Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Today we are going to talk about how you can get better results in life and business by activating your creativity. I first became aware of this concept when my book ON FIRE made a must read list by The Business Journals along side the book of today's guest, Natalie Nixon. Natalie's book is called Strategic Strategic Design Thinking. Today, you'll learn how this concept will help you live more inspired. SHOW NOTES: We don't understand creativity; that's why we don't use it. Be curious. Humble yourself to ask for help: "How would you approach this?" Using the phrase "How might we?" shifts the onus of expertise. It is inclusive, focusing on a process, not solution. Natalie referenced Warren Burger's book A More Beautiful Question. Asking questions does not = ignorance. Cultivate an environment where you can ask questions - at the dinner table, etc. - lead by asking questions. See Natalie's Ted Talk on the 7 Ways to Improvise at work here. Embrace mistakes + errors. In jazz there is no such thing as a mistake, if you accidentally play the wrong key you figure out in the moment how to build on that - how to make it seamless. Convert an "error" into something new. Don't dwell on it or make it larger than it needs to be. Check out Natalie's essays on Inc.com here. Get better at accepting failure. Have a practice that is unrelated to your work, where you are constantly having to learn. What can you do to become more creative? Be curious. Creativity is grounded in curiosity. Creativity starts with asking better questions. Why? What if? How could we do it / put it into action? Rigor cannot be sustained without wonder. NATALIE NIXON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? In Search of Satisfaction and A More Beautiful Question. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Audacity and day-dreamy-ness. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? An old black + white photograph of my parents in a photo booth. They're so beautiful and young and when I see that picture I just see the beginnings of me. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Harriet Tubman, my grandmother who I was never able to meet, people who are long gone. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Keep on keeping on, persevere... from my dad. And also, "please and thank you" will set you apart one day. 7. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She was brave before she was masterful. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

30 years ago I was burned on 100% of my body and not expected to survive. I beat the odds and recovered thanks to the care, encouragement + love of my family, friends, healthcare team, MLB baseball players and countless individuals I'll never know. From this, I have a profound sense of gratitude for my life + perspective on overcoming challenges. Today, I share 3 of the most formative lessons I learned during my recovery. One is a favorite I share on stage from time to time. One I shared in my #1 National Bestselling book ON FIRE. One I've never shared before. I hope they fuel you to live inspired today. SHOW NOTES: Start each week with Monday Motivation email! Get it here. "You have two eyes, two ears + one mouth. Use them proportionally." - Dr. Avazian John shares his favorite quote + what it means in your life: "When you know your why you can endure any how." Get Viktor Frankl's book Man's Search for Meaning to read it in context. People matter. Words matter. Be aware of the words you're listening to + the ones you're speaking. If we hear it enough, even if it is wrong, we think it's true. What words are you listening to: Through your social feed, news + on your commute? Where are you listening/being fed? What we put into our bodies shows up in our lives. What words are you sharing with your children, family, spouse + coworkers. Are you telling them through your words + actions that their best days are in front of them? Wonder matters. "I no longer identified as a wounded person. Wonder matters. The way he had a twinkle in his eye + joy in the way he worked + treated the others, I saw that and try to exemplify it 20 years later. Grow. Learn. Share. Produce. Go through life with great wonder. Check out a few of Dr. Pappalardo's poems here. Enjoy this episode on life lessons from my doctors? Check out Ep. #38 with Nurse Roy, this is one of the most popular stories I share from the stage + an amazing reminder of the impact EACH of us has each day. Don't miss it. Check it out here. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Today, we've got a really fun treat for you! An awesome lesson on love and how to fill your home with it just in time for the holidays... from HGTV stars, Erin + Ben Napier. Erin + Ben share about their new book, Make Something Good Today, and how this motto has transformed their lives. My friends, rehabbing isn't just meant for homes, but more importantly, for our hearts, lives and towns, too. SHOW NOTES: As I mentioned, today is the last day to place an order + receive it in time for Christmas! Head to the Live Inspired Shop + use code podcast for 15% off t-shirts, calendars + autographed copies of ON FIRE. Erin + Ben Napier are stars of the HGTV show Home Town Get Erin + Ben's book Making Something Good Today here You just need enough faith to take the first step. "If I could make my faith more real than my fear, I could do this." Take time to find one thing that is great in every day + it will make the things that are uncertain feel less scary. Renovating life - making something that seems bad, old, useless into something new, good and valuable again. The sense of wonder, that ability to hope for what was impossible, its inside of all of us. Always evolving; it's how we were created to be. Advice we can all borrow this holiday season. Need a gift idea?: Just be thoughtful enough to give your time + make something, it doesn't matter how big or small it is. Ben Napier about why they chose to do the show: "If we can be a beacon of hope for small town America, we'll do it." What would you say to a person who is struggling? It's all about being yourself. What worked somewhere else might not work for you. Look at who you are. Enjoy hearing from a wife + husband? Check out Ep. #67 with Marc + Angel Chernoff who tackle everyday issues on their blog Hack Life here. ERIN + BEN NAPIER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Erin: Love in the time of Cholera. It's a love story that happens across decades. Beautifully written, colorful. I recommend to anybody.Ben: A Childhood by Harry Crews. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Erin: I wish I made more art. I wish I did more with my hands.Ben: I was much more naive and trusting as a child, which is hard to have as an adult. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Erin: The anniversary books from Ben. Ben: Probably the anniversary books for Erin. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Erin: My grandfather who died. I wish I got to spend more time with him.Ben: Erin. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Erin: My dad says "Sugar, every bucket has to sit on it's own bottom." Any huge decision, or goal: You have to do it for yourself. Its the only way to be proud of it and own it.Ben: Look at who you want to be in 5 years + only say yes to things that will take you there. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Erin: Your parents know everything. They were right.Ben: Try harder to get Erin. 7. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Erin: She was afraid but she did it anyway. Ben: He loved everyone. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

"Be remembered for your love." My friends, today we have as our guest Bob Goff, bestselling author of Love Does and Everybody, Always. Bob's books have sold millions of copies and after hearing our whimsical conversation - ripe with lessons on how to love everybody, always - you'll know why. My friend, you are in luck. You won't be able to listen to Bob and not live inspired. Join us. SHOW NOTES: Get a copy of Bob's recent book Everybody Always here. Get a copy of Bob's classic book Love Does here. "Why are you doing what you are doing? If it is for the applause - join the circus." All the time you spend investing in your family is worth it. that's what you'll be remembered for. People think about open + closed doors. That God or fate closed the door. But I say, kick a couple down! If you have a dream to contribute, go do it. Don't take no for an answer. We're rivers not reservoirs. just let it flow. My greatest teachers weren't trying to teach me anything. Be remembered for your love. If you're doing things for applause, join the circus. Move it from the to do list. Take action. Learn more about Bob here. BOB GOFF'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Don Miller's A Million Miles and a Thousand Years and Scary Close. They are awfully good. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Childlike faith. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Artwork my kids made when they were young. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Mark Twain would be really interesting to talk to. I'd ask him questions about hope, confidence, purpose and meaning. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? From my grandparent, that it's possible. you can actually do this. they were very poor by all standards, but rich in spirit. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Swing for the fences! Keep your eye on your own paper. Write your own music. 7. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?What if we weren't afraid any more. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Wars cannot be won only on the battlefield. Jake Harriman realized this truth while completing 4 tours as a Marine. During his service in the Middle East, Africa + Asia, he saw how extreme poverty caused desperation which directly fueled the growth of terrorist groups. After completing his service, Jake started NURU International to address the extreme poverty in war-torn countries -- and in doing so, combat terrorist groups. Jake has been honored as the Unsung Hero of Compassion by the Dali Lama, the White House Champion of Change + named one of the top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs. Today, Jake joins us to share his passion for serving, entrepreneurial brilliance + genuine heart. Jake gives new depth to the idea of "living inspired." Join us. SHOW NOTES: Learn more about Jake's work with NURU International here. "It's not fair that the GPS coordinates of someones birth place dictates what choices they have in this world." - Jake Harriman The humble leader will always be able to persevere. When the cause is just and right, there is no turning back. What is one way we can each choose to move towards unity in our country? Build a bridge to meet others where they are. Listen. Find someone who has the exact opposite political views that you do. Sit down with them. Have a cup of coffee. Listen and get to know them. Don't wait until they pause so you can make your point. Sometimes you are going to fail. Pick yourself up + get back in the fight. There is strength that comes from failure. JAKE HARRIMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Dreaming! I could dream big. I tried to do crazy stuff as a kid. We made a potion out of crayons and dirt to make me fly. Then, I put on a cape and jumped into cow manure! 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A medallion that I carried in combat. It says: [Joshua 1:9] "Be strong, courageous and remember that the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." It sealed my faith + gave me courage. I gave it to the love of my life when we got engaged. When she has to go into dark places, I wanted her to have the same medallion with her. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Abraham Lincoln. I'd ask: How in the world did you get through that time? And hold everything together with a nation that was literally pulling itself a part? I think he'd say "Find commonality - there are threads and values that run through all of us. Get back to those basics." I think that is what he did and succeeded. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Never say you can't do something, you have to believe in yourself and those who love you. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It's going to be dark. You are going to have a lot of really horrific moments that you didn't even know were possible. But in those moments, know that there is light coming. There is truth and love in people in this world. There is more light and hope than darkness. Never forget that. 7. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He learned to love and learned to leave by serving others. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email. Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Mondays in November, I'm releasing a special, Ask John episode. During this season of gratitude, I thought it would be a fun way to say thank you, answer your questions + shine a light on YOU, our wonderful Live Inspired Community members. Today's question was submitted by Mary from Missouri. She finds the podcast to be counter cultural and that it is good news in a negative news culture. Her favorite episode was with Sue McCollum, a strong woman sharing strong ideas of overcoming and doing great things. Mary's main takeaway from the show is that her experience and circumstances do not define her. Mary asked: How do you stay energized, committed + motivated with all of the different areas of your life pulling you in different directions? Tune in for my answer! *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday (and Monday during November!)! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email. Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Today Jason Kotecki, artist, speaker + author, is here to help us combat what he calls adult-itis, or being stressed out, boring and no fun. Jason will help us rekindle our childlike spirit. Join us to harness the magic of being a kid + see the benefits it could have in your work and life. SHOW NOTES: "Enthusiasm is important because it gives you the energy to start + overcome early failures." Growing up, it's so important to have people who believe in you. Notice something good about him + tell him about it. Every once in a while, we need someone to tell us what we are good at. It's amazing what you can learn + how quickly when you try something new you are interested in. Get a tinker project. You don't need a reason, sometimes your heart has a reason to do something that your head doesn't yet understand. Do something that sounds fun; let it naturally rekindle some of your curiosity and playfulness. Tinkering - work on something in an unskilled or experimental manner. As adults we're too afraid of looking silly. Be willing to experiment and not put pressure on the out come. Just because you fail doesn't make you a failure, it makes you human. that is how you grow. Give yourself permission to try little things + see where they go. To make a difference you don't have to be superhuman, you just need to be brave + courageous 20 seconds at a time. As adults, we don't want to look foolish or silly and it really limits our potential. How can we breath joyful vibrancy into our lives when we are feeling beat down? Think back to something you did as a kid, that you loved. Buy a pack of baseball cards, go into an old candy shop with $10, watch Scooby Doo - whatever. There is a lot of magic in looking back at something that gave you joy. You're meant for something amazing. Go after that. Jason talks about the importance of creating white space. On Ep. #69, Juliette Funt discussed this topic in greater depth. Check it out here. JASON KOTECKI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Path I read it and wrote my mission statement from it in college and still use it today. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was an off-the-charts dreamer when I was a kid; always imaginative. I'm more cynical now, from the bumps and bruises. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? One or two paintings, my originals that mean something to me. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My wife. She is my best friend. We could talk about nothing we could talk about anything. If I was stranded somewhere, or looking at something beautiful, I would just want to be there with her. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Be yourself, everyone else is taken. - Oscar Wilde 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't worry so much. It's going to be different than you think, but it's going to be even better. Stay persistent and keep working. 7. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Don't settle for the life you have been told to live, create the one you were made for. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email. Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Mondays in November, I'm releasing a special, Ask John episode. During this season of gratitude, I thought it would be a fun way to say thank you, answer your questions + shine a light on YOU, our wonderful Live Inspired Community members. Today's question was submitted by Rich from Tennessee. Rich became part of the live inspired community after hearing me speak at his office, he work for Dave Ramsey and Dave has something he calls "Devos" to inspire his 750 employees each week. Rich asked: What is the best book I've read in the last six months? Tune in to hear my answer! *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday (and Monday during November!)! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email. Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Rich Donnelly spent three decades as a major league baseball coach. This was his dream since he was a little boy. In attaining this dream, he set everything else in life aside, including his marriage and children. Today, Rich shares how the news of his daughter's terminal disease shook him out of his detrimental focus on success and how he's been driven to lead a life of significance since. Ever wonder if people can change? My friends, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Get your copy of Rich Donnelly's new book The Chicken Runs at Midnight here. Don't be average. You were put on earth to inspire and help people. Thank God I had cancer. It strengthened me. My son gave his life to save a strangers life. I lost a son but I gained a grandson, the woman is naming her son after Michael. I've had a lot of storms in my life, but I've also had a lot of sunshiny days. The storms taught me to not waste the sunshine. The average age is 80, so I hope I've got about 3,000 days left. I don't waste a day; try to do something good everyday. What is your encouragement to people going through a storm? It's not going to happen over night. It's going to be a step by step, hour by hour, process. Go out and do the best you can. If you're fortunate enough to have a family, a wife, kids: Be good to one another." "We are on a super highway and we are flying right past our family and friends. Stop and take time to notice, care, speak." Thank people by passing on their goodness to someone else. Don't put value on material things. They're just temporary wins. Did you enjoy hearing about major league baseball? Check out episode 53 with one of my heroes, 13-time MLB Gold-glove-winning shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals Ozzie Smith. RICH DONNELLY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? I Am Third. Reminds us to put the Lord first, fellow man second and self third. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Passion for what I do. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? I don't put a whole lot of value on material things. They are just temporary wins. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus. What was it like for you growing up? During your teen years, did you think you were a big shot? 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad told me if you don't want to get hit by the train, stay off the tracks. Seems simple, but I sat in the middle of the tracks! 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You got a heck of a life ahead of you and you better know how to handle this. Stay out of trouble. How? Stay away from people who are in trouble and places that are always causing trouble. 7. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He became a good person. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email. Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Mondays in November, I'm releasing a special short, Ask John episode. During this season of gratitude, I thought it would be a fun way to say thank you, answer your questions + shine a light on YOU, our wonderful Live Inspired Community members. Today's question was submitted but Troy in Florida who said that his biggest takeaway from the show is: "Life is an adventure and always worth listening to the fullest." I love this! Troy asked if we ever get recommendations for our guests from our listeners and the answer is YES! If you want to make a recommendation, email my team at info @ johnolearyinspires.com. Here are a few that were recommended by listeners like you: Dare to Lead with Brene Brown [Ep. #103] Don't Stop Believin' with Jonathan Cain of JOURNEY [Ep. #100] Stephanie Szostak of the new show A Million Little Things [Ep. #101] I mentioned Jason Kotecki + Rich Donnelly and actually those aren't released yet. Coming soon! *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday (and Monday during November!)! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email. Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).