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Success Advice

The Only Rules For Being Human

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Being human is bloody hard work. When you’re born, no one gives you a rulebook.

There’s no manual for life or the body and mind you’ve been given. For the first twenty to thirty years of your life, you have no clue about anything. For those of us who are a bit older, we have plenty of wisdom to pass down.

These are the only rules for being human that I’ve see in my own life and in others:

You’re beautiful

No one ever tells you this. Deep down you know it subconsciously, but until it’s pointed out, life seems to be missing something. Until you come to this realization, everything doesn’t quite make sense. It’s like you have the jigsaw puzzle of life and are missing three out of the nine hundred pieces. It’s not enough to stuff up the end picture, but it’s enough to create a void.

When I say beautiful, I mean that in the physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual sense. Compared to other animals, you have it all. Abundance is all around you and best of all you get to live a long life compared to other species. Do you ever stop to ponder this fact?

Does anyone ever tell you that life is freaking amazing and you should stop and think about that for a second? No, they don’t. They tell you to “Keep hustling baby!” and “Keep looking for your passion.”

What if the fact you’re beautiful outweighed all of this other nonsense? Every single one of us is mind blowing. We’re beautiful when we solve problems together. We’re beautiful when we’re home alone pondering life. We’re beautiful 100% of the time. That’s how we were created. Believe it!

The world owes you jack

Just having oxygen in your lungs is a miracle. The fact you were the successful sperm that survived amongst all the others is phenomenal. Being born into this world is already enough and everything that happens after that is a privilege.

You’re not entitled to anything. No one is going to give you anything. Everything you get is a direct result of what action you take. Even taking action is not enough. If your actions don’t follow this formula you’re screwed:

– Your actions must reflect the truth
– Your actions must serve all of us on some level
– Most of all, your actions must be aligned with who you are

Not following this formula will see you take action towards goals that never get fulfilled. This turns into a cup full of your hopes and dreams that at the same time is leaking all over the floor. The world is not going to block those leaks for you, or stop your leaky cup – you have to. It’s all you.

Your mind starts as a blank canvas

You’re not born with anything. Everything that happens in your life after you’re born is painted in your mind. So if you start with a blank canvas, then it’s up to you to create the artwork. Only you can turn that artwork into a masterpiece.

How do you do that? You’ve got to intentionally fill your mind with inputs that are going to help you break through the negativity that exists everywhere. Unless you take control, your blank canvas will be painted by the world around you.

That world is negative as hell. If you let that be the result then instead of ending up with a Picasso, you’ll end up with misspelled graffiti that’s created by a delinquent child who refuses to grow up.

Painting this canvas, by the way, will be your fulltime job.

Your body is as magnificent as you think it is

That body you’ve been given doesn’t need to change; you need to change the way you think about it. It’s already pure perfection so don’t let society tell you that you must change it.

You’ve been given two arms to hug those you care about. You’ve been given two legs to walk you through life’s biggest challenges. You’ve been given a heart capable of loving anyone and anything. You’ve been given two eyes to see your vision come to life for real. You’ve been given lips to kiss the one that captures your heart.

“Don’t be scared of the body you do have; be scared of what the body you have been given can achieve when you decide never to give up and pursue your dreams with all you’ve got”

You can only learn

Every mishap is nothing more than an experiment. Failure doesn’t exist only lessons. You’ve heard this cliché so many times before and that’s only because it’s true. When you hear something over and over, you must listen to what that message is trying to tell you. Life is nothing but learning.

“The truth is you never reach mastery”

You’re a fulltime student for your entire life and the results of your experiments are determined by you. See your experiments as necessary and magical, and you’ll get the lesson about lifelong learning.

I’ve learned to take time for myself, be compassionate, be kind to myself and to inspire others. What will your experiments teach you?

Right now is already your best moment

There is no future moment when you will have arrived. Only when you realize you have arrived right now, will the future be what you want. It’s right now that has to change. Right now has to be the best time of your life.

It’s this whole idea of “One day in the future” that tears down everything we have worked hard for. YOU HAVE TO LOVE RIGHT NOW! NOW IS THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!

Will you even get a chance in the future to have your best moment? Maybe not. Then you will have died never knowing how insanely cool life can be.

Your perception of others is a reflection of you

All those harsh remarks you make about people’s weight, their intelligence, and how they act, is a direct reflection of you. It was only when I personally tried to reframe from judging others so much that I saw who I could really be.

Judging others forms a roadblock to the life you’ve always dreamt of. The way you perceive others is the way you perceive yourself. Treat others nicely and you’ll treat yourself the same way. I know this advice seems confusing at first, but it will make sense when you try it.

Replace your judgment for compassion towards others. Supercharge your results by going that extra mile and inspiring people at the same time. I’m not sure why, but when you do this, everything starts to change. There’s no going back once you reach this level in your life.

From this point, you can go on to do whatever you want. People will conspire in your favor. Money starts to become irrelevant. You’ll discover a side to you that you never thought could ever exist. You’ll see a reflection in the mirror that makes you so proud. This moment could also make you cry. That’s okay too.

Your life is the result of what you make of it

The word “Life” should have it’s meaning replaced with one sentence: A list of decisions. Your life is just one big decision list. The more fear and vulnerability you use in each decision you make, the more you make of your life.

As you get better at making decisions, your life get’s better too. Every decision you have to make comes with an intuitive response from within. Let’s not get all spiritual though. That intuitive response is the decision you must make. It just comes down to whether you have the guts to do what is right.

“There are no external forces that will control what your life becomes. All of your results come from within”

When there’s no answer, it’s love

Each of us reaches a point where we become stuck. We look everywhere and can’t find the answer sometimes. When you become lost and feel like the compass is lying to you, understand that the answer is always love.

It means you must give more love and find ways to bring more love into your life. Love is a very powerful weapon that can help you get through anything.

It’s also a word that scares the pants off people because they think it makes them weird or not like everyone else. Love can sometimes be seen as very “Woo Woo.”

If you have no other answer, then it’s worth a shot, right? What’s the worst that can happen? You spread love and nothing comes back? You already know that’s still a pretty good result. Nothing has been wasted in this experiment.

You have every answer already

Every answer exists in your mind already. It always has. Your mind is like a maze and when you learn to navigate through it, you find the answers that were there all along.

Forgive yourself

You do some dumb stuff sometimes. Be kind to yourself and realize that no one is perfect. You can be the average of the five greatest people in the entire world and still make huge mistakes. You can read every self-help book on Amazon and still mess up.

You can quit alcohol for five years and still go backward again. You can decide never to cheat again and still end up giving in to temptation. All of these situations are entirely possible. When they happen, forgive yourself. Sometimes you will go backward, but that’s only so you can move forward even faster.

Feel emotion every single day

That means you must laugh, take time to use your mind to think and let emotion overwhelm you in the form of tears every single day you are on this planet.

To not feel the gift of emotion is the ultimate crime. It’s what will give you the motivation, relaxation and inclination to live the best life you possibly can. If your days seem boring it’s because you’ve forgotten these three gifts.

These gifts sound so dumb and can easily be dismissed. Like I always say “Success is ‘stupid smart’ and not rocket science.” All the little things you dismiss are what’s causing you all of your pain.

You will F all of this up

All the rules for being human that I just gave you will be messed up by you at some point.

It’s a money back guarantee and entirely expected. So now that we’ve cleared this up, when you break a rule now and then, realize it’s okay and just go back to the game plan. Adjust, focus, reposition again, and lock and load. Then pull the trigger again and insist on fearing less.

We all f stuff up. It’s part of being human and yet another rule.

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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