In a recent episode of the Expert Insight Interview, John Golden from Sales POP Online Sales Magazine and Pipeliner CRM sat down with Rich Christiansen, a globally recognized thought leader, educator, mentor, and humanitarian. Rich, the author of the book “Blindsided,” shared profound insights into his journey, the complexities of his upbringing, and the importance of authenticity and kindness in today’s technology-driven world. This blog post delves into the key themes discussed in the episode, offering actionable advice and expert insights to help you navigate your own journey of self-discovery and alignment.

The Essence of Humanity and Technology

Balancing Technology and Self-Reflection

Rich Christiansen begins by emphasizing the importance of maintaining our human essence amidst the rapid advancement of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). While technology can enhance our lives, it is crucial to use it wisely to create opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth.

Actionable Tips:

• Schedule Tech-Free Time: Dedicate specific times of the day to disconnect from your devices. Use this time for activities like walking, meditating, or journaling.
• Mindful Usage: Be conscious of how and when you use technology. Avoid using your phone as a distraction from uncomfortable emotions or situations.
• Nature Connection: Spend time in nature without your phone. This can help you reconnect with yourself and the natural world.

Facing Fears and Embracing Authenticity

Rich introduces a thought-provoking idea from Parker Palmer about facing our fears and allowing our souls to peek out. He suggests that this process requires a gentle approach rather than a forceful one. To facilitate this, he offers various tools designed to create space in our lives—much like adding cartilage between bones in a joint.

Actionable Tips:

• Gentle Self-Exploration: Engage in activities that allow for gentle self-exploration, such as yoga, meditation, or creative arts.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that do not align with your values. This can lead to increased productivity and a simplified life.
• Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion and allow yourself to laugh at your imperfections. This can lead to internal peace and joy.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

Understanding Personal Success

Rich emphasizes the importance of understanding who we are and being true to ourselves. He introduces a fun exercise called the “soul expression map,” which encourages individuals to explore their identities through playful questions about spirit animals, colors, and shapes.

Actionable Tips:

• Soul Expression Map: Create your own soul expression map by answering questions about your spirit animal, favorite colors, and shapes. This can help you gain insights into your personality and values.
• Reflect on Your Journey: Take time to reflect on your personal journey and the experiences that have shaped you. This can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding.
• Embrace Complexity: Recognize and embrace the complexity of your identity. This can lead to greater resilience and self-acceptance.

The Power of Positivity and Community

John and Rich discuss the importance of embracing our true selves in a world filled with distractions and societal pressures. Rich expresses his optimism for the future, stating that we have the power to impact our lives and communities positively.

Actionable Tips:

• Focus on Kindness: Engage in small acts of kindness, such as baking cookies for neighbors or helping someone in need. These actions can promote goodwill and understanding.
• Build Community: Foster a sense of community by participating in local events, volunteering, or simply connecting with your neighbors.
• Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the good in your life and the potential for positive change in the world.

Making a Difference Through Kindness

Individual Actions and Community Impact

John and Rich conclude their discussion by emphasizing the importance of individual actions in creating a positive impact. They agree that instead of lamenting the world’s problems, we should focus on being the best versions of ourselves—whether as partners, parents, or community members.

Actionable Tips:

• Be the Best Version of Yourself: Strive to be the best version of yourself in all aspects of your life. This can inspire others and create a ripple effect of positivity.
• Engage in Civil Discourse: Promote civil discourse and understanding, even in the face of disagreement. This can help bridge divides and foster a sense of belonging.
• Small Gestures: Remember that small gestures, like sharing cookies with political canvassers, can have a significant impact on promoting goodwill and understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this episode has a rich conversation about the value of kindness, authenticity, and self-discovery in a world where technology and division are increasingly dominant. John and Rich encourage listeners to embrace their true selves, engage in meaningful connections, and take small steps toward fostering community and positivity. As Rich aptly puts it, the future holds great potential, and by focusing on kindness and understanding, we can create a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and those around us.

By implementing the actionable tips and insights shared in this blog post, you can begin your own journey of self-discovery and alignment, ultimately leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

I recently had an eye-opening chat with Karen Roy, author and founder of Karen Roy and Associates. We dove into curiosity’s incredible power to transform lives and careers.

The Allure of Curiosity

We started discussing how distractions and instant gratification often stifle natural curiosity today. Karen and I agreed that asking questions and learning from others is so important.

Curiosity builds customer relationships in sales by understanding their business and solving problems. Karen shared how curiosity helped her assist clients in the corporate world.

Curiosity Fuels Purpose

Next, we explored the connection between curiosity and purpose. We emphasized embracing self-discovery and being true to yourself.

Karen described her journey following varied interests. We concluded curiosity can’t thrive alongside fear – it pushes us to overcome doubts.

An Entrepreneur’s Journey

Karen opened up about the challenges of launching her consulting firm. She had to decide whether to stay a consultant or become an employee.

Karen stressed lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp and helps solve problems.

We also talked about asking the right questions and having engaging dialogues. Karen mentioned some initially resist curiosity. But articulating your intent and building trust helps them open up.

We discussed how validation demonstrates a real interest in people.

Break Through Indifference

I noted the need for personal contact and engagement today, especially virtually. Curiosity helps penetrate indifference.

Karen highlighted her online course, Author FastTrack, which helps entrepreneurs write their first book.

I encouraged checking out Karen’s work and getting authoring help. We wrapped up with gratitude and farewells.

Curiosity holds immense power to transform lives when embraced fully. Let’s unleash our superpower!

As the world shimmers with the enchantment of holiday lights and the sweet aroma of festive treats wafts through the air, we find ourselves at the crossroads of reflection and celebration. In this season of joy and gratitude, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the cherished visitors and contributors of Sales POP, the online Sales and Managers Magazine that has consistently been a beacon of knowledge, insight, and inspiration for professionals across the globe.

At Sales POP, we understand that the world of sales is not just about closing deals; it’s about building relationships, fostering growth, and embracing a set of principles that guide us through the ebbs and flows of our dynamic industry. This Christmas, we invite you to unwrap the gifts of success by exploring the 12 precepts that serve as a roadmap to prosperity. Tailored for those navigating the intricate terrain of sales, these guiding principles are not only a testament to our commitment to excellence but also a reflection of the values that define us.

1. Beliefs

Christmas is a time for reflection, an opportunity to revisit our core beliefs. As contributors to the sales community, let’s reaffirm our commitment to integrity, honesty, and the pursuit of excellence. By grounding ourselves in these beliefs, we can navigate the complex world of sales with authenticity and purpose.

2. Courage:

In the spirit of the season, let us channel the courage needed to embrace challenges and seek new opportunities. Whether it’s breaking into a new market or exploring innovative sales strategies, the holiday season reminds us to be bold and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

3. Curiosity:

Just as children eagerly unwrap presents to discover hidden treasures, let us approach our profession with insatiable curiosity. Stay abreast of industry trends, ask questions, and cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. The curious mind is the key to innovation and success in the ever-evolving landscape of sales.

4. Depression:

Acknowledge the lows but don’t let them overshadow the festive highs. Rejections and setbacks are inevitable in sales, but they should be viewed as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Embrace the lessons learned, and let them propel you toward a brighter and more successful future.

5. Giving:

‘Beyond the exchange of gifts among friends and family, extend the spirit of giving to your professional relationships. Surprise your clients with thoughtful gestures, be it personalized messages, exclusive offers, or a simple expression of gratitude. The act of giving fosters a positive and memorable impression.

6. Gratitude:

Expressing gratitude is a powerful tool in sales. Take a moment to appreciate the clients who have entrusted you with their business, the colleagues who have collaborated on projects, and the mentors who have guided your journey. Gratitude strengthens relationships and opens doors to future opportunities.

7. Inputs:

Evaluate your inputs and refine your strategies. Stay informed about market trends, customer preferences, and emerging technologies. The holiday season offers a valuable opportunity for introspection, allowing you to fine-tune your approach and set the stage for a successful year ahead.

8. Others:

While the pursuit of professional goals is paramount, never underestimate the importance of personal connections. Christmas is a time for warmth and togetherness. Take a moment to connect with colleagues and clients on a personal level. Genuine relationships often lead to mutually beneficial collaborations.

9. Respective:

Respect is the cornerstone of successful relationships. Treat clients, colleagues, and team members with the respect they deserve. By fostering an environment of mutual respect, you lay the foundation for collaborative and harmonious professional interactions.

10. Self-Talk:

The conversations you have with yourself shape your reality. During challenging times, maintain positive self-talk. Believe in your abilities, embrace a growth mindset, and let your inner dialogue be a source of motivation rather than doubt.

11. Support:

In the spirit of camaraderie, recognize when you need support and be ready to offer assistance to others. The collaborative nature of the holiday season can extend into the professional realm, creating a supportive network that enhances everyone’s chances of success.

12. Trust:

Trust is the currency of successful relationships. Build and maintain trust with clients, colleagues, and team members. The holiday season serves as a reminder to reinforce the trust you’ve cultivated throughout the year, solidifying your reputation as a reliable and trustworthy professional.

In this Expert Insight Interview, Heather Dominick discusses whether you can be highly successful and highly sensitive at the same time. Heather Dominick is the founder of A Course In Business Miracles. Since 2010, she has trained highly sensitive entrepreneurs and leaders to do things differently by working less and making more social impact and a higher income.

This Expert Insight Interview discusses:

• The misconceptions about highly sensitive people
• How the phrase “highly sensitive” was coined
• How high sensitivity can be a strength rather than a weakness

Misconceptions

We often think that the most successful people are somehow less sensitive, hard-nosed, and can roll with the punches and keep going. This probably puts many people off trying to go down leadership paths, etc.

When you don’t understand how to work with a nervous system wired differently from the majority of the population, it can create a lot of havoc. But when you do learn how to work with it, it can work to support you in every role, including leadership.

Harnessing the Superpower

The phrase “highly sensitive” was coined as a result of comprehensive research, primarily during the 1990s. In short, what it means to be highly sensitive is that your nervous system is wired to take in stimulation at a much higher degree than someone who is not highly sensitive, and only 20% of people are born this way.

The key to harnessing your high sensitivity is whether you are trained on how to work with your nervous system or not. If you’re not, which is the case for many highly sensitives, you will likely feel some internal sense of being different or less than. Without the help or support to put the puzzle pieces together, you could have a lot of anxiety.

Highly Sensitive Strengths

When you learn how to hone and intentionally use your highly sensitive nature, that gives you access to what Heather refers to as the Top 12 Highly Sensitive Strengths. For example, those who are highly sensitive have a high level of intuitive ability and empathy, as well as other strengths such as deep thinking, deep listening, deep feeling, etc.

When you learn how to have those strengths working for you, they can be tremendous assets for leadership in any regard. This is particularly true when it comes to leadership roles in the world of self-employment.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

In this Expert Insight Interview, Rhonda Mincey discusses how to live a fearless and fulfilled life. Rhonda Mincey is a speaker, strategist, author, and award-winning mentor. She is Chief Inspirational Officer at Great Success, which inspires through action, providing people with skills and techniques to grow personally and professionally.

This Expert Insight Interview discusses:

• Rhonda Mincey’s book — Unbridled Dreams
• How to get unstuck and shift your mindset
• Why mindset shifts are difficult and how self-discovery can help

Unbridled Dreams

Often people decide to live fearlessly and fulfill their hearts’ desires only to have the wind taken out of their sails. Rhonda Mincey’s book is meant to guide people to take strategic action in going after their hearts’ desires, helping them get unstuck.

Sometimes books like these begin by assuming that people know how to unstick themselves in the first place, but Unbridled Dreams starts at ground level. It helps people gain clarity of where they are and move forward.

Getting Unstuck

After the year and a half that we’ve been through, many people are probably feeling overwhelmed and more stuck than ever, not having the first clue of how to unstick themselves. Rhonda Mincey recommends starting with your mindset. She says that no matter how many things come against us, the battle begins in our minds, knowing that we are in this world for a purpose bigger than ourselves.

Overcoming your fears, self-doubts, what-ifs, and unknowns truly begins with a change in your mindset. Knowing that you’re here for a purpose and that you can accomplish what you’re here to accomplish makes a tremendous difference.

Reaching Within Oneself

Making a mindset shift isn’t easy. Sometimes voices of doubt creep in, clouding our thinking and behavior, so we have to move away from that. Most of our thoughts on a daily basis are negative, so part of getting through a problem is being aware of the negative voices and their effect on you.

Before getting unstuck, one has to perform self-analysis and self-discovery. Going within yourself seems especially difficult in this day and age because the pervasive culture is to be distracted and external. This means that going inside your mind seems contrary to the culture of today. However, this is a crucial step to truly getting unstuck.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

“Life is meant for learning, enjoying, and growing, not for litigating and regretting at the deathbed.” ―Professor M.S. Rao

Some people waste their precious life by hating others. They waste their precious time and energy by criticizing, complaining, and condemning others. They create enmity and ill will on petty issues especially due to ego. They realize it in later parts of their lives and regret it.

Focus on Your Passions and Goals

“If you live each day as if it were your last, someday you’ll be right. Every morning I looked in the mirror and asked myself: If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I do today?” —Steve Jobs

Focus on the areas that are close to your heart. Be prepared to go to the grave with battle scars without any regrets. When you set your goals and work hard consistently to accomplish them, you will not find time to think about negative and toxic people. So set goals and associate with positive and like-minded people to lead your life mindfully and meaningfully.

Muhammad Ali said, “Life is not really long. Let’s say the average person is 30-years-old. If you’re 30 years old, you’re not but about 7 years old. How can I prove it? Add up all the 7, 8, 9 hours you slept each night for 30 years. Last night when you went to bed and woke up this morning, you don’t remember a thing. You’ve been unconscious for about 8 years if you’re 30 years old. When you’re 65, ain’t too much more to do so. Did you know I will be 65 in 30 more years? In those 30 years, I have to sleep for 9 years. I don’t have 30 years of daylight. And out of my next 30 years, I might have 16 years to be productive. What am I going to do in the next 16 years, what is the best thing I can do? Get ready to meet God.” It is obvious that life is not long. Life is short. People spend a considerable amount of time sleeping, eating, working, and socializing throughout their lives. By the time they reach their deathbed, they realize that life moved fast. They regret at their bed for not following their passions and dreams. So, stop whining and start acting today, stop blaming and start doing today, and stop hating and start loving today. Leave no room for regrets on your deathbed.

Don’t drain your energy by hating others. Utilize your precious time on creative and productive activities that bring you happiness and help others grow as better humans. Stay away from toxic people to keep your mind healthy and happy. Hating others is unhealthy whether life is short or long. So, love others as long as you live. You will be remembered for your good deeds beyond your lifetime. Money comes and goes and power comes and goes but you will be remembered for your values, principles, philosophies, and the difference you have made in the lives of others.

Avoid Regrets on Your Deathbed

Trust in God who is your well-wisher. Keep doing your best and leaving the rest to God. He will take care of everything. Stop hating people and start loving people because love is more powerful than hatred. To conclude, love is the only thing that connects all humans into one platform. Love the people around you to create a compassionate world.

“You can learn a lot from suffering. Remember, in the ash of suffering a phoenix can be born.” ―Professor M.S. Rao

With COVID-19 becoming pandemic globally, the discussion on loneliness has hit the limelight once again. Loneliness has become an epidemic globally with an increased number of people especially elders encountering this challenge. My heart goes out to the people who are infected with coronavirus and their families and to those who lost their employments. In this regard, we will discuss the pros and cons of loneliness, tips to overcome it, and leverage loneliness effectively to lead your life mindfully.

Loneliness is to feel alone, being unwanted and uncared by others. It is more especially in the elders in the developed nations. Research shows that more than a third of adults over 45 are lonely. Loneliness has entered the developing nations including India due to the growing number of nuclear families as the children are leaving their parents and migrating elsewhere for their survival and success.

Pros and Cons

Loneliness is both a boon and a bane for people. It depends on how people perceive it. Introverts enjoy it while extroverts abhor it. The research findings and statistics show for and against it. Here are the pros and cons of loneliness. You can pursue your passions but there is nobody to appreciate them. You have low expenses but no opportunity to share your emotions and feelings. You can sleep as you feel comfortable on your bed but no partner to have a spicy life. You have the freedom to choose your life but you don’t have any partner to have romance and sex. You get inner peace and pleasure but you cannot share them with others. You lead an exciting life but nobody cares for you if you ill. As excess of anything is evil extended loneliness may lead to mental illness.

How to Overcome Your Loneliness?

Loneliness offers innumerable opportunities if you perceive it positively and act proactively. You enjoy inner peace and happiness. You appreciate the power of solitude. You reflect a lot and take feedback. You excel as a better human. Having pets helps you overcome loneliness as they connect with you emotionally. Pets help you overcome depression and anxiety. Connect with your partner and have sex regularly. Connect with your friends and recall the golden memories. Here is a blueprint to overcome your loneliness. Set your goals to lead your life in the right direction. Remove negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts. Follow your forgotten hobbies. Engage in your domestic activities productively and creatively. Do exercises. Do meditation. Do yoga. Do gardening. Be mindful. Be positive. Be confident. Become a volunteer to serve others. Participate actively in the nonprofits to add value to society. In a nutshell, loneliness is a great opportunity to make a difference to your communities and societies.

Leverage Loneliness

Avoid negative self-talk. Be mentally strong and visualize with optimistic images in your mind. Understand what you can control and you cannot control in your life. Control what you can and develop an attitude about the things that you cannot control. Acquire an internal locus of control. If you use your loneliness creatively, you can become a scholar, thinker, author, philosopher, intellectual or leader. It is time for you to see the positive aspects of loneliness and leverage it effectively to excel as a better human useful to society. Nelson Mandela was jailed for 27 years but he did not lose his hope. He transformed as a better leader and ended apartheid in South Africa successfully.

Loneliness is an Integral Part of Life

A young person looks at the future, the middle-aged person looks at the present and the old person looks at the past. While traveling back to the past, the old person often compares the present with the past and finds in a different era that no longer exists leading to depression and anxiety. So, accept the realities of life. Be flexible and adaptable. Learn to live in the present to overcome loneliness to lead your life mindfully.

In the ancient age, saints and sages spent their time in solitude and acquired superpowers and transformed the world. Humans are gifted with an amazing power to imagine and transform the dust into gold. They can utilize their loneliness to build better communities and societies globally. To summarize, loneliness is an integral part of human life. Life is a gift from God. Enjoy it whether you live alone or with others. To conclude, understand the universal truth that you are born alone, live alone, and die alone. Life is great.

There has been a lot of talk about mindfulness over the last few years, but it is more relevant now than ever before, especially with the current global pandemic caused by COVID-19. People are more stressed and more burnt out than ever, and there are relative uncertainty and complex ambiguity on a global scale. The result is that people aren’t really happy with their lives, and this translates into poor career performance. Interviewed by John Golden, Professor Rao explores mindfulness, and how this tool can help you live a happier life, and lead a more successful career.

This expert sales interview explores:

• Defining mindfulness
• Challenges to mindfulness
• The importance of uncovering meaning in life

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a practice that gives meaning and peace to people’s lives. It’s about living in the present. This means disregarding worry about the past, especially the unpleasant events that only serve to bring you down, and disregarding worry about the future, which cannot be predicted. We tend to look back a lot with regret, and live with a lot of dissatisfaction in the present that makes us look to the future. It’s all about living in the present, and adding value to your life so that you can live it with purpose and meaning.

Why is Mindfulness so difficult?

Mindfulness, and living in the present, can be quite difficult, for many reasons. One of the reasons is that technology, while it has brought many comforts and advancements, has also brought many challenges. People are so connected to cell phones and other technological devices that they are being constantly distracted, which creates a failure to focus on the present. People also struggle with a work-life balance. It can be difficult to juggle self-care, working hard at your career, and dedicating time to family and friends. While working is great, and having a career is an important part of anyone’s life, there is a disconnection from people and self. In fact, creating more connection with yourself and with others can improve your life tremendously, which will, in turn, make you a happier, better worker.

Uncovering Meaning:

One of the ways to increase mindfulness and enjoy the present is to explore what motivates you. Many people have never asked themselves why they’re doing what they’re doing, or what motivates them to move forward. People might answer that they go to work because it’s a paycheck, or live in a certain city because of certain demographic advantages, proximity to work, etc. But so often, we are motivated by external things and external comparisons with others that we don’t stop to consider what motivates us and what gives our life meaning. If you don’t know the purpose of what you’re doing, it’s hard to say focused on doing it in the present. With respect for yourself, take time to do self-reflection on what is required in your life. Look at different areas, like professionally, personally, culturally, etc. Exploration of meaning and motivation is an essential mindfulness tool that will help you get through difficult times.

Our Host

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.