Tom Smilovitis – 'Stirring the imagination – Connecting people to possibilities'
27 days to form a HABIT & 90 days to create a LIFESTYLE
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
When you know what you want, nothing else matters. The beauty of youth is the romance we have about life because we’re so naive. We dream big and we make a date with destiny. The tragedy of ageing too quickly, we lose the fire in our belly and life becomes one grinding treadmill. We’ve become… Continue reading New beginnings is one choice away, just one choice (Lesson 87) 90 day challenge
Children have an uncanny ability to share their thoughts, have a fight & reconnect in no time. As we get older we exchange childish transparency for a more sophisticated life. We spin ourselves a spiders web of complexity and in doing so we entrap ourselves. Unhealthy habits form when we carry too much baggage internally.… Continue reading Choose carefully and be accountable to someone, why? (Lesson 86) 90 day challenge
My mum in her ageing wisdom warned me about the middle years. She said ~ “Some irrational thinking starts to develop and you start to rethink all sorts of things and get a little loopy for a season” Mum went on to give me examples and I was amazed that she was so open. For… Continue reading Midlife and it’s hazards, how to stay clear (Lesson 85) 90 day challenge
Humility A simple description of humility ‘a quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance’ Authority A simple description of authority ‘the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.’ If I were drowning at the beach, I’d easily surrender to the lifesavers orders and wouldn’t get caught up… Continue reading Humility & Authority have a common ground, what? (Lesson 84) 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
Holding on too tightly to memories may hinder us from creating a new reality Human beings are brilliant at self deception and destruction. Our memories aren’t our best servant and they have a way of bringing back all sorts of destructive emotions from our past. Like a scratched record that grates on the ears and… Continue reading Memory may hold us back – Know when to let go (Lesson 81) 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
Peace and war are in the power o the tongue With sayings like “Watch your mouth, put a zip in it, shut your trap, if you haven’t got anything good to say anything at all” etc.. In thousands of years of human development, we still struggle to tame the tongue First sign of maturity is… Continue reading Our words govern us, use them to your advantage, how? (Lesson 79) 90 day challenge
Even ancient kings looked for meaning in their work. In this day and age of work / life balance, we are forever in our search for meaning, we are no better than our ancestors. The free world tries to sell the retirement plan as a meaning, rather than find meaning throughout our work / life.… Continue reading Finding satisfaction in our work, an ancient desire (Lesson 78) 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
Reaching a peak others fear to tread may not be your peak. At this point you may give yourself consent that you have no need to go further. Three reasons to never give yourself consent 1. The law of attrition is always at work The moment you give yourself consent that you’ve reached your peak,… Continue reading Limitations by our own consent (Lesson 75) 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
When it’s too quiet, we doubt ourselves, 3 thoughts why? 1. Most get motivated through hardship, flight or fight mode This is where bright ideas come to us and we act on them This is where we stand up for ourselves and enjoy that sense of victory or regroup and fight again There’s nothing more… Continue reading The deafening sounds of silence (Lesson 71) 90 day challenge
While the world tries to fight against evil through government, legislated laws, armies and policing, there’s another power that threads humanity together. Who do you want having your back, a manager that has to do a job or a leader that is motivated by unconditional love? Even in nature, a mother’s love for her children… Continue reading Emotional Intelligence & Unconditional Love, a new breed of leader (Lesson 2 revised) 27 days
When I visited one of my closest friends in hospital, it wasn’t long before my friend pleaded with the nurse to make me leave. I made him laugh too much and his stitches were tearing. An ancient proverb ‘A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones’ There’s nothing that… Continue reading When did you stop laughing? (Lesson 3 revised) 27 days
The last shall be first and first shall be last. ~ a 2000 year old parable on success We have a choice to enhance our lives through the power of technology or be swallowed up by it. One of the greatest challenges we have in the new world of technology is to understand how to… Continue reading Technology must be the servant, not the master (Lesson 4) 27 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
Fire breathing and starting a business is always risky, you have to juggle between attracting an audience and staying alive. 1. They both must bedazzle the audience Fire breathers are conscious that an audience wants to be bedazzled, it’s all part of the entertainment Starting a new business has its own opportunities for the same… Continue reading Fire breathers and entrepreneurs always attract public interest, why? (Lesson 8) 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
Over forty two years ago I was made to do athletics at school. I hated it, so I turned up on the field fully dressed with my desert boots. The teacher in his wisdom made me run a race I didn’t want to. I did and reluctantly ran around the field wanting to send a… Continue reading Run in your own lane and stop tripping others up (Lesson 10) 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
An ancient proverb reveals the progression of friendship ‘A person who has friends must be friendly, but there is a friend that becomes closer than a sibling’ Three steps to long term friendships 1. Try to be nice, a smile goes a long way I’ve always enjoyed seeing icy people warm up just because I… Continue reading 3 steps to long lasting friendships (Lesson 12) 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
I had lunch with a scientist who prospects for gold and other precious metals. With half a century of experience in the harsh field of mining, the elderly gentleman opens up about a number of subjects including his personal beliefs. He was triggered by my comment about my past work, “I was a pastor for… Continue reading The Atheist is often closer to God than the shallow believer (Lesson 14) 27 day challenge
Life has a way of wearing us down to the point of exhaustion Very rarely do we see the writing on the wall that tells us to slow down, change directions or just stop. 1. Running out of fuel is the first step to taking a forced break The problem with this type of break… Continue reading Two ways to take a mental break, one will refresh you (Lesson 16) 27 day challenge
When we hold on too hard, everything can become weighty. I’ve heard the saying ‘Let go and let God’ and it’s probably a neat way of saying ‘LIVE’ The very idea of living to the full allows us to discover our gifting which always adds value to the world. Being completely stifled in a job… Continue reading We are born to die, it’s what happens in between that matters. (Lesson 17) 27 day challenge
A philanthropic friend has told me on many occasions that he gives because he’s selfish, it makes him feel good. That’s an interesting way to view the act of giving. 1. To freely give of our time, talent or resources, there must be a return of something, why? Even nature has demands of every living… Continue reading Why give? Two Reasons (Lesson 18) 27 day challenge
If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re probably going in circles. 1. Moving through terrains, it’s wise to be prepared I often marvel at professionals that are decisive and make things happen. These individuals aren’t reckless, they see way ahead and anticipate movements along the way. Experience does two things, it makes you fearful… Continue reading 3 thoughts to stay on track (Lesson 20) 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
There’s nothing worse than a relationship gone wrong, be it friends, marriage or in the work place. There’s three steps to minimise that feeling of contempt in others and them in you. 1. Lifelong relationships need space to develop If a relationship starts off with with sparks, it’s probably a good thing. All to often… Continue reading 3 steps to avoid the contempt of familiarity (Lesson 24) 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
Growth develops in uncomfortable settings During lockdown rules of Covid19, societies have had to adapt to a new way of living. Most will miss the opportunity to grow during this season and can’t wait to go back to their complacent norm. I’ve taken the opportunity to say yes to three new things over the last… Continue reading TRY NEW THINGS (Lesson 27) 27 day challenge
There are plenty of negative forces that bring us down. From the moment we wake up, self doubt, apathy and lack of purpose work are at us like atrophy to muscles mass. The following 3 ingredients build up the inner person. Many will experience a combination of them from time to time, but it’s mastering… Continue reading 3 Golden Ingredients to life (Lesson 29) 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
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
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
Unless you’ve been here, you’ll never appreciate the sweet, sweet taste of life’s beauty unraveled by the oddest people we meet. Here’s just one glimpse that will last a lifetime. 1987, My wife, our baby girl and I are living thousands of kms from our family and community trying to build another community to give… Continue reading Angels we meet in difficult time (Lesson 39) 90 day challenge
“Who’s your Master?” He said (a comment made to me by a client) For though I am free from all me, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more ~ Paul, known as the Apostle 'Who's your Master"? To the modern day slave, that’s easy to answer, to the… Continue reading Who’s your Master? (Lesson 40) 90 day challenge
Casual Friday - For city Folk, it means not wearing a tie, for us, it’s a little bit more relaxed. What does an XCOP, XCRIM and an XPREACHER have in common? I often catch up with my oldest friend Mario on Fridays, we shoot the breeze and enjoy coffees at the beach. It's good to… Continue reading XCOP, XCRIM, XPREACHER have a common thread (Lesson 41) 90 day challenge
They accused him of associating too much with the Scum Of The Earth. Who did and why did they accuse him? Lawyers & Do-gooders Individuals that just see with shallow eyes and not with the heart. He rebuffs these legalistic and self riotous accusers with a classic line. “Those who are well have no need… Continue reading Original Gangster – Changed the rules to two (Lesson 42) 90 day challenge
Clash of two worlds I watched this homeless man take a seat at the head of the table at Times Square and he just sat there watching the world go by. Joan Osborne’s song ‘One of us’ came to mind as I watched the world go by with him. ~ What if God was one… Continue reading Was it Black Jesus at Times Square? (Lesson 43) 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
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
Nothing makes a troll feel better than tarnishing your character as they create an unreal image of their power in your mind. It's no different to the classroom or workplace bully. If you're in the public space, let's face it, you've become a target of Chucky, the undeveloped mind. Chucky is an undeveloped creature who… Continue reading Dealing with a Social Media Troll (Lesson 52) 90 day challenge
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
