The Greatness Machine

Is it true that maintaining a habit of going to bed and waking up early can result in good health, wealth, and wisdom? Waking up early can be a powerful tool to boost productivity throughout the day. By starting your day earlier, you give yourself extra time to accomplish important tasks, prioritize your to-do list, and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. One of the key benefits of waking up early for productivity is that it allows you to establish a routine. When you wake up at the same time every day, your body becomes accustomed to the schedule and you can train yourself to be more productive during your waking hours. This can lead to increased efficiency and focus throughout the day, as you're already in the mindset of getting things done. Waking up early also allows you to tackle your most important tasks when you're at your freshest and most alert. This is because you're able to start your day with a clear mind and fewer distractions, allowing you to focus your energy on the tasks that require the most brainpower and creativity. Today, I am flying solo to talk about Hal Elrod’s book, The Miracle Morning, and how it changed me to become a morning person.  In this episode, I will talk about my morning routine and what my day looks like after learning about the SAVERS productivity routine. I will also share my manifestations and what I do to achieve them. Topics include: How Hal Elrod’s book The Miracle Morning changed my life Practical steps to becoming a morning person How the SAVERS routine help boosts my productivity How to visualize and manifest what you want The benefits of having an accountability partner And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710  The Self-Aware Leader by John Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Aware-Leader-Play-Strengths-Unleash/dp/078526664X  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should be the next step? In uncertain times, it can be tempting to stand still and wait for things to clear up before making a decision on what your best step forward should be. However, it's important to remember that uncertainty is a natural part of life, and it can also present opportunities for growth and self-discovery. To help you through these times, it is important to practice mindfulness, create a supportive network, remain flexible, focus on progress, seek out new experiences, and maintain a positive outlook. Jeff Henderson, an entrepreneur, speaker, pastor, and business leader, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his newest book, What to Do Next: Taking Your Best Step When Life is Uncertain. In this episode, Darius and Jeff talk about the power of language in leadership, the importance of networking for your career, and pursuing more meaning and purpose in life and work.  Topics include: What drove Jeff to write his new book What to Do Next The story behind building FOR Gwinnett The power of language to improve leadership Effective steps before taking a big leap Why networking is essential for your career Why it is important to leave your employers on good terms And other topics… Resources mentioned: Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837 Connect with Jeff: Website: https://jeffhenderson.com/ Book: https://www.whattodonextbook.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyehenderson/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyhenderson/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show of The Greatness Machine, Darius interviews leading behavioral change expert, Christina Harbridge who shares with us her thoughts on conflict, discomfort, and resolution. Christina is the Founder and CEO of Allegory Inc. Most human beings behave irrationally….in a way that suits their discomfort. But understanding your operating system can prevent this and help you adopt a more rational demeanor. Once you learn to look inwards and evaluate your behavior, you should strive to make an effort for conscious communication. This resulting communication might cause discomfort – but this discomfort is an offshoot of change. It is an indication that something right is happening. We also discuss the intense debate surrounding the “Black Lives Matter” movement and call out the political entities who are pouring gasoline to further fuel the “us vs. them” ideology. This movement has certainly forced everyone to question their beliefs on diversity and bias. As a practiced observer of human behavior, Christina shares how seamless communication also leads to solid core values – which is the invisible thread that binds an organization together.  In today’s show, you will learn how “coordinating” rather than “collaborating” can help employees live up to their innate abilities. Other topics discussed in today’s show include tips for dealing with complex emotions and the importance of recognizing and disregarding feedback that originates from fragility. Topics include: Sitting with discomfort and allowing the feeling  How to recognize and deal with complex emotions  Getting out of your head during a conflict  How seamless communication leads to solid organizational core values  And other topics… Connect with Christina: Website: https://christinaharbridge.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-harbridge/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charbridge  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaharbridge/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you overcome resistance to change? Overcoming resistance is often a key factor in achieving greatness, whether that means excelling in your career, creating a work of art, or achieving a personal goal. Resistance can take many forms, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, or a lack of motivation. However, by recognizing and overcoming these obstacles, you can tap into your full potential and create something truly great. One of the keys to overcoming resistance is to develop a growth mindset. This means embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as indications of failure. It also means focusing on the process of creating, rather than solely on the outcome. By shifting your perspective in this way, you can take on challenges with greater resilience and creativity, and view obstacles as opportunities to learn and improve. Today, I am flying solo to talk about my experience joining the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camps and how that experience made me learn the importance of overcoming resistance. In this episode, I will take a look back at the moment I heard true resistance for the very first time and how I learned the benefits of quieting our monkey minds. Topics include: What I experienced joining the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camps The first time I heard true resistance What I learned from J Robinson about resistance Quieting the monkey mind to overcome resistance And other topics… Resources mentioned: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s show, we interview Brent Gleeson, a Navy SEAL combat veteran, serial entrepreneur, and now acclaimed speaker who shares his distilled wisdom on leadership, accountability, and discipline. Growing up in Dallas, Brent had a normal and secure childhood. And after graduating from SMU, he decided to stick to the tried and tested path by becoming a financial analyst.  But, along the way, Brent was inspired by a fraternity brother who had a lifelong dream of joining the Navy. And he decided to ditch his spreadsheets and pivot tables as he set his eyes on becoming a SEAL. In this segment of the show, you will get a peek into the world of the military. Only 10-15% of applicants manage to successfully complete the rigorous SEAL training. An ultimate test of physical and mental strength, you will surely be inspired by tuning into this show's segment.  After leaving the military, Brent went on to start two businesses, New Condos Online and Internet Marketing Inc, a digital marketing agency – a business that he successfully exited in 2016. Brent has since been helping organizations develop better teams and better leaders. He is an acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and culture transformation to change management and building high-performance teams Towards the end of the show, we have an interesting discussion on core values. And how clearly defining core values and measuring success can help drive an organization toward success. Topics include: The importance of having the same vision with your business partners on where to take business  The benefits of having authentic core values in an organization How core values drive an organization Why SEAL training is the ultimate test of physical and mental prowess And other topics… Connect with Brent: Website: http://www.brentgleesonspeaker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentgleeson-takingpoint/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brent_gleeson/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/brentgleeson  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/darius and get on your way to being your best self. What are the attributes that define an effective leader? Becoming an effective CEO requires a combination of strategic thinking, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the industry and market you operate in. An effective CEO is a visionary who sets clear goals for the company and inspires their team to work together to achieve them. They are also able to make difficult decisions and navigate challenges with grace and confidence.  To become an effective CEO, it is important to continuously learn and grow, seeking out opportunities to improve your skills and stay ahead of industry trends. Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, is also critical to success. Ultimately, an effective CEO is a dynamic leader who inspires success in their organization and drives positive change in their industry. Michael Caito, owner and CEO of Management Action Programs, Inc. (MAP), joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about the lessons he learned on the journey of becoming an effective leader. In this episode, Darius and Michael discuss what it takes to be a good CEO and what are the challenges that come with the job. Michael also reveals how having a business coach has helped him become the leader that he is right now.  Topics include: What Mike did to become a better CEO of Restaurants on the Run The power of focus in running a business The benefits of having a business coach The six mistakes that companies need to get right Mike shares the story behind buying MAP in 2017 And other topics… Connect with Mike: Website: https://www.mapconsulting.com/ Email: mc@mapconsulting.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcaitomap/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapcaito/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is the loyalty of others such a blessing? Loyalty can be seen as a gift in the sense that it is something that is given freely, without expecting anything in return. It demonstrates a genuine commitment and a sense of caring for someone or something. It is often a key ingredient in successful personal and professional relationships, as it helps to foster a strong bond and promote stability. Whether it is demonstrated in personal relationships, communities, or larger social and cultural contexts, one could argue that loyalty is indeed a gift, as it has the power to enrich and enhance the lives of those around us.  Today, I am flying solo to look back at the things I have learned about loyalty and its value. I will also reveal what happened when I stopped expecting things from other people and how it reframed my mindset. Topics include: The gifts that we give to each other Loyalty as a gift What I learned from the Burning Man event What happened when I stopped expecting things from other people And other topics… Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could avoid some of the biggest and most common mistakes that entrepreneurs make early on in their careers? On today’s show, Darius interviews the incredible Gino Wickman, founder, EOS Worldwide who gives us a peek into his Entrepreneurial Operating System. You will learn how you can avoid pain and get a smoother jumpstart when you use an EOS to run your business.  Early on in his story, Gino had his entrepreneurial fire lit, and he took charge of his family business at 25, turned it around, and sold it 7 years later. Over the next 5 years, he worked with more than 50 clients in an inspired phase of mad experimentation. At the end of this, he compiled all his learnings to form his famed Entrepreneurial Operating System. As of date, there are 375 EOS implementers and 100,000 companies worldwide that are running on this system.   As of now, Gino has withdrawn from EOS Worldwide so that he can focus his creativity and energies on his new project – The Entrepreneurial Leap. With his new passion project, Gino is helping entrepreneurs get a better jump start in life. Entrepreneurs, being natural risk-takers, are prone to diving in without proper planning and due diligence. And, as a result, they have to put up with a lot of avoidable pain.  In today’s show, Gino shares his three-step process which can help entrepreneurs chart out the best path ahead. You will also learn how you can get access to some including the e-Leap Assessment Tool and MyBiz Match. Topics include: Finding and using an entrepreneurial operating system The power of setting a BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal) The incredible impact Gino is making with Entrepreneurial Leap! Tools and Resources to help you in your entrepreneurial journey And other topics… Connect with Gino: Website: https://ginowickman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginowickman/ Book: https://www.eosworldwide.com/get-a-grip-book  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/darius and get on your way to being your best self. How does one pull themselves up from struggling through addiction to become one of the top connectors in the world? Is it possible to break the link between pain and addiction? Joe Polish, Founder of Genius Network and considered one of the most influential connectors in the world, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his new book, What’s In It For Them? 9 Genius Networking Principles To Get What You Want By Helping Others Get What They Want. In this episode, Darius and Joe explore the complex relationship between trauma, pain, and addiction. They delve into the concept of givers and takers and the importance of being someone who always gives. They also discuss the world of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the crucial role that mastering fundamental business skills plays in the industry. Topics include: Reasons why people resort to addiction as a solution to pain Joe looks back on how he battled drug addiction at such a young age What got Joe into entrepreneurship  The importance of learning the fundamental business skills Joe shares how Genius Network started Why you need to pay attention to what people complain about Ethics in life and business H.A.L.F. (Hard, Annoying, Lame, and Frustrating) versus E.L.F. (Easy, Lucrative, Fun) Joe explains what his new book What’s In It For Them is all about And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Five Love Languages: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-that-Lasts/dp/080241270X Connect with Joe: Website: https://joepolish.com/  Book: https://whatsinitforthem.com/  Book: https://joesfreebook.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepolish  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joepolish/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling bogged down by your “need” to set the benchmark, higher and higher every time? On today’s show, we interview the incredible artist turned-author, Victoria Labalme who shares with us her distilled wisdom on goal-setting, risk-taking, and our flawed attitude towards achievement.  Victoria taps into her extensive experience in theatre, comedy clubs, and films to help out artists, entrepreneurs, and C-suite uncover their hidden genius at work, on stage, and in life, in general. Our society of today puts immense pressure on achievement and winning.  On today’s show, Victoria shares why we need to change this attitude and get more comfortable with the “fog of not knowing”. We also question our judgmental society where we harbor incorrect biases. As someone who straddles across different professions, Victoria calls out this flawed mindset and emphasizes the need to respect people irrespective of their professional choices.  Topics include: The idea of goal-setting  Risk-taking and the pressure to achieve things  Creating your own path and why it is important to realign  How to get comfortable with the “fog of not knowing”  Our judgemental attitudes and how to overcome our biases And other topics… Connect with Victoria: Website: https://www.victorialabalme.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorialabalme/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/victorialabalme LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorialabalme/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices