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Success Advice

Advice From A 30-Something-Year-Old Man & Blogger.

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Before we begin, this post will not be a success bloggers guide to being a millionaire and sitting on the beach with your laptop. These posts are designed to mislead you into the false reality that success is often portrayed to be.

People have got to know me online as being a pretty open guy that likes to talk about personal development and entrepreneurship. I talk about these two topics to help you get into action and because they’ve transformed my own life.

Reaching people online through any type of content is something many of you aspire to do. I thought I’d share with you how you can be a blogger – whether that be written words, video or podcasting.

How I got started as a blogger.

When I about 27 I met a dude named Joel Brown. He’s super chilled and also loves entrepreneurship and personal development. I still to this day have no idea why, but he asked me to write for his blog.

Given that I used to hate writing, I have no idea why I said yes. Must have been one of those gut decisions I read about on some random success blog that one of my distant friends who may or may not have driven a Ferrari told me to read (sounds cliche I know).

So, I wrote some articles. The first one had the word startup and one of those ugly stock photos with guys in suits sitting around a table. What the hell was I thinking?

A few blog posts in, one of them resonated. It went crazy!

“It was like for a brief moment, everything I touched turned to gold. Until it didn’t. About 3.5 weeks later”

At that time, blogging was therapeutic. I’d read a self-help book, demolish it and then apply the lessons. I’d then reshare the lessons from my own experience. Three years led to not much action.

By year four, people started to read these short blog posts I was writing. Then I began writing on lots of sites, doing a few interviews and sipping green tea (well I did this beforehand too, but it makes for a nice story by a warm fire, doesn’t it?).

A couple of viral blog posts in, and I’d reached the tipping point. What’s interesting is that no one taught me how to blog. I’ve never run out of ideas to write about either.

It takes time, but if you’re patient, anyone can be a blogger or content creator and achieve the same results.

My career (outside of blogging).

There are very few bloggers that just do blogging. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but it’s rare. What many people never tell you about their online success stories is that they have a day job or business.

That’s me. I’m not going to hide it. I have a side business which is social media consulting and I work in a bank. There’s something about being surrounded by entrepreneurs, by working at a bank, that I like. Never been able to figure that out.

“Many people tell me to quit my day job but if the truth be told, I like meeting people and my fellow colleagues are fun. You don’t have to quit anything if it makes you happy”

What are the habits I follow?

Word of warning before we begin: I don’t take cold showers, make my bed or do high-intensity interval training.

I’m just an average guy from Australia mate with an Aussie accent, a sense of optimism and who likes to lick the cheese off the packet once it’s open.

1. Exercise three times a week.

It can be anything. The other day it was hot so I went swimming. The week before that I did 1000 steps with my girlfriend because she wanted to do it. Today I hit the gym for thirty minutes. Exercise helps get the blood flowing which essential in my creative process.

I think good content requires energy and exercise helps to cultivate that.

2. My TV remains off.

It’s been about 6-months since I fired the old girl up. I just have no use for it anymore. Books bring me everything I need and it’s how I get ideas for content. Creating content around lessons you learn from a book seems to be highly shareable as well.

3. Content starts my day.

When I wake up, I write and format blog posts before doing anything else. This helps remind me it’s my number one priority. Also, when you start the day doing your biggest goal, you feel like you have achieved something which gives you extra momentum for the rest of the day.

4. There’s the occasional bit of cheese.

Why? Because after you’ve poured your heart and soul into your content, you deserve a small treat. These happy moments help to give you a bit of motivation while you’re going through the marathon that is intense creativity, and states of flow.

Tony Robbins did teach me to avoid dairy, but he’s not watching me 24/7. Or is he?

5. Reading content from other bloggers.

Sometimes I read something that sucks and say to myself “Hey, I can write about that same topic and perhaps do a slightly better job.”

There’s other times where reading articles written by my fellow bloggers inspires me. Just like music, you can take bits and pieces from other people’s styles and add it to your own tool belt. Art, creativity and content are all borrowed. We’re all influenced by someone and it’s unlikely we’ll replicate the exact same piece of work even if we are inspired by another blogger.

There are days where you’ll have zero ideas. Other people’s content will help give you the seed you need to begin creating on those days. There will be other days when you can come up with all the ideas yourself.

6. Just do.

It’s now a daily habit to just do and not overthink. Blogging happens no matter what, even if it’s just writing a message to a friend via an email. The key to successful art (content) is in the doing. I got where I am today by doing it every week.

Did you notice that there weren’t many habits?

That’s because I gave up the following:

– Notifications from websites like Facebook
– Having my phone next to me while I write
– Junk food that sucks my energy down the drain
– Friends who are toxic and ruin my mood
– Looking at the price of shares, cryptocurrency and my bank balance
– TV, Netflix and those annoying memes
– Activities I suck at which didn’t inspire me
– Being afraid of putting myself out there
– Being lonely and unlucky in love

Conclusion

This blog post is designed to help you see that you too can create content. It’s also a reminder that I’m not some superhuman and that actually, I’m pretty normal. So, if I can do it, so can you.

I’ve stripped away the fakery and the PR stories so you can be inspired to get to work and create your own content.

I hope to watch, read or listen to that content one day and know I played a very tiny part in your success. Because that’s what I’ve learned success is through my blogging and content.

That’s what you can learn from a 30-something-year-old blogger.

If you want to increase your productivity and learn some more valuable life hacks, then join my private mailing list on timdenning.net

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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how to build self-confidence through action
Image Credit: Midjourney

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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Success Advice

Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)

The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

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Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work
Image Credit: Midjourney

Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)

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Success Advice

What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)

Your first 100 days as CEO could define your entire legacy, here’s how to make every move count

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leadership tips for new CEO
Image Credit: Midjourney

When Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs at Apple, the world watched with bated breath. Jobs wasn’t just a CEO; he was a visionary, an icon, and a legend of innovative leadership. (more…)

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Entrepreneurs

The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025

Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

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Bridging the gap between employees and employers
Image Credit: Midjourney

In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”

While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.

Why This Gap Exists

Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.

What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.

Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap

Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.

1. Practice Mutual Empathy

Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.

2. Maintain Professional Boundaries

Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.

3. Follow the Golden Rule

Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.

4. Avoid Micromanagement

Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.

5. Empower Employees to Grow

Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.

6. Communicate in All Directions

Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.

7. Overcome Insecurities

Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.

8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship

True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.

9. Eliminate Favoritism

Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.

10. Recognize Efforts Promptly

Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.

11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews

When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.

12. Provide Leadership Development

Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.

13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles

Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.

The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role

Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:

  • Build diverse talent pipelines

  • Embrace flexible work models

  • Design compelling career paths

  • Simplify HR processes

  • Redefine the value HR brings

The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.

Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff

When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.

Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.

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