IgnitedNeurons

22/04/2024

I had the opportunity to speak at my first TEDx event.

What a joy it was to speak at TEDxMornington.

If you and I are connected or you have reached here, please drop a comment on the TEDx YouTube channel. Enjoy the talk!

Fear. We have all felt fear. In a world where fear is often seen as a barrier to progress, Utkarsh challenges this notion by exploring his evolving relations...

18/11/2023

I recently heard 60 speakers audition for TEDx. Here are five blunders I saw people make that must be avoided in public speaking.

We've all been there.

A few weeks ago, I experienced 60 speakers (including me!) sharing the stage, and each one of them was exemplary. But here are some common blunders in public speaking that we can all learn from:

1. Monotone Monologues
Ever heard someone speak in a drone, where every word sounds the same? It's like a sleepy lullaby, but not in a good way. Vocal variety is the spice of communication, so let's keep it lively.

2. Reading Robotically
Imagine someone reading a speech without lifting their eyes. It's like a robot reciting lines. Reading directly from the material is okay, but let's add a touch of humanity by connecting with the audience.

3. Avoiding Eye Contact
Eyes are the windows to confidence. Avoiding eye contact can create a disconnect. Let's embrace the gaze and show we're engaged with our audience.

4. Confidence Collapse
Confidence isn't always a natural gift, but sounding sure of what we're saying is crucial. It's not about being fearless; it's about sounding like we know our stuff.

5. Hand Gesture Havoc: Nervous hands can take on a life of their own. Random flailing might distract from the message. Let's use gestures purposefully, emphasising key points.

How can we turn these blunders into wins?

🎙️ Tips for Stellar Speaking:

1. Vocal Variety Workout
Practice changing your tone and pitch. Imagine your voice as a rollercoaster, taking your audience on an engaging ride.

2. Eye Contact Exercise
Find a friendly face in the audience and speak directly to them for a sentence or two. Move to someone else. It's like a verbal dance.

3. Confidence Boosters
Before the talk, strike a power pose or repeat affirmations. Believe in the message, and that confidence will shine through.

4. Hand Gesture Harmony
Practice using purposeful gestures. They should complement your words, not compete with them.

Remember, public speaking is an art; even the pros started somewhere.

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06/11/2023

The art of progress = avoiding past pitfalls. Five tips to progress in life.

I have had many moments when something did not work for me. A project, a webinar delivery, or a sales email. If I would have kept repeating the same mistakes, I would not have seen progress.

We are bound to fall, but the growth lies in rising again. And hopefully, not making the same mistakes.

Here are five shifts that you can go through to embrace progress -

🛠️ Wisdom in Every Experience:

Every experience holds wisdom. It's the roadmap to resilience and the foundation for personal growth. Let's avoid making the same mistakes twice.

🚦 Spot the Warning Signs:

Sometimes, we're drawn to situations we believe have changed. But if history shows repeating patterns, let's be cautious. Trust your instincts; they're your best allies.

🌱 Growth Is Key:

Instead of shying away from past experiences, let's recognise how they've strengthened us. Embrace the wisdom and personal growth that has come from them.

🚀 Move Forward with Purpose:

Once we've learned from our past, we must keep moving forward with purpose. Don't let prior experiences hold you back. Instead, leverage your newfound strength to create a better future.

💪 The Power of Resilience:

In our professional and personal lives, resilience is our greatest asset. It's what propels us forward, ignites our potential, and ensures we don't repeat the same mistakes.

Have you encountered the same flame twice, or did you heed the lessons from the first burn?

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05/11/2023

Do you think that financial balance is out of your reach?

Meet the 50/30/20 rule.

My relationship with money is still evolving. I have come a long way in the last few months and years! The biggest lesson for me has been between WANTS and NEEDS.

I have been able to win over the wants.

Here is how the 50-30-20 rule works. It might look slightly different for you, and to each their own!

🔷 50% for Needs: This chunk, roughly 50% of your income, covers the must-haves. Think of housing, utilities, groceries, and insurance. It forms the bedrock of your financial stability.

🔶 30% for Savings and Debt Repayment: The next 30% is earmarked for securing your future. It's about building savings, paying down debts, and investing wisely. Your financial safety net starts here.

🟠 20% for Wants: Here's the fun part – 20% is dedicated to indulging in your heart's desires. Dining out, hobbies, entertainment, and those little luxuries that make life enjoyable.

By following the 50/30/20 rule, you're striking a balance between necessities, aspirations, and security. It's a potent way to navigate your financial journey effectively.

💡 Tip: Keep track of your spending to align with these percentages. It's a simple yet profound method to transform your financial landscape.

How do you manage your finances? Does the 50/30/20 rule resonate with you for a more balanced financial life?

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03/11/2023

Sometimes, our biggest obstacle isn't external forces but our inner voice. Here's how you can overcome self-sabotage.

Self-sabotage is like a silent killer that creeps into our lives when we least expect it. I've often pondered how this subtle enemy operates.

It all starts with negative self-talk.

We engage in an inner dialogue that's self-critical and outright self-doubting.

We tell ourselves we're not good, smart, or capable enough.

And guess what happens?

We start believing it, and that's when self-sabotage begins.

The most dangerous part? Self-sabotage doesn't loudly announce its arrival. It slips into our daily routines, making us hesitate, procrastinate, or avoid opportunities. It quietly convinces us to stay in our comfort zone, never venturing into the unknown.

However, here are few ways how we can outsmart self-sabotage:

🧠 Recognize the Enemy: Start by acknowledging when negative self-talk takes over. Challenge those self-doubting thoughts with positivity.

🌟 Affirm Your Worth: Counteract self-sabotage with positive affirmations. Shift from "I can't" to "I can."

🎯 Small Steps: Break big goals into manageable tasks. Small victories chip away at self-doubt.

🎉 Celebrate Wins: Every success, no matter how small, deserves celebration. Boost your confidence and weaken self-sabotage's grip.

🤝 Lean on Support: Seek guidance from friends, mentors, or coaches. They provide valuable insights to conquer self-sabotage.

What is your equation with self-sabotage?

Self-sabotage is the killer of dreams and opportunities. It thrives on self-doubt and negative self-talk. But with awareness and proactive strategies, we can break free from its grip and embrace our full potential.

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01/11/2023

I've been in the people development space for almost a decade. Decision-making and solving problems continue to be daily challenges I enjoy. This framework has worked for me and might also be great for you.

➡ Cynefin Framework

Cynefin, pronounced "kuh-NEV-in," offers us a roadmap through the maze of complexity. Developed by Dave Snowden, it divides problems and contexts into five distinct domains: Simple, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic, and Disorder.

This categorisation serves as a compass, helping us understand the nature of the problem and select the most effective strategy for solving it.

How to use it?

1. Clear (Obvious or Simple):
- Domain of best practices.
- Known problems with clear cause-and-effect relationships.
- Stable situations.

Action: Sense–Categorize–Respond. Apply known solutions.

2. Complicated:
- Multiple possible answers exist, but they require analysis.
- Questions are clear, but answers aren't immediately visible.

Action: Sense-Analyze-Respond. Rely on expert knowledge for assessment.

3. Complex:
- The realm of "unknown unknowns."
- Situations defy analysis due to a lack of understanding.

Action: Experiment, learn, sense, and respond. Seek clarity to move it to the Complicated domain.

4. Chaotic:
- When things are out of control.
- Unclear cause-and-effect relationships.

Action: Act–Sense–Respond. First, establish stability, then assess and bring order.

5. Disorder:
- A domain of uncertainty where you don't know where you stand.
- Goal: Quickly identify the right domain, then proceed.

Action: Break down the problem and assign it to the relevant domain.

Determining Your Domain:
To navigate effectively, acquaint yourself with each domain's characteristics.

Here are some questions to guide you:
- Do you understand the cause of the situation?
- Is the situation under control?
- How much do you know about it?
- Does it require expert knowledge to solve?

By identifying your domain, you can make informed decisions, effectively address problems, and embrace the ever-changing landscape of complexity.

31/10/2023

Have you ever wondered how innovative organisations are reshaping our world? Let's explore 6 game-changers.

From electric dreams to purposeful actions, these 6 organisations are rewriting the business landscape and proving that innovation drives their remarkable success.

→⁠→ Tesla's Electric Revolution
Remember when electric cars were a novelty? Tesla didn't just introduce a car; they ignited an electric revolution.

→Lesson: Challenge the status quo and redefine industries.

→⁠→ Airbnb's Disruptive Hospitality
Airbnb changed how we travel. They transformed spare rooms into experiences.

→Lesson: Embrace disruption; it can lead to groundbreaking solutions.

→⁠→ Buffer's Transparent Culture
Buffer, a social media management startup, have embraced a flat hierarchy, sharing everything from financials to salaries with their team. This transparency fosters trust and open communication, vital for innovation.

→Lesson: Trust and openness fuel innovation.

→⁠→ Patagonia's Purpose-Driven Innovation
Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, is committed to environmental and social responsibility. This sense of purpose has driven innovation in their sustainable product designs and activism efforts.

→Lesson: Purpose fuels innovation with a higher impact.

→⁠→ Spotify's User-Centric Model
Spotify redefined music streaming with personalised playlists.

→ Lesson: Prioritise user experience; it's your competitive edge.

→⁠→ Netflix's Content Evolution
Netflix evolved from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. They showed that adaptability is vital.

→ Lesson: Be flexible and open to pivoting when needed.

These giants have revolutionised their industries through innovation. By studying their journeys, we can find innovative solutions for our own workplace challenges.

30/10/2023

Do you ever catch your mind spiralling into overdrive? Don't let your mind be a prison. Here are 6 ways to free your mind from overthinking.

We all know that overthinking, at times, can be like a spider's web, trapping our thoughts in a never-ending loop. We dissect every possibility, replay every scenario, and often find ourselves stuck, unable to move forward.

Overthinking isn't problem-solving; it's the quicksand of the mind. It can paralyse us, rob us of our peace, and prevent us from acting.

Here are six ways to break free -

1. Mindful Awareness: The first step is recognising when you're entangled in overthinking. Awareness is the key.

2. Stop the Spiral: When you catch yourself overanalysing, pause. Challenge the thoughts that keep you spinning in circles.

3. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can provide clarity and help you sort through the noise.

4. Take Action: Overthinking often results from inaction. Take a step, even a small one, toward your goals.

5. Set Time Limits: If you need to think through a problem, set a time limit, and once it's up, take action.

6. Focus on the Present: Practice being present in the moment. What's happening now is what matters.

Have you discovered effective techniques for stopping the spiral of overthinking? Share your wisdom!

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Overthinking is a habit that can be unlearned. It takes practice, patience, and self-compassion. Remember, life is too short to be caught in the web of overthinking.

29/10/2023

Jan 17, 2010: Thirteen years ago, I was a Physiotherapist. What allowed me to evolve into new identities over the last 13 years, and how can it help you live beyond limitations? 3️⃣ Action steps - thank me later.

I don't remember any concepts of physiotherapy anymore. Maybe a few muscles and joints. Some important exercises. But I would not trust myself if I had pain in my body.

What I still remember is -
1. I did it with all my heart.
2. I always had a smile on my face.
3. I served my patients with care.
4. My values of excellence, discipline, and love were strongly expressed.

Today, I am a facilitator, executive coach, content creator, and speaker.

I have done three things over the years that you can carry into your lives today.

1️⃣ Embrace a Flexible Identity
I did not get stuck with one identity. I am more than my work. My work is an extension of who I am but I am more than that. Train yourself to challenge your beliefs, identities and set patterns.

Action Step - If there is a specific food type that you don't like (eg. Sushi, Pizza, Salads) then go try that over the next couple of weeks. Find ways to embrace a new identity with respect to that food.

2️⃣ Growth Mindset
Learn, improve, grow - you are not dead. You can do anything that you set your heart and mind to. Don't let age, conditions and skills stop you.

Action Step - Find one thing you are motivated to learn. As simple as riding a bike, drawing a perfect circle, speaking to the camera - and practice, practice, practice. Get feedback. And learn that s**t. I mean it.

3️⃣ Service Attitude
As a physiotherapist, a coach, or a content creator, I am always serving my audience. If there is no work coming right now, I am patient. For me, there is joy in the service. Results are important, but they take time. Work to serve others.

Action Step - Analyse how much you spend each week on outside food, eliminate one meal and use that money to give food to someone hungry or feed biscuits to a stray dog or do something to bring a smile to someone else's face. You will find inner peace.

28/10/2023

We often aim to control something that remains firmly beyond our grasp. Any guesses? What's the first thought that pops into your head?

It's the eternal - time!

Consider this scenario 👇🏼
You have a day filled with countless tasks, each vying for your attention. A never-ending to-do list, meetings, deadlines – it's the chaos we've all experienced. We are going nowhere, but the time keeps running. What is it that this implies?

What if time isn't what needs managing? What if it is us and our tasks that require the orchestration?

Time doesn't slow down for anyone. It keeps ticking away while we juggle tasks, deciding which ones deserve priority. We can't elongate a minute or squeeze an extra hour from the clock. Time, indeed, manages us, steering our lives forward.

So, the key isn't bending time to our will but harnessing the power to align our tasks with the flow of time. It's about understanding the rhythm of your day, identifying what truly matters, and then letting time be your ally.

Here's the profound revelation: Instead of managing time, manage your tasks. Focus on what's vital, delegate what you can, and recognise the limits of each day. This perspective shift can transform the way you work and live.

What are your thoughts on the concept of 'time managing us' rather than the other way around?

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27/10/2023

If the art of problem-solving challenges you, then the fishbone diagram or the Ishikawa Tool is the tool you need. And even vegetarians can use it. (Apologies for the 'DAD' sense of humour!)

We have often faced a complex problem and felt lost in the sea of potential causes, right? The Ishikawa tool comes to our rescue at this point.

The Ishikawa, also known as the Fishbone Diagram, is a genius way to navigate the intricacies of problem-solving. Think of it as your treasure map to the root causes.

The Anatomy: Start with the "head," the problem itself. Now, imagine the "bones" as various factors or causes that could lead to the problem

How to use it?
Start by identifying the "head," which is the problem itself. Draw a horizontal line representing the spine of the fish. Imagine the "bones" as various factors or causes that could lead to the problem. Label each bone with a possible cause. This visual representation helps you see the connections.

Let's say you're dealing with getting late to the office every day. The 'head' is the effect. The "bones" could include materials, equipment, people, environment, and processes. You can pinpoint the root causes and take targeted action to reduce defects by mapping it out.

The beauty of the Ishikawa is that it's versatile. Whether you're in business, quality management, manufacturing, or any field where challenges arise, it's your trusty companion

The magic lies in making connections. Each bone represents a potential cause, and by mapping them out, you gain a clear picture of what's driving the issue.

How do you see the Ishikawa tool fitting into your problem-solving toolkit?

And if this added value, could you share it with your network? { ♻ ❤️ }

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26/10/2023

Goa 2012. One from the archives! What can you learn from the ocean? "You are not a drop in the ocean but the entire ocean in a drop.” Rumi.

TLDR - The ocean teaches you to be Dynamic yet Static, Embrace Impermanence, and be Connected.

I have always been fascinated by the ocean. Majestic. Magnificent. Larger than life. Infinite. These are the words that come to mind.

I like to live life taking inspiration from the deep ocean. On the outside, the waves and tides are so dynamic. But if you look at the far end, deep within, they are static.

Dynamic from the outside but calm and static on the inside.

The ocean is never the same twice. Its tides change, its creatures migrate, and its currents shift. It reminds us that change is inevitable and that there is beauty in embracing the impermanence of life.

Finally, the ocean is a connector. The ocean is a vast network connecting continents, cultures, and creatures. It shows us that we are all interconnected and that our actions have ripple effects that extend far beyond ourselves. It teaches us to cultivate empathy, cooperation, and responsibility towards the world around us.

This week, reflect on one of these and put them into practice. You are the entire ocean. Don't let anything stop you!

What will you do differently this week that will allow you to experience and expand the ocean within?

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