Tom Smilovitis – 'Stirring the imagination – Connecting people to possibilities'
27 days to form a HABIT & 90 days to create a LIFESTYLE
The makings of reproductive influencers
Admitting my depression or despair didn’t kill me and it wont kill you. Acknowledgement and owning our state of heart and mind is the beginning of renewal. My fast paced world was about to end. The following will illustrate how crazy I had become mentally and emotionally, racing the sun half way across the country.… Continue reading Don’t cover up your deepest wounds. It’s time to reset and live (Lesson 1 Revised) 27 days
I met a man who had all the trappings this world had to offer and he looked at me saying “Tom, I can’t even taste food any more” He lost his appetite for life. He resembled the sadness of a Lion trapped in a cage, just waiting for its meals and the day it will… Continue reading It’s time to take over the jungle, metaphorically (Lesson 90) 90 day challenge
All to often when growing an enterprise we neglect our audience and get distracted by the crowd. What’s the difference between a crowd and an audience? A crowd A crowd stands at a distance A crowd is not committed A crowd doesn’t appreciate your commitment A crowd walks away after the event An audience An… Continue reading Know your audience and don’t bow to the crowd (Lesson 89) 90 day challenge
In a world that corners itself and nothing gets done or someone just loses out, learn the art of influence and diplomacy. Wether it’s dealing with government or negotiating a business deal it’s amazing hearing stories from two different camps. Both have very persuasive arguments and neither may be correct. Life is definitely more fluid… Continue reading Hear both sides of the story and stay neutral, until? (Lesson 88) 90 day challenge
Three things are vital when preparing for the launch of a new idea. 1. Muster all the fuel you can get The first three to six months takes up so much energy to break through the atmosphere to reach the orbit of Signing up your first client Being free from the negativity of those that… Continue reading Launching an idea is costly, relaunching is a miracle (Lesson 83) 90 day challenge
Freedom comes at a cost, it’s all possible but it comes at a cost Knowing how to obey the laws of ethics rather than rules voted in by the democratic process is a start. I attended a political lunch of an upcoming candidate from an opposition party. The keynote speaker spoke with a feudal voice,… Continue reading You obey the rules, why are you still unhappy? (Lesson 82) 90 day challenge
Quiet seasons don’t necessarily mean calm seasons Quiet seasons can often stir up mixed emotions of uncertainty, being the opposite of feeling calm or tranquil. Calmness is that sense of peace 1. There’s food in the fridge 2. The bills are paid 3. Relationships are in harmony 4. There’s a general sense of well-being However,… Continue reading Calm before the storm of opportunity (Lesson 80) 90 day challenge
The problem with achieving too much of the wrong reward too early, it becomes a weight around our ankles, hindering our potential. Potential ~ having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future. Life’s mountain is way more majestic than the plateau we find our selves settling in for. When mentoring young… Continue reading Starting over won’t kill you, it will renew you, How? (Lesson 77) 90 day challenge
Striving for perfect moments While perfection is just an illusion, human beings strive for that moment where everything aligns. It’s in our DNA to achieve, progress and renew A young couple look for meaning in a relationship. They court one another and plan for that perfect wedding that lasts for just a moment. A baby… Continue reading Perfection is just for a moment, chase it anyway (Lesson 76) 90 day challenge
‘Stick to your knitting’ a term I heard dozens of times by an old boss, when he felt we were straying from our core strengths. Anyone that has grown up with a mother that knitted understands the tediousness of knitting. One stitch at a time 1. Discipline to stick to our core strengths and objectives… Continue reading Stick to your knitting – What is your natural gift? (Lesson 74) 90 day challenge
Unhealthy habits begin when we get stifled and we look for immediate gratification Long term goals can get exhausting, like planning for your retirement at 30 years of age; or your job and relationships are just a repeat unconscious actions. Unhealthy habits form to replace nature’s endorphins. Boredom & Rockbottom have two things in common… Continue reading Boredom & Rockbottom have two things in common (Lesson 72) 90 day challenge
An Ancient Eastern Proverb - It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Even nature reveals in our early development the magic of growth happens while we sleep. Three magical things we allow… Continue reading Sleep is a gift from God (Lesson 5) 27 day challenge
The success of one generation is often the hinderance of the next I’ve come across way to many successful individuals that struggle to pass on their entrepreneurial spirit at the right time. They hold on to their success like it’s the end of the road. Each generation therefore must respectfully rebel against their own mentors,… Continue reading Every generation must find their voice (Lesson 6) 27 day challenge
Everyone needs personal space to flourish, so to be left alone from time to time is not all bad. People that end up feeling lonely often place a hedge around their lives which repels sincere companionship. Most toxic relationships are often a result of individuals not knowing the difference between being alone and becoming lonely.… Continue reading Being alone and being lonely aren’t the same (Lesson 7) 27 day challenge
Some people remind me of balloons, you can pump them up easily but they deflate just as easy, why? We’ve been trapped by marketing trends and the expectations of others, rather than run our own race. Get rid of doing anything seasonal, break every rule and get motivated and I’ll tell you why? Motivation is… Continue reading Motivation is an inside job (Lesson 9) 27 day challenge
There are storms that strengthen our resolve and there are storms that take us on a different course. It’s hard to recognise which storms do what until the right storm comes that changes our course forever. This is the storm that you believe you won’t survive and why? 1. You’ve tried everything that has helped… Continue reading You’ll thank God later for the Disruption (Lesson 11) 27 day challenge
From the kindergarten playground to the grave, politics is a way of life.I’m guilty of trying to be apolitical, but it is about as a political statement as you can get. It’s all part of the debate.Most people are happy to mind their own business until their business gets disrupted. This is when you see… Continue reading Politics – The debate of governance, property and rule (Lesson 13) 27 day challenge
Independent thinking to create cohesion and freedom The term Maverick is said to derive from a Sam Maverick (1803-1870), a prominent Texan landowner who despite intense pressure from other cattle farmers, steadfastly refused to brand his cattle and allowed them to freely roam, instead of being penned within fields. In the new age of independence… Continue reading Be a MAVERICK with a SOCIAL CONSCIENCE (Lesson 21) 27 day challenge
Proverb ‘You are only as strong as your weakest link’ Wether it’s a toxic relationship or an unhealthy habit, it’s the weak links that keep us from achieving our end goal. 1. Weak links render the whole chain weak Weak links emotionally blackmail the chain to its lowest denominator, or worse, make the whole chain… Continue reading 3 Reasons the weakest link needs removing (Lesson 22) 27 day challenge
A bully knows exactly what they are doing and their endgame is control. The following three attributes of a Bully can be easily avoided if you know their motive. 1. They are dismissive in their manner When encountering a bully for the first time, you’ll find them dismissive. They instantly make you feel unworthy. Wether… Continue reading Recognise the 3 ways bullies use to control you (Lesson 23) 27 day challenge
1. Influencers engage the heart not just the mind History records some of the greatest influencers talked in story form or parables a. Story telling opens up the imagination b. Story telling draws in the soul to make independent evaluation of the truth being revealed c. Story telling has an ability separate the light observer… Continue reading 3 Reasons Influencers share stories, not just facts (Lesson 25) 27 day challenge
When setting on a new path, it’s wise to remember where you’ve come from. An old Italian Business Man in his nineties shared with a board room full of young people. He started with a quote ‘If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you won’t know where you’re going’ History has its place in… Continue reading TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE THAT DESTROY PROGRESS (Lesson 28) 90 day challenge
Wether it’s a Business Chamber, Sports Association, Tree Hugging Society or Faith Group, there is an art to creating a sustainable community. In September 2019, I was asked to be the CEO of a business chamber that has been in existence since 1968. With a strong history of business and political punch, the Chamber had… Continue reading 3 Steps To Community Sustainability (Lesson 30) 90 day challenge
Five motivation killers and one motivation rule to extinguish them! 1. The criticism of those that have not invested in you. 2. Work that is meaningless. 3. Answering to those that have not achieved what you have. 4. Having to participate in an atmosphere where individuals bring their toxic spirit in. 5. The greatest motivation… Continue reading 5 MOTIVATION KILLERS (Lesson 31) 90 day challenge
Ancient Proverb 'All roads lead to Rome' or all paths lead to the same goal. The sickest souls on earth are those who fight against their conscience in order to gain something that is not real. The modern digital roads take us to places Ancient Rome couldn't even conceive. Centuries later when the Medieval Templar… Continue reading HIGHWAY TO THE HOLY GRAIL (Lesson 32) 90 day challenge
The delusion that being busy is being effective. Wether it’s a world pandemic or personal crisis, we all end up against the wall of self reflection. More often than not we don’t like what we see, blaming the crisis or circumstances for our discontent. The only place the sun shines more than any place on… Continue reading TOO MUCH ACTIVITY BLOCKS FLOW (Lesson 33) 90 day challenge
If your message solves problems, they’ll come looking for you in the wilderness. He would’ve been in his late twenties to thirty years of age and he unlocked so many minds. He was in the desert declaring the greatest message to come to earth. “Change the way you think, we are about to experience the… Continue reading MAD MAN OR FREEMAN (Lesson 35) 90 day challenge
Here’s a couple of books from my ever dwindling library. (I can’t think of how many books I’ve given away) Having strong republican friends and knowing the Clinton's are quite polarising, I’ve always been encouraged to disdain Hillary Clinton, so I bought her book and let her speak for herself. After reading her book, I… Continue reading SEEK TO UNDERSTAND SO YOU CAN BE UNDERSTOOD (Lesson 36) 90 day challenge
In the space of a few short weeks, individuals are drawn down to their last pennies, some companies are pushed to the wall, faith groups and other community enterprises such as sports clubs and entertainment have been decimated. Remember the golden rule, those who hold the gold, make the rules. Meanwhile our government’s footing has… Continue reading THOSE WHO HOLD THE GOLD MAKE THE RULES (Lesson 73) 90 day challenge
Bigger, Bolder, Brighter Every now and again you have to change directions, wipe the slate clean and reset. Our journey is long, our quest is noble, our loyalties are fixed. We have but one Master and our God given conscience leads us into the unknown. It’s in the unknown we discover something truly remarkable about… Continue reading SETTING ON A NEW VENTURE (Lesson 37) 90 day challenge
"I am just a grain of sand" During my visit in Manhattan, New York I'm asking random unsuspecting people big questions about themselves and society. From the homeless, business people, lawyers, producers and this guy. A picture is worth a thousand words. I’m sitting in the foyer of the hotel and couldn’t help but take… Continue reading I AM JUST A GRAIN OF SAND (Lesson 45) 90 day challenge
Plan like you'll live forever, live like it's your last breath. It may sound morbid but I've always been fascinated by funerals, even taking photos with my 35mm Camera back in the seventies at a family burial. I'm surprised no one stopped me and thought it may have been distasteful, maybe they saw the value… Continue reading There’s no escaping, so don’t waste a minute (Lesson 46) 90 day challenge
I raced my dog on a track and field and he didn't stay in his lane, he just raced all over the field having fun. Then the thought occurred to me ‘The day I stopped running in the fictional white lines painted by my previous task masters was the day I discovered a new world’… Continue reading True freedom seems frightening (Lesson 47) 90 day challenge
Don't judge a book by its cover The Lyndon-James's family understand Social Capital at its finest I started hearing about this guy called Peter Lyndon-James some time ago and didn’t think much of it, just another story of a guy that went from the dark side to a fanatical religious side of life, or so… Continue reading Don’t judge a book by its cover (Lesson 48) 90 day challenge
LOVE IS A CHOICE I just think a lot of men just need to be that - MEN and chase your lady till the day you have breath no more. The following helps if you want a marriage partner for life (From my perspective) 1. Are you attracted to them (no-brainer) 2. Do they… Continue reading Love & Marriage (Lesson 49) 90 day challenge
While travelling in India, one of my favorite teachings came to life while walking through a fishing village. Jesus the itinerant and his first message I was reminded of the first public message over 2000 years ago and the setting we have of Jesus’s itinerant ministry. History described him as one who walked among those… Continue reading He challenged them to think (Lesson 50) 90 day challenge
When they give you an ultimatum, they lose My encounter with a bully that equipped me to deal with other bullies We sat on a park bench discussing the affairs of the organisation and I shared my concerns. He was being polite and understanding to a point. He then goes on to say words to… Continue reading When the bully loses (Lesson 51) 90 day challenge
I'm glad some people never retireI Just finished a great conversation with a semi-retired teacher/ educator who’s been doing her work for over forty five years Interesting observations through her eyes. 1. The world has changed so much and children aren’t being prepared for life. 2. Teachers get worn out by the system and the… Continue reading Teachers Rock, I know, I married one
King Solomon ~ "There is an evil I have seen under the sun, Kings and rulers make grave mistakes when they give great authority to foolish people and low positions to people of proven worth". I can understand parts of the world where autocratic rule and nepotism becomes the burden of the state. I can't… Continue reading Governments and a Cartels? (Lesson 54) 90 day challenge
The anchor of a city is the promise it gives. Reshaping, rebuilding to fully appreciate what's in our midst. 100,000 more residents, students and tourists filling the Perth CBD void, which is required to create an enviable vibrant global city. Perth is Safe, Clean and open for business. What some call a boring City is… Continue reading Perth, Sky’s the limit – A City Change within our reach
I was privileged to speak to about fifty young men aged between eighteen and thirty in a Perth prison along with prison officers and the prison director. I also had a couple of construction site managers. an x-police officer and an indigenous leader come along for the ride. These young prisoners are incredibly intuitive and… Continue reading The prison bars aren’t the inhibitor (Lesson 55) 90 day challenge
Let's build the smartest cultural city in the world with the aim of making Perth the gateway to Australia. Smart City Perth is an idea to connect leaders with leaders. It's not about attracting followers to justify its existence. It's definitely not about one person's agenda or ideology. The aim is to get initiatives off… Continue reading Imagine a network of leaders not sheep (Lesson 56) 90 day challenge
The moment you walk in, it's evident wether you're welcome or not. Picture of John Stefanelli Senior sharing some wisdom with young leaders. I thought it would be good to have one of the founders of the Swan Chamber of Commerce some forty years earlier give young people a taste of what it's like to… Continue reading The day fear is introduced, business stops growing (Lesson 57) 90 day challenge
I know nothing about prisons, the workings of a criminal mind or how the systems of incarceration facilities operate to minimise recidivism. What I do know is, we can dramatically change the current outcomes by introducing a consciousness of moral law. An intelligent young man living on the streets. I bought him breakfast in exchange… Continue reading Why prisons? – It’s a compelling opportunity to develop Smart Prisons
There is something disturbing about the silence of an unchartered track, especially when we make the shift from the safe path to the unknown. While most people can get frustrated by routine, rarely will they give it up in order to explore possibilities. The day we launch our new business and open the doors, the… Continue reading Off the beaten track for future leaders (Lesson 58) 90 day challenge
I had a catch up with the General Manager of Hanssen Construction just before Christmas and he gives me a gift, my now new coffee cup that I use each morning. Reminding me that 'The Job is the Boss' What job? I heard this term some years ago when attending manager site meetings on various… Continue reading The Job is the boss (Lesson 59) 90 day challenge
2018 greeted me with a series of medical checks My glasses are thicker, I had my first rear tooth mola removed and then things get a little more intense. Mid year I welcomed a five inch scar along my lower spine after a procedure to remove a malignant melanoma and to finish off the year,… Continue reading The beauty of ageing gracefully and refusing to worry
How many would close a business because it's going too well? Hardly, however there are some things more important than popularity. For me it's the validation of authenticity and no one can answer that but ourselves. There is nothing I hate worse than forever talking about yesterday's victories, we must be current in our victories… Continue reading Two years off the Social Media grid (Lesson 60) 90 day challenge
As a Chaplain to one Australia's largest high rise construction companies, represented by hundreds of workers from over 60 nationalities, my role was stealth until a need arose. (Run for a friend ; was a suicide awareness campaign we rolled out over a period time to help people open up about their struggles) The following… Continue reading A Construction Chaplain’s approach to a Muslim new convert
It was a privilege to connect my old Pastor friend of 38 years with my my first boss, my cousin from my teenage years, to reignite life to this old reception centre in the city of Swan. This building on the corner of Great Northern Highway and Toodyay Road, Middle Swan was full of life… Continue reading Not quite a cathedral but you have to have vision
In a world riddled with uncertainty, the fabric of society is held together not by mortar alone. Connectivity and safety in society cannot be drummed into our boys with anti bully slogans or the threat of discipline from a heartless system. Our girls ought to feel safe without thinking twice. A father's heart raises the… Continue reading A father’s heart is integral to a city’s fabric, not just a father’s paycheque
Love is a word least likely to appear in a building contract or a developers feasibility, yet love guarantees sustainability. Having spent the past forty years of my career in family business, the not for profit and the property sector, I'm convinced 'Love is what keeps us together' Love, compassion, mercy and justice are the… Continue reading Building tomorrows cities with social justice (love) at its core
We must acknowledge the end of a season and reflect on how good that season was, otherwise we'll miss the whole point of compassion. Making a difference comes in seasons There's a time to sow and there's a time to reap, smart people know the difference and there's definitely a time to let the soil… Continue reading Compassion fatigue sets in when we don’t have an off button
On my morning walk during a quick trip up in Karatha, Red Dog territory, I noticed a man with one golf club and a touch at 5am. I trapped him into a quick conversation, it's not everyday you see someone playing golf in the dark. He's a local doctor who shared his story. He's past… Continue reading Smart doctor taking a torch to his local golf course at 5am
These are the individuals that capture possibilities in their imagination first as they walk towards their dreams, not even realising they awaken the sleepy conscience of everyone in their path. These types of Leaders aren't too interested in gaining a following. They are keen to unleash other leaders with a wild imagination, encouraging them to… Continue reading Leaders embrace the lonely path to pave the way for others
It's a natural tendency to lose touch of the working class person or the battler the busier we get and the more reliant we become on advisors. The crowd starts to fade and the information we receive becomes generic. Generic information is how we become complacent and lose the confidence of the masses. The temptation… Continue reading When we lose touch of the masses, we become desensitised and make foolish decisions
A couple of weeks ago I woke up early and felt that I needed to honour one of Perth's elders. Only room for twelve - Keep it small and intimate I sent a text to about fifteen young leaders and invited them to hear ninety three year old John Stefanelli Senior share about his life… Continue reading There’s no security in the world, only opportunity
The perfectionist struggles to experience growth for fear of failure. Always planning and seeking 99.9% in their theoretical results which makes them fail to launch in the real world. By seeking excellence we acknowledge failure is very much a part of the growing experience. Unless we are willing to fail miserably from time to time,… Continue reading Desire excellence not perfection (Lesson 70) 90 day challenge
We don't have to be rich to practice philanthropy It was 4am and I had a McDonalds breakfast in a bag hoping to find a hungry soul, breakfast in exchange for a story. His face looked familiar, the face of yet another stranger who lost their way. He was happy to share his story and… Continue reading Even street people yearn for community – Let’s call him Bob (Lesson 69) 90 day challenge
Choosing to be ignorant of how goodwill works in community is not an excuse. Corporate and civil social responsibility is everyone's business. You don't palm this off to some make-believe GOODWILL department or PR department. It's everyone's role to create good-will. Am I my brother's keeper? is the very first story in Judo/Christian teachings of… Continue reading Our community’s fabric is destroyed when Goodwill is chopped down and uprooted and replaced with codes, laws and bylaws
Boxer walks around a construction site with a sense of urgency and purpose, like name like character. Boxer is one of those rare people that reminds me of the marble in a paint can, when the can is shaken the paint mixes well because of the marble. Guys like Boxer bring order to urgency as… Continue reading They call him Boxer – 80 yrs old and still gives the young ones a run for their money on construction sites (Lesson 63) 90 day challenge
They show potential and the blood thirst of the economy must be fed so small business is encouraged at all costs. Modern-Day Gladiators, practicing their skills when no one is watching, waiting for the day they get a shot in the arena. The arena (THE MARKET PLACE) is packed to the brim, represented by every… Continue reading Entrepreneur – Modern Day Gladiators (Lesson 61) 90 day challenge
Updated June 2020 and the positive narrative continues. Seven years on and it's still happening, wholesome leaders empowering people to build amazing structures in Perth's high-rise horizon. pic taken at Langley Park nurturing good mental health and suicide awareness, a Hanssen campaign 'run for a friend ;' September 2018, I concluded a five year personal… Continue reading Toxic Construction Culture weeded out by a new style of leadership
Willing to risk and jump into the unknown, we were called migrants 1968 coming towards the port of Fremantle, my mother looked at the flatness of the land, with no buildings and said to my dad, "Where are we going to find work here?" Like most migrants to Australia, they arrived from countries with ancient… Continue reading Entrepreneur – In my day we called them migrants
The moment we start writing our CV, we begin to define ourselves and I assure you that you are better than your CV, no matter how exaggerated it is. Often a CV will try to identify qualifications, experience and character by its author and the unfortunate aspect of this is, the reader will read it… Continue reading A life without a CV? (Lesson 62) 90 day challenge
My childhood rubbish tip turned into a bird sanctuary with parks and gardens. I can't help but believe there's far greater ways to create urban cities that capture the holistic advantages of nature. A concrete jungle geared purely towards commerce costs far more than being nature minded as we inhabit. Suburbs have distanced many from… Continue reading Rubbish tip to beauty – Smart cities must reclaim urban sanctity
Get up close and personal and do it with a smile. Yes, a serial bully can change if we help them see the error of their way. They must have a change of heart, not just a change in outward behaviour. My heart races when this subject arises but it must be addressed all the… Continue reading You can’t legislate against serial bullies (Lesson 64) 90 day challenge
It takes Time, so have the long view - Develop patients with people - Have respect for nature, it's a great teacher The three gems I gleaned at the end of our conversation from John's vast business and life experience. From a wood-mill, tree plantations, cattle, fishing charters, tyres, news paper, developments, shopping centre or… Continue reading Who will replace elders like John Stefanelli? Building a new city on their foundations
Two years later, prisoners are on new paths because something happened that day. The room is empty and the prison guards prepare to bring in about fifty young men, average age, low twenties. These young men are in the prime of life and stuck behind walls paying back to society their time in exchange for… Continue reading Prison Motivational Talk; Captive audience and tough love
God does not shout to make himself heard, be still and hear God speak. Silence can be the loudest experience for some of us when our soul is not rested. We tend to busy ourselves with more chatter, more noise until a breakdown happens rather than a breakthrough. Taking photos while doing a charity drive… Continue reading Wretched chatter – Why I switch my phone off (Lesson 65) 90 day challenge
Mentoring in Construction is a tough gig, Gerry was my doorway. The following is my story and intro into the high rise construction industry in Perth Western Australia through construction Boss, Gerry Hanssen. Gerry has become a friend and mutual agitator to make a difference in the lives of people and the building industry. ‘The… Continue reading Construction Boss called me The Chaplain (Lesson 68) 90 day challenge
The razor edge of authority Authority is likened to the razor edge of a surgeons scalpel and the two razor edges of a warriors sword. The scalpel- Knowing when to use the scalpel by mentoring others and surgically removing the cancers that eat away at a persons life. The two edged sword - Knowing when… Continue reading Razor Edge Authority (Lesson 66) 90 day challenge
run for a friend ; Run for a friend ; is an idea that was fostered out of a tragedy when my youngest daughter shared that a close friend of hers took her own life. My daughter and I discussed how we can make Beth's short-lived life count and decided to launch 'run for a… Continue reading 3500km MENTAL HEALTH DRIVE 3500km WITH MY SON
I pray you go through life with minimal regrets. I’ve thought of my ten standout life regrets and in many ways they have defined me. They have forged convictions and attitudes of what seems an unshakable resolve, I walk through life on purpose and I will not be deterred. I’ve been very fortunate to achieve… Continue reading 10 Life regrets I’ve learned from
Looking for significance rather than job security. I've known Chris for over two decades and our paths have passed in recent years through the amazing world of social media. For years I had the privilege of using vehicles like Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram, sending out daily messages in the hope of challenging the audience to… Continue reading Senior Detective to Construction Mentor (Lesson 67) 90 day challenge
