhance readers' lives even further with extra content on how we can all spend our four thousand weeks. The average human lifespan is absurdly, outrageously, insultingly brief- if you live to 80, you have about four thousand weeks on earth. How should we use them best? Of course, nobody needs telling that there isn't enough time. We're obsessed by our lengthening to-do lists, our overfilled inboxes, the struggle against distraction, and the sense that our attention spans are shrivelling. Yet we rarely make the conscious connection that these problems only trouble us in the first place thanks to the ultimate time-management problem- the challenge of how best to use our four thousand weeks.

Four Thousand Weeks is an uplifting, engrossing and deeply realistic exploration of this problem that draws on philosophy, literature and psychology to cover the past, present and future of our battles with time. It goes far beyond practical tips, and its many revelations will transform the reader's worldview. Drawing on the insights of ancient philosophers, Benedictine monks, artists and authors, Scandinavian social reformers, renegade Buddhist technologists and many others, Oliver Burkeman sets out to realign our relationship with time - and in doing so, to liberate us from its grasp. Credit: Four Thousand Weeks; Oliver Burkeman.

SOUL BOOM By Rainn Wilson

 

Credit: Soul Boom By Rainn Wilson

 

Overview

In this New York Times bestseller, comedic actor, producer, and writer Rainn Wilson explores the problem-solving benefits that spirituality gives us to create solutions for an increasingly challenging world. The trauma that our world experienced in recent years—as result of both the pandemic and societal tensions that threaten to overwhelm us—has been unprecedented and is not going away anytime soon. It is clear that existing political and economic systems are not enough to bring the change that the world needs. In this book, Rainn Wilson explores the possibility and hope for a spiritual revolution, a “Soul Boom” in order to address today’s greatest issues—mental health, racism and sexism, climate change, and economic injustice. Credit: Soul Boom; Hachette Book Group.

Drive by Daniel H. Pink

 

Credit: Drive by Daniel H. Pink

Overview

Forget everything you thought you knew about how to motivate people—at work, at school, at home. It's wrong. As Daniel H. Pink (author of To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Motivating Others) explains in his paradigm-shattering book Drive, the secret to high performance and satisfaction in today's world is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world. Drawing on four decades of scientific research on human motivation, Pink exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does—and how that affects every aspect of our lives. He demonstrates that while the old-fashioned carrot-and-stick approach worked successfully in the 20th century, it's precisely the wrong way to motivate people for today's challenges. In Drive, he reveals the three elements of true motivation:

• Autonomy: the desire to direct our own lives
• Mastery: the urge to get better and better at something that matters
• Purpose: the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves

Learn more about Drive here. Credit: Apple Books.

Meet Lucia Matuonto, Author of Zoe the Crab Series

Credit: Lucia Matuonto

Hello Lucia, Welcome to the Authors' Circle. You've been writing for at least twenty years and sharing your life insights through magazines, blogs and books. What type of topics do you entertain for magazines and blogs? How did you transition to writing children's books?

The topics I used to write about were healthy lifestyle, travel and funny short stories about women’s real life experiences. Since I also like to paint, during the quarantine I had enough time to create new characters, most of them are animals. This is when I got the idea to give life to these characters in a series of books for kids.

In your opinion, is one form of writing easier than the other?

I started to write fiction, which I find it easier than what I was previously writing about because I like to use my imagination and be free to create new worlds.

Do you recall the first book that you read as a child? What impact did it have on your imagination and personal values? ​Did it inspire you to believe in something new?

Yes! I was 8 years old when I read a book called “The Boy with Green Thumbs” from Maurice Druon. This book tells the story of a boy who turns into beautiful plants everything he touches and with this superpower he is able to give happiness to many people. It influenced me a lot, because I learnt that we should always do our best. I believe that what you plant you will harvest later.

As a writer whose childhood emanates from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, how are those childhood experiences reflected in your writings for the Zoe the Crab series?

The best memories from my childhood are from the days I spent on the beach in front of the Sugar Loaf. In those times I used to be fascinated by the marine life and all the interesting little creatures on the beach.

Character development in storytelling is a layered process dependent upon the main character's personality and values. The book's theme endorses inclusion, strength and friendship. How did you decide which strengths and weaknesses will reside in Zoe to communicate your book's message to the audience?

I was inspired by my little patients and by my personal experiences while growing up. I always admired the strength of my patients who were making every effort to overcome their fears and challenges to make new friends and to be seen as the other kids.

Zoe the Crab is the youngest of siblings. She has two older brothers that test her patience while challenging Zoe to find her inner voice. Lucia, from your childhood experiences, how did you learn to speak up and stand up for yourself?

It took a while to learn how to defend myself and how not to care too much about other people’s opinions. I was an only child for 8 years and my parents over protected me, which caused me to be afraid of confronting other kids. When my sister was born I had to start fending for myself also at home and this improved very much my fighting skills.

Tapping into our inner voice is a process which isn't easy for many people yet necessary for survival in life. What advice do you have for children seeking an effective outlet to communicate their feelings while confidently claiming their self-worth?

My suggestion is always to believe in yourself, to have positive role models who inspire you and to express yourself openly, specially in the relationship with your parents and closest friends.

The character Zoe is a handicapped crab that is challenged by how she is perceived; at the same time how she is restricted in mobility due to how she walks. How do you define the word challenge? What advice do you have for children who need to learn and appreciate that people come in different forms from all walks of life?

In my opinion a challenge is what makes you grow daily. A life without challenges will not give us any strength or learning. My advice to children is to always be open to people who are different because diversity opens our mind and enables us to experience many different aspects of life. A world where everybody is similar would be extremely boring.

As a professional physiotherapist working with children hosting motor and cognitive disabilities, what have these children taught you about resilience in life? Is there anything surprising you've learned about these kids in the process?

They taught me that we are all capable to reach unimaginable goals if we set a clear target and work relentlessly to reach it. I learnt not to give up with trying. There is a specific episode that happened with me when I was working at a school for kids with special needs in Dubai. We were organizing the end of the year show and we had to learn a choreography in very few days. I was worried that there was not enough time to do it, but the kids were very engaged and pushed me to drop my fears and doubts and just use that energy to focus on reaching the target. And we did it!

Credit: Zoe the Crab, Lost on the Beach

Zoe the Crab series celebrates the main character's unique traits instead of validating conformity in society. Zoe's perceived set backs (from her handicap to her dominant siblings, for example) serves as a set up for success by teaching her how to exercise courage to take pride in being different. How can parents and caretakers nurture the self-esteem of children? How can they override the resistance from children when they are afraid to engage with their social environment?

My advice for the parents would be not to remove all the challenges for the kids but to give them reasonable targets and to teach them, not to give up until they reach it. By reaching the goals and proving that they can do it, they will automatically build their self esteem and learn that everything in life requires effort and problem solving skills.

Lucia, you're also a painter. At what stage of life were you introduced to art? Are there any pieces of art, produced by others or yourself, which holds special meaning? 

I have been fascinated by books and art since I was exposed to them in school. I still remember the first time I went to an art museum in Rio and I was impressed by the huge colorful paintings which gave me unexpected emotions. Since I started painting, I tried different styles inspired by the famous paintings that I had the fortune to see during my travels around the world. In the last year I was influenced by the paintings of Arcimboldo and Gustav Klimt. Two very different styles that inspire me in my work.

You've lived and traveled among several countries. If you had to add another country to the list and make it your 'home', which one would it be and why?

I would add New Zealand because I believe that their nature is unique and pristine.

Will there be more stories added to the Zoe series? Are there any new projects on the horizon?

Yes! Zoe the Crab is a trilogy and i will release the third book in November. The project after that will focus even more on people with special needs and will target an older age range.

Finally, do you have any tips for parents spending time with children during quarantine? Are there any activities you recommend for children to remain focused and engaged with their local environment?

I would advise the parents to engage children with art and creativity in a playful way. One suggestion is also to create targets and incentive the learn of new skills for the kids. In fact there are online many classes that the parents can follow with the kids and support them during the learning process. Since I found that there are not many courses specifically designed for kids, I am creating different online classes to combine writing, painting and foreign languages to engage the kids in a playful way and to give the parents a break.

Credit: Zoe the Crab, Mystery Island

Please share with audiences how they can support your work. 

The best way to support my work is to follow me on the different platforms, to read my books and give me honest feedback and maybe ideas for topics that the readers would like me to talk about. These are the different links where the readers can find all the materials. Please subscribe to my website so you can get my newsletter and some giveaways.

Lucia Matuonto @ https://www.luciamatuonto.com

Instagram: Luciamatuontoauthor

Twitter: Luciamatuontoauthor

Facebook page: Zoethecrab

Books: Zoe the Crab - Lost on the Beach

Zoe the Crab - Mystery Island

Bookbub: Lucia Matuonto

Meet Lady Kathryn, Life Coach & Spiritual Counselor

Credit: Lady Kathryn

Hello Lady Kathryn! Please introduce yourself and share your occupation.

I am a Psychic Healer, Life Coach, Akashic Records Reader.

You're recognized as a world renowned life coach and spiritual counselor. How did you come to learn of your higher calling?

In a nutshell, living life, being born different in being able to see the other side. Life experience has been my greatest teacher.

What is the most rewarding part of your occupation? 

The most rewarding part is seeing the transformation of clients, who are able to put in the work to bring transformation to their lives and learn the lesson of Self Love. The most challenging is teaching others to not give his or her power away and to take control of their own lives, along with teaching them to love themselves. 

What is the most misunderstood thing about yourself? And of your occupation?

The most misunderstood thing about me is “My self love” is not selfish. I find that many assume that because of who I am, I am not allowed to have boundaries, times of sleep, times of rest or even alone time. In terms of occupation, all predictions are based on a client’s decision. I am not responsible for the free will of my clients. A lot of clients when they first start working with me, cannot see that every single decision made in his or her life creates his or her own future. 

You also happen to be an author of articles and books. What inspired you to write about twin flames? 

I am an old soul. Before learning to read the Akashic Records, I had 3 karmic soulmates and with each one, I truly believed they were twin flames. It was not until I learned to read the records, did I understand that in a psychic reading, we cannot see twin flame cords. We see soulmate cords and all karmics feel identical to the Twin. Upon reading the records, I was able to see and hear twins from the high beings and understand the vast differences. There is so much misinformation on the net and many false twins out there. I would not suggest asking a psychic if this is a twin. Go straight to the Akashic Records for that answer. I now work with karmic soulmates and twin flames. The classes that I teach along with the work in the records are literally transformative to my clients and to myself. 

When you're in need of life guidance, what steps do you take to seek direction? 

Today, as my spiritual tools, I will ask God for help, seek answers in the Akashic Records, take all advice from the high beings, spirits & angels that are there to provide ALL answers and insight. I live the Akashic Records truth. 

Not seeking the answers in the Akashic Records, is like walking through a dark room at night without turning on the light and then fussing at the furniture because I walked into it. 

How has working as a counselor serving strangers made you a better partner to your beloved? A better parent to your children? 

I have worked in several “areas as a therapist” and have seen and heard so many lost souls tell their stories and literally change their lives. I am not sure how working as a therapist made me a better partner/parent but I do know this, it has made me grateful. 

Working with others, opened my eyes to “my yet’s” this has not happened to me yet. I understand that each of us is capable of facing so many issues based on today’s decisions and with that said “I try daily to choose to do the next right thing”. In choosing patience and tolerance over impatience or anger, I find that my children and my beloved respond to positive actions in a loving way. 

What is the best and worst advice you've received on running a successful business practice?

The best advice is to set boundaries, get 8 hours of sleep, eat 3 meals a day so that I can be there and be present for 8 hours a day for clients. The worst? The absolute worst was to give all of me to my business and leave no time for self, family, fun. 

As an honest and compassionate counselor, how would you define tough love? Who's exercised tough love with you?

Tough love is speaking your truth in love and compassion, without any judgments of self or others. There was a time in my life where I was attracting people who were not nice and this was because I had a low opinion of me. I was actually inviting others to dismiss me. Today, I attract people who are full of self love and that means tough love. They speak truth to me with compassion and love. 

You've provided services at top venues including Disney World in the United States. Are there any global landmarks from where you'd love to do a live show?

It has been a few years since I worked at Disney. I presently teach psychic development and Akashic Records, on zoom with great success. I would absolutely love to have face to face clients again or even teach a seminar live. In terms of where? I am open to Spirit and what Spirit has to say about it. 

Please share how interested members can contact you and support your work. 

Website : https://loveandlightwins.com

I can be contacted at ladykathryn@(domain).